Big Island (Kona), HI

Eating out in Big Island (Kona), HI

Dining on the Big Island has become an attraction in itself, and quite a few chefs have something of a celebrity status. This reputation speaks not only to how they cook, but also what they cook. While enjoying rich and varied influences from the many countries and ethnic groups that figured in Hawaiian heritage, the cuisine retains a distinctively local flavor by featuring fresh local ingredients highly in every meal. The island's fertile volcanic soil produces the finest in fruits, beans, herbs and vegetables, all staples of Hawaiian diet. Add the products of local ranchers and fishermen with a cultured appreciation for aesthetic surroundings, and the Big Island creates a recipe for an exceptional dining experience.

Gourmet

Bamboo, a tropical saloon on the island's northern coastline, serves expertly-prepared island delicacies, including fresh fish, lamb dishes, and plenty of locally grown produce. The interior décor mixes nostalgia and elegance, and it's filled with Hawaiian music every weekend night. Highway 270, Hawi.

Highly Recommended

Roy's Waikoloa Bar and Grill is the creation of culinary trailblazer Roy Yamaguchi, known for his expert blending of local ingredients and fine international traditions. Add superb service and a view overlooking a 10-acre lake and you get an evening of dining excellence. 250 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Kamuela.

Local Flair

The Coffee Shack's outdoor deck is the place to go for informal indulgence in great food and drink. Relax in the crisp air, surrounded by ferns, palms, banana trees, and a sweeping view of the ocean. Dine on hearty salads, excellent sandwiches on home-baked bread, and a fine assortment of ales and spirits. Highway 11, South Kona.

Romantic

The Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant brings the uncanny allure of volcanoes to your evening meal for the ultimate "fireside dining." Located in the tiny village of (what else?) Volcano, the lodge serves fine Continental cuisine in a cozy setting, complete with a roaring conventional fireplace and rustic décor. 19-4055 Old Volcano Road (Wright Road), Volcano.

Going party in Big Island (Kona), HI

Because of its distinctive natural state (ie, blissfully minimal development), the Big Island is best-suited for romantic nights and is not a big party town in Hawaii. Nonetheless, most major resorts have live entertainment every night. The premier tourist areas of Kona and Kohala often have big-name artists performing. Old-style community theaters, like the People's Theatre in Honoka and Pahoa's Akebono Theater, still thrive in some of the smaller towns and are an ideal way to get entertainment with a local flavor. You will find the Big Island has the others beat when it comes to lu'aus.

The Kona Village Lu'au

This party is held every Friday night at the Kona Village Resort. The longest and best continuously running luau on the island is an authentic Polynesian presentation of the ancient ceremony. A buffet of roasted pig, sweet potatoes, steamed fruit and an assortment of other delicacies are yours to enjoy during the show. Ka'upulehu.

The Crown Room

This popular locals' hangout is a good place to catch a weekend show featuring some up and coming area musicians. Hilo.

Uncle Billy's

This Polynesian-themed hotel and restaurant puts on a free show of Hawaiian music and hula dancing every night. Hilo.

Common events in Big Island (Kona), HI

Senior Skins Tournament

This $500,000 four-man team golf tournament attracts some of the games greatest senior players. Kohala, January.

MasterCard Championship

The season-opening tournament held on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. It features many classic golf stars, all of whom have won a Senior PGA Tour event. Kona, January.

Prince Kuhio Celebrations

Held every year throughout the state, this festival commemorates Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. Had the Hawaiian monarchy not been overthrown, Kalanianaole, born on March 26, 1871, would have been crowned king. Instead, he went on to be elected to the US Congress after Hawaii's annexation. State-Wide, March.

Lei Day Celebrations

Paralleling the mainland's May Day celebrations, this event features lei-making contests, arts, crafts, and pageantry. State-Wide, May.

Waikii Music and Cultural Festival

Features 2 days of Hawaiian music and culture, celebrated on Father's Day. Waikii, June.

Turtle Independence Day

Every year on this day, endangered green sea turtles raised in captivity are released into the ocean as part of an effort to repopulate the species. July, Kohala Coast.

Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament

This is one of the most popular and prestigious billfish competitions in the world, attracting teams from many countries. Kailua-Kona, August.

Long Distance Outrigger Canoe Race

This race feature about 2,500 paddlers from across the Hawaiian Islands, the Pacific Rim, and the US mainland, all competing in the world's longest canoe event. Roundtrip From Kailua Pier to Honaunau, September.

Ironman Triathlon World Championship

This popular spectator event is a grueling athletic competition that tests the very limits of human endurance. Over 1,500 world-class athletes compete in a marathon foot race, followed by a 2.4 mile swim, and finally a 112-mile bike race across the Kona-Kohala coast. October, Kailua-Kona.

Hawaiian International Film Festival

This cinematic celebration features the productions from Asia, the Pacific islands, and the US mainland. The 2-week event is held at various locations throughout the state. November.

First Night

Hawaii's largest festival of arts and entertainment is a 12-hour New Year's Eve celebration spanning 3 islands, and includes jugglers, musicians, dancers, magicians, and a fireworks finale at midnight. December, Kailua-Kona.