Spotlight's Big Island Gold Magazine

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. - Big Island

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. captures the charm and spirit that made “Forrest Gump” a smash hit, with down-home décor reminiscent of the movie’s setting in Alabama. It showcases memorabilia and photos from the movie, plus script pages, storyboards and costumes. “Gumpisms” grace the tabletops and diners can try on plaster casts of Forrest’s running shoes at the bus bench out front. Watch body boarders catching waves and view fish cruising to the rhythm of the ocean from the restaurant’s prime oceanfront location. During whale season, diners may even see humpback whales from their table at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. With a lively atmosphere, ocean-view dining, and an outgoing and friendly staff, Bubba Gump’s offers a setting that makes any island visit true paradise. 75-5776 Ali‘i Dr. in Waterfront Row, Kailua-Kona. (808) 331-8442. Visit them online at: www.BubbaGump.com.

Denny's - Big Island

Come to Denny’s, the largest full-service family style restaurant in America for decades. Denny’s serves real breakfast 24/7, but that’s not all. They offer a choice of mouth-watering burgers, great steaks, a variety of seafood and poultry dishes, and special menus for kids and seniors. In the Aloha State, Denny’s has a special Hawaiian menu that offers authentic dishes starting at $5.19. Enjoy endless refills on most beverages and free Wi-Fi as well. When you are in Hawai‘i, don’t miss Kona’s favorite hot spot. 75-1027 Henry St., Suite 200, in Kailua-Kona. (808) 327-2184. Visit them online at www.Dennys.com.

Firenesia

Firenesia is Island Breeze’s newest and hottest production! A colorful and fascinating journey throughout Polynesia, Firenesia is filled with excitement and incredible danger. From Kilauea and its fiery lava to the weapons of war in Aotearoa (New Zealand), the men and women of Island Breeze Productions share the beauty of their home and the secrets of the “Ring of Fire” that links each island in the Pacific. Held oceanfront on top of an ancient lava flow, Firenesia is unlike any other show in Hawai‘i. It shares the beauty of Polynesian culture as it displays the skill and strength of its people. Combined with the finest lu‘au dinner, this evening is truly a unique Polynesian experience that cannot be missed. Catch Firenesia at the Sheraton Keauhou Beach Resort and Spa. Visit www.Firenesia.com. For reservations, call (808) 326-4969.

Gathering of the Kings

The Big Island’s only Polynesian feast is a combination of two award winners at The Fairmont Orchid Hawai’i at Mauna Lani. Travel to the islands of Hawai’i, Samoa, New Zealand and Tahiti as you taste the Pacific’s culinary treasures. Enjoy the drama and dance; a fusion of both traditional and modern dance choreography. The Gathering of the Kings retells the story of the journey of Polynesians as they settled the Pacific. Visit www.GatheringOfTheKings.com. For reservations, call (808) 326-4969.

Genki sushi - Big Island

Voted “Hawai‘i’s Best” in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and MidWeek’s 2007 “Best Sushi” category, Genki Sushi’s offers the ever popular “Spicy Tuna,” in either “Temaki” style (hand roll) or “Gunkan” style (two pieces), a wide selection of sushi and other favorites. The originator of the affordable, conveyor belt sushi restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily from 11:00 a.m. Kona Commons, 75-5450 Makala Blvd. #202, Kailua-Kona. (808) 327-6776. Visit them online at; www.GenkiSushiUSA.com.

Island Breeze Luau

Held on the historic grounds of the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Island Breeze invites you to an award-winning lu’au. Savor the delicious feast as you revel in the colorful costumes and dances from Polynesia. Highlights include the Royal Court arrival beachfront, imu (underground oven) ceremony, arts and crafts demonstrations and spectacular Samoan Fireknife dance. Visit www.IslandBreezeLuau.com. For reservations, call (808) 326-4969.

Kirin Chinese Restaurant

Located just above Donatoni’s, between the Palace and Ocean Towers at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kirin Chinese Restaurant showcases intimate dining with lanai seating, a private room and is decorated with one-of-a kind Chinese artifacts. Kirin’s signature lunch cuisine is Dim Sum–a variety of steamed dumplings and small plates of savory delicacies. The dinner menu features cooking styles from Hunan, Szechuan, Peking, and Canton regions of China. Selections include soups, seafood, chicken and duck, and pork and beef dishes. Kirin is open for lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 11:00 p.m. For reservations, call (808) 886-1288.

Ocean Seafood Chinese Restaurant

Bring your appetite when you dine at this all-you-can-eat buffet featuring authentic Cantonese cuisine. Ocean Seafood offers over 20 items on the lunch buffet from Monday through Friday and a nightly dinner buffet which offers shrimps, mussels and over 20 other items. Ocean Seafood’s buffets are reasonably priced and are a great value for your dining dollar. Ala carte items are also available off the menu as well. Try the Chef’s Special, “Salt and Pepper Lobster or Crab,” it’s an experience you’ll never forget! Ocean Seafood Chinese Restaurant is located in the King Kamehameha Mall in Kailua-Kona. Call (808) 329-3055.

Royal Jade Garden

Owned by the Wong family for 25 years, Royal Jade Garden was voted the Best Chinese Restaurant in West Hawai‘i for 2009. Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine with a full menu that includes their signature Honey Glazed Walnut Shrimp and Hong Kong Garlic Shrimp. Roast Duck, Roast Pork, Char Siu, and much more are available fresh daily. Or, make a variety plate, priced from $5.75 and up, from the 20-plus items on the quick-and-tasty steam line. Don't miss Grandpa's soft and delicious home-style "Manapua" steamed buns. Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Lanihau Center. (808) 326-7288.

Uncle Billy's Fish & Steak House

That special "Aloha Spirit" is why Uncle Billy’s has been a favorite choice for local folks and visitors from around the world. Located on historic Banyan Drive in the Hilo Bay Hotel, Uncle Billy’s menu includes delicious Pacific Rim entrées at affordable prices. Dinner is served nightly from 5:30 p.m. and features live Hawaiian music. Or, enjoy pupu (appetizers) and drinks from 4:00 p.m. in the Pineapple Lounge with overloooks the hotel’s beautiful tropical gardens and scenic Hilo Bay. For more information, call (808) 935-0861.