“Brew Your Best Cup”- Coffee Brewing Workshop
Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm • Farm • Holualoa, Island of Hawaii • Hawaii
Foodie Guide: ʻAi Pono (Eat Well)
The taste of the Big Island isn't just one thing - it's a symphony of flavors
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerA Symphony of Island Flavors
For me, the taste of the Big Island isn't just one thing. It's the salty, savory burst of fresh poke from a tiny shop in Kona, the sweet shock of a perfectly ripe mango from the Hilo market, and the deep, earthy comfort of a cup of real Kona coffee warming my hands on a cool mauka morning. Let's go eat.
The Big Island's food story is one of convergence. Ancient Hawaiian traditions meet immigrant influences from Portugal, Japan, the Philippines, and beyond. The result is a unique cuisine that can't be found anywhere else in the world.
🍽️
Kalani's "Must-Eat" Checklist
Local Favorites You Can't Miss
🐟 Poke
Fresh, never-frozen fish is the key. Da Poke Shack and Umekes Fishmarket Bar & Grill in Kona are local institutions celebrated for their quality and variety.
Kalani's Tip:
Don't be intimidated by the lines at these places. They move fast and are a sign you're in the right spot. For an authentic taste, order the "Hawaiian style" poke to experience the traditional flavors of inamona (roasted candlenut) and limu (seaweed).
🍳 Loco Moco
This iconic dish was born in Hilo in the post-war era. It's the ultimate Hawaiian comfort food: rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy. Visit Café 100 in Hilo, which claims to have invented it.
Kalani's Tip:
This is perfect for refueling after a long day. But be warned: don't plan a strenuous hike immediately after eating one!
🍩 Malasadas
These Portuguese-style donuts are deep-fried and rolled in sugar, often filled with haupia (coconut pudding), chocolate, or local fruit. The legendary spot is Tex Drive In in Honokaʻa.
Kalani's Tip:
The golden rule of malasadas is to eat them while they're hot and fresh from the fryer. They don't get better with time. It's the perfect stop on a road trip along the Hamakua Coast.
🧊 Shave Ice
Hawaiian shave ice is different from a mainland snow cone. The ice is finely shaved, not crushed, creating a snow-like texture that perfectly absorbs the syrup. Try Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.
Kalani's Tip:
Always get the "snow cap" (a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk) for a creamy finish. Be adventurous with flavors. Try local specialties like lilikoi (passion fruit), guava, or lychee.
🍡 Mochi
This Japanese rice cake delicacy has been perfected on the Big Island. Two Ladies Kitchen in Hilo is the undisputed champion, famous for their fresh strawberry mochi.
Kalani's Tip:
This is not a drill. You absolutely MUST call ahead to place your order, especially if you want the famous fresh strawberry mochi. They sell out daily, and showing up without a pre-order often leads to disappointment.
☕
The Perfect Cup: Kona Coffee Country
World-Renowned Hawaiian Coffee
Kona coffee earns its world-renowned status from its unique growing conditions. It's cultivated exclusively on the volcanic slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa, in a microclimate that provides perfect morning sun, cloudy afternoons, and rich volcanic soil.
Kalani's Farm Tour Picks:
For History
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
This unique experience takes you through a carefully preserved 1920s-40s coffee farm. Costumed interpreters demonstrate the daily life and work of Japanese immigrants who pioneered the industry. It's the only living history coffee farm in the nation.
For the Full Experience
Greenwell Farms
Established in 1850, this is one of the oldest and most respected farms in Kona. Their excellent free guided tours provide a comprehensive overview of the entire coffee process, from cherry on the tree to final roasted bean.
For Views & Vibe
Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm
This farm is famous for its stunning lanai with infinity pool overlooking the coastline. They offer unique hands-on classes like personal roasting sessions and "paint and sip" events.
Kalani's Tip:
Don't just visit one farm! Pick two with different styles to get a broader perspective. A great plan is to pair a historical tour at the Living History Farm with a modern tasting experience at Heavenly Hawaiian. Since most farms are in the same South Kona region, you can easily combine your coffee tour day with a visit to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau or a snorkel at Kealakekua Bay.
🥭
Market Day: The Heartbeat of the Island
Fresh, Local & Authentic
The island's farmers' markets aren't just places to buy produce. They're vibrant cultural hubs where you taste the island's bounty, meet local growers, and feel the pulse of the community.
Hilo Farmers Market
This is the largest and most famous market on the island, especially on main market days (Wednesday and Saturday). Find incredible arrays of exotic tropical fruits, beautiful orchids and anthuriums, local food vendors selling plate lunches and baked goods, and handmade crafts.
Waimea Town Market
Located at Parker School in the heart of paniolo country, this market has a distinct upcountry vibe. Features fresh produce alongside local grass-fed beef, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and often live music.
Keauhou Farmers Market
This market focuses specifically on 100% Hawaii Island-grown and produced products, making it an excellent, curated source for authentic local goods without imported items.
Kalani's Tip:
Go to the market hungry! It's the best place for a fresh, affordable breakfast or lunch. Grab a plate lunch, some fresh-cut pineapple, or a baked treat. And don't be shy. Talk to the vendors. Ask them what's in season and how they like to prepare it. That's how you find the real gems and get a true taste of aloha.
🗺️ Big Island Guide
🍽️ Food Quick Guide
- Best Poke: Da Poke Shack
- Original Loco Moco: Café 100 (Hilo)
- Best Malasadas: Tex Drive In
- Famous Mochi: Two Ladies Kitchen
🥘 Must-Try Foods
Fresh Poke
Never-frozen fish
Loco Moco
Born in Hilo
Malasadas
Portuguese donuts
Kona Coffee
World-renowned
📅 Market Days
- Hilo Market Wed & Sat
- Waimea Market Saturday
- Keauhou Market Saturday
🌺 Food with Aloha
"The best meals happen when you eat like a local - with curiosity, respect, and an open heart."
- Try foods you've never heard of
- Talk story with vendors and locals
- Support local businesses and farms
