Where to eat on Hawaii’s Big Island

Eating like a local in Hawaii can be exhilarating, said Shane Mitchell in Saveur. Particularly on the island of Hawaii itself—the so-called Big Island—it’s often possible to identify “two or three well-defined culinary traditions” on any given plate set before you. The way that Hawaiians cook and eat today reflects three distinct waves of settlement—the original Polynesian seafarers, the Europeans who arrived in the 18th century, and the Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian immigrants who came later. Be sure to try these local favorites.

Hawaiian Style Cafe

It may be located in a strip mall, but no diner on the Big Island serves more generous portions. For lunch try the Hawaiian Plate—a choice of three local specialties, including huli-huli (Hawaiian barbecue) chicken. “Don’t miss the oxtail soup when it’s available.” 64-1290 Kawaihae Road, Waimea, (808) 885-4295

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Manago Hotel

Popular with locals, who “know the daily specials by heart,” including shrimp sauté, pan-fried pork chops, and miso black cod. 82-6155 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook, (808) 323-2642

Teshima’s

Only fresh local ingredients are used in “simply prepared Japanese-Hawaiian dishes,” such as the sautéed ahi tuna and fried-rice omelet. “Save room for a slice of homemade custard pie.” 79-7251 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, (808) 322-9140