Near the center of Hawaii’s Big Island is the towering sacred volcano, Mauna Kea. On the island’s western coast is the unparalleled vacation haven named after this lofty landmark, the Mauna Kea Resort. Locals and travelers from all over the world come to this exclusive destination to dine, play, socialize, and golf to their heart’s content, all surrounded by lush, verdant greenspace with excellent waterfront views.
This extravagant, sprawling resort is also home to a variety of decadent restaurants. Culinary enthusiasts are transported to a flavor-packed oasis inside the locale’s bars, fine dining institutions, popular lounges, and laidback eateries. If you wish to take advantage of the area’s delectable entrees, uniquely crafted cocktails, and delicious deserts, here are some of the best restaurants in Mauna Kea Resort to visit before, during, or after a long day of soaking in the natural beauty, radiant sun, and inimitable beaches of the Big Island.
1. Copper Bar
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Savor light tapas or dig into a satisfying entree while you sip an expertly mixed cocktail, fittingly paired wine, or a beer on tap at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s Copper Bar. This chic and stunning bar boasts an impressive menu of culinary feats such as flatbreads, burgers, salads, sushi, and sashimi made farm-to-table for maximum freshness. Take in the inspiring ocean views or enjoy traditional hula music and dance while you experience a taste of fresh Hawaiian ingredients at this popular resort destination.
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Savor light tapas or dig into a satisfying entree while you sip an expertly mixed cocktail, fittingly paired wine, or a beer on tap at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s Copper Bar. This chic and stunning bar boasts an impressive menu of culinary feats such as flatbreads, burgers, salads, sushi, and sashimi made farm-to-table for maximum freshness. Take in the inspiring ocean views or enjoy traditional hula music and dance while you experience a taste of fresh Hawaiian ingredients at this popular resort destination.
2. Hau Tree
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Stop for a light lunch or dinner with drinks at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s very own Hau Tree. This open-air, oceanside restaurant offers a grand mix of Hawaiian fusion and American classics, such as sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and salads, along with a wide selection of ice cream, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Before leaving, grab a cocktail or local craft beer to end your stay on a high note.
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Stop for a light lunch or dinner with drinks at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s very own Hau Tree. This open-air, oceanside restaurant offers a grand mix of Hawaiian fusion and American classics, such as sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and salads, along with a wide selection of ice cream, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Before leaving, grab a cocktail or local craft beer to end your stay on a high note.
3. ‘Ikena Landing
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Start your day at Mauna Kea Resort with casual dining at ‘Ikena Landing. While there will be plenty of options for you to enjoy fine dining with candle-lit meals and cocktail pairings during your stay, it’s nice to begin with a plentiful helping of comfort fare before setting off on your adventure-packed day. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast buffet, custom egg and cheese omelets, numerous healthy and hearty options, fresh fruit, and an a la carte menu.
62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Start your day at Mauna Kea Resort with casual dining at ‘Ikena Landing. While there will be plenty of options for you to enjoy fine dining with candle-lit meals and cocktail pairings during your stay, it’s nice to begin with a plentiful helping of comfort fare before setting off on your adventure-packed day. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast buffet, custom egg and cheese omelets, numerous healthy and hearty options, fresh fruit, and an a la carte menu.
4. Lū’au
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Perhaps the beating heart of the resort is Lū’au. This beloved destination on the hotel’s grounds delights guests with its authentic taste of the Island’s favorite dishes and ingredients. This top-rated restaurant pulls out all of the stops with its premier Hawaiian experience. Savor decadent traditional cuisine, including kālua pig, lomi salmon, fresh sashimi, and other mouth-watering dishes, discover unique meals made with Pacific seafood and served alongside luscious pineapple and papaya, or find yourself entranced by traditional music and dance as you experience the very best of the island’s cuisine at this stunning restaurant.
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Perhaps the beating heart of the resort is Lū’au. This beloved destination on the hotel’s grounds delights guests with its authentic taste of the Island’s favorite dishes and ingredients. This top-rated restaurant pulls out all of the stops with its premier Hawaiian experience. Savor decadent traditional cuisine, including kālua pig, lomi salmon, fresh sashimi, and other mouth-watering dishes, discover unique meals made with Pacific seafood and served alongside luscious pineapple and papaya, or find yourself entranced by traditional music and dance as you experience the very best of the island’s cuisine at this stunning restaurant.
5. Manta
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Manta is a resort destination offering breakfast to kick off a relaxing day of fun — or dinner to top it off. Soak up incredible jaw-dropping views of Kauna’oa Bay as you enjoy a top-notch breakfast served alongside Kona coffee in the open air. Be sure to come back for dinner, as you’ll enjoy the sounds of live jazz at the Manta Lounge.
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Manta is a resort destination offering breakfast to kick off a relaxing day of fun — or dinner to top it off. Soak up incredible jaw-dropping views of Kauna’oa Bay as you enjoy a top-notch breakfast served alongside Kona coffee in the open air. Be sure to come back for dinner, as you’ll enjoy the sounds of live jazz at the Manta Lounge.
6. Meridia
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Meridia is Mauna Kea’s esteemed Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with a local twist. Enjoy Mediterranean-style cuisine crafted with ingredients sourced from the surrounding area on the Big Island, including Meridia’s own vegetable garden. Meridia is the ideal place to try dishes you already love, made in a way you’ve never tried before.
62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Meridia is Mauna Kea’s esteemed Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with a local twist. Enjoy Mediterranean-style cuisine crafted with ingredients sourced from the surrounding area on the Big Island, including Meridia’s own vegetable garden. Meridia is the ideal place to try dishes you already love, made in a way you’ve never tried before.
7. Naupaka Beach Grill
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Enjoy a laidback afternoon or evening of casual dining at Naupaka Beach Grill. Located within a stone’s throw of the resort’s jaw-dropping shoreline, Naupaka Beach Grill is the perfect spot to delight in classic, simple options for lunch and dinner with quality ingredients and excellent presentation. Choose from burgers, sandwiches, salads, poke nachos, and more at Westin’s premier grill, and pair your entree with a cold local craft brew or a cocktail.
62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Enjoy a laidback afternoon or evening of casual dining at Naupaka Beach Grill. Located within a stone’s throw of the resort’s jaw-dropping shoreline, Naupaka Beach Grill is the perfect spot to delight in classic, simple options for lunch and dinner with quality ingredients and excellent presentation. Choose from burgers, sandwiches, salads, poke nachos, and more at Westin’s premier grill, and pair your entree with a cold local craft brew or a cocktail.
8. Number 3
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Taste the fresh flavors of the islands with local cuisine at Number 3. This relaxed, open-air golf course-adjacent restaurant is great for golfers who want to grab a bite to eat before or after the game or those who seek a tranquil spot offering quality, fresh ingredients. As if the restaurant’s menu isn’t impressive enough, the location also features bocce courts, providing ample opportunities for guests who want to learn more about the time-honored game. Enjoy a competitive game with loved ones, and afterward, order fresh-caught fish tacos or grass-fed burgers from the menu and wash them down with a fruit smoothie, a cocktail, or a local brew on tap.
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Taste the fresh flavors of the islands with local cuisine at Number 3. This relaxed, open-air golf course-adjacent restaurant is great for golfers who want to grab a bite to eat before or after the game or those who seek a tranquil spot offering quality, fresh ingredients. As if the restaurant’s menu isn’t impressive enough, the location also features bocce courts, providing ample opportunities for guests who want to learn more about the time-honored game. Enjoy a competitive game with loved ones, and afterward, order fresh-caught fish tacos or grass-fed burgers from the menu and wash them down with a fruit smoothie, a cocktail, or a local brew on tap.
Other options
In addition to the fantastic options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner among the best restaurants in Mauna Kea Resort, there are several spots to stop for a quick snack or grab something to go. In addition to Piko Coffee + Bar, there’s the Mauna Kea Market at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Plumeria Market at the Westin. In addition to a variety of snacks, drinks, and refreshments, you’ll find local gifts, souvenirs, and even apparel.
Coming home to Mauna Kea
Elevate your stay with various dining experiences among the best restaurants in Mauna Kea Resort during your vacation. If you find yourself falling in love with the shining sands, lapping waves, and tropical foliage growing in the shade of the Mauna Kea volcano, Hawaii could be more than a vacation for you. Unlike anything you’ll find in the continental U.S., Hawaii’s homes will change how you think about real estate.
If you’d like to look at homes for sale near Mauna Kea Resort, local agent Carrie Nicholson would love to show you the exciting opportunities available. Her portfolio of luxury properties includes plush homes and premium tracts of land in some of the area’s best neighborhoods, including Kealakekua, Kailua-Kona, and more. Reach out to Carrie Nicholson to get a taste of Hawaiian living in the shade of Mauna Kea.
If you’d like to look at homes for sale near Mauna Kea Resort, local agent Carrie Nicholson would love to show you the exciting opportunities available. Her portfolio of luxury properties includes plush homes and premium tracts of land in some of the area’s best neighborhoods, including Kealakekua, Kailua-Kona, and more. Reach out to Carrie Nicholson to get a taste of Hawaiian living in the shade of Mauna Kea.
