현지 스카우트가 가는 맛집 8곳
Kailua-Kona
Da Poke Shack (Kailua-Kona) — the best poke in Kona and consistently rated among the best on the island. Small counter, limited daily batches — arrive before noon or it sells out; closed Saturday and Sunday. Ahi shoyu and spicy ahi are the moves. Take it to the seawall.
Kailua-Kona
Huggo's on the Rocks (Kailua-Kona, on Alii Dr) — toes in the lava, drinks in hand as the sun drops into the Pacific. Not the strongest menu but the location is the point: an open-air bar built directly on the volcanic rock above the water. The best sunset drink spot in Kona. Go for drinks, not dinner.
Kailua-Kona
Island Lava Java (Kailua-Kona, Ali'i Drive) — oceanfront cafe with local Kona coffee. Eggs Benedict with Portuguese sausage and macadamia nut pancakes are essential. Best breakfast in Kona with open-air ocean seating.
Captain Cook
The Coffee Shack (Captain Cook, on Hwy 11) — breakfast and lunch with one of the best views of any restaurant in Hawaii: a cliff-edge terrace looking directly down over Captain Cook Bay from 1,200 feet. Eggs, sandwiches, and genuinely good coffee from the farms below. Closed Wednesdays. ~15 min from Kealakekua Bay.
Hilo
Hilo Farmers Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays, corner of Mamo St and Kamehameha Ave) — the best farmers market in Hawaii for local atmosphere and product quality. Arrive by 8am for the best produce and the fewest people. Wednesday is larger than Saturday. Buy fresh coconuts, rambutan, lychee (in season), and watch the prices drop to half what they are in Kona.
Hilo
Ken's House of Pancakes (Hilo) — the local institution; no longer 24 hours since 2020, now daily 6am–9pm. Order the Portuguese sausage omelette with rice. Enormous portions at astonishing prices. Cash preferred but cards accepted.
Waimea
Merriman's Waimea — Peter Merriman pioneered Hawaii Regional Cuisine here in 1988. Lunch features produce from nearby farms (Hamakua tomatoes, Waimea goat cheese, Kahua Ranch lamb). Book ahead; Waimea is a popular day trip from the resorts.
Hilo
Sweet Cane Café (Hilo, near downtown) — the best healthy breakfast and lunch in Hilo. Smoothies, açaí bowls, fresh juices, and rice bowls using local ingredients. Low prices, welcoming atmosphere, popular with locals. Go before the Hilo Farmers Market on Tuesdays or Saturdays.