Lunch stop after flight lands

Question

We arrive next week at 1:45, rental car is meeting us at the airport. Our Airbnb door won’t open until 4pm.

Looking for a great non-chain, or too crowded, lunch spot between the airport and Mauna Lani Fairways where we are staying. Considering stopping at Rosewood Kona Village. We haven’t seen it since it was Kona village Resort. They have a Shipwreck bar? Any other suggestions? Doesn’t need to be fancy. We plan to eat lunch, then run into the grocery store to grab some breakfast items, snacks, waters and wine. Probably will go to that huge store Queen’s Marketplace in Waikoloa village. Our luggage will be in the car so we’d need a safe place to park for lunch.

Hope to be at the townhouse by 4:30ish.

And…is it worth it to drive to Merriman’s from where we are staying?

Answer

It sounds like you're arriving at a great time and you're looking for a relaxing lunch spot after your flight. Here's a detailed breakdown of your options for lunch, grocery shopping, and whether Merriman’s is worth the drive from Mauna Lani Fairways.

Lunch Stop Suggestions:

There are some great local spots to stop between the airport and Mauna Lani Fairways. Since you're looking for a non-chain, relaxed spot, here are a few options:

Shipwreck Bar at Rosewood Kona Village – This could be a great choice for a laid-back lunch. The Rosewood Kona Village was recently renovated, and the Shipwreck Bar offers a casual vibe with beautiful ocean views. You can enjoy some local seafood or light fare here while relaxing after your flight. The ambiance has been described as relaxing, and it's a safe place to park your rental car.
Holuakoa Café – Located just a little south of the airport on the way to Mauna Lani, this café offers a great selection of Hawaiian-inspired dishes with a lovely outdoor seating area. It's a local favorite and won’t be too crowded compared to some of the larger spots.
Kai Eats & Drinks – Located in Kailua-Kona, just past the airport, Kai Eats is a good option for a quick but delicious bite. They offer a variety of Hawaiian and American dishes, with a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
Manago Hotel – This is a bit further south (about 20 minutes), but if you’re looking for something truly local, Manago Hotel is a historical, off-the-beaten-path spot known for its famous pork chops. It's not touristy, but it’s one of those hidden gems with great local flavor.
Green Flash Coffee – If you're in the mood for a quick, lighter lunch or just some coffee and snacks, Green Flash offers an awesome, laid-back atmosphere with fresh sandwiches, acai bowls, and good coffee.

Grocery Shopping:

After lunch, stopping at Queen’s Marketplace in Waikoloa for groceries is a great choice. It's a large, well-stocked store with everything you need, from breakfast items to snacks, drinks, and even wine. If you're in need of any local specialty foods, like Kona coffee or fresh tropical fruits, this is a good spot to pick them up.

There's ample parking at the Queen’s Marketplace, and it should be safe to leave your luggage in the car while you shop, though it's always wise to lock it up and keep valuables out of sight.

Is it worth driving to Merriman’s from Mauna Lani Fairways?

Merriman’s in Waimea is one of the top restaurants on the Big Island, known for its farm-to-table dishes and stunning views. It’s definitely worth considering, especially if you're a foodie. However, from Mauna Lani Fairways, it’s about a 25-minute drive one way, so you should consider whether you’re up for that after your busy day. If you’re looking for a special dinner, though, Merriman’s is hard to beat. It’s a great choice if you’re celebrating something or just want to enjoy excellent local cuisine. If you don’t want to drive that far, there are plenty of other great spots closer to you, such as the Halii Kai Grill or the Mauna Lani Sea Food Market, both offering fantastic local fare.

Overall Plan:

Your plan to check out lunch at a local spot, then grocery shop at Queen’s Marketplace, sounds perfect. I recommend taking it easy for the first day, as you're arriving after a flight and may want some time to relax. After getting some essentials from the store, heading back to your Airbnb by 4:30 pm to settle in will give you a good start for the rest of your vacation.