7 Farm-To-Table Gems on Big Island, Hawai’i
At first glance, Big Island wouldn’t typically be on anyone’s radar for a lively food scene. Thankfully I was connected to a lot of these experiences throughout my time living there and I’m happy to share these amazing gems with you.
Big Island, Hawai’i has a prominent agriculture scene and it’s amazing to see the restaurant industry taking advantage of the access to these unique ingredients. Big Island has some of the most diverse crops growing here out of all the Hawaiian Islands which allow for creativity and innovation in the kitchen.
I’ve concluded a list of farm-to-table dining options with an emphasis on local sourcing ranging from casual cafes to 9-course elevated dining experiences.
Starseed Ranch Farm-to-table Dinner
In my opinion, no resort on these islands will give you a more unique dining experience than these incredible farms growing exotic fruits right on the island. It’s hard to even find experiences like these where almost every ingredient is sourced locally and grown right on the property. With the consistent weather and long growing seasons, farm fresh food is accessible year-round. Starseed Ranch is a 26-acre regenerative farm with gorgeous Polynesian-style architecture. It is located along the Kohala Coast, some of the most sacred lands to the Hawaiian people. My favorite aspect of Starseed Ranch is its incorporation of Hawaiian canoe crops in every meal and its commitment to sustaining Hawaiian agriculture. They run a farmer residency program for those who are interested in learning permaculture methods and sustainable agriculture. They grow many different varieties of Kalo (taro) including heirloom variety that are difficult to grow. Before your dinner they will also give you a short tour of the farm so you can see all the unique crops and growing methods. They also have lodging accommodations if you’re looking for an authentic place to stay while visiting the Big Island.
Click here to book at Starseed Ranch
Na’au Hilo
Na’au Hilo is by far the most elevated and upscale farm-to-table dinner experience on Big Island. Chef Brian Hirata is a culinary mastermind with 40 years of experience and a 2023 and 2022 James Beard Award Finalist. Growing up on the Hawaiian Islands, Hirata has a deeprooted connection to the land and aims to preserve Hawaii’s food culture by using traditional ingredients and foraging for native species that have been used for centuries. The setting on the back patio of a farmhouse was relatively casual, but the food was elevated and meaningful. Just about every single ingredient came straight from the island, from the wild ferns, volcanic ‘Ohelo berries, to the grass-fed beef and fish harvested from local fisherman. We went with the 7-course option and it was plenty to make me feel beyond satisfied (and it is truly worth every penny!). The flavors were so perfectly complimentary of one another and it truly felt like a Michelin star experience.
Click here to book at Na’au Hilo
Mauka to Makai Eatery
For a true taste of the Hawaiian islands, Chef Justin incorporates traditional flavors as well as new and innovative dishes. Majority of the items on the menu come from the island from locally sourced fish to grass-fed beef of the Big Island. Each dish has so much thought put into every little detail and Chef Justin does an incredible job explaining each dish to you. One of my favorite aspects of the farm is how authentic the experience is. The setting is a casual gazebo overlooking the southern coast of the island and it is surrounded by untouched raw nature. Nothing is manicured about this farm as nature intended. One of my favorite spots to sit is their thoughtfully curated bench surrounded by lavender that overlooks the ocean. The owners, Justin & Jasmin acquired this land from a wilderness therapy program, and before that, it was owned by Hawaiian royalty. They have worked so hard to restore the land and it shows with their dinner presentation. If you don’t have the opportunity to dine at the farm-to-table dinner, be sure to check out their food truck selling delicious premium grass-fed burgers on the Big Island!
Click here to book at Mauka to Makai Eatery
Harmoni Foods
I was so fortunate to stumble upon this cafe as I was casually passing through the charming town of Honoka’a, because it blew my mind. I hadn’t tried much Korean food prior to Harmoni Foods but now the bar has been set very high. Susie, the chef behind the counter puts so much love and care into every ingredient. She only sources locally and with her previous chef experience at the 4seasons she is particular about her ingredients only choosing the best of the best. From Big Island grass-fed beef to her favorite Oahu pasture raised eggs, she without a doubt provides high quality meals. She makes her own gochujang sauce, kimichi, only cooks in avocado oil and makes every meal to order, all while sharing stories and conversation through the window to her kitchen. The bimbimbap bowls are my favorite and in my opinion this is a MUST see when driving Hamakua coast!
Click here for directions to Harmoni Foods
Waimea Butcher Shop
Thankfully a friend pointed out to me that this was beyond a butcher shop otherwise I would’ve missed out on the most life changing burger and cheesesteak in my entire life. As you might assume, a butcher shop in Waimea has some of the most premium cuts of grass-fed beef on all of Big Island, so it only makes sense to sell high quality meat-curated food. This casual butcher shop/burger/sandwich joint is not to be missed when passing through Waimea. As of 2022, Waimea Butcher Shop has worked with hundreds of ranches, farmers, chefs, restaurants, and other local businesses helping to support the island by showcasing quality local products. They are firmly committed to promoting other local businesses as they sell other awesome products such as local chocolate, vinegars, beer and they even have a nice whiskey collection for tasting.
Click here to order ahead or check out the menu
FORC
Right in the heart of downtown Waimea, FORC should be on anyone’s list of good quality Hawaiian cuisine. Chef Allen is modernizing Hawai’i Regional cuisine but preserving its locally sourced, farm-to-table practices. One of my favorite dishes there was the more modern version of traditional Hawaiian Lau Lau. This traditional dish of pork wrapped in taro leaves is taken to another level at this restaurant. At FORC, they are focused on sourcing locally from fisherman, ranchers and farmers.
Click here to book a reservation or check out the menu
Moon and Turtle
Earning rave reviews for its daily changing, ocean-to-table small plates, this sweet little spot justifies a trip if you're not staying in Hilo. The plates are truly inventive, blending the best of Hawaiian ingredients with Asian flavors, and they always sell the best of what's available. This translates to only having enough for a few of some plates and reservations are recommended. The chef-owner Mark Pomaski got his training from Roy Yamaguchi of Roy’s restaurant fame, so the mastery makes sense. Their priority is locally sourced seafood which keeps the menu fresh and exciting.
Click here for directions or to call and make a reservation
FAQ
What agriculture is in Hawai’i?
Hawaii's agriculture is incredibly diverse, reflecting the state's unique climate and geography. Here's a snapshot of some key agricultural products and sectors in Hawaii:
Tropical Fruits
Pineapples: Hawaii is renowned for its sweet and juicy pineapples, once a dominant export which can be found on Maui.
Papayas: Another popular tropical fruit grown extensively in Hawaii.
Bananas and Mangos: Commonly grown in the warm climate of the islands.
Coffee
Kona Coffee: World-famous for its rich flavor, Kona coffee is grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa on the Big Island.
Ka’u Coffee: The southern region of Big Island offers award winning beans with unique flavor.
Nuts
Macadamia Nuts: Hawaii is a major producer of these rich, buttery nuts, particularly on the Big Island.
Sugarcane and Pineapple Plantations
Historically, these were the dominant crops, but their production has significantly declined due to high costs and competition.
Flowers and Ornamentals
Tropical Flowers: Including orchids, anthuriums, and proteas, which are exported globally.
Foliage Plants: Such as palms and ferns, popular in landscaping.
Vegetables
Root Vegetables: Including taro, a traditional Hawaiian staple used to make poi.
Livestock
Cattle: Beef production is significant, particularly on the Big Island's large ranches.
Poultry and Eggs: Locally produced for Hawaii's markets.
Other Notable Crops
Cacao: For chocolate production, increasingly popular.
Tea: Grown on a smaller scale but gaining recognition.
Vanilla: Grown in specialty farms, adding to Hawaii's diverse agricultural profile.
Hawaii's agricultural sector is not just about food but also contributes to the local economy through agritourism, inviting visitors to experience farm tours, tastings, and farm-to-table dining. The emphasis on sustainability and organic farming is growing, reflecting a global trend and the state's unique environmental needs.
What is grown on Big Island?
Big Island is one of the most diverse islands for growing food because it contains 11 out of the 13 microclimates in the world. Most tropical fruits are grown there but they are also notorious for their coffee, mangoes and durian.
What edible plants are native to Hawai’i?
There are quite a few however the ones you will see more of today are the Hapu’u ferns, ‘Ohelo volcanic berries & ‘Akulikuli succulent. Most other notorious crops like taro (kalo) or breadfruit (‘ulu) were brought here by the polynesians and are considered two of the many canoe crops.
What is Hawai’i traditional food?
Traditional Hawaiian food consist of kalua pig, lau lau, kalo (taro), ‘ulu (breadfruit), poke, opihi, luau stew, haupia, kulolo and awa (kava).
