Both Hilo Bay's and Kawaihae's Cafe Pesto rest across from the ocean, and enjoy quite a reputation for innovative pizzas, which range from traditional Italian varieties to recipes bearing Mediterranean or Pacific Rim touches. The restaurant gets packed at lunch; everybody from local business types to tourists clamor for a daily fix of pizza topped with shiitake mushrooms, artichokes, chipotle-seasoned chicken, or chili-grilled shrimp. Diners wanting to go a different route may opt for an Asian catch stromboli with shrimp tempura and an Oregon wasabi snow crab caesar salad or a Sandalwood panini (Japanese eggplant, marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and rosemary gorgonzola). Another location is in Kawaihae (808-882-1071).
Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Cafe Pesto serves the best Italian food on the island, and it's all with a local twist across from the ocean.
Jade's expert tip: Put together your own pizza here.
Any west side morning should start with the breakfast buffet at Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar. This is the place for long, leisurely breakfasts and chit chat over made-to-order waffles and omelets, fresh tropical fruits and juices, healthy whole grain cereals and various delicacies from the pastry kitchen with a cup of Big Island coffee. This is the Mauna Kea's breakfast buffet, with its ocean-overlook and birdsong symphony, and this is what your family will remember. Later on in the day venture to the exquisite crescent shaped white sand beach out front. You won't have to venture any further for great food or beach time.
Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Amazing food in a beautiful, ocean front venue on the sunny west side of the island. It can't get any better.
Jade's expert tip: After breakfast explore the northern sights, it'll be perfect timing before turning around for lunch.
Specializing in Pacific Rim-influenced cuisine, this restaurant offers tables with sweeping views of the ocean and of dramatic island sunsets. Refined yet unpretentious, the Provision Company prepares dishes using only locally grown produce and fresh-caught seafood. Headliners include a seafood mixed grille with Hawaiian fish and Maine lobster in a lemongrass herb sauce. Landlubbers will want to try the likes of the Big Island Luau for two, served with a pupu platter and your choice of pork rib chop, beef brochette, grilled scallops, or fresh fish. The Kamuela Provision Company utilizes protein and produce from around the island in an upscale atmosphere.
Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Resting alongside the ocean, the Kamuela Provision Company serves locally sourced meat, seafood and produce cooked to perfection.
Jade's expert tip: Come here for a romantic date.
Don't let appearances deceive you; there are more than just burgers and fries at this unassuming restaurant. You 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. Utilizing the bounty of the Big Island to create their gourmet menu, Hilo Bay Cafe is the go to restaurant in Hilo for an upscale night out.
Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Making a home in its new oceanfront locations, Hilo Bay Cafe uses locally grown ingredients to create gourmet dishes.
Jade's expert tip: Check the dessert special
"For beer lovers, by beer lovers" is the slogan at Humpy's Alehouse where a huge array of beers on tap and really good bar food make for happy days and fun filled nightlife. Humpy's is the new spot in Kailua Kona for a good beer with an ocean view, and it's close to the cruise port in Kona. Located on Kailua's main and front street along the ocean, the pub is centrally located to be enjoyed while shopping, at the beach, or eating elsewhere along the strip. It's a popular hangout with both locals and visitors alike so you'll get the best of both worlds.
Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Located across from the ocean, Humpy's is an ideal place to dine to take in views, good food and music.
Jade's expert tip: Take the food to go and eat it at Kahalu'u Beach while watching the surf.
Outdoor seating and terrific oceanside scenery set the stage at this Orchid treasure, whose extensive wine list and traditional Hawaiian cuisine have turned more than a few heads. Dine in a near-paradisical setting, highlighted by lush greenery, candle-lit tables, and an enchanting tropical lagoon. Dinner patrons are wowed by the menu's versatility, and choices range from seared crisp moi with basmati rice to a Kobe-style rib-eye with fingerling potatoes and ponzu dipping sauce. Exceptional nightly entertainment, plus an entrancing hula dancer, make for an unforgettable evening. During the day, pool, beach, and casual attire (with cover-ups) are suggested. For the evening, it's casual resort attire.
Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Brown's Beach House is known for serving delicious food at it's ocean side location.
Jade's expert tip: Reservations for dinner are a must here.
This restaurant's Pacific Rim-influenced menu boasts a wide range of scrumptious seafood options. Enjoy fresh-from-the-sea mahi mahi marinated in miso sake, savor lemon-pepper scallops grilled and served with wild mushrooms, or delight in flavorful nips of nori-wrapped ahi tempura and ginger-scallion tofu. The scene is equally delightful, and the rolling surf just a few yards away juxtaposes nicely with the large, outrigger canoe hanging over the enchanting outdoor dining area. Located on the beach overlooking the ocean at this high end resort, the atmosphere couldn't be any more romantic for a vacation date night. Make reservations to guarantee a spot.
Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: The CanoeHouse offers amazing seafood at its romantic ocean front location.
Jade's expert tip: Ask for parking validation for complimentary valet parking.
Quite literally "over the edge," Huggo's allows patrons to enjoy both ocean side dining and premiere seafood dishes. The dishes can be taken to go and enjoyed at the pier nearby, in a park or just down the road while watching the surf. While taking in the view of spectacular Kailua Bay, be sure to sample one of the house specialties — steamed clams and flavorful garlic chicken earn particular nods. After dinner, make your way to thatch-roofed Huggo's on the Rocks, a popular outdoor bar and dance club whose specialty drinks and beautiful clientele always ensure a great time.
Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Situation on the ocean, Huggo's serves delicious local seafood dishes.
Jade's expert tip: A great after beach stop for a cold beer and big meal.