The Cardinal - Hawaii Restaurant
#5 of 11 Restaurants in Honokaa

The Cardinal

4.8(4 community reviews)
Budget ($)

About

Discover The Cardinal, offering the best Cafe experience in Honokaa. Enjoy Budget ($) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Slice of Honokaa History

Walking into The Cardinal feels like stepping back into a simpler era of Big Island dining. Located right along the main stretch of Honokaa town, this spot serves as a communal anchor for locals and visitors alike who crave honest, straightforward cooking. The air inside is thick with the scent of simmering gravies and house-made sauces, a welcome contrast to the cooler, misty mountain air often found in this Hamakua Coast town.

Mid-Century Charm Meets Island Hospitality

The interior maintains a retro aesthetic that makes it feel like the town’s living room. It is the perfect stop for those trekking toward the Waipio Valley overlook or spending a day exploring the unique antique shops nearby. You will notice the acoustic environment is quite lively; it is the type of place where conversations spill across tables and the clatter of silverware creates a rhythmic, welcoming hum. Be prepared to find street parking, which can get tricky during the peak lunch rush when the town is busiest.

Signature Comforts

The kitchen leans into classic American and local-style comfort food, favoring generous portions that satisfy after a morning of sightseeing. Their menu often highlights local produce sourced from the Hamakua region, keeping the flavors fresh and connected to the immediate geography. While you dine, take a moment to look at the vintage photos on the walls that document the town's agricultural history. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite before heading further north or settling in for a long, relaxed meal, The Cardinal captures the enduring, unpretentious spirit of North Hawaii island life.

Location

45-3321 Mamane St, Honokaa, Hawaii, 96727-6914

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 4 community reviews
W

William JonesGoogle Maps

Recently

This place is amazing! Delicious pizza and we sat out on the beautiful veranda and they let our doggie sit with us. A must do!

B

Brad RogersGoogle Maps

Recently

Love this place. It has a stone pizza oven where they make some of the most amazing pizzas. They are nothing like the big pizza chain pizzas. Each one of these are hand crafted and loaded with wonderful toppings. Keep in mind they only server a few tables at a time as food quality is more important that quantity. Be prepared you my have to wait a bit, but it is worth it!!!

J

Jerry McEwenGoogle Maps

Recently

Excellent Italian food in beautiful Honoka'a. The service is quick and personable. Good beer and wine selection. Oven fired pizza and canzone.

B

BrianGoogle Maps

Recently

This was the very first restaurant we stopped at on our Big Island trip, and it did NOT disappoint. The vibe was welcoming right away, and our waitress Aiza was super cheerful and full of energy — it really set the tone. The chicken wings were INSANE 🤤 easily some of the best on the island — savory, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The pizza was just as solid with a great crust and texture. Big shoutout to the man making the wings and pizzas back there 👏 If we’re ever back on the Big Island, we’re definitely coming back.

S

Shelley HamGoogle Maps

Recently

Cafe El Mondo is a really cute place. The pizza is good and the lemon drop cocktails are superb. Live entertainment was lovely. A great excuse to visit the sleepy town of honokaa.

A

AliciaGoogle Maps

Recently

First time here. Came after receiving a recommendation from a local. Did not disappoint. Got a cheese pizza and a pepperoni pizza. We left full and happy!

H

Hakima MGoogle Maps

Recently

We discovered this restaurant by chance! We were really lucky! As the pizza was so good, very tasty with fresh products :) The people working inside are really friendly 👍 very great choice if you decide to go!

M

Murray FenwickGoogle Maps

Recently

This restaurant has to be among the best on the Big Island. Authentic wood fired pizzas, Calzones and simple but delicious home made pasta dishes with a very accommodating chef that was happy to customise meals to our requirements. The service is very friendly and welcoming. This restaurant is located in a small town on the North Coast and is well worth stopping at. The opening hours are a little restricted and was only open for lunch when we visited.

J

Josephine WardGoogle Maps

Recently

Cool little restaurant with great ambiance. Food was yummy. The service was great and everything was spread out with a good pace to enjoy drinks, appetizers, and our meal.

M

Martin LeppenGoogle Maps

Recently

Had a wonderful late lunch here. The pizzas were freshly created and baked. Every change that we wanted to a pizza on the menu was possible and not at all an issue. Very cheerful waitress and very nice music by a live musician!

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Cardinal

Common questions from diners about The Cardinal in Honokaa.

They accept digital payments and credit cards.

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