Big Island for Foodies – Part 2 – Kamuela (Waimea)

Wondering where to find the best local food in Waimea on the Big Island? I’ve got you covered.

Waimea Coffee Company – 65-1279 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743

Before we get started, let’s take a break with a nice cup of coffee, shall we? A beautiful cup of tasty Big Island coffee from one of the best on the Island, Waimea Coffee Company. Waimea Coffee Company is located in the quaint Parker Square at 65-1279 Kawaihae Road along with a spattering of other retail businesses and offices including our very own Hawaii Life office. If you’re there on  Tuesday, come up and say aloha!  They are open seven days a week from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm and serve an array of specialty coffee drinks, teas, breakfast and lunch.

For breakfast, I can’t stay away from the Breakfast melt, a perfect blend of eggs, bacon, shredded cheese, corn nʼ bean salsa and cilantro dressing, all wrapped up in a tortilla and grilled to hot and crispy perfection. I always ask for an extra side of their homemade secret sauce. Other offerings are bagels made so many ways, hot fresh oatmeal or the unique breakfast salad made with organic local lettuce, corn nʼ bean salsa, tomato, shredded pepper jack, egg, bacon, cilantro dressing and either an egg or a meat choice.

Did I mention they’re open seven days a week?

For lunch you can try one of their salads, sandwiches or grilled offerings. I love the BLT on toasted sourdough with a cup of their daily fresh soup.

And if a meal is not what you’re after, you can not go wrong with a sweet and healthy smoothie or an awesome acai bowl.

In addition to their wonderful food, Waimea Coffee Company sets themselves above the rest with cordial customer service and community vibe.

Their motto is “Good friends, bad habits.” But please, don’t take my word for it. Go see for yourself; you will not be disappointed.

Moa Kitchen – 65-1298 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743

Does anything speak love like a beautiful, warm, rich bowl of ramen? At Moa Kitchen, you can definitely feel the love from their variety of ramens and assorted additional toppings. If you’re like me, you can simply have it all. Order the chicken soup or vegetable broth based ramen Zembu (put them all) and it will come with nori, meatball, cha-su and ajitama (seasoned soft boiled egg).

Moa Kitchen doesn’t stop at ramen, they continue to tantalize your senses with authentic Japanese sushi made in the traditional method with the best ingredients. What goes well with ramen and sushi? You guessed it, meat on a stick. Don’t forget to add a few yakitori to compliment your ramen. Moa means chicken in Hawaiian and you can rest assured they do chicken well.

Moa Kitchen is located at 65-1298 Kawaihae Rd in Waimea and are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for lunch and 5:00 – 9:00 pm for dinner. Dinner only from 5:00 – 9:00 pm Monday and they are closed Sunday. Reservations are recommended.

Yong’s Kal-Bi – Waimea Center 65-1158 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743

The Park Family has been serving Waimea authentic Korean cuisine at its current location in the Waimea Plaza (by the KTA) for OVER 25 YEARS! If that doesn’t convince you that the food here is spectacular try their daily Bi-Bim-Bop special (pictured above with pork) and savor the flavors in their rice bowl topped with seasoned vegetables, choice of protein and a soft egg.

If you’re not feeling like Bi-Bim-Bop, you will not be disappointed with their namesake Kalbi (BBQ Short Ribs) cooked to juicy perfection. Yong’s Kal-bi offers something for everyone including Korean favorites and a generous vegetarian and vegan menu.

Yong’s Kal-bi is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch from 11 – 2:30 and reopens for dinner from 4:30 – 8:00 pm. They are closed Sunday and Monday.

That’s it for Big Island for Foodies, Waimea Part 2. Looking for more places to eat in Waimea? Read Part 1 here.

Thanks for reading and happy eating to you!