Long-standing Hilo staple Ken’s House of Pancakes has been “jammin’ since 1971,” serving classic American diner dishes with an authentic Hawaiian flair. Expect enormous portions without the big bill. Chow down on their SUMO-size pancakes or the loco moco – a popular Hawaiian comfort food consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

For delicious grub on the go, head to Broke Da Mouth Grindz in Kona’s Kaiwi Square. This take-out-only spot serves traditional Hawaiian dishes fit for a king with scrumptious eats craved by locals and tourists alike. Try their staple dish, “da garlic furikake chicken,” or other delicious favorites such as kalua pork, bi bim bap (a Korean-style rice bowl) and laulau – juicy pork wrapped in taro leaves.

Just a short drive from the Kailua-Kona airport lies Pine Tree Café, well-known for having some of the best Hawaiian comfort food, such as fried poke, chicken katsu, and Yoshino hamburger steak. From breakfast staples such as eggs over fried rice to homemade beef stew and traditional fish and chips, this is a great place to dine on a budget.

Don’t miss out on the adventurer-sized potions at Big Island Grill. One meal here, and you won’t have to eat the rest of the day – yes, the portions are huge, and the prices are reasonable. Choose from one of their many menu items or daily specials featuring shrimp salad and teriyaki beef. Most importantly, save room for their heavenly Hawaiian mud pie for dessert. Coffee ice cream with oreo cookie chunks? Yes, please!

With a farm-to-table model, Rebel Kitchen focuses on fresh local and seasonal ingredients to make some of the best dishes on the Big Island, along with many vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Here you can feast on sandwiches, burgers, pasta, salads, and freshly caught fish. Of course, don’t leave without a bottle or two of their famous sauces – Kona Ketchup, Hawaiian Fire, and Mauka Mustard!

Sip on craft brews and dine on delicious (and budget-friendly) pub grub at Kona Brewing Co. in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a pint of one of their signature beers, from the Lemongrass Luau featuring hints of ginger and lemongrass to the Lavaman Red Ale with chocolate malt notes. Hungry? The menu features affordable bites such as burgers, salads and tacos. Don't skip dessert; their sweet potato pie made with Okinawan purple sweet potatoes in a cookie-crumble crust is heavenly.

Home to the create-your-own poke bowl, Umekes Fish Market Bar and Grill serves up delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Dig into poke creations featuring freshly caught ahi served with selections such as avocado aioli or sweet shoyu glaze. Or, try classic staples like fish tacos, fish and chips or mouthwatering next-level lau lau - panko fried with rice, gravy and topped with a tempura-poached egg.