Best local eats on the Big Island – Where to find the freshest poke, loco moco, and shave ice
The Big Island is a food lover’s paradise, offering a delicious mix of traditional Hawaiian flavors, fresh seafood, and island comfort food. Whether you’re craving fresh poke, a hearty loco moco, or a refreshing shave ice, there’s no shortage of incredible local eats to try.
Here’s our guide to find the best of these iconic dishes.
Freshest poke on the Big Island
Poke (pronounced "poh-kay") is a Hawaiian staple made with marinated raw fish, typically ahi tuna. You’ll find poke bowls all over the island, but these spots stand out:
Da Poke Shack (Kailua-Kona) – Known for its ultra-fresh fish and unique flavor combinations, this popular spot often sells out early, so go before noon!
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill (Kailua-Kona) – A local favorite offering high-quality poke with a variety of marinades, plus a full menu of island-inspired dishes.
Suisan Fish Market (Hilo) – Located by the bay, Suisan serves some of the freshest poke in Hawai‘i, with a great selection of sides to complement your bowl.
Best loco moco – A hearty Hawaiian classic
Loco moco is the ultimate comfort food: rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and rich brown gravy. Here’s where to get the best:
Cafe 100 (Hilo) – The birthplace of loco moco, serving dozens of variations of this classic dish at affordable prices.
808 Grindz Cafe (Kailua-Kona) – Known for their homemade gravies and generous portions, this is a must-stop for a local-style breakfast or lunch.
Big Island Grill (Kailua-Kona) – A great spot for a homestyle loco moco experience with fluffy rice, tender patties, and perfectly cooked eggs.
“Hawaiian food isn’t just a meal — it’s a cultural experience that connects you to the islands’ rich history and traditions.”
Where to find the most refreshing shave ice
Shave ice is Hawai‘i’s answer to a hot day—a finely shaved ice treat topped with flavorful syrups and often served with extras like mochi, sweet azuki beans, or vanilla ice cream.
Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. (Kailua-Kona) – Using all-natural flavors and fresh fruit toppings, this food truck serves up some of the best shave ice on the island.
Wilson’s By The Bay (Hilo) – A local gem known for its super fine ice, delicious syrups, and friendly service.
Scandinavian Shave Ice (Kailua-Kona) – A long-time favorite with a wide variety of flavors and fun add-ons like snowcap (sweetened condensed milk).
Respecting local food culture
When dining at local spots, remember to embrace the aloha spirit by supporting small businesses, being patient (some popular spots have long lines), and cleaning up after yourself. Many family-run eateries rely on community support, so a kind word and a friendly attitude go a long way!
Here are some more Big Island specialties you should consider trying:
Malasadas – Portuguese-style deep-fried doughnuts, often filled with custard, haupia (coconut pudding), or other tropical flavors. Get these from the Manuela Malasada food truck located off Highway 19 just south of Hapuna beach.
Spam Musubi – A popular snack made of grilled Spam on top of rice, wrapped in nori (seaweed), similar to sushi. Get this from the Island Gourmet Markets at the Queen’s Marketplace or other supermarket delis.
Huli Huli Chicken – Grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, often cooked over kiawe wood for a smoky flavor. You’ll see this on many menus, such as L&L Hawaiian Barbecue.
Lau Lau – A traditional Hawaiian dish of pork (or sometimes fish and chicken) wrapped in taro leaves and steamed until tender.
Kulolo – A sweet and dense Hawaiian dessert made from taro and coconut milk, with a chewy, pudding-like texture.
Hawaiian Sweet Bread – A soft, slightly sweet bread with Portuguese roots, often eaten as dinner rolls or used in sandwiches. Find this at any grocery store and at the Punalu’u Bake Shop on the southern tip of the island.
Macadamia Nuts – Hawaii is famous for these buttery, crunchy nuts, which can be eaten plain, chocolate-covered, or in cookies. Check out the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company for a free tasting and visit.
Lilikoi, also called passion fruit, is abundant. Buy a jar of lilikoi jelly at a farmers’ market or order a lilikoi cocktail at the historic Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery in Hawi.
Plan your Big Island food adventure
The Big Island’s food scene is a must-experience for any visitor, and includes everything from casual dining to high-end restaurants. Want more island dining tips? Check out our other blog posts for the best local spots.
