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

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best value restaurants 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!

Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

4.9

4.9 (210)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Welcome to Engawa, a small restaurant limited to 20 guests per night, where we offer an exquisite experience of Japanese cuisine. We invite you to indulge in a memorable dinner experience. Our menu is a celebration of traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring an array of exquisite dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients. From fresh sushi and sashimi to hearty tempura and other savory dishes are crafted to bring out the authentic flavors of Japan. Enjoy a unique culinary journey with chef & brew master Chiaki Takahashi, where each dish complemented by our award-winning hand-crafted sake, designed to enhance your dining experience.
At Engawa, we pride ourselves on providing not only exceptional foods but also an inviting atmosphere and impeccable service. To ensure you have a wonderful evening with us, we recommend making a reservation. Our attentive team is here to accommodate your needs and preferences, making your visit truly special.

Top review

SarahVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

We’ve traveled all over the world to eat. This place could compete with any of the best places. The sake was extraordinary. Even the rice - the rice was the most delicate and silky rice I’ve ever had. If you miss this place, it’s on you. You’re not really living and you’re missing out on something very special. You owe it to your palette. The service was impeccable as well. Just go.

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

SteveVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Worth the drive from Kona. Classic professional service, right from when you walk in the door. We were greeted so graciously, we were introduced to all the staff who would be serving us. The cocktails were the best, Mai Tai was great and No Ko Oi means nothing better, and that cocktail fit the name. The levels of flavour in each dish was skilled and delicious. The atmosphere was perfect for any dinner. Try the smoked taro hummus, not to be missed. They were able to accommodate my wife who is celiac which shows the diversity of the chef. Wonderful wonderful!

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Experience

Festive Season 2024 Prefix Menu

Experience

Christmas & Christmas Eve 2024

Experience

New Years Eve 2024

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island

4.8

4.8 (5502)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Tommy Bahama combines a tranquil environment and good food with an emphasis on hospitality to make for the perfect place to recharge or unwind while indulging in a unique dining experience. The experience is sure to feel like a getaway, whether you’re on vacation or looking for a vacation from your everyday life. For more information: www.tommybahama.com

Top review

Erick

Dined 5 days ago

As usual Tommy Bahama’s did not disappoint. The Mac crusted Mahi Mahi was delicious. The waiter was attentive and knowledgeable about the offerings. Will definitely return.

Miyo's Restaurant and Izakaya Bar

4.6

4.6 (193)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Hilo

About the restaurant

A local favorite, Miyo’s Restaurant has served the Hilo area since 1987. Under the direction of it's owner, Louis Pauole, Miyo's Restaurant serves up homestyle Japanese food using quality ingredients and it's beloved recipes created by Miyo herself!

Come and enjoy entrees such as Hot Pots, Curry, Teriyaki, Tempura, Seafood and much more! While you're awaiting your delicious meal, you can also sip on a handcrafted cocktail made by our talented bartenders from our Izakaya Bar - Hilo's newest hot spot! With a full bar, 15 beers on tap, an exclusive evening tapas menu and a cozy, rustic atmosphere, there's something for everyone!

Top review

Margaret

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

I dine at Miyos often and I’ve never had a bad experience yet

Island Lava Java Bistro

4.6

4.6 (1864)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Family-owned Oceanside Restaurant, specializing in fresh, local, organic and sustainable food with 100% Kona coffee, freshly squeezed juices, and our own bakery on site. Currently serving Everyday Brunch, Lunch & Dinner, plus Happy Hour. We are committed to using the highest quality locally produced ingredients. We invite you to relax and enjoy our scratch-made food and drinks in our island-style, open-air dining room, bar & lanai. Experience our inventive cuisine, attentive service, and a friendly atmosphere; come see what makes us one of the most popular restaurants, craft bar and coffee houses in town. We look forward to meeting you! E Komo Mai!
Craft Bar, Great Wine List, Open-Air Oceanside Dining. *Now offering "Touchless" QR Code Order & Pay (with a Smartphone)*

Top review

Angela

Dined on Dec 9, 2024

Great food and hot! Service excellent it was tawny Mimosa Monday is my fav Thank you for that

Pueo's Osteria

4.6

4.6 (1868)

$50 and over

Italian

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

Welcome to Pueo’s Osteria, an Italian-inspired, inviting restaurant that provides great food, prepared from scratch daily, complimented with a stocked wine list and set in a delightful osteria environment. Co-Proprietor & Chef James Babian focuses on original creative dishes, pairing the finest, authentic Italian products with select seafood, produce and meats from boutique farms (sourced locally whenever possible), including “farm-fresh” products from local farmers’ markets.
Pueo's is located at the new Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village with ample free parking and designated pick-up stalls right outside the restaurant.
The "Pueo" is a nocturnal owl indigenous to Hawaii, which symbolizes Chef's focus on serving dinner and into the evening hours. Pueo's Osteria caters to locals and visitors via sit-down, bar and take-out. Engaging service, approachable pricing, great flavors and a lively atmosphere await at Pueo’s Osteria – food, wine & fun … "where the night owls meet."

Top review

Steve

Dined 1 day ago

Food was amazing. Had to wait a few minutes (ten?) after our reservation, no biggie - first seating was finishing up. Service was super friendly but slow, I think they were short handed. But it is Hawaii, be nice to everyone. Already planning our return!

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Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar

4.6

4.6 (1866)

$30 and under

American

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on the water in beautiful downtown Kona! Join us for a gastro-pub style menu with an island twist.

Come sit by the water at Papa Kona! We offer best eggs benedict in town, our fan-favorite avocado fries, and a craft cocktail list you won't find anywhere else.

Reservations are limited to preserve space for walk-in guests. If you can't find a table online, we welcome you to walk-in!

Top review

Tiffiny

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Server was great! Sitting by the ocean was lovely. Music was a bit loud.

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Traditional Eggs Benedict

Mauka Bar and Grill

4.2

4.2 (121)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

A Bar and Grill during the day and Steakhouse by night. Amazing food prepared by very experienced chefs with live music nightly and beautiful mountain and sunset views.

Top review

GaryVIP

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

A very nice dinner & evening at Mauka. Everyone was so cordial making our anniversary celebration very special! Our servers were amazingly helpful & attentive. My dinner of Escargot, Macadamia Nut Crusted Ono & Mango Crème Brûlée for dessert were the best flavors I have tasted. For this incredible meal, we paired a bottle of French Medoc. I want to try their Rack of Lamb or Lobster next with a Tiramisu dessert. We are coming back!

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Fish Hopper - Kailua-Kona

4.6

4.6 (3521)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean at The Fish Hopper Seafood and Steak, overlooking Kailua Bay on the Big Island Hawaii. Enjoy fresh seafood from Hawaii and fresh seafood flown in weekly from California, plus our signature Bucket of Fire and Volcano flaming drinks, all within walking distance to shops and historic sites.

A landmark (formerly the Ocean View Inn) and a local’s favorite Kona restaurant since 1934, the building housing The Fish Hopper has been beautifully restored to expand upon its spectacular ocean views. We proudly serve seafood from sustainable sources, harvested by methods that do not harm the environment.

We love to honor our Veterans & Military! Please let us know if you are one, upon arrival.

Top review

Karl

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Great food, the Crab stuffed Mahi Mahi was awesome!

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4.5

4.5 (377)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Owned by Chef Allen Hess, FORC brings farm to table in the heart of Waimea. FORC showcases a farm to table aspect by bringing fresh harvests from Farmers, the Ocean and Ranchers. By changing our menu seasonally, we are able to get creative with what Hawai’i has to offer us. Local style brunch items like our FORC signature sandwich, brown butter banana pancakes and our housemade bacon. Hearty seasonal dinner dishes like our Big Island grass fed beef, whole roasted fish, and Chef’s Hawaiian Meal. There are vegetarian, paleo and gluten free options too. Indulge more with special menus like happy hour and holiday menus. Sip on our award winning cocktails or sit down and soak in the best dining atmosphere.

Top review

KristaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing meal: Portuguese bread, lettuce wraps and bacon to start. Whole roasted kalekale was delicious and perfectly prepared. Same with butter fish, chicken, filet mignon. Finished with chocolate crème brûlée. Cocktails were also great. Loved the ube lemon drop martini and family enjoyed their mai tais. Great meal and excellent service.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon Prime Grade

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