Kristin’s Picks – Big Island’s Best Restaurants and Retail Shops

New York Times-featured real estate agent and Hawaii resident Kristin Fellhauer has compiled her list of favorite local dining and shopping destinations. Join her in exploring the abundant and diverse local food culture. Dining options include traditional savory and sweet favorites to exciting new meal features. Kristin highlights both the amazing farm-to-table specialties and artistic culinary options throughout the region. Below, check our Kristin’s top picks for unique local retail establishments you won’t want to miss.

Big Island, Hawaii’s Best Dining

Whether you’re a visiting foodie or a resident looking for a new taste sensation, be sure to check out the world-class gastronomic features available on the Big Island. Explore traditional organic favorites, delectable gourmet cuisine, fabulous meals prepared by celebrity chefs, and much more at these dining establishments that have earned Kristin’s seal of approval!

The Strawberry Patch Hawaii
Cooked-to-Order Local Specialties
79-7491 Mamalahoa Highway
Kealakekua, Hawaii
Phone: (808) 322-9060

Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai
Hawaiian Heritage Cuisine
78-6831 Alii Drive, Suite 1000
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Phone: (808) 333-3434

Teshima’s Restaurant
Local Japanese-Style Family Favorites Since 1957
79-7251 Mamalahoa Hwy
Kealakekua, Hawaii
Phone: (808) 322-9140

Papa Kona
Breakfast & Brunch With Amazing Views
75-5770 Ali’i Dr
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Phone: (808) 300-0044

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Award-Winning Upscale Dining
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr
Kohala Coast, Hawaii
Phone: (808) 887-0800

Tropics Tap House
Fresh Local Seafood, Family Favorites, and Brews
Keauhou Shopping Ctr.
78-6831 Ali’i Dr. # 135
Kona, Hawaii
Phone: (808) 498-4507

Drinks, Desserts, and Sweet Specialties

Big Island Candies
Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread

Punalu’u Bake Shop
Portuguese Shortbread

Kaleo’s
Lilikoi Cheesecake

Two Ladies Kitchen
Strawberry Mochi *Worth the Trip!

Coffees ‘N Epicurea
Banana Bread
79-7251 Mamalahoa Hwy
Kealakekua, Hawaii
Phone: (808) 322-9140

Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm
Kona Coffee

Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company
Prime Local Macadamia Nuts & Baked Goods

Favorite Markets and Shops – Big Island, Hawaii

Explore Kristin’s favorite boutique shops offering everything from local organic produce, flowers, and honey to quality hand-sewn clothing, body care, and more. These vendors showcase some of the best artistic and edible specialty items on Big Island.

Kokua No-Sting Sun Care
Reef-safe, chemical-free sunscreen

Sig Zane Designs
Beautiful, Unique Clothing Honoring Hawaiian Culture

Simply Sisters Boutique
Fine Hand-Painted and Printed Clothing for Women

Na Makua Designs
Casual Hawaiian Wearable Art Made in the Hawaiian Rainforest

Kira Kamamalu Designs
Handmade Clothing Featuring Maui, Pele, Haloa, and Epic Hawaiian Legends

Coconut Grove Marketplace
Local Shops Offering Practical Goods and Distinctive Gifts

Kona Farmer’s Market
Locally Grown Produce, Arts, Crafts and More

As Hawi Turns
Handmade Jewelry, Clothing, Soaps, and Gifts