When people think of Hawaii they typically think of Maui or Oahu. But for those looking for a more authentic and less touristy, run-of-the-mill experience, the Kohala Coast should be your next destination. Away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger and more populated islands, Kona is considered one of the most cultural and spiritual places in Hawaii filled with jet-black lava rock fields, a currently active volcano and of course, good eats. Here are nine spots you have to try on the Kohala Coast:
1. Merriman’s
65-1227B Opelo Rd,
Waimea, HI 96743
(808) 885-6822
Merriman’s famous Wok Charred Ahi
Photo: Kristie Hang
Merriman’s is the Big Island’s most popular high-end restaurant and rightfully so. Located in the inland town of Waimea, Merriman’s is a scenic must-stop when driving between Hilo and Kona. Executive Chef Peter Merriman—a three-time James Beard Award nominee—has been a pioneer of supporting the community by sourcing locally and sustainably for more than 25 years. His close relationships with local growers, farmers, and fishers are what make his food some of the freshest around. Chef Peter and his staff often use 90 percent fresh, local ingredients for their dishes, a standard that is unsurpassed even with the popularity of farm-to-table food cuisine these days. The menu changes to reflect what’s in season and what the farmers are bringing in. Merriman’s cuisine is centered around simplicity and letting the quality ingredients shine through.
Signature dishes include Kahua range-raised lamb, Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, Yukon Gold Jalapeno Whipped Potatoes, Prime Bone-in New York Steak, grass fed and marinated with Sichuan Peppercorn rub, among others. To get the best bang for your buck and stomach, order the Shared Dinner option where each of your guests will be able to taste 13 of Chef Merriman’s best dishes family style. There’ll be so much food that you’ll be going home with lots of leftovers, but don’t forget to leave room for their Pineapple Bread Pudding and Chocolate and Chocolate Oblivion Torte dessert.
Tip: Reservations are a must. The restaurant is consistently fully booked.
2. Umeke’s
75-143 Hualalai Rd, Ste 104?
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808) 329-3050
Umeke’s is a no-frills poke shop located in a small shopping plaza. There’s nothing fancy. You walk in, order, grab and go. But make no mistake about it, you can’t get fresher poke than Umeke’s. The fish is caught off shores on the island and always fresh. Behind the counter, you’ll see employees carving huge yellow fin tuna. Umeke’s has the typical shoyu poke as well as rotating specials of the day. Their spicy poke known as “Da Hottie” has a smoky chipotle kick and is a real crowd pleaser. For those that want a poke bowl, you can get two scoops or white or brown rice/quinoa and a side. Don’t forget Umeke’s homemade lemonade and strawberry lemonade.
Tip: For those that want to bypass the line, Umeke’s does call-in orders.
3. Copper Bar
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr,
Waimea, HI 96743
(808) 882-7222
Photo: Kristie Hang
Newly remodeled in 2016, the Copper Bar’s multi-million dollar renovation includes an elongated bar and panoramic view of Kaunaoa Bay. Located in the beautiful Mauna Kea Beach Hotel designed by Laurance S. Rockefeller, the space is decorated with copper accents and marine rope as well as a triptych painted by local artist Solomon Enos.
Dinner or late night drinks at Copper Bar are a must. The menu consists of must-order dishes like Spicy Macadamia Nuts with cayenne, cumin, and garlic, Thick Cut Bacon marinated with Sichuan pepper and wasabi aioli, Kung Pao Ahi, as well as a number of unique sushi rolls prepared with fish caught nearby. The bar also serves specialty cocktails, made with local and exotic ingredients, as well as tap beer and wine. Their signature Mauna Kea Mule is made with house-made ginger beer, Pau Vodka, fresh lime, soda and a dash of bitters, and served in an appropriately themed custom copper mug. There’s also live music and hula dancing at night.
Tip: Don’t forget to walk next door to the lookout where the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel shines floodlights into the water to attract Manta rays. You’ll see huge manta ray swimming and gliding alongside snorkelers at night.
Chef Allan Nagun’s grilled rack of lamb with Mongolian BBQ glaze, roasted kabocha, local vegetables, sizzling pepper aioli and micro herb salad. 
Original Big Island Shave Ice’s popular Halo Halo shaved iced combination. 
Island Gourmet Markets has a poke bar with a number of choices. -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
