We owe the islands for the aloha spirit, ukulele melodies, and the very concept of a mai tai itself. Oh, and also for proving that shaking rum with fresh pineapple makes it taste divine. Yet somehow, Hawaiian cocktail bars have a reputation for being touristy and predictable.
Hālani
$$$ | (808) 885-6622 | WEBSITE
Do you ever need to go out of your way for a $24 plate of scallops? If it’s the scallops at Hālani, the answer is yes. The open-air restaurant in Waimea is an all-around solid Hawaiian restaurant and a great spot for a family dinner—a major necessity in an area like the Big Island. But it’s the scallops that are worth planning your evening around to experience. Perfectly seared, they come with a light citrus sauce and fresh herbs, and one plate is delightful enough to count as your appetizer.
Kōkeʻe Lodge
$ | (808) 335-6061 | WEBSITE
After a day of hiking, Kōkeʻe Lodge remains a charming spot to enjoy straightforward comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor or heartiness. On busy afternoons, the open layout can feel a bit crowded with families, but there’s something delightful about sipping a mean bloody Mary while live music drifts through the air and staff serve up steaming bowls of Portuguese stew. Kōkeʻe Lodge also has a nature walk and museum if you want more space to explore.
Otherwise, show up for lunch to avoid the slower service and take advantage of the $22 burger and fries, featuring the excellent smashed potatoes.
Naupaka Beach Grill
$$ | (808) 880-1111 | WEBSITE
The vibe at this breezy, open-air Waimea spot doesn’t worry about perfection. It’s a Hawaiian comfort grab bag with pork ribs that fall off the bone, pan-fried ono, udon noodles, and a dessert called chocolate-dipped ice cream. The vegetarian options include tofu tacos. And guess what? No one minds the renovations.
Because the island-adjacent food is fantastic, and exactly what you want to be eating while watching the sunset from a breakfast bar that feels like an outdoor lanai and savoring every bite with your appreciative dining companion.
FORC Restaurant
$$$ | (808) 731-4656 | WEBSITE
Waimea loves a farm-to-table moment, and no one on the island does it better than FORC Restaurant. The two words that come to mind when describing this cozy spot are really welcoming: shelves lined with local produce, a bustling bar next to plates of lemon-Parmesan-truffle fries, and Hawaiian touches aplenty. Your friend’s Aloha spirit would blend in seamlessly here.
The menu covers every island craving you could want to satisfy, from silky miso butterfish to ribeye prepared in different ways to poke considered one of the best.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
$$ | (808) 881-8686 | WEBSITE
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store used to be a reliable spot in Waimea for tropical drinks and island-inspired meals. But it’s more polished these days, with a menu that leans in the direction of fresh seafood and vibrant salads, like the delicious Shrimp and Scallop dinner with curry sauce, a satisfying Cobb Salad, and Fish Tacos that burst with flavor.
The prices aren’t too steep for a casual evening out, but Tommy Bahama is still the kind of place where you might catch some live music or spot regulars enjoying the warm, friendly service. Oh, and the “fish of the day” special remains on the menu—for around $32.
HALE KAI RESTAURANT
$$ | (808) 885-2000 | WEBSITE
Nestled within the Fairmont Orchid, Hale Kai Restaurant is one of the most popular and scenic dining spots in Waimea. Its setting offers several distinct experiences, including casual outdoor seating right on the sand, perfect for watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand, and a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying well-flavored dishes. It’s a wonderful place to unwind with a colorful rainbow coconut cake and escape the midday heat, but we love Hale Kai best at dinner.
Savoring a grilled swordfish sandwich and a refreshing Thai green salad while the ocean breeze rolls in is a delight that always feels special.
Meridia
$$$ | (808) 880-1111 | WEBSITE
Meridia is one way to describe a cocktail bar restaurant, but we much prefer so-good-we-can’t-believe-someone-didn’t-think-of-this-sooner. Much like the best Waimea spots, a lot of the experience at this gorgeous beachfront venue initially registers as scenic, but here the kitchen works in delicious twists to give classics a clever makeover.
Standout bacon dates are filled with savory goodness, crispy frito misto comes with zesty dipping sauce, juicy shish kebabs sit in pools of flavorful marinade, and chiquillos offer delightful bites. Along with the glorious Hapuna Beach sunset views and friendly staff like Sandra in reception, Meridia is a fun, taste-blurring meal that you’ll dread the end of—and one you should prolong with another round of crisp cocktails from Chef Soto’s fabulous menu.