Skip to main content

Home
United States
Hawaii

Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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!

A photo of Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge - Four Seasons Resort Hualalai restaurant

Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge - Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

4.8

4.8 (933)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Step into island-inspired relaxation at Beach Tree, located just steps from the ocean at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. This Kona beach restaurant, bar and lounge offers freshly crafted cocktails like Captain Ed's Mai Tai or Pause for Sunset, paired with flavorful bar bites such as ceviche, mahi mahi tacos and artisanal pizzas. Enjoy stunning sunset views and the soothing sound of the waves. With all-day pupus and a casual oceanfront setting, it's the perfect spot to unwind with a Kona cocktail and soak up the Big Island's laid-back vibe. Whether you're stopping by for a quick drink or a leisurely afternoon, Beach Tree embodies the essence of beachfront relaxation in Hawaii.

Top review

M

Marc

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing views with live music. Food was great but as expected a little $$$. Perfect but expected lots of kids.

Discover more

A photo of Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe of a restaurant

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

A photo of Ricotta Cavatelli of a restaurant

Ricotta Cavatelli

A photo of Tide to Table Amalfi Under the Stars of a restaurant

Tide to Table Amalfi Under the Stars

A photo of Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island restaurant

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island

4.7

4.7 (5803)

$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

D

DonVIP

Dined 4 days ago

TB is a big island mainstay restuarant and bar, always busy, always real good food and friendly service. Busy because they earn it day in and out. Solid food and service every time we visit.

Discover more

A photo of Lump Blue Crab Cakes of a restaurant

Lump Blue Crab Cakes

A photo of Macadamia-Nut-Crusted Fresh Catch of a restaurant

Macadamia-Nut-Crusted Fresh Catch

A photo of 14 oz Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of FORC restaurant

4.7

4.7 (444)

$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

R

Rebecca

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful food, perfect service. I started with goat tacos Birria, which are three tacos in a crispy / sturdy shell, with ginger / shoyu dipping sauce which made it great. The taco held up well to the sauce, maintaining a satisfying crunch. Next had the lamb cutlets which were “tomahawk” (doubles), generous portions, grilled to perfection. Next time would have converted from the risotto (good but can get heavy) to a large dinner salad instead, which can be done. My eating companion had the Butterfish, to die for. We went for my birthday and to just celebrate being able to visit during wonderful weather and Merrie Monarch hula festivities.

Discover more

A photo of Ribeye (Hamakua) of a restaurant

Ribeye (Hamakua)

A photo of Filet Mignon Prime Grade of a restaurant

Filet Mignon Prime Grade

A photo of Copper Bar at Mauna Kea restaurant

Copper Bar at Mauna Kea

4.6

4.6 (725)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Dynamic Takes on Modern Traditions. Copper Bar is one of Kohala Coast’s favorite dining and gathering places. Casual, creative tapas and entrees incorporate locally grown ingredients and are easily paired with a selection of craft cocktails, locally-brewed beers, and wine. Unwind with a handcrafted Mauna Kea Mule and absorb sweeping ocean views that have beckoned travelers for generations.

*Please note that seating to guests that are not in-house at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is subject to availability*

Top review

L

Lise

Dined 5 days ago

Beverly was wonderful. Love the ambience and setting.

A photo of Meridia restaurant

4.6

4.6 (2159)

$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

C

Capt . Ed

Dined 2 days ago

Cocktails at the bar during sunset. Perfect. Seated early when our table was ready. Waitress greeted us and set up our whole dinner as we desired. Food was excellent and plenty of it. But by the end of our meal we could see our waitress was overwhelmed by the now full house and she could not get to our table in a timely fashion. Eventually she came around, we ordered dessert (Kona Affogato excellent!). But we had to wait a fair amount of time for dessert to arrive. When it did, I had to eat quickly as we were trying to catch a shuttle back to our hotel. Had to ask the busboy to bring our check to leave on time. Otherwise, this was one of many times we’ve been here. I highly recommend, food is always outstanding, the bar venue overlooking the ocean and sunset is amazing!

Discover more

A photo of Paella Mixta of a restaurant

A photo of Seared Scallops of a restaurant

Seared Scallops

A photo of Grilled Octopus of a restaurant

Grilled Octopus

A photo of Fish Hopper - Kailua-Kona restaurant

Fish Hopper - Kailua-Kona

4.5

4.5 (3665)

$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

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

Our time at the Fish Hopper was great. We were promptly greeted when we arrived. We had a wonderful meal and the service was excellent. Thank you

Discover more

A photo of Shrimp Trio of a restaurant

A photo of Ultimate Seafood Pasta of a restaurant

Ultimate Seafood Pasta

A photo of Kona Brew Fish and Chips of a restaurant

Kona Brew Fish and Chips

A photo of Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar restaurant

Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar

4.5

4.5 (1986)

$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

F

FloydVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Definitely a favorite go to in Kona, Papa Kona’s never disappoints! Had a wonderful sunset dinner with outstanding fresh caught fish while watching a cruise ship heading out to sea!

Discover more

A photo of Fish Tacos of a restaurant

A photo of Avocado Fries of a restaurant

A photo of 12 Oz Pork Chop of a restaurant

12 Oz Pork Chop

A photo of Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill restaurant

Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill

4.4

4.4 (4809)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

Roy's Waikoloa is an upbeat resort casual restaurant featuring Hawaii inspired Euro-Asian cuisine. European cooking techniques with an emphasis on local ingredients and bold flavors. An extensive "food friendly" wine list is also available.

Top review

H

HowardVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Can’t say enough good things about this place. Great food, great service and lot’s of new and exciting things on the menu. Brandon is doing a great job with this restaurant and should be recognized for it.

Discover more

A photo of Meatloaf of a restaurant

A photo of Brussel Sprouts of a restaurant

Brussel Sprouts

A photo of Ahi Poke Nachos of a restaurant

Ahi Poke Nachos

A photo of Noio - Four Seasons Resort Hualalai restaurant

Noio - Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

4.2

4.2 (5)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Kaupulehu

About the restaurant

NOIO, a new sushi restaurant in Kona, is located oceanfront on the second floor and features unobstructed views of the Pacific ocean. The crowned jewel at Noio is the omakase sushi experience, where guests are guided through Sushi Chef Nuri Piccio’s nightly menu of the freshest fish and Japanese dishes. The 12-seat omakase counter is the main feature of the restaurant but the space also includes 65 seats for ala carte dining. Reservations are available online or by calling our reservation number. The restaurant is located within Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Valet parking is offered by the hotel.

Top review

S

spencerVIP

Dined on Mar 17, 2025

Newly opened 3 months! On 2nd floor. Fish are fresh and tasty! However the serving sequences sre not right! Understaff for servicing.

A photo of Kenichi Pacific restaurant

Kenichi Pacific

4.1

4.1 (1557)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Kenichi Pacific, where your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey! Located in the heart of Kailua Kona, HI, Big Island we pride ourselves on serving the freshest sushi, steak, seafood, meticulously crafted cocktails from locally sourced ingredients. Our menu is a celebration of flavor, featuring daily sushi & fish specials, that showcase the finest catch of the day, as well as unique Chef specials that highlight seasonal ingredients. Each dish is a masterpiece, designed to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience.
At Kenichi Pacific, we believe that great food deserves a great atmosphere. Enjoy our inviting setting, where friendly service meets a vibrant ambiance, perfect for intimate dinners or lively gatherings with friends and family. Join us for a culinary adventure that promises not just a meal, but an amazing experience from Chef Massella and team!

Top review

B

Brian

Dined 1 day ago

I had the 8 oz. Filet Mignon cooked medium rare. It cuts like butter and very tender. It came with 4 shishito peppers. Sides are extra, and so I had a mixture of mushrooms. I had 2 unagi nigiri to start with and these were delicious.

Discover more

A photo of Seafood Trio of a restaurant

A photo of Sashimi Dinner GF of a restaurant

Sashimi Dinner GF

Explore Diners' Choice best of Hawaii / Big Island

Best Overall

Best Food

Best Service

Best Ambiance

Best Value

Explore more Diners' Choice lists

Discover

OpenTable

About Us
Blog
Careers
Press

More

OpenTable for iOS
OpenTable for Android
Affiliate Program
Contact Us

Our sites

Businesses

Restaurant reservation software
Industry insights
Hospitality resources
Marketing resources
Operation resources
How to open a restaurant
For restaurants
For restaurant groups

Join us on

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Cookie Preferences

Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.

OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.