Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. J

   Jeff

   Portland1 review

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Second time here. Look forward to coming back next time on the big island. The food is remarkable. The service is friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. Prices are very reasonable for big island restaurants. I look forward to my next visit.
   

   Is this helpful?

2. A

   Anna VIP

   San Francisco72 reviews

   1.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Years of Loyalty Undone by One Disheartening Experience We’ve been coming to Merriman’s for years and have always appreciated the welcoming atmosphere, great food, and friendly service. It’s been one of our favorite spots — a place we’ve enjoyed with friends, family, and business associates. We've recommended it countless times, and until recently, it truly felt like a local gem. Unfortunately, our latest visit was deeply disappointing. When we politely asked for a bowl of water for my service dog — something that’s never been an issue here or elsewhere — we were told by the manager that the health department prohibits it. While I understand that restaurants must follow regulations, the way the situation was handled was upsetting. The manager was curt, dismissive, and showed no empathy. He flatly told us we could leave if we didn’t like the policy. To make things worse, we were told we could take the dog outside and give him water there — a suggestion I found not only impractical but frankly inhumane. My service dog is highly trained and provides essential assistance; treating him like an inconvenience showed a total lack of understanding and compassion. We would have left immediately, but we had invited another family to join us that evening, and we didn’t want to spoil the night for them. This experience left us shocked and saddened. After years of loyalty, it’s incredibly disappointing to feel so unwelcome over something so basic. I truly hope the management reflects on how they treat individuals with disabilities — and the service animals they rely on. This isn’t just about water. It’s about dignity, respect, and doing the right thing.
   

   Merriman's – Waimea – Big IslandResponded 1 day ago

   Thank you for your feedback. I was the manager you mentioned, and I’m truly sorry to hear this visit didn’t reflect the warm experience you've come to expect at Merriman’s. We always welcome service animals. While our policy does not allow bowls of water for animals inside and we are not required to provide them, I understand your frustration and appreciate your note about my tone. I'm always striving to grow. We remain committed to thoughtful and respectful service.
   

   Is this helpful?

3. A

   Aditi VIP

   Seattle15 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Delicious lunch! Very accommodating staff, beautiful Waimea experience with a homey feel. Outstanding service, food, and ambience! Mahalo for a wonderful meal! Would visit again 🙏🏼🌺
   

   Is this helpful?

4. D

   Deven

   Las Vegas2 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Other than the hostess who was not at all pleasant to interact with due to her unexplainable attitude almost bordering on rudeness everything else was simply fantastic. Very very good.the best food we had on the island.
   

   Is this helpful?

5. R

   Richard VIP

   New York City14 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent food always stop here during visit. Best Hawaiian food on the islands.
   

   Is this helpful?

6. M

   Michael

   San Francisco3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Awesome as usual. Everyone on their game despite wait for our table
   

   Is this helpful?

7. L

   Len

   Yosemite2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   My wife and I enjoyed a world class dining experience last night at Merriman's! I had the duo combo of Island Beef and Curried Mahi Mahi while my wife ordered the lobster ravioli. All of the entrees were excellent with the sauces kicking everything up a notch! We also ordered a side of Hillbilly Cornbread which was moist and delicious! Service was perfection as usual with attention to detail and hospitality. All in all, an amazing dinner and fantastic evening.
   

   • 

   Is this helpful?

8. R

   Regan

   Seattle15 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Holiday meals can be hit or miss. Merriman’s nailed our Easter dinner for a part of 8. The food was fantastic and the service was excellent despite the place being packed. It’d been a couple of years since we’d been and will now add it back into our regular rotation. Thank you for a great evening!!
   

   Is this helpful?

9. W

   William

   Hawaii54 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We continue to love our trips to Merriman’s Waimea. Today was no exception. For Easter we brought our good friend Wendy from Utah. She enjoyed the fresh omelette while my wife enjoyed a double smash burger. Always a good choice! My corned beef hash was divine. The sautéed mushrooms really made the dish special. Lastly no brunch is complete without the apple banana bread. Just wow. Nom nom.
   

   Is this helpful?

10. B

    Ben VIP

    San Francisco22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Went for Easter brunch and was very impressed with everything. Simple fare executed with great care using high quality ingredients sourced locally. Bloody Mary, Taro and Chickpea Hummus, filet mignon and eggs and a lilikoi mousse were all beyond average and well worth the price of entry. Glad to see this long open restaurant has retained its attention to detail and is not sitting on its laurels.
    

    Is this helpful?