Hawaii loves food and any traveler will revel in the quality and variety of choices available.  Hotel restaurants are playgrounds for Hawaii's premier chefs; but, there are many other outstanding choices outside the resorts.  Here are a few of our favorites -- all are worth a special trip. 

Phone: 808-886-4321

Kings Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort

Roy Yamaguchi, executive chef, has created a menu that offers outstanding seafood and meat dishes that exemplify the cultural melange of Hawaii's cuisine.  Family friendly without any sacrifice in ambience or food quality, this is a restaurant that every visitor should hit.

Phone: 808-325-8525

Four Seasons Hualalai

Alan Wong is among Hawaii's premier chefs.  His flagship restaurant in Honolulu is a testament to quality and innovative cuisine.  His tasting menu will introduce you to his signature dishes -- none of which should be missed. 

We highly recommend his Chunky Tartare - a creation that involves a delicious ahi poke and avocado.  His ginger crusted onaga is legendary -- stop on your way to your evening flight and skip the in-flight dining.  Your last taste of Hawaii will carry you home completely thrilled and ready to return for another "taste". 

Telephone: 808-885-6622

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows

Fresh from Felix at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, Chef De Ann Tsurumaka has returned to Hawaii to lead this beautifully located (come for the sunsets) restaurant on the beach at the Mauna Lani. 

Romantic views join with an outstanding menu -- the setting just doesn't get any more beautiful.  Listen to the waves (you can be seated under the stars), enjoy the Big Island's best mai tai (we think), and enjoy a meal fit for royalty. 

Telephone: 808-885-6822

Located in Kamuela (Waimea)

Peter Merriman, former executive chef at the Mauna Lani Hotel, led Hawaii's farmers and food purveyors to produce the freshest, highest quality ingredients.  In turn, Merriman's menu offers seafood, Kahua Ranch lamb, local beef, and many exciting side dishes.  For those of us who can't decide, he offers a "mixed plate" with smaller portions of two entrees -- it doesn't get any better. 

www.MerrimansHawaii.com

Telephone: 808-889-5555

Located in Hawi, North Kohala

Local in flavor and eclectic by nature, Bamboo Restaurant and Gallery is a fun place for excellent local food at reasonable prices.  Their kalua pig special is a local favorite; or, try their kalua pork quesadilla for a lighter portion.  Seafood, Thai flavored dishes, a plethora of beef options -- stop in for lunch on your way to see the statue of Kamehameha the Great or to shop in the other galleries in Hawi.  If shopping isn't on your schedule, drive up for dinner.  It's a nice change from the resorts and the cooler up-country air is always refreshing. 

 www.BambooRestaurant.info

Telephone: 808-775-0598

Located in Honokaa (on the Hamakua Coast) - about 40 minutes from the Resorts 

Tex Drive-In in Honokaa has the best malasadas not made by your auntie.  These are Portuguese donuts (without the hole) that have a unique flavor.  Tex’s is well known and should not be missed.  Stop for breakfast on your way to Hilo (or stop in Honokaa to visit Kamaaina Woods for beautiful bowls and to see a classically old Hawaiian plantation town that still looks like it did 30 years ago) and have an omelet with Portuguese sausage on the side – order ½ dozen malasadas for the road (their addictive, at least for everybody we’ve taken there).  We recommend avoiding the fillings in the malasadas - this is a new addition and we don't think they improve them at all.  Their classic Portuguese bean soup is also outstanding and perfect for an evening drive back to your condo. 

www.TexDriveIn.com