Diners' Choice: Great for brunch restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for restaurants that are great for brunch in Hawaii / Big Island? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

4.9

4.9 (11605)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of the Big Islands farm community is Peter Merriman's original restaurant; Merriman's Waimea. Chef/Owner Peter Merriman is one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and uses 90% or more of local produce, fish and beef. All dishes are handcrafted to highlight the natural flavors of each menu item. Our award winning wine list has selections for all to enjoy. Merriman's knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you through a culinary experience you will not forget. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

SarahGold

Dined 5 days ago

Best meal I’ve had in a long time! Lobster ravioli was absolutely amazing and service was fantastic

Discover more

Experience

Merriman's Thanksgiving 2026

Experience

Fall Harvest 2026

Experience

Merriman's Waimea Festive 2026

Moana

4.7

4.7 (109)

$50 and over

Hawaiian

Kaupulehu

About the restaurant

Located at the heart of Kona Village, Moana is a cheerful eatery serving Pacific Rim-to-table cuisine. From lavish breakfasts to dinners that celebrate local, regional, and sustainably sourced ingredients from land and sea, Moana honors the historic fishing village that once thrived here.

Top review

LianaGold

Dined on 14 Oct 2026

We went on our anniversary . We were staying next door at the four seasons where we ate at Ulu the previous night. I wrote to the restaurant ahead of time and they were expecting us with a wonderful greeting a spectacular table and wonderful welcoming vibe. The view of the sunset was amazing ! The food was good. Overall a great experience . Thank you Kaitlin and our server whose name I apologize I don't recall both awesome!

Fish Hopper - Kailua-Kona

4.6

4.6 (3942)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean at The Fish Hopper Seafood and Steak, overlooking Kailua Bay on the Big Island Hawaii. Enjoy fresh seafood from Hawaii and fresh seafood flown in weekly from California, plus our signature Bucket of Fire and Volcano flaming drinks, all within walking distance to shops and historic sites.

A landmark (formerly the Ocean View Inn) and a local’s favorite Kona restaurant since 1934, the building housing The Fish Hopper has been beautifully restored to expand upon its spectacular ocean views. We proudly serve seafood from sustainable sources, harvested by methods that do not harm the environment.

We love to honor our Veterans & Military! Please let us know if you are one, upon arrival.

Top review

John

Dined 4 days ago

Great fish and drinks. Great service also! Will be back!

Discover more

Popular dish

Crispy Coconut Shrimp

Popular dish

Award Winning Clam Chowder

Popular dish

Shrimp Trio

Island Lava Java Bistro

4.6

4.6 (2033)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Family-owned Oceanside Restaurant, specializing in fresh, local, organic and sustainable food with 100% Kona coffee, freshly squeezed juices, and our own bakery on site. Currently serving Everyday Brunch, Lunch & Dinner, plus Happy Hour. We are committed to using the highest quality locally produced ingredients. We invite you to relax and enjoy our scratch-made food and drinks in our island-style, open-air dining room, bar & lanai. Experience our inventive cuisine, attentive service, and a friendly atmosphere; come see what makes us one of the most popular restaurants, craft bar and coffee houses in town. We look forward to meeting you! E Komo Mai!
Craft Bar, Great Wine List, Open-Air Oceanside Dining. *Now offering "Touchless" QR Code Order & Pay (with a Smartphone)*

Top review

PaulGold

Dined on 30 Sept 2026

Great location and friendly staff. Breakfast was excellent, warm, tasty and very satisfying. We were seated immediately after our reservation was verified. A memorable Kona meal,

Discover more

4.6

4.6 (2090)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

🌺 Aloha! Please note: this is our BIG ISLAND location, Lava Lava Beach Club Waikoloa, right on the sand at beautiful Anaeho'omalu Bay on Hawaiʻi Island. (Looking for Lava Lava Beach Club Kauaʻi? Our Kapaʻa location is walk-in only and doesn't take reservations.)

The restaurant features several hundred seats in an open-air setting, with many tables directly on the beach. Surrounded by swaying coconut trees, stunning sunsets, tropical trade winds, and nightly live entertainment, guests can enjoy “relaxed island cuisine” with a varied menu offering everything from fresh fish tacos and burgers to the Chef’s creative preparations of steak, Hawaiian seafood, and other upscale options.

We always keep space available for walk-ins, so even if reservations appear full, please feel free to come by — we’d love to welcome you!

Top review

LauraGold

Dined 4 days ago

First time at restaurant and loved the vibes. Fun and family packed location with great food and service. Right on the water! Place to try while there on vacation. Enjoy!

Discover more

4.5

4.5 (151)

$30 and under

American

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Oceanfront dining in the heart of Kailua-Kona featuring our Italian-inspired dinner with pasta, seafood, steak, and classic desserts. By day, enjoy our casual lunch favorites like handcrafted pizza and burgers, and on weekends join us for brunch by the bay.

With 48 taps of craft beer, wine, and cider, Kai offers one of the largest selections in Kailua-Kona town.

We take a limited number of reservations daily, but we always keep space available for walk-ins.
Even if OpenTable shows no availability, please come on in and we’ll be happy to seat you.

Validated parking is available, two hours free, just bring your license plate number to our host!

Top review

robert

Dined 5 days ago

Server Cory was helpful and very patient, restaurant location was impressive.

Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar

4.4

4.4 (2200)

$30 and under

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on the water in beautiful downtown Kona! Join us for an American style menu with a Hawaiian twist.

Come sit by the water at Papa Kona! We offer our award-winning brunch 7 days a week, our fan-favorite avocado fries, and a craft cocktail list you won't find anywhere else.

We also offer discounted parking for our guests!

*Please note, while we do our best to honor seating requests, specific tables cannot always be guaranteed. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to hosting you.

Top review

FloydGold

Dined 4 days ago

Had a wonderful dinner and evening at Papa Kona's! Fantastic ocean front view, excellent fresh fish! Definitely recommend you give them a try

Discover more

Popular dish

Traditional Eggs Benedict

Popular dish

Florentine Eggs Benedict

Popular dish

Firecracker Shrimp Bowl

Foster's Kitchen - Waikoloa

4.2

4.2 (445)

$30 and under

Southern

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Foster's Kitchen is a culinary destination that brings farm-to-table dining to life. We pride ourselves on offering a menu that features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, prepared with creativity and care. Our commitment to quality extends beyond our food, with an emphasis on exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether it's a casual lunch, a special dinner, or a memorable event, Foster's Kitchen provides a dining experience that delights all the senses. We aim to be a cornerstone of the community, providing a place where friends and family can come together to enjoy great food and even better company.

Top review

Logan

Dined 2 days ago

Best choice in Waikoloa! Thanks for making my birthday the best possible!

Sunset Kai Lanai

4.1

4.1 (148)

$31 to $50

Hawaiian

Keauhou

About the restaurant

Sunset Kai Lanai sits high on a bluff with a stunning 230-degree view of the Pacific that stretches out in a beautiful blue oasis before you. Fresh Hawaiian dishes let you savor all the delicious Island flavors. Experience the bright aloha spirit with fun cocktails in a place to meet by the fire pits and watch spectacular sunsets.

Top review

Jeff

Dined 3 days ago

Great service, live music was awesome, generous portions and a beautiful sunset, highly recommend for a dinner

Bull Shed Restaurant & Bar - Hilo

3.8

3.8 (47)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Hilo

About the restaurant

Bull Shed Hilo is a Hawaiʻi-born steakhouse serving generous portions, steaks, seafood, ribs, cocktails, and familiar favorites in a warm, easygoing setting. With rustic Paniolo soul and a lighthearted spirit, Bull Shed is made for family dinners, celebrations, date nights, pau hana, and casual nights out.

Top review

Renee

Dined 6 days ago

Beautiful view. Excellent service, food and entertainment.

Discover more

Experience

Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet 2026

Experience

Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet 2026

Explore Diners' Choice best of Hawaii / Big Island