Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Hawaii / Big Island? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

CanoeHouse

4.7

4.7 (3225)

$50 and over

Creative Japanese

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Long regarded as the premier dining destination among the Hawaiian islands, this beloved institution is a gathering place for generations of friends, families and neighbors. Helmed by Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang, CanoeHouse features thoughtful, seasonal dishes that celebrate Hawaii’s landscape through Japanese-Paniolo inspired cuisine, accompanied by craft-cocktails and diverse wine selections.
Please kindly note that CanoeHouse accepts reservations 60 days in advance for outside guests of Mauna Lani.

Top review

KenVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Stunning waterfront location; well-prepared dishes with fresh ingredients and creative seasonings

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4.6

4.6 (1096)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Reflecting a journey through the Mediterranean, set against a spectacular Pacific Ocean backdrop, choose between colorful mezze platters, a selection of tender kebabs from Hamakua raised lamb to Kahua ranch beef sirloin, signature grilled seafood dishes including Whole Kampachi and Mibrasa Style Branzino with ladolemono & Waimea cherry tomatoes, as well as wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads. This beloved al fresco eatery embraces the rich culinary traditions of Coastal Mediterranean cuisine with the tropical beauty of Hawai’i to offer a rich tapestry of dishes highlighted by locally-sourced produce and seafood.

Top review

CesarVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Great location with savory fresh ingredients. Kitchen was slow but the fantastic location help the wait. Great GF options and they have cauliflower pita bread.

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Popular dish

Margherita Pizza

Experience

Rhythm and Brunch at Halani

Manta at Mauna Kea

4.5

4.5 (1539)

$50 and over

Pacific Rim

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Manta is the signature restaurant of the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and has breathtaking views of the Kohala Coast. The menu is a curation of Pacific Rim cuisine with seasonal, local, and sustainably-produced ingredients.
Chef Bryan Nagao has gained formidable reputation in the international food community. He was once described by American media as "the most notable figures in rendering Modern Asian cuisine in the Northern hemisphere". The creativity permeating his cuisine stems from the diversity of his culinary background. Bryan's cuisine is a multi-faceted reflection of his Hawai'i Island birthplace, his Japanese ancestry, and decades spent in the finest restaurants in Hong Kong and Taipei.
Manta features live music on Tues, Wed, & Sat.

Top review

James

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Amazing sunset views await on the deck, a limited seafood focused menu with Hawaii inspired flavors plus an extensive wine list. We enjoyed our meal and thought all food was delicious. The service was particularly good and attentive. However we would caution anyone expecting any extras for a special occasion, did not materialize.

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Mac-Crusted Mahi-Mahi

Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

4.8

4.8 (879)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Beach Tree Bar & Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a casual dining option set along the sand and overlooking the ocean, perfect for sundowner cocktails. Toast the sunset with unforgettable views, local flavours, creative cocktails and more.

Top review

TimothyVIP

Dined 4 days ago

The venue is outstanding. Right on the coast line. You have to experience the sunset. Valet parking for those not staying at the 4 seasons at no cost if you are dining. Food was excellent. Drinks a bit over priced. Hospitality was great.

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Popular dish

Spaghetti "Cacio e Pepe"

Experience

Tide to Table Amalfi Under the Stars

Brown's Beach House - The Fairmont Orchid - Kohala Coast

4.6

4.6 (3752)

$50 and over

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

The breathtaking ocean vistas alone are worth a leisurely evening at Brown’s Beach House, our signature fine dining restaurant. Boasting fresh Hawai‘i Island-inspired cuisine, live Hawaiian music and spectacular sunset panoramas, this dining experience is a feast for all of your senses.

Top review

georgep

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful meal, from appetizer to main course to dessert. All six of us really enjoyed our experience

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Kamuela Provision Co.

4.4

4.4 (4108)

$50 and over

Pacific Rim

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

2024 OpenTable Diner's Choice Award winner. Creative island cuisine. A breathtaking view provides the perfect atmosphere for a memorable dinner featuring locally grown ingredients, fresh seafood, and steaks. Reservations recommended. As a Surfrider Foundation Ocean Friendly Restaurant, Kamuela Provision Company is dedicated to sustainably serving you.

Top review

Diana

Dined 4 days ago

Everything here was outstanding from the incredible view to the great food. Our server was Brian and his suggestions were very helpful. We had the fresh catch of the day, Ono and it was delicious! We will definitely be coming back.

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4.7

4.7 (2045)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Inspired by the Mediterranean, dedicated to the islands. Featuring a charcuterie and crudo bar, brilliant cocktails, and an award winning global wine list framed by the forever views of Hapuna Beach, Meridia presents innovative cuisine in an unrivaled setting. Named by Hawaii Magazine as 2019's Best New Big Island Restaurant, and 2018 Restaurant of the Year by the American Culinary Federation.
Located at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

Top review

JudyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Our server Michael was excellent! The food was outstanding! The music and ambiance of the restaurant really made for an amazing night! One of the best meals we’ve had in a long time!

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Hau Tree at Mauna Kea

4.5

4.5 (288)

$30 and under

American

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Just steps from the beach and ocean with your toes practically in the sand, Hau Tree is a casual open-air option for relaxed lunches and dinners on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. It’s complete with a gazebo-style bar perfectly situated for meeting friends old and new while enjoying cocktails, local brews and awaiting a glimpse of the sunset’s elusive green flash. Hau Tree’s menu includes sandwiches, wraps, fish tacos, salads, ice cream, and Mauna Kea’s famous Ovaltine Froth.

Top review

Lylyana

Dined on Dec 3, 2024

Great place for dinner while enjoying amazing sunset views.

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Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

4.9

4.9 (9689)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of the Big Islands farm community is Peter Merriman's original restaurant; Merriman's Waimea. Chef/Owner Peter Merriman is one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and uses 90% or more of local produce, fish and beef. All dishes are handcrafted to highlight the natural flavors of each menu item. Our award winning wine list has selections for all to enjoy. Merriman's knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you through a culinary experience you will not forget. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

SusanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Absolutely fabulous food and service ! Each time we go we say THIS is the best meal ever!

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Experience

Festive Season 2024 Prefix Menu

Experience

Christmas & Christmas Eve 2024

Experience

New Years Eve 2024

Miller & Lux Hualalai at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

4.6

4.6 (151)

$50 and over

American

Kaupulehu

About the restaurant

The highest-quality steaks with impeccable flavor from the best ranches in America; a robust raw bar; fresh sustainable seafood; and farm direct vegetables – all perfectly complemented by a globally curated wine list – combine to inspire the next chapter in Chef Tyler Florence’s mark on innovative American cuisine. The Miller & Lux cocktail program is curated using seasonal Hawaiian ingredients and artisanal spirits from around the world.

Top review

Darlene

Dined 3 days ago

My husband and I have been to Four Seasons Hualalai several times and but just recently decided to give Miller & Lux a try. Wow, were we surprised. As vegetarians, you might think there would be nothing to eat at a steakhouse, but Miller & Lux not only takes the steps to accommodate different dietary preferences, they don't make you feel bad about it in the least bit. Our server, Rachel, was the perfect career server. As a former business manager of a Chicago steakhouse, there is a certain level of fine dining service that is expected - and she exceeded all expectations. She was attentive, kind, and even with our later reservation (8PM) did not make us feel rushed in the least bit. We had a long conversation with her about living in the islands, her training at the Miller & Lux to prepare for the opening at Hualalai, and gave us thorough descriptions of the menu items to ensure that we were ordering the right amount of food. We ended up ordering off of the regular menu and the vegan menu to create our perfect vegetarian meal. The truffle deviled eggs (on a vintage egg plate!) was a dream and my risotto was just perfect. We will absolutely be back. 10/10!

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Experience

Cooking Class -Tyler Florence & Harvey Pasternak

Experience

Cooking Class -Tyler Florence & Harvey Pasternak

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