Kohala Coast Restaurants

Even if you’re not staying at hotel Mauna Kea, you should come to its flagship restaurant, Manta, for dinner. It’s an especially good date-night spot, with stunning views of Kaunaoa Beach and an admirable wine-by-the-glass list. And this is one of those restaurants where you have to order dessert: Make it Manta's famous chocolate soufflé.

The CanoeHouse is the excellent oceanfront restaurant of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection complete with an open-air dining room and outdoor patio overlooking the Pacific. Helmed by husband-and-wife duo Matt and Yuka Raso the menu draws heavily on local ingredients infused with a Japanese influence (nearly everything on the chef’s optional tasting menu is sourced from the Big Island). We're especially partial to the Kona kanpachi, grilled Big Island hearts of palm, and outrageously good tuna warayaki.