Headed to Big Island in July. Staying at Mauna Lani and will be dining on property for a good portion of the trip (got massive F&B credits via FHR booking). Still, looking for 1-2 other dinner recommendations in the surrounding area (Mauna Kea Resort, Rosewood, Four Seasons, Fairmont, etc).
Not looking to do Merriman’s as I’ve eaten at Kauai and Maui locations in the past.
Any recent experiences or suggestions?
It’s been a couple years since we were at the Mauna Lani, but I’d skip the Fairmont - we went for dinner one night and it was disappointing. Canoe House at Mauna Lani is worth doing 2-3 times, depending on how long you are there, but get reservations in advance. It fills up. The other restaurant at ML was good too. I’m dated on Hualalai at this point, but would be curious about Rosewood if you go.
Foodland grocery store near the Mauna Lani had a decent wine selection when we were there.
My wife had a work event at the Fairmont last fall and we tacked on a few nights at the Rosewood. As mentioned, I’d skip the Fairmont for dinner. We had a sunset meal at Canoe House that was pretty good. As for the Rosewood, Moana is fine, esp if you can get a seat closer to the water. Kahuwai Cookhouse is a bit more casual and doesn’t quite have the same views. None of these places will wow you with food, but they’re all more than serviceable and of course the setting is amazing. We brought wine to all three spots. Casual lunches around the island were much more interesting.
Been about 2 years but I have never had a bad meal at Brown’s Beach House at the Fairmount and you cannot beat the setting. Also had good meals at Binchotan at the Fairmount, great if you are traveling with kids.
If you can get to Kona, Da Poke Shack is fantastic, located in a residential building’s parking lot by crashing waves. Really great and fresh stuff. The farmer’s market at Waimea had some good things too, and the coffee was off the charts (in taste and cost). We ate a variety of local dishes while chickens pecked at our feet, it was a great experience.
Da Poke Shack is awesome. The couple of times we’ve stayed on the Big Island was just a few buildings down from here so I’ve had lunch there several times. Just note that it is an informal fast/casual type of place with only a couple tables inside. It gets very crowded during peak times but there are spots nearby where you can picnic. There is a church “park” just north (assuming there are no services) and if you walk a little further up there are some pathways to get to the water - cross the lava rocks towards a peninsula that has a little beach with a perfect view of the sunset.
I forgot, in Hilo Cafe 100 was a nice stop for lunch one day on our way to the volcano. I ordered the lechon, which had me concerned as all the waiters started looking at me. When it arrived, I found out why: an ENORMOUS portion of roast pig, deliciously moist with crunchy skin.
Da Poke Shack is great, but my favorite spot is Hale l’a Da Fish House, which is about 30 minutes north. Pau Hana Poke, behind Costco, is also excellent.
Out of the four FS restaurants my least favorite is the beach tree. I really like the most casual one, Residents beach house, right on the water and they serve the best Mai Tai on property in my humble opinion. Miller & Luxe has great service and steaks, but a little pricy and the only one not ocean front. Ulu has really good sushi and souffles for dessert. Definitely worth arriving early and walking along the beach path. There is free self parking.
Drive south to Kaaloa’s Super Jo’s for lunch (just south of Captain Cook).
The Mauna Lani Foodland is great, and the snorkeling from the beach by Napua is also great. The walk along the fishponds is magical.
That store was such a pleasant surprise, we were staying next door at the Fairmont (as others have said, food/wine was so-so but I BYO’d so we drank well). Their wine selection was very decent, especially for where it is.