Waimea, HI Travel Guide

Highly Rated Restaurants and Cafes

Waimea has a rich culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes offering delicious food and drinks. Here are some of the top-rated options:

Fairmont Orchid – Hawaii restaurant is a top-rated restaurant located at 1 North Kaniku Drive. With a rating of 4.6 stars and over 2500 reviews, this restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a focus on local ingredients. They offer a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, steak, and vegetarian options. The restaurant also has a beautiful oceanfront view, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

Merriman’s Restaurant is another highly rated option, located at 65-1227 Opelo Road. With a rating of 4.5 stars and over 1200 reviews, this restaurant offers a farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients. They offer a variety of dishes, including fresh fish, steak, and vegetarian options. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor seating area with views of the mountains.

For a more casual dining experience, check out Big Island Brewhaus located at 64-1066 Mamalahoa Hwy. With a rating of 4.5 stars and over 1000 reviews, this restaurant offers delicious pub fare and locally brewed beer. They offer a variety of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant also has a cozy and laid-back atmosphere, making it a great spot to grab a bite with friends.

• Make sure to make a reservation in advance for Fairmont Orchid – Hawaii restaurant, as it can get busy.
• Try the fresh catch of the day at Merriman’s Restaurant for a true taste of local seafood.
• Don’t miss out on trying the locally brewed beer at Big Island Brewhaus.

Pro-tips

For a unique dining experience, check out the weekly farmers market in Waimea, where you can find fresh produce and local food vendors.

Did You Know?

The Big Island is home to a variety of unique fruits, including lilikoi (passionfruit), rambutan, and lychee. Make sure to try them while you’re in Waimea!

Local Cuisine and Street Food

Waimea is a foodie’s paradise, with a variety of options ranging from high-end restaurants to local food trucks. One must-try cuisine in Waimea is Hawaiian cuisine, which is a fusion of different cultures and flavors.

For a fine dining experience, head to the Fairmont Orchid’s Hawaii Restaurant. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and Hawaiian flavors. Their menu includes dishes like macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi and grilled Kona lobster tail. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 and over 2500 reviews, this restaurant is a must-visit for foodies.

If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, head to Tex Drive In for their famous malasadas. These Portuguese doughnuts are a local favorite and come in a variety of flavors like cinnamon sugar and guava. With over 3000 reviews and a rating of 4.5 out of 5, Tex Drive In is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

For some delicious street food, head to Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck for their famous garlic shrimp. This food truck has been serving up fresh shrimp dishes for over 20 years and has become a local favorite. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 and over 4000 reviews, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is a must-visit for anyone looking for some delicious and affordable street food.

• Other must-try local cuisines include poke bowls, spam musubi, and loco moco.

Pro-tips

Try the Hawaiian Plate Lunch at Pau Hana Market for a taste of traditional Hawaiian cuisine.

Did You Know?

Spam musubi, a popular local snack, is a slice of grilled spam on top of a block of rice, wrapped in seaweed.

Conclusion

Waimea, HI is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and sustainable businesses. From exploring the Waimea Canyon to indulging in local cuisine, there is something for everyone in this charming town.

One of the must-visit places in Waimea is the Fairmont Orchid – Hawaii. This luxurious resort offers stunning ocean views, world-class amenities, and exceptional service. Whether you want to relax on the beach, play a round of golf, or indulge in a spa treatment, the Fairmont Orchid – Hawaii has it all.

But Waimea is not just about big businesses and luxury resorts. It’s also about supporting local businesses and exploring hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir, a delicious meal, or a cultural experience, Waimea has plenty of options to choose from.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Waimea, HI for an unforgettable travel experience.

Pro-tip

Try the shave ice at JoJo’s Shave Ice for a refreshing treat on a hot day.

Did You Know?

Waimea is home to the Parker Ranch, one of the largest and oldest cattle ranches in the United States.

Waimea, HI Itinerary

Discover the beauty of Waimea, Hawaii with this 3-day itinerary, filled with breathtaking sights, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences. Explore the lush landscapes, relax on pristine beaches, and indulge in the rich culture of this tropical paradise.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your Waimea adventure by settling into your accommodations and exploring the local area. Enjoy a delicious meal at the Fairmont Orchid, take a scenic walk, and end the day with a beautiful sunset.

Morning

• Arrival in Waimea – Check into your accommodations and get settled.
• Breakfast at Fairmont Orchid – Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, located at 1 North Kaniku Drive, Waimea.

Afternoon

• Waimea Valley Walk – Take a leisurely stroll through the lush Waimea Valley, admiring the beautiful flora and fauna.
• Lunch at a local restaurant – Refuel with a tasty meal at a nearby eatery, sampling the local cuisine.
• Waimea Beach Park – Relax on the pristine sands of Waimea Beach Park, taking in the stunning ocean views.

Evening

• Dinner at a local restaurant – Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant, trying out more local flavors.
• Waimea Sunset – End the day by watching the sun set over the beautiful Waimea landscape, a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Day 2: Adventure and Culture

Experience the thrill of Waimea’s outdoor adventures, such as ziplining and horseback riding, before immersing yourself in the rich Hawaiian culture with a visit to the historic Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.

Morning

• Ziplining Adventure – Start your day with an adrenaline rush by ziplining through the lush Waimea canopy.
• Breakfast at a local café – Refuel with a delicious breakfast at a nearby café.

Afternoon

• Horseback Riding – Explore the beautiful Waimea countryside on horseback, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
• Lunch at a local restaurant – Enjoy a tasty meal at a nearby eatery, sampling more local cuisine.
• Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site – Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with a visit to this historic site, learning about the history and significance of the area.

Evening

• Dinner at a local restaurant – Indulge in a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant, trying out more local flavors.
• Evening Entertainment – Enjoy a relaxing evening with live music or a cultural performance at a local venue.

Day 3: Relaxation and Departure

Unwind on your final day in Waimea with a rejuvenating spa treatment before preparing for your departure.

Morning

• Breakfast at a local café – Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café.
• Spa Treatment – Treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment, such as a massage or facial, to rejuvenate before your journey home.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a local restaurant – Savor your final meal in Waimea at a nearby eatery, sampling the last of the local cuisine.
• Departure Preparation – Pack your bags and prepare for your departure from Waimea, taking with you the memories of your unforgettable Hawaiian adventure.