Best Restaurants in Waimea, Hawaii
Most visitors to the Big Island stick close to the coast — Kona, the resort strip, the beaches. And I get it. But if you have a car and a free afternoon, driving up to Waimea is one of the best food decisions you can make on this island. The upcountry air is cooler, the scenery shifts from lava fields to rolling green pasture, and the food scene is genuinely exceptional in a way that would surprise most people who write it off as a quick pit stop.
Waimea sits in the shadow of the legendary Parker Ranch, one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the United States. That ranching heritage shows up everywhere in the food — in the grass-fed beef, the farm-direct ingredients, and the local chefs who have built entire menus around what grows or grazes nearby. If you are staying at Kona Landing on Alii Drive, the drive to Waimea takes about 45 minutes and is worth every minute.
Here is where I recommend eating.
Merriman's Waimea
Merriman's is the anchor of the Waimea food scene and one of the most celebrated restaurants on the Big Island. Chef Peter Merriman is widely credited as one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, and this is where it all started. The menu sources 90 percent or more of its ingredients from local farms, ranchers, and fishermen, and it changes based on what is actually available. The wok-charred ahi — seared on the outside, sashimi on the inside — is iconic and worth ordering every time. Brunch here is excellent and slightly more affordable than dinner. Make a reservation. It fills up.
Best for: Special occasions, farm-to-table dining, the best wine list in upcountry Hawaii.
Big Island Brewhaus
Big Island Brewhaus is exactly what it sounds like — a laid-back brewpub with up to 12 house-brewed beers on tap, a beer garden with live music, and a menu built around fresh local ingredients. The Green Chili Burger is a favorite, and the fish tacos are consistently excellent. This is the kind of place where locals actually eat, which is the best endorsement I can give. If you are traveling with kids or just want a casual afternoon meal without the formality of fine dining, this is your spot.
Best for: Casual lunch or dinner, craft beer, families, and anyone who wants good food without a dress code.
MOA Kitchen
MOA Kitchen is a Japanese-inspired gem that most visitors completely miss. The ramen is outstanding, the sushi and sashimi are some of the freshest you will find on the island, and the yakitori — skewered meats grilled over binchotan charcoal — is worth the trip on its own. The vibe is hip and casual, the sake list is excellent, and the place fills up fast. Go with a group so you can order as much as possible. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner.
Best for: Ramen, sushi, yakitori, sake, and a dinner that will genuinely surprise you.
FORC
FORC stands for Farmer, Ocean, Rancher, Cook — and the name tells you everything you need to know. Chef Allen Hess built this spot around hyper-local sourcing: Big Island grass-fed beef, whole roasted fish, seasonal vegetables from nearby farms. The menu changes with what is available, which means it is always fresh and never predictable. They also do a happy hour worth stopping for. It is one of those rare restaurants where the food feels genuinely of this place rather than imported from somewhere else.
Best for: Dinner, farm-to-table adventurers, craft cocktails.
Village Burger
Village Burger in the Parker Ranch Shopping Center is a casual counter-service spot that punches far above its weight. Chef Edwin Goto, a James Beard Award finalist, built this menu around locally grown, grass-fed Big Island beef. The result is a burger that tastes unlike anything you would get at a chain — rich, beefy, and fresh. Order at the counter, grab a table, and enjoy. It is an affordable and delicious lunch stop before or after wine tasting in the area.
Best for: Quick lunch, grass-fed beef burgers, casual daytime eating.
Waimea Coffee Company
Before you head into any of the above, Waimea Coffee Company is a charming coffee and pastry stop with a small lanai and sweeping views of the upcountry hills. Great for a morning latte and a pastry or a light lunch before your afternoon. The views on a clear day are beautiful — rolling green hills, occasional rainbows, and a completely different energy from the coast.
Best for: Morning coffee, a light lunch, or a relaxing mid-day break.
Plan Your Big Island Trip
If you are based in Kona, check out my other guides to eating and drinking on the Big Island:
And if you are still looking for a place to stay, Kona Landing is my two-bedroom condo right on Alii Drive — the perfect home base for exploring everything the Big Island has to offer.
