Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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!

Kahuwai Cookhouse

4.9

4.9 (14)

$50 and over

Grill

Kaupulehu

About the restaurant

Kahuwai Cookhouse celebrates Hawai`i Island's cowboy culture with a menu inspired by paniolo traditions, featuring Kiawe wood-fired cooking and traditional Hawaiian techniques like pickling and salting. Next door, The Market offers on-the-go bites, locally sourced treats, and exceptional coffees from Pacific Coffee Research in an open-air café setting.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on 25 Sept 2026

We dined on a Thursday when they offer a special traditional Hawaiian meal. Also beautiful Hawaiian musicians played. We loved the meal grilled over a wood fire. It was delicious with wonderful flavors. Had steamed Ulu with Coconut cream, grilled veggies, fried rice and Kona Kampache with ginger and other flavors. All was delicious!

Beach Tree

4.8

4.8 (1082)

$30 and under

Italian

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Enjoy oceanfront Italian dining at Beach Tree, a beachside restaurant, bar and lounge at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Handmade pastas, rustic yet vibrant dishes and locally sourced ingredients from Hawai'i Island farmers and fishermen take centre stage, paired with wines by the glass, locally brewed beer on tap and handcrafted cocktails. Open for lunch and dinner just steps from the ocean, the lively atmosphere is complemented by nightly live entertainment beneath the namesake beach tree. Whether settling in for a leisurely meal or gathering at the bar as the sun sets over the Kona coast, Beach Tree captures the spirit of island dining at its most relaxed and flavourful.

Top review

SteveGold

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent Italian food as always, very good wine selection, great service and wonderful location.

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Popular dish

Kurobuta Pork Chop

Popular dish

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

Experience

La Tavola Italiana

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island

4.7

4.7 (6591)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Tommy Bahama combines a tranquil environment and good food with an emphasis on hospitality to make for the perfect place to recharge or unwind while indulging in a unique dining experience. The experience is sure to feel like a getaway, whether you’re on vacation or looking for a vacation from your everyday life. For more information: www.tommybahama.com

Top review

Kathy

Dined 4 days ago

We look forward to a wonderful dining experience at Tommy Bahama at the Mauni Lani every time we come to the Big Island! Food was innovative, fresh and excellent! Our server Christina was so friendly and attentive and the manager walked around to ensure everything was satisfactory, and it was above satisfactory, it was fantastic!

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Popular dish

World Famous Coconut Shrimp

4.5

4.5 (469)

$30 and under

Hawaiian

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

A-Bay’s Island Grill is a family friendly restaurant serving local favorites, seafood, and Pacific Rim cuisine. We are situated in the Waikoloa Beach Resort at the King’s Shops. We offer an indoor conditioned bar and dining area as well as open air umbrella covered dining area. We keep the budget oriented in mind as well as those wanting that special dinner prepared by a 5-star Chef. Come enjoy great food and cocktails, unbeatable service and a taste of the Islands!

Top review

MarkGold

Dined on 10 Oct 2026

Excellent food (pork adobo and fish tacos), drinks, service and musician. Highly recommend this restaurant!

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 2 days ago

Another perfect evening and dinner at Papa Kona’s! The fresh catch was prepared perfectly, service was outstanding and the oceanfront view cannot be beat! Highly recommend you give the, a try!

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Popular dish

Traditional Eggs Benedict

Popular dish

Florentine Eggs Benedict

Popular dish

Firecracker Shrimp Bowl

Binchotan at Fairmont Orchid

4.3

4.3 (737)

$30 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Join us on a culinary journey through Asia-Pacific, rooted in Hawaiʻi. Indulge in innovative sushi rolls, grilled entrées and house-made desserts, all complemented by a curated selection of wine, sake, and signature cocktails. Savor the flavors of the island over a sunset dinner or a casual evening with friends. Binchotan blends contemporary grilled fare with warm island hospitality.

Upcoming restaurant closure dates: Please note that Binchotan will be closed May 19, 20, and 21 and June 7 and June 9, 2026.

Top review

DanielGold

Dined 6 days ago

We had a wonderful experience at the restaurant! The food was outstanding, and our server Christian made the experience both special and fun. Thanks, Christian, and the whole team at Binchotan!

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Honu's on the Beach Restaurant

4.2

4.2 (557)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Three hours of complimentary validated self-parking!

For a premier dining experience in the seaside village of Kailua-Kona, visit Honu’s on the Beach. Honu's on the Beach offers a delicious Hawaiian-style daily buffet breakfast and Kona's famous (and only) Sunday brunch - offering all you can eat sweet snow crab, eggs benedict, etc. Don't miss the make-your-own bloody Mary bar or the bottomless mimosas! Enjoy dining on the spacious lanai with amazing views of historic village of Kailua-Kona. Choose from a tasty a la carte menu or indulge in the breakfast buffet, featuring made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, pancakes, breakfast meats, and much more.

Saturday night features the popular Prime Rib & Seafood Buffet including all you can eat snow crab, poke, seafood delicacies, and of course, gorgeous prime rib. The full bar offers craft cocktails using private label rum.

Honu's also offers a private dining room for parties and celebrations for up to 80 of your friends and family.

Top review

Jour

Dined on 20 Sept 2026

Great service and great food. We loved the live music as well

Mauka Bar and Grill

4.1

4.1 (257)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

Perched along the Kohala Coast, Mauka Bar & Grille offers a relaxed Bar & Grill experience by day, with beautiful views of the golf course and the surrounding landscape. As evening arrives, Mauka transforms into an elevated Steakhouse, featuring premium cuts, fresh local ingredients, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and an exceptional selection of wines and spirits.

Our cuisine is prepared by an experienced culinary team, with attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere that captures the spirit of Hawaiʻi.

Mauka is open to the public and is not a private club. Whether you’re joining us for breakfast, a casual lunch, or an unforgettable evening of steak, cocktails, and live music, we invite you to experience Mauka.
Breakfast: Monday- Sunday, 7:30 AM to 11 AM
Lunch: Monday- Sunday, 12 PM to 4 PM
Dinner: Wednesday through Sunday, 5:30 PM to 9 PM
Live music: Wednesday–Sunday beginning at 6:30 PM.

Top review

JohnGold

Dined on 25 Sept 2026

Mauka is one of our favorites in Waikoloa Beach. Food is always good and they have a small but good wine selection. My favorite is the mustard glazed pork chop.

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4.0

4 (900)

$31 to $50

American

Keauhou

About the restaurant

Enjoy Hawaiian cuisine and American eats at PIKO at the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. Inspired by the stunning Kona coast and nearby Keauhou Bay, our casual restaurant offers a menu of pupus, salads, mains, and desserts made from the freshest local produce, seafood, and ingredients of the Big Island. Enjoy hand crafted cocktails and tailored wines alongside our exciting menu. Our dining room features live entertainment every night.

Please note that we are located inside the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa on the lower level across from the adult swimming pool. Paid valet parking and validated paid self-parking are available.

Top review

Shelby

Dined on 4 Oct 2026

Great service and live music. The menu was limited but what we ordered was good.

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Experience

Thanksgiving Grand Buffet at PIKO

The Temple Bar Kona

3.9

3.9 (56)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

The Temple Kitchen + Bar is a casual yet upscale craft food, cocktail, beer, and wine bar located oceanfront Ali'i Drive Kailua-Kona. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with brunch available at 9 a.m. on weekends. Serving up ocean views, a lively atmosphere combined with fine dining elements and a relaxed island vibe. Our menu features creative twists on craft dishes and cocktails, highlighting fresh, local ingredients showcasing Hawaii’s vibrant culinary spirit. We are proud of our thoughtfully selection of quality curated specialty cocktails, unique wines and select draft beer offerings. We take pride in providing a personalized guest experience through our knowledgeable and friendly staff. Allow our staff to make recommendations tailored to your preferences and explore flavors that resonate with our local culture and your taste. Visit us soon. We’d be happy to see you.

Top review

Cynthia

Dined on 24 Jul 2026

Great location, atmosphere and ability to have a nice meal with the family. Appreciated the mocktail menu.

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