Prices are per person for a main course at dinner.

In resort restaurants along the Kohala Coast, upscale eateries in Waimea, and elsewhere, cutting-edge chefs cook with the freshest local produce, fish, and herbs, creating intriguing blends of flavors that reflect the island's varied ethnic backgrounds.

All along Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona, sunny little cafés with indoor-outdoor seating serve numerous cuisines as well as regular American and Hawai'i regional food. Hotels along the Kohala Coast invest in top chefs. Kawaihae Harbor offers some fun choices, and upcountry Waimea also has good restaurants. Although Hilo's dining scene may seem less exciting, restaurants are often inexpensive family places where good, substantial food makes up for lack of atmosphere.