Best Fine Dining in Waikoloa 2023 [Avoid Tourist Traps]

The last time we visited Waikoloa, we were with some friends. We had an amazing time.

That’s why when my boyfriend got some time off work, we knew Waikoloa was the right destination for us!

We are big food lovers (and self-proclaimed foodies), so on this trip, we ate at some of the most prestigious high-end restaurants the island offers.

We tried them all, including BBQ, Japanese, Hawaiian, and fusion-influenced restaurants serving the best and freshest food. We saw some amazing views from beautifully set up tables and enjoyed romantic sunsets with some fine wine.

We honestly tried it all and are sharing the results!

I’ve listed the best four restaurants based on food quality, menu options, service, restaurant vibe, and venue.

Here is the must-visit list!

What Will I Learn? show

#1. Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club – Best Secluded Fine Dining in Waikoloa Village with a Beach View

This restaurant is truly a treasure for the whole island. They serve sustainable foods prepared by a renowned chef and present them like art. They are located at the beachfront location at Kalahuipua’a, Mauna Lani Resort. Outside seating looked onto the beach; it was the perfect spot to watch the sunset with our dinner.

We arrived a little early for your reservation but were seated quickly. The waiter was very attentive and brought our drinks quickly. The wine list was endless, and we opted for a bottle of Chappellet Mountain Cuvee. They lit large tiki torches at sunset, and the yard looked amazing (very romantic!)

We had so much food. My boyfriend loved the rib eye and shrimp with garlic mashed potatoes and truffle chive butter. The steak was perfectly done, and the portion was bigger than in some other restaurants. My favorite was the crusted Ahi with roasted asparagus, cucumber mango relish, and jasmine rice. The fish was perfectly done. It was a beautiful thick piece that melted in my mouth.

The coconut cake was very moist and sticky, which I loved.

The perfect way to end the night is by taking a walk on the beach. Picture perfect!

The Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club is not a typical resort restaurant.

It is well worth visiting because:

The food is extremely fresh and very well prepared.
The menu has many options, and a huge wine list is available upon request.
The portions are large with tasty flavor combinations.
The view is beautiful and you can take a walk on the beach.

Address: 68-1292 S Kaniku Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

#2. Brown’s Beach House – Romantic and Luxurious Open-Air Beach Restaurant Waikoloa

This restaurant has a picture-perfect panoramic view. If you time it right, you get a beautiful colorful sunset on the beach, followed by a well-lit romantic evening among palm trees. The dress code is resort casual, but we dressed up a bit.

We were seated quickly at the table I had requested ahead of time. Our server was attentive but didn’t rush us with anything. The menu is extensive (I took forever because I wanted everything!).

As a starter, I had the best-ever coconut red curry lobster bisque. It has a kick of lime and pepper. And my boyfriend had the Ahi Poke with avocado purée and taro chips. It was hard deciding which was better, and we kept sharing everything.

The best part of the meal was the Venison with carrot puree and tamarind sauce. The meat was perfectly sliced, tender, and very juicy! As a side, the cheddar ulu mashed potatoes are creamy and rich. Everything is served with fresh and fluffy dinner rolls (for us bread lovers!)

I will make sure to visit again!

This is a close second choice because:

The menu is large and creative, so everyone finds something they love.
The meat and vegetables are super fresh and perfectly prepared.
The venue is beautiful with a beach setting, and the lighting is summery and romantic.
Service is professional, knowledgeable about their menu, and friendly.

Note: check out their menu and 360 views of the restaurant on their website when you book your reservation! They have a kids’ menu, and kids under 5 eat for free (as I understood the menu). And a Vegan menu.

Address: 1 N Kaniku Dr, Waimea, HI 96743

#3. The CanoeHouse – Best Restaurant in Waikoloa, a Tiki Torch Upscale Date Night Spot

This restaurant is beautiful inside and out. Everything is done and decorated with class and taste. The outside seating area is right on the beach among the palm trees (even the bar overlooks the gorgeous beach!) They lit large tiki torches as the sun set, making the atmosphere romantic and fun.

We didn’t wait to be seated, and our waitress quickly brought our drinks. The menu has a wide selection of Japanese, barbecue, and Hawaiian options. We started with the Radish Salad with Crispy Salmon Skin and Poke Style Sashimi. The fish was fresh and buttery. Everything was perfectly seasoned and highlighted the natural flavors of the protein.

I loved the Big Island Chicken with balsamic teriyaki marinade for the main meal. My boyfriend also enjoyed the Smoked Pork Belly with cabbage and mustard miso. The sauce was so original it left us wanting more!

If you are a mushroom lover (like me), don’t miss the Tatsoi and Oyster Mushrooms with sake and garlic.

We had a few beers with our dinner, which fit the fun beach atmosphere. It isn’t easy to pick out what I love the most about this place. But believe me, my review didn’t do it justice. Everything was exactly how I imagined your perfect dinner date should be.

Visit the locally famous CanoeHouse because:

The food is tasty, fresh, and presented beautifully.
The service is top-notch with fast, informative, and friendly servers.
The outside seating is something out of paradise with a picturesque beach view and perfectly manicured grass and palm trees.

Address: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts, 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, HI 96743

#4. Pueo’s Osteria, LLC – Best Intimate Italian Restaurant

This restaurant offers delicious traditional Italian meals. Even better, it is packaged in a small intimate setting, perfect for some conversation and drinks. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the servers are friendly and smiling. I remember feeling very welcome here.

We had an early dinner reservation, and our table was waiting for us. Our friendly and smiling waitress was quick with drinks and menus. I remember smelling the food from the table behind us and being excited looking through the menu. All the traditional dishes are delicious.

For starters, I highly recommend homemade tomato soup and Arugula salad. They come with traditional home-baked bread and vinaigrette, which was also excellent. The portions were large, and the food tasted warm and flavorful.

We also tried the Spinach Fettuccine with organic chicken, local mushrooms, porcini, kale, leeks, truffle oil, and roasted pistachios. It was perfectly done, and the flavor combinations were vibrant and savory.

For dessert, I had the Flourless Chocolate Torte (a rich, creamy, and slightly tart chocolate goodness!)

Here’s why you will love this place:

It’s a great change of menu and tastes compared to most of the offers in the city.
The meals are rich in flavor and full of fresh ingredients.
The service is well-informed, friendly, and efficient.
They have gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Address: 68-1845 Waikoloa Rd, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

Conclusion on the best fine dining restaurants in Waikoloa:

Waikoloa is a wonderful couple’s destination with amazing food. The restaurant options are endless, with fresh catch seafood, local produce, and some remarkable views (prime sunset viewing restaurants!)

Whichever location you visit from my list, you won’t be disappointed.

Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club is your location for delicious food, large portions, and a panoramic beach view.

Brown’s Beach House is a romantic and luxurious place to watch the sunset.

The CanoeHouse has stood the test of time with Asian influences, an upscale menu, and ocean front view.

Pueo’s Osteria, LLC is the go-to for Italian!

These fantastic restaurants never disappoint. So enjoy!

Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by Brigitte