we live in kona, and are very, very picky.

i've seen places mentioned by other posters in other threads--not this one--that i think are horrible, but each to his own. (and we've all had awful experiences at places that seem fine to others.) also, i don't think people come to the big island for the cuisine, as a general rule.

with that as a disclamer, here's where we like to eat lunch (and based on the op's assertion that s/he likes places like the four seasons):

the four seasons alan wong's grill (also pa'uhia for breakfast, although they've been doing strange things with their dinner menu. it's still good, but the last time we went it was more euro-fusion than pacific rim, which makes no sense given the venue.) the grill is great. also, the restaurant by the pool does a lovely lunch.

the kona brew pub does good pizzas and if you like beer, they brew their own and it's good. also a really good spinach salad with strawberries (i substitute goat cheese for whatever it is they usually use.)

for really good sushi, the restaurant at the fairmont orchid, shiro's, is terrific. for just fine sushi, shiono's in the coconut grove shopping center--that's in kailua-kona. brown's beachouse at the orchid is nice for dinner, don't think they serve lunch. anyone?

big island grill is a fine place for local-style food and service, but we haven't been back since the fried chicken my hubby ordered was frozen in the middle.

if you want to be really, really local, and leave your four season's leanings behind, try kay's kitchen on mamalahoa hwy. there's not much seating, but it's fast, surprisingly cheap and friendly, and consistently good--it's truly hawaiian plate lunch, with mac salad and rice, bad for the waistline, yummy in the tummy.

if you're headed to waimea, i'd go to merriman's, if you want to be more local (and less expensive) try aioli's. i heard last night that they were sold, though, so not sure if that's changed things there yet.

have a wonderful time!