The Kohala area of the Big Island of Hawai`i is home to some of the best restaurants in the islands.
   In Waimea, you will find Merriman's, famous for it's fresh and unique Hawai`i Regional Cuisine, and Edelweiss, a small German restaurant in a humble old-country setting that belies it's reputation as a superb dining establishment. You'll also find the Parker Ranch Grill, an old-time paniolo atmosphere featuring the best of the Waimea range, and the Koa House Grill, another quaint paniolo-style restaurant.
   Up the road, in Hawi, is Bamboo, with delicious and interesting creations and great entertainment on weekend nights (John Keawe plays there as do most of the other island greats.) Call 'em to find out 'da scoop.'
   Following the coast down to Kawaihae, you'll find Tres Hombres with good Mexican food and a comfortable bar scene. In the same area, downstairs, you'll encounter Cafe Pesto with gourmet pizza and other dishes. Around the corner sits Kawaihae Harbor Grill, where the seafood is always fresh and delicious... and they sometimes have Anchor Steam (right, Guy?) Just a few steps away is the Blue Dolphin, featuring our favorite local jazz band on Friday night (famous musicians have been known to show up and jam with these guys).
   Continuing down the highway to Kona you start running into the resorts (we'll leave description of those restaurants for later, 'cause if your there you know how good they are, and if you're not, you'll soon find out).
   When you reach the Waikoloa Resort, make sure you stop by the Kings' Shops, where there are a number of excellent restaurants. Here you'll find Roy's Waikoloa Beach Grill, and if you haven't been to one of Roy's restaurants, you really should. The food is terrific (we sit at the bar and eat pupus, and drink excellent martinis ("Hi," Cal and Darryl).
   Whether you live here and are looking for a new dining experience, or you are visiting and looking for a good restaurant, Kohala is the place to find it!