It's all about food going straight from the farm to you table (or to go bag) at Village Burger in Waimea. While many farm to table restaurants were starting out as formal and pricey, the man behind Village Burger wanted to bring healthy local food to one of our most basic meals, the burger and fries. Village Burgers uses only local, grass fed beef and veal for their burgers. To top off the burgers, they utilize local produce such as avocados, tomatoes, lettuce and mushrooms to create a mix of delicious burgers. Shoestring french fries fried in truffle oil are really the icing on the cake, and can be ordered smothered in "parmesan goop." Vegetarians will also be content at Village Burger, and can enjoy a handmade taro or mushroom burger. Dine in at the narrow seating area, or at front at the sidewalk tables. Meals can be taken to go to a beach or park nearby.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Get take out for a picnic at the huge, castle like wooden playground around the corner.
Jade's expert tip: Those with children should take their meal to go and enjoy at the elaborate wooden playground down the street.
Located on a sprawling 24 acres in upper Puna, the Hilo Coffee Mill is a great stop for a full menu of espresso, coffee, and quick eats. The mill has a complete viewing area where guests can watch the staff roast and package all of their gourmet Hawaiian coffee, teas, chocolates and more. A small store and tasting bar offers a wide array of coffee cups, coffee and tea supplies, reusable shopping bags, and other trinkets. Food options include smoothies, milk shakes, ice cream, eggs, bagels, granola bowls, sandwiches and other dishes. Free wireless Internet is available and can be utilized at an indoor table our an outdoor table on the wrap around porch.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Hilo Coffee Mill serves good breakfasts with an outdoor lawn featuring hens and chicks for children to look at.
Jade's expert tip: Drop by on your way to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Sweet Cane Cafe is a family run business owned and operated by a local organic farmer and her daughters. Offering an array of healthy meals from smoothies to sandwiches, the cafe is a delicious and nutritious option for a meal while visiting Hilo. In addition to meals they offer homemade sugar cane juice and sugar cane ice pops called Cane Rush, offering health benefits and refreshment. Menu offerings include smoothies made with local fruits such as papayas and bananas, blended with healthy vegetables such as kale and parsley. Sandwiches include a roasted veggie, a taro burger and veggie nori (seaweed) wrap with raw cashew cream can be enjoyed.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Sweet Cane Cafe serves a wide array of delicious, but absolutely healthy treats kids will love.
Jade's expert tip: Enjoy your meal nearby at Liliuokalani Park.
Coffee fans love the Big Island for many reasons, and this place is one of them. You'll find freshly brewed, 100% Kona coffee here as well as juices and smoothies. Traditional breakfast fare such as egg dishes, various bagels and waffles are available to start the day. For post breakfast grinds they offer an assortment of sweets, sandwiches and wraps. This is a great place to people-watch, it's situated directly across from the beach, where human activity is non-stop. Take food to eat across the street by the ocean, or enjoy at in indoor or outdoor table on the sidewalk.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Island Lava Java serves good food, with a beach area across the street to enjoy with children.
Jade's expert tip: Take the meal to go or enjoy people watching at an outdoor table near the ocean.
As on of Puna's oldest restaurants - and its only Mexican eatery - Luquin's Mexican Restaurant is a family run restaurant and bar. Located on Pahoa's main road, they now serve breakfast, in addition to their traditional lunch and dinner. They serve up traditional Mexican fare, such as burritos, fajitas, nachos, tacos and enchiladas. Although this is far from gourmet Mexican food, they use fresh local fish and the fish dishes are some of the best. It's not a fancy place or anywhere to dress up for, but it's a home style place that's fun for a lively night out with friends or family.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Luquin's is a great family place because it's lively and loud, no one will notice the extra noise from children.
Jade's expert tip: Try the lilikoi margarita, it's delicious.
Just across the street from the cruise port, the pub at the Big Island's most famous brewery is a terrific place to wind down after shopping. Brewery tours are quick and personal — an added bonus is that visitors over 21 get to sample the products. Kona's on premises brewpub serves cold mugs of the brewery's top sellers, including Fire Rock Pale, Pacific Golden Ale, and Longboard Lager, and the cozy setting easily pulls you in, making it difficult to leave. Great Hawaiian influenced pub grub — pizzas, salads, and sandwiches — is also available. Sample what's in season since the rest of the brews can be found all year long.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Kona Brewing Company serves food kids will love, in an upbeat open air environment that is kid friendly.
Jade's expert tip: For a Hawaiian food on international cuisine, try the kalua pork nachos or the lawai'a special sandwich.
Read more about Kona Brewing Company: Kailua-Kona Pub & Brewery →
Full Moon Caf� is a family owned and operated (by two brothers) restaurant that uses much local and organic ingredients in their menu. They call the menu new American and Asian fusion seafood. The international menu has a Pacific emphasis and a strong focus on fresh and raw fish The fish are caught by local fishermen and they use grass fed Big Island beef. A unique menu boasts dishes such as: -Yaki Udon � Sweet shrimp and house cured Kiawe-smoked bacon, sweet cabbage, ali'i mushrooms, brussels petals, chili-garlic sticky sauce. -Crispy Flatbread � Smoked ahi and white bean puree, organic lemon zest-infused olive oil -Market Fish Plate � Pan-roast uku fillet, ripe ulu & wild boar hash, Ka'u sweet corn, farmers' market vegetables, mahi-bone and red miso reduction Just a short drive from the Hilo cruise port, Full Moon is located in Downtown Hilo, an area every visitor should explore while in town.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Full Moon Cafe is known for being a family friendly restaurant.
Jade's expert tip: Live music is offered Thursday through Sunday and you can bring you're own wine or beer.
Miyo's restaurant has been serving up great Japanese food for over a decade. You won't find sushi here, but you'll find amazing curries, katsus, salads, udon and soba dishes, and tempura. The portions are good sized, and you won't leave hungry. There's plenty of vegetarian options on the menu, and lot's of fish dishes made with locally caught fish. The full meals come with miso soup, a small salad and Japanese pickles. Miyo's keeps it sustainable by serving Hilo Homemade Ice Cream for dessert (try the ginger or green tea) and it always has been and still is, BYOB (bring your own beer or wine). Miyo's is a favorite for any locals, and that's why it's usually pretty busy. The low key restaurant mixes simplicity with elegance and the brand new building features wooden tables and walls, a kitchen full view, and a fountain and live acoustic music.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Miyo's is always filled with families and large tables with benches make it family friendly.
Jade's expert tip: Get some Miyo's take out for lunch and enjoy at Liliuokalani Park or Coconut Island.
Having moved to a new ocean front location, Hilo Bay Cafe now offers beautiful vies and an upscale environment. But it's still family friendly, and offers a special kid's menu and coloring supplies. Diners will find dishes like stuffed chicken breast with bacon and pine nuts, and artichoke, garlic, and cream cheese ravioli. Lunch features salads, sandwiches, and comfort food entrees (try the vegetarian pot pie). An even balance of meat and meatless plates keeps everyone happy, and the waitstaff are happy to suggest wine pairings for your meal. The now offer a wonderful sushi bar utilizing fresh caught island fish.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Hilo Bay Cafe is upscale, but is family friendly and offers a kid's menu and crayons.
Jade's expert tip: Try local beers on tap and the unique pot pie.