Waikoloa sits on the Kohala Coast between Kona and Waimea, surrounded by ancient lava fields and some of the most beautiful resort properties on the island. Most people pass through on their way somewhere else. That is a mistake. The restaurant scene here is genuinely excellent — a mix of beachside casual spots, fresh seafood, and elevated dining that competes with anything you will find in Kona proper.

If you are staying at Kona Landing, Waikoloa is about a 25-minute drive north up the coast and makes a great half-day excursion. Grab dinner, watch the sunset, and drive back along the highway with the ocean on your right. It is one of my favorite easy evenings on the island.

Here is where I recommend eating.

Lava Lava Beach Club

Lava Lava Beach Club is one of those places that earns its reputation. Toes in the sand, cocktails in hand, the ocean right in front of you — it is the quintessential Hawaii beach bar experience done well. The food is consistently solid: fish tacos, poke, fresh catches, and cocktails that are strong and tropical. Come for sunset and stay for dinner. It is the kind of place you will talk about when you get home. Popular with both tourists and locals, which is always a good sign.

Best for: Sunset cocktails, beachside dining, fresh fish, and anyone who wants sand under their feet while they eat.

Pueo's Osteria

Pueo's Osteria is a standout Italian restaurant in the Kings' Shops that surprises everyone who discovers it. The pasta is house-made, the ingredients are locally sourced where possible, and the execution is genuinely impressive for a small shopping center location. The bone marrow, the lamb shank, and the short rib are all exceptional. This is a special-occasion dinner that does not require driving to Kona or Hilo to feel like you are eating somewhere truly great.

Best for: Date nights, celebratory dinners, anyone craving great Italian food far from the mainland.

Kuleana Rum Shack

Kuleana Rum Shack is a locally-owned bar and restaurant in Waikoloa Village that leans hard into its rum heritage — the rum is sourced from Kuleana Rum Works right here on the Big Island. The food is creative Hawaiian-inspired comfort: Loco Moco, fish tacos, and rotating specials that use local ingredients. The rum cocktails are the real draw, and the happy hour is worth planning around. Come for the Mai Tai, stay for the vibe.

Best for: Happy hour, rum cocktails, casual dinner, local ownership.

Roy's Waikoloa Bar and Grill

Roy's Waikoloa is a reliably excellent choice for elevated Hawaiian fusion. Chef Roy Yamaguchi built his reputation on marrying European cooking techniques with Asian flavors and fresh Hawaiian ingredients, and this location delivers on that promise consistently. The misoyaki butterfish is a signature dish for good reason. This is a step up in price from the other spots on this list, but the quality justifies it for a special dinner.

Best for: Special occasions, Hawaiian fusion, a reliable upscale dinner on the Kohala Coast.

HāLani at Mauna Lani

HāLani at the Mauna Lani resort is a beautiful open-air spot serving family-style island cuisine with stunning views. The ahi poke nachos are excellent, the fish tacos are fresh and well-made, and the lobster mac and cheese is the kind of indulgence that feels right on vacation. The setting alone is worth a visit — lush grounds, ocean air, and a relaxed luxury vibe that feels effortlessly Hawaiian.

Best for: Lunch, casual resort dining, poke, and anyone who wants beautiful surroundings with their meal.

CanoeHouse

CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani is the kind of oceanfront restaurant that earns every bit of its reputation. Open since 1989 right on the Kohala Coast, it serves Japanese-inspired cuisine built around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with genuinely stunning sunset views from the patio. The menu leans into fresh seafood and modern Hawaiian flavors, and the setting alone makes it worth the splurge for a special night out.

Best for: Sunset dinners, Japanese-inspired cuisine, special occasions, and the best oceanfront setting on this list.

Plan Your Big Island Trip

Waikoloa is an easy drive from Kona — about 25 minutes north on the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. If you are based on the coast, it pairs perfectly with a morning at the beach or an afternoon exploring the Waikoloa Petroglyphs. Check out my other Big Island guides:

And if you need a home base for your Big Island adventures, Kona Landing is my two-bedroom condo right on Alii Drive in Kona — walkable to the best happy hours and restaurants on the island, and a perfect launching pad for day trips up the coast.

Best Restaurants in Waikoloa, Hawaii: Where to Eat on the Kohala Coast