Perhaps it’s the way the mist clings to the Kohala Mountains or the scent of plumeria on the trade winds, but arriving in Waimea feels like stepping into a storybook. A story where the best chapters are written by places like Merriman’s, serving farm-to-table magic since 1988, or the unassuming food truck whose kalua pork is so tender, it whispers of generations-old imu pits.
Tea O’Clock Hawaii
$ | (808) 464-4220 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Waimea, this popular tea shop has become a local favorite. There’s a simple, hand-painted sign out front with cheerful lettering, and inside, you’ll find a counter stocked with fresh teas and boba made from scratch. There’s also a small seating area with about ten cozy spots, and, quite frankly, we can’t tell if they’re usually all taken or not.
The prices here are pretty good – a large drink is about $6 – and a friendly staff member will serve you plush, chewy boba, fruity watermelon tea with lychee jelly, and our favorite – a silky smooth ube milk tea that’s blended with fresh ingredients. All sipped up, it’s the kind of drink you’d want to bring someone you want to delight, like a friend during a weekend outing, or your visiting family when exploring the island. Cash or card accepted.
Aloha Boba Tea Cafe
$ | (808) 338-1666 | WEBSITE
Life is full of little surprises. Despite their tropical origins, passion fruit seeds are perfectly edible. Boba tea was invented in Taiwan, not Hawaii. And some of the most refreshing drinks in Waimea are being served in this unassuming cafe. Almost everything at this cozy spot is great, from the Passion Fruit Slushie to the creamy milk Thai tea, but what’s in every cup (and what should be in yours), is the Lychee smoothie with lychee jelly.
This vibrant blend of sweet lychee and chewy jelly is an all-out refreshment revival. Which, now that we’ve described it, sounds kind of simple. But trust us, drinking it is nothing but pure, island-levels of delight.
Piko Coffee+Bar
$ | (808) 880-1111 | WEBSITE
Even on a typical day, Piko Coffee+Bar maintains its reputation as a premier relaxation spot. They’ve got a spacious outdoor patio where you’ll find the full spectrum of the coastal experience, from tourists enjoying morning coffee to groups of locals who will ultimately outlast everyone with their knowledge of the area. And yet, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly makes Piko Coffee+Bar so special.
The food’s a huge part of it – all of the pizza options are excellent and worth your attention, like surprisingly filling build-your-own pies that taste fresh and satisfying, or flavorful, specialty drinks accompanied by a stunning ocean view. But it’s also the laid-back atmosphere, and the fact that most offerings are made for convenience, like the grab-and-go options, or evening live music that requires nothing more than showing up and involves a parade of friendly servers and strong drinks.
Either way, if you’re looking to unwind like it’s vacation, or whatever day, this is the place to do it.
Waimea Coffee Company
$ | (808) 885-8915 | WEBSITE
Waimea Coffee Company is a tucked-away cafe in Parker Square with limited seating and fantastic coffee. Arrive early if you can, otherwise, they keep some tables open for the steady stream of walk-ins. When you do eventually settle in, pick something from the short and affordable breakfast menu, and then order the Darkside blend and iced blended latte with caramel syrup to start.
The food choices are all excellent—they’ll expertly prepare just about any morning meal you can imagine—but make sure your order includes the breakfast melts and Ulu burgers with sweet potato salad, too.
Jade Palace
$ | (808) 887-1788 | WEBSITE
Family-style Chinese might sound like a tired concept, but at Jade Palace, it really works. The food here is among some of the best around. By family-style, we don’t just mean you get to share a few plates. From the perfectly crispy orange chicken to the tender steamed chicken with ginger sauce, you can customize your meal to any degree you want, and that’s the kind of variety that keeps people coming back.
There’s a casual, welcoming atmosphere throughout the restaurant, but if you’re with a group and looking for value, order the Family Dinner—it’s a generous deal that comfortably feeds a big table with flavorful dishes like salt and pepper fish filet, squid, mapu tofu, fried rice, and beef chow fun, all served with fast, friendly, and polite service.
FORC Restaurant
$$$ | (808) 731-4656 | WEBSITE
On the rare occasion we find ourselves craving something truly special in Waimea, there’s only one choice for us: FORC Restaurant. It’s one of the only spots on the island where you’ll find the glorious, perfect meal known as the whole fish (and no, we’re not talking about just any seafood dish).
Tucked away in a cozy corner with a welcoming vibe that balances upscale and local, you’ll find this popular restaurant filled with visitors, friends enjoying creative cocktails, and regulars debating whether to order the poke or the mussels with Portuguese sausage. The whole fish can be pre-ordered, but go with the ribeye.
The cut is hefty, and surprisingly flavorful (watch out for the richness), the lemon-Parmesan-truffle fries are properly crispy, there’s a side of seasonal vegetables, and even the ube lemondrop martini – a creative cocktail that you’ll either love or never want to see again.
Sugar Roots Kauai
$ | (808) 720-8551 | WEBSITE
Sugar Roots Kauai is a delightful, affordable little spot in Waimea serving smoothies and sweet treats. It gets pretty cozy, so come early or be prepared to wait a few minutes, preferably at the counter where you can watch the talented baker at work through the glass display. For $12, you’ll get a generous slice of ube cheesecake, a couple of chocolate chip cookies, and a small smoothie.
All the treats here are wonderful, but you’ll probably end up asking for another one of those fantastic, perfectly-baked cookies.
Island Hopper Taproom
$$ | WEBSITE
Island Hopper Taproom is a laid-back spot that treats craft beer like art. The variety of brews here includes everything from crisp lagers to rich stouts, but the standout is the nitro on tap, which pours with that perfect creamy head. The K BBQ sandwich is our go-to, but whatever you pick will come out fast and hot, with your choice of crispy garlic waffle fries, coconut shrimp, or sheet pan kahlua pork nachos on the side.
It’s affordable, satisfying, and exactly what we want after a day in the sun.
Binchotan Bar & Grill
$$$ | (808) 887-7368 | WEBSITE
This Waimea spot is a decent place for Asian-influenced cuisine in a pinch. They’re open for late arrivals, so take in the quiet, somewhat strange atmosphere going in, and order the tuna crispy rice. It involves tempura crusted cauliflower and macadamian nut crusted shrimp, and at $28, it’s one of the more substantial items on the menu. Add on an order of the flavorful, well-presented chicken curry if you’re feeling adventurous.
Juice 101
$ | (808) 887-2244 | WEBSITE
Come any morning of the week, and you’ll find a steady stream of beachgoers, yoga moms, and health-conscious locals lining up at this family-friendly juice bar. Since it first opened its doors, not much has changed at Juice 101—it’s still tucked away in a cute, clean shop in Waimea, and each açai bowl comes topped with creamy yogurt and a generous swirl of peanut butter.
The menu is refreshingly straightforward—a welcome break from all the places with endless combinations, where we often feel overwhelmed by too many choices, and paralyzed by the fear of picking something less than perfect. But luckily, there is no “wrong choice” at Juice 101—just get the açai bowl with granola.
That way, you can enjoy the perfect blend of tart berries, crunchy oats, and sweet peanut butter, alongside a veggie wrap stuffed with fresh greens, or a spirulina chia smoothie bowl that’s as vibrant as the Hawaiian sunrise. It’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and exactly what we want to be eating while planning our next beach outing. Juice 101 is quick and friendly, and you’ll appreciate the little book with toys to keep kids entertained. Parking is plentiful in the morning.