The 35 best foods to try in Kailua-Kona

I so wish I lived here. If I did I’d hang out at Huggo,s every day and eat like a king. Just had a perfectly cooked swordfish in a wonderful sauce. Watched a beautiful sunset as I ate. Live guitar music pacing the time as the meal unfolded. Life is good!

The food is very good but it was a little over-salted and over-sauced for our tastes. My husband’s lamb shank was cooked perfectly. We had the Brussels sprouts appetizer (which they were very accommodating to make them veggie) but the skillet was too hot so they got overcooked/burned. The specialty cocktail was delicious and all the staff were amazing! Can’t beat the location on the water.

What a beautiful spot to over look the ocean and watch the sunset while having cocktails or supper. We only had drinks. I couldn’t taste the alcohol in mine ( mezcal) even with all the ice, but the server offered to add more. Perhaps for $15 or more a drink they could make sure the drinks are proper portions of alcohol. The gentleman that served us was great! Funny, kind and attentive. Lots of parking and with validation from the restaurant it’s free. The restaurant & washrooms were clean & the atmosphere was great.

Had an amazing dining experience! After a 10 hr flight, we were just looking for a light dinner with sunset views to cap off our day. Started with the Arugula salad. The strawberries tasted like they were just picked. So fresh! The bread basket was so good! Really loved the garlic hummus and asiago slices. We split the Shrimp Capellini. All the flavors were so fresh and delicious. The shrimp was perfectly cooked. Our server Ashley was wonderful and Brent our wine server was too! We didn't order dessert, however saw a few being served. All looked amazing. Of course, the view was beautiful. This is a "must do"when in Kailua Kona!

We ordered the Kanpachi o Kenai and the Sesame Crusted Ahi and it was incredible. The wait staff was very attentive and kind. All seats were on the water and have great views. There was a resident kitty who enjoyed some petting which was the best ending. Thank you again.

Very welcoming and fun atmosphere the moment we walked in the door. The hostess was very warm and kind. We enjoyed our table by the oceanfront and our waitress was knowledgeable and nice as well. Be ready to spend some $$$ because it is not cheap so would not recommend for a casual eat out unless got the lower items on the menu and no drinks. More of a place you clean up real nice after a day at the beach to have luxury food. A reservation is a must. Both of us got fish or catch of the day - me Opa and him Swordfish. Both were great but we both liked the Opa best! We both got out fish with the Kahakai.

The view was amazing. We were there for anniversary and we got a really good table next to the sea. We thank a lot Christie for her kindness and attention. We strongly recommend the NY steak and the teriyaki beef !

We love poke and this place did not let us down. Very easy to understand the ordering and they had streamlined, fast service. Definitely would go back! Only suggested upgrade is more seating. We sat down the road at another vendor’s food/shaved ice truck near the ocean.

05/01/2025 (Thu) We’ve tried poke from many places across the Big Island because we absolutely love it, but Da Poke Shack stands out as the best we’ve had so far! 🌺🐟 We went a little after 10 a.m., and it wasn’t too crowded. We were able to grab a seat at one of the outdoor picnic tables, which was perfect for enjoying our meal right away. We had a poke plate and tried several flavors — sesame, spicy garlic, shoyu, and creamy scallop — and they were all incredibly delicious.🤤 Although their posted business hours are until 4:00 PM, they operate on a "sold-out, close-up" system. That means once they sell out of poke, they close for the day — even if it’s still within business hours. So it’s best to get there early to avoid disappointment!🏃=3 The shop itself is quite small, and there’s no indoor seating. However, there are two long picnic tables outside the entrance where you can enjoy your meal. The location is tucked underneath a residential building, and while there is some parking available, it’s unclear whether it's reserved for residents or open to customers — so just be mindful.🚙 If you're looking for fresh, flavorful poke, this spot is definitely worth the visit. Just remember: come early, and come hungry!🐟

Poke was good but I loved side dishes like octopus and kimchi mussels. Didn’t love the spicy clams which was not even tint spicy. Other than that everything was super yummy!!!! Will be back if I visit big island.

Best Ahi freshness due to daily fishing catch so I was told. Quality is just superb. Catch of the day without any freezing process . Fish line to table. I had the ahi with seaweed shown garlic ginger and etc.. very good quality. Guy open M-F if you’re lucky. May need to postpone. As always, post wherever you see I we don’t have to.

I have to say this place is a insane spot for lunch and you have to go if you are looking for fresh fish and poke. They catch the fish fresh every morning and the fact that it gets sold out almost everyday before 1pm says something about how good it is. I have a shellfish allergy and made sure to ask about all the different options and the staff was super kind to make sure that there were no issues with what I chose. Make sure to get it for an early lunch so that you have the most options. I would also reccomend either walking to get here since parking is so limited.

We chose this restaurant because it had a high rating with many people reviewing the restaurant. The shrimp and tuna were very fresh, but the taste was way below my expectations. The staff was very informative, friendly, and efficient. The price is standard Hawaiian food, expensive :)

Absolutely fantastic. 10/10 would recommend. $22 for a small bowl but it was worth every penny.

The food was phenomenal! If only the service was too. We arrived about 15 minutes before happy hour and sat at the bar. After placing our order, a cocktail and 2 appetizers, we overheard the bartender asking the woman next to us if she would like another cocktail. She declined and wanted to wait 10 more minutes so she could get the happy hour price. He shrugged it off and said, "I'll put it in as happy hour." Looking out for your patrons should be a service standard. Happy hour was not even mentioned when we sat down. Support locals, shade the tourists. Aloha.

Awesome place ! Great food, atmosphere and service! First time ever menu that had a you choose 4 flavors “flight” of poke appetizer! I had it for my meal and it was so generous that I took half of it home! Hubby’s teriyaki beef short ribs were delicious! Their fish marketplace had poke flavors for takeout! I highly recommend it!

The best, and I am not kidding, the best fish tacos on the island. We came for lunch and my husband ordered the tacos while I ordered the seafood pasta. The pasta was not great (pretty bland) but the tacos were so good that they eclipsed that and make this restaurant still deserving of five stars. Get the Cajun seasoning on the fish and you will thank yourself. They were so good we came back for our final meal prior to our flight a few days later and ordered - yes - fish tacos (both of us this time). Their cocktails and calamari appetizer were also good! But I am still dreaming about the tacos.

Nothing like fresh poke as a first on-island meal. We chose 1 fish and 2 sides with brown rice. Service was nice and efficient. Good selection of poke.

Omg the best poke I’ve ever had - we had the poke nachos and the tuna on it was absolutely mind blowing. We also got Korean chicken which was so so good. I got a coolada and it was delicious. Favorite place we’ve been to in Kona! Our waiter was also so so helpful and had the best energy. Shout out to Isaiah for being amazing!!

There’s a restaurant side and a to go window. It’s a very popular local spot so reserve ahead of time. We opted to get it to go. The garlic shrimp was okay and the poke was very good. Priced good and portion size is good. Would definitely stop by.

05/10/2025 (Sat) We chose Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill for the final dinner of our trip, as it’s said to be a popular local spot known for its fresh seafood. When we arrived around 7:00 PM, the restaurant was packed, and we were told there would be a 40–50 minute wait. Thankfully, we were seated in under 40 minutes. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a bar area. On that evening, the indoor seating was already full, and the outdoor area was lively despite the rainy weather. A tent covered the terrace, but rain from earlier had blown in from the sides, leaving some tables and the ground damp. Since we had already had a heavy meal earlier in the day, we weren’t very hungry. So we decided to share the Big Boy Plate ($32) and Poke Nachos ($24), along with two iced teas ($4.50 each). Despite the crowd, our food came out in about 20 minutes, which felt fairly quick. The staff were polite and friendly, though it was a bit difficult to get their attention when we wanted a refill on our drinks — understandably, as they were very busy. As for the food, everything seemed fresh, but we felt that the different scoops of marinated tuna on the Big Boy Plate, while seasoned individually, lacked distinct flavors and came across a bit too similar to each other. The natural quality and freshness of the tuna didn’t quite shine through as we had hoped. The poke nachos were decent, though the chips were slightly soggy. One of the highlights of the evening was the live band playing outside — they had a great sound and really lifted the atmosphere. They even extended their set, which made for an extra enjoyable vibe. By the time we left, the rain had cleared, and overall, it was a fun and memorable way to wrap up our trip.😊✨

Went at noon on a Wednesday. There was barely anyone in there. The young lady at the register was very nice, and knowledgeable about the menu. Food was prepared quickly, and it was sooooo delicious. We got a few two meat combos. The pork belly was good, but the star to me was the spicy garlic furikake chicken. The pork fried rice was really good also. Will definitely be coming back next time I'm on the island.

Food: AMZING! I got a combo with braised beef and garlic shrimp and my bf got the spicy garlic chicken. The seasons and texture are truly braking our mouth, jaw-dropping for sure! The flavor is on the heavy side but the full-size side they give you (we got cucumber kimchi and mac salad) balanced the flavors. I’d recommend eating the cucumber and the beef together. Bravo! Service: welcoming and helpful. Ambiance: very popular place, so you need to make sure to go earlier and grab a seat if you’d like to dine in. Indoors dining is not recommended for big party, but suitable for friends and family for casual dining.

The food was good, shrimp was over cooked. The Adobo fries were delicious! The short ribs were awesome as well, the pork was salty. Very big portions, enough to share 1 order with 2 people. Good food overall

This was another amazing recommendation from a local. We tried to stop by a few times but always seemed to catch it when it was closed so we were thrilled when we finally made it in. It was such a treat knowing it was featured on Diners Drive Ins and Dives. The place was extremely busy but we were more than happy to wait. We ordered a hamburger for the kids, furikake chicken and garlic shrimp for my husband, and I had the pork belly and garlic shrimp. Every bite was absolutely delicious. The portions were generous and the flavors were incredible. Definitely worth the wait and we would come back in a heartbeat. A must visit if you’re in the area.

Half plate is more than enough for one person. Spicy chicken is not too spicy. Very delish with large portions great for sharing. Desserts look fun but we didn’t try. Busy with locals but quick service and very filling meal.

Goodness gracious!! The food here is so incredible it made me wanna punch a hole through the wall. We got the mac salad, pork fat fries, braised short rib, kalua pork, and the ube ice cream pie. I'm not exaggerating when I say this is the BEST mac salad I've ever had in my LIFE. The pork fries are bomb.gov, the short ribs were ridiculous with how good they are; tender as a new born baby, and perfectly seasoned, and sauced. The ube pie slice is MASSIVE, and is a perfect combination of flavor and texture the likes of which I've never behled. The staff was hella cool, and the food came out quick. I don't know what else to say except go eat here if you know what's good for your soul.

🔥 Broke Da Mouth Grindz – Kailua-Kona, If flavor had a mic, this place would drop it. I stopped by Broke Da Mouth Grindz and ordered the Spicy Garlic Furikake Chicken and let me tell you, it lived up to the name. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and drenched in a sweet-savory garlic glaze with just the right kick. The furikake added a nutty, umami crunch that made every bite unforgettable. Paired with their signature sides like pork adobo fried rice and kimchi, it was a full on flavor explosion. Portions? Generous. Service? Friendly and fast. Vibe? Local gem with no frills charm. Whether you're grabbing takeout or tailgating from your trunk, this spot delivers island comfort food that’ll haunt your taste buds in the best way. 🌺 Verdict: Broke da mouth and broke my expectations incredible.

An iconic brewery that I was happy to visit on my trip to Hawaii. The decor was amazing and the atmosphere was great. The beer was crisp and refreshing as expected but their beer cheese nachos stole the show. Unique and tasty. So good.

Stopped into Kona Brewing during our cruise and it did not disappoint! I’ve always been a fan of their beers, but having one fresh at the source was amazing. The pizza and pizza rolls were delicious, and the staff was super friendly—top notch service all around. The whole vibe was relaxed and welcoming. Definitely a must-stop if you’re in the area, and I’ll be back for sure!

Large brewery and restaurant in a trendy new area in town. We had a Hanalei IPA brewed with POG that was refreshing but not too fruty and a Black Sand Porter. The porter was very good. We also tried the smash burger, which wasn't so much a smash burger as a pork/beef burger on an ube bun. The ube bun was interest - not the most appetizing color on the outside but super cool on the inside. The flavor of the patty, the aioli and the bun together was great. The kettle chips were good. The fish tacos with the mac salad needed a hot sauce but were tasty, if a bit small. Service here was good.

Stopped in on a Thursday afternoon with a group of 8 and seated right away. Very nice outdoor table area and cozy, tropical vibes inside (smelled amazing). Service was friendly and attentive. Enjoyed our food and cocktails! Decent prices. Daily weekday happy hour from 3-5 PM with $2 off select appetizers, cocktails, and pints. -Pepperoni Rolls (delicious!) -Captain Pizza (good) -Frozen Mai Tai (strong, good) Edamame (nice flavor) Overall, would recommend for a medium sized group to enjoy drinks and food.

We love Kona brewing. This is our 2nd visit (first in 2018). The staff are always so free, beer cold and delicious, and the food makes for happy bellies! The kalua pork nachos are the best we've had - get the large (we blew it on the size we ordered, lol).

May be the best pizza I ever had. KOHALA Garlic-infused Olive Oil, Spinach, Fresh Garlic, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Portuguese Sausage, Roasted Red Peppers, Macadamia Nuts. Great beer too: LILIKO'I KEA Tropical Passion Fruit, Coriander with grains of Paradise.

Kona brewing has a lovely outdoor sitting area that is very large and welcoming. All the staff was very awesome and friendly. The nachos with the beer cheers were excellent. The pizza and the crust was very good and fresh. The seared ahi was also very good. The one downside was they were out of their top two beers which was disappointing but it was still a great experience.

It would be easy for any restaurant to let service and quality slide when the amazing view would bring people in anyway, but On the Rocks doesn't. Instead, they go all in on creating a great experience. Great food, friendly service, quick turn-around on food and drink orders, and great food. And that's without mentioning the great Hawaiian music and hula dance performances they host, nor the perfection of the sunset view from every seat in the house.

We loved this place so much we came back twice during our week in Hawaii — and honestly, I’d go again in a heartbeat. The food was incredible (the poke nachos are a must — seriously, some of the best I’ve ever had). The first time we came was after a long day exploring Volcanoes National Park, and that meal hit the spot like nothing else. The atmosphere was perfect — ocean views, good vibes, and the friendliest service. Huge shoutout to Jhett, who was absolutely amazing — super chill, friendly, and easy to chat with. And to the girl working the front who somehow recognized us the second time we came back (even though I looked totally different — new outfit, different hair, no glasses!) — that totally made my day (so sorry I didn't grab her name). I also noticed how patient she was with older customers, even helping an older lady to the table and complimenting her bag. This place just radiates good energy — great food, great people, and great views. Easily one of our favorite spots in Hawaii!

Everything about this place was absolute perfection for our last night in Kona. The seafood chowder was made with an absolutely delicious seafood base. Believe it or not it’s hard to find seafood chowder without chicken stock in it. The sourdough bowl was fresh and decadent. My husband had the fish and chips and the flavor in the breading was so yummy! A lychee martini was the perfect addition for me and a local brew for my love. We sat at the bar. Excellent service. Awesome entertainment too! The views were spectacular even at night. 10/10 recommend!!

The location is great, on the water with beautiful views. They have a few different restaurants with different names and menus on the island. Our server was preoccupied with other details and we felt unattended. The food was good, but not great. The cocktails were good and the bar is a nice size if you just wanted to grab a cocktail and watch the sunset while listening to some music.

Unbeatable price and mixture on the Happy Hour Mai-Tai’s. Victor was our server and we had a great experience, he reads sign language well from across the restaurant (as in…..thank you may I have another😁). We sat right at the seawall and watched many who were seated in the same area ask for tables in the shade minutes after being seated. The sun does get very warm and bright mid-afternoon (we visited in October), and if you can’t handle direct sunlight due to sensitivity or if you have already been in the sun too long during the day, you may ask for a shaded table right away. I got the fresh catch, and although it was tasty, adding the mango tartar was the best thing I did. My wife got the fish tacos and was as equally impressed. The key lime pie for dessert was perfect, a touch of sweet but not too much, and if you wanted tart the drizzle that is on the plate filled that niche perfectly.

A bit expensive but you're paying for the view. I got the fish tacos and my wife got the poke bowl. Both were delicious! The fish didn't have the thick deep fry crust which you often get with fish and chips which made the taco feel a bit more refreshing than your usual fish taco. For the price, I wish they gave me 3 tacos instead of 2. Volcano fries weren't anything more than fries with some spices sprinkled on them. That's not to say they weren't good - just basic. My wife loves her poke bowl and felt all the ingredients were fresh and simple. Service and staff were wonderful. Soap dispenser was out of soap in the bathroom. I would go here again for sure!

What a great location. It’s right on the water. Tables in the sand. Beautiful views for sunsets. Loved the live music and hula dancing and lesson. Truly a memorable experience. Thank you again Charles and Joy A great find while in Kona

The best place I ate while on the Big Island for one week!! I am gluten and dairy intolerant and my server was so knowledgeable and was able to help me identify what I could eat. I got the fresh catch which was Ono and so delicious! And the zucchini was prepared to absolute perfection. They have lots of gluten free options that are also marked on their menus. Great vibe and has ocean views 🌊

Foster’s Kitchen Kona – A Culinary Gem on the Big Island! 🌺 Hands down, one of my favorite restaurants as a vegetarian in all of Big Island. I visited this place thrice in 1 week. Foster’s Kitchen Kona sets the bar with its commitment to fresh, organic ingredients and a menu that blends island flavor with gourmet finesse. Every bite was a burst of freshness—elevating even simple dishes to something unforgettable. The atmosphere is relaxed yet vibrant, perfect for soaking in the Kona vibe. Whether you’re grabbing lunch or settling in for dinner with a view, the staff’s warmth makes the experience feel personal and welcoming.

Food, service and ambience were great! Views of the sea and the street adds to the experience. The cajun fish tacos were spot-on. We ordered fresh catch of the day, which was Ono and tasted delicious. After the fish arrived, we saw it wasn’t fully cooked in the center, which they agreed, took back and brought fully cooked and it tasted better than before. The cajun fries were delicious! Overall, it was a good experience and we had a good time. Would recommend this place!

I had to wait 30 minutes to get a table just for myself but I can honestly say it was worth the wait. I had the Chicken pesto pasta and it was delicious. The Mai Tai was insanely good as well. My server was super friendly and nice my only minor critique is that she didn't ask me if I wanted another Mai Tai before handing me my check. Otherwise this place was great I can't imagine how good the rest of the food must be.

Food was really good and fresh! Me and my husband loved the atmosphere, the vibez was really nice. Ribs was falling off the bone, pasta was well seasoned!

If you’re in Kona, do yourself a favor and visit Foster's Kitchen – it’s a hidden gem! 🌺 The food here is absolutely amazing, and what makes it even better is that everything is made from scratch. You can really taste the freshness in every dish, from their delicious seafood to their unique island-inspired specials. The fish tacos are a must-try – they’re perfectly seasoned, fresh, and packed with flavor! 🌮 The views from the restaurant are also incredible! 🌊 With the ocean right there, you can enjoy your meal while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The atmosphere is so relaxed and welcoming, and the staff is super friendly – they make you feel like you're at home. Can't wait until my next meal there!

I had an exceptional dining experience at this beach-facing restaurant. The mushroom appetizer was a delightful start, bursting with rich flavors and perfectly cooked. The shrimp & grit main course was a symphony of tastes, with succulent shrimp complementing the creamy grits flawlessly. Another main course Ahi tuna served with rice and veggies was a highlight, impeccably seared and served with precision. The stunning view added to the overall ambiance, making it a must try five-star experience

The fish trio was good, but the clam chowder was truly delicious and the highlight of the meal. The cocktails were wonderful as well. While island prices run a bit high, the quality, attentive service, and stunning view made the experience well worth it.

The food and the service were unbelievable. The ahi tuna, mahi mahi and opakapaka were amazing! The fish was so fresh and the seasonings/glazes were creative and tasty. To top it off, Rebecca gave us amazing recommendations of what to do on the island! Top notch food and top notch service! Can't recommend enough!

Went for dinner. The fresh catch was fried something. It looked really nice, but when it was served it was cold and dry. It must have been prepared before service to be sent out of the kitchen quickly. Fresh catch should be freshly cooked to order. I had the crab cakes, which were good, but the strike on the plate was all dried up! Again they must have prepared several plates before the dinner rush so all they had to do was set the crab cakes.

We had a great experience at Fish Hopper in Kona! I had the fish tacos with fries and my husband had the fish and chips — both were excellent. Generous portions, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a great meal, and watch the ocean activity. Friendly staff, great location, and an overall wonderful dining experience. We’ll definitely be back!

An Upscale Restaurant (casual dress) with free on-site limited parking. Excellence throughout! Great Food for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner. Centrally location on Alii' Dr. This is our Original Favorite for its Location and Food. We've enjoyed a few fish dinners including lobster for dinner and crab cakes or benedict for breakfast and meals were always delicious. Servers here are some of the Friendliest and know their Menu well. I don't know of any better Authentic Restaurant in Kona except maybe the Kona Inn. Fish Hopper's Breakfast Menu has an excellent variety is very good and priced well. They also have a good variety of fish dishes that are wonderful. Every item we've tried has been Delicious!

We stumbled into this place and decided to walk in because of its nice atmosphere and open seating facing the sea and the street. Service was great by both Leilani at the host booth and Andrea, our server. Service was relatively fast, but we did not feel rushed or anything. The food was very good, fresh fish very well prepared. We had the clam chowder, Opah and the Yellow Fin Ahí Tuna. Really a great place.

We enjoyed our last night in Kona with a delicious dinner at Fish Hopper Kona. I had the Monchong & Creamy Risotto; it was one of the best meals I’ve eaten. The fish was perfect & the risotto was so flavorful. My husband & daughter had the Ultimate Seafood pasta; which was also delicious. The Coconut shrimp came with a wonderful chili sauce! The staff were so friendly. The ocean view was breathtaking. We also loved how they honor active military & veterans.

Good experience for breakfast and early dinner at island Lava Java. Only issue at breakfast ordering a waffle with bacon was that their waffle maker was broken!!! Anyway, their pancakes were available. Early dinner was also good and we had a table with a great ocean view. My one complaint is parking as is no longer free and quite expensive per hour even with 50% discount with validation.

Had a 💯 experience! Service was absolutely wonderful, friendly, prompt, real ohana vibes. Staff treated each other and guests kindly. Our server was super down to earth and kind and the food was delicious. I got fish tacos, the portions are great even the kids meals were quality and good portions, sat outside with a perfect view of the ocean. Id come here everytime I am in Kona. Fair prices on food. I had a local IPA, delicious too.

We went here the morning after we arrived on the big island and had brunch and it was EXCELLENT! We each ordered a cocktail (hibiscus something, and a bloody mary) with our food, and they were perfectly crafted and beautiful. The scenery is overlooking the ocean but under shade of a beautiful tree. Our food was incredible. The eggs Benedict was top notch. Our server was also friendly and helpful. Overall, one of the best meals we had our whole trip. 10/10

We ate here 5 days out of the 6 that we were here. And one day twice. Cuz it was that delicious. Their coffee, flavorful, what it needs to be. Their fish tacos, bomb. Fries, bomb, Benedict bomb, was done with a croissant. Crunchy and buttery. Omelettes so good. Banana strawberry smoothie, delicious. Ok everything on their menu is delicious, pancakes delicious. Drinks delicious. And they validate parking.

Worth the beautiful views! We sat with an ocean view and so beautiful and peaceful. Ordered the pineapple French toast and luau scramble. French toast was too sweet for us but worth trying if you pair it with something else!. The scramble was amazing and highly recommend!!

Great views and service was excellent. Food was good. Pizza was our favorite of what we ordered. They have a good variety of options here and food comes out fast.

Loved having breakfast at Lava Java. We had it twice during our stay. It does get busy since it’s a popular place. The staff were very friendly and the food was tasty. I highly recommend!!!!!

Really liked this place!! They have great reviews and I see why. Choices are simple. Choose your cut of chicken, level of heat, sauce, and a side. Got Nashville hot leg/thigh and it was perfect amount of heat for my pallete. Dark meat was cooked perfectly, so juicy. Side of beans was fantastic! Tasty, full of flavor, with little shredded chicken in there. Wasn't greasy, and I didn't walk away feeling stuffed. Decor and ambiance were fantastic. Live music (they were awesome by the way!), wide open restaurant, lots of color and flair. Chicken art everywhere! We'll definitely be back.

This place could be a lot better than it is, I believe. The chicken is very dry. Does not seem like it’s a very high quality. They need to get some better chicken and cook it where it’s a little more juicy. They also need to have a wet option like something with Frank’s buffalo sauce. The fries are phenomenal. Really great bar as well.

This was a nice find. We already had eaten a couple of times at Kona brewpub (great place!) this trip so thought we would give Willie’s a try. We both had the tenders (one with tots and the other with Mac & cheese). They were out quickly and were tasty. We got ‘Nashville hot’ which was flavorful, but we might step up a heat level next time. Employees were very friendly - thanks for a great visit!

I wanted so badly to love Willie’s Hot Chicken. The reviews looked good, the atmosphere is great, the staff was friendly and efficient. Even the Dr. Pepper tasted great! But both my wife and I thought that the Nashville Hot chicken (breast quarter) that I ordered had very little flavor. There was a touch of heat, but it was bland, no matter how I tried to dress it up with the bbq sauce I got, or the ranch she got with her meal. She got the Sweet Hawaiian and it was much more flavorful. Her sidewinder fries were also really good, with just the right amount of salt, compared to my waffle fries which seemed to have no salt. I think with all the positive reviews this place has, that I just somehow got a bad batch, because the restaurant was busy and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

If you’re in the mood for some fried chicken among the Hawaiian palm trees, this is the place to check out. We sat outside and listened to some live music among the cool breeze. Good place to chill after a long day of sightseeing. Check it out!

Extremely good hot chicken. They have live music in the evenings as well. Didn't know beforehand otherwise we would've chilled here a bit longer.

If you’re looking for chicken in Kona, this is your place. Ordered the leg quarter with sweet Hawaiian heat, side winderfries and BBQ sauce - all of which were the perfect choice! It is pricey for its size though, but would come back.

Food: Coffee taste wonderful! It’s our first Lona coffee on the Big Island and it’s impressive! The bagel is also very nicely done. All of their coffee comes in double shots so it’s very strong already. Service: the staff is warm and welcoming. They have interesting merch as well. Ambiance: casual and good for takeout or just stand for a quick grab.

Had hot tea since I felt under the weather. It did not disappoint. I had Ginger lime it was amazing. They have honey you can put yourself as well. Also the price wasn't bad eithe

Probably one of the best coffee spots in Kona that we have tried . And trust me there a few good spots here . Seems popular as there are always an influx of people coming in . Love that they open early on the weekends - smart ! We were up early and driving around for some coffee ☕️ when we found out this place was open . We ordered a pour over dark roast - oh my gosh - so good ! It didn’t need cream or sugar . It was smooth and delicious . We went back for two more coffees- a flat white and a honey latte . It was all so good we had to end it with a parfait since we saw so many people ordering it ! Great spot - do come by!!

I had the Kona Bullet here and—wow—it was amazing! The coffee was made with fresh, flavorful Kona beans, and the combination of grass-fed butter and coconut oil made it incredibly smooth and satisfying. If you’ve never tried a bullet-style coffee before, this is the place to do it. It’s rich, creamy, and gives you a great energy boost without the jitters. I honestly don’t know how to describe it fully—it was just that good. I’ll definitely try to recreate it at home, but this version will be hard to beat! Also, don’t miss their macadamia nuts—so fresh and flavorful! They’re the perfect snack to go with your coffee. As a coffee lover, I can say this spot is a must-visit in Kona. Thanks Kona Coffee & Tea ❤️

What I tried: Kona vog (English breakfast tea latte). A large was $8, which is a lil crazy considering its water tea and milk but it was ok - wouldnt get it again tho. Pros: Seating: there's plenty of seating both in side and outside of the cafe Vibe: very chill vibe, would love to come back to chill here Cons: Timing: I was the only one waiting for my order and there were 5 staff members behind the counter yet it still took 8min to get the latte.

We ordered Mac nut chocolate chip cookie, which was very unique and delicious and Mauna Kea freeze which was also good but nothing extraordinary. Went back the second time and ordered Nutcracker (honey latte with pistachio cream) and didn’t like it that much!

Great coffee, the smell hits you as soon as you walk in their spacious cafe space. Small gift shop inside with cute souvenirs and ofc lots of their coffee in various sizes so you can gift friends and family or just take some home to enjoy yourself. They grind the beans to your liking if you ask them. Tried their espresso, latte, and cold brew. Latte was uh interesting, a lot milkier/foamier than you’d normally expect, could barely taste the coffee in that one. Limited indoor seating but nice seating and tables all around the outside of their cafe. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. 100% Kona coffee. Oh they also have some beer and wine offerings if you’re into that. Ran into some cute gecko friends while seated outside, they’re harmless and maybe they can save you 15% or more on your next cup of Kona coffee?

Burgers are always spot on! Beer is always Cold and Chilled! Schooners R da best choice! The fries was super crispy goodness! The Poke Nachos was a hit! Crispy won ton chips with Hawaiian style poke on top!! Views from the seating is always awesome too!

The staff is very friendly. Seating was quick. Nice view of harbor. We got the spicy chicken wings on recommendation of server. Those were well done. Nice spice and crispy. Sadly the salad with the fresh catch Ahi “seared” was pathetic. Zero flavor and wilted lettuce. Just bad. Yes ahi isn’t a super flavorful fish- this was like eating a soggy towel. We did tell the server that it wasn’t good. $66 for lunch This is why we eat at home.

We had Fish and chips, Calamari and Chips and “Schooners” of ice cold Stella in a chilled glass. It was the best fish and chips I’ve ever had: very lightly battered, melted in your mouth, served with a nice tartar sauce.

Kristie V. made our Breakfast visit amazing. Food was great, definitely will go back. And don't forget the Fried Rice.

Server Kristie V. was AMAZING! Kind, friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. Her recommendations for the fried rice & French toast did not disappoint! Chill local atmosphere! I will definitely be coming back for ‘aina Kakahiaka (breakfast) more often, and then later got some scooners! Mahalo a nui Kristie! He lā maika’i e Harbor House ‘ohana!

We came here to eat before our manta ray snorkel tour since it was close by. I don’t understand all the high reviews, the food is pretty bad. My review is for the food alone, the service was fine. I ordered a BLT because it’s pretty hard to screw up a BLT, but it was disappointing. It had just 2 cold strips of bacon maybe from the morning. I got a side salad with it and it was also disappointing, just some lettuce and dressing, super bland. I know eating out on the island is expensive for a mainlander but paying $17 for this was painful. My boyfriend ordered the fried chicken sandwich and his experience was the same, super bland. We ate very well everywhere else on the island, but wouldn’t come back here.

Great food and views. Service was awesome. Very tasty fish and chips, and fish sandwich.

What an Awesome Dining Experience. The open air design allowed for Beautiful Views of the Ocean Waves Crashing upon the Beach. It had a Feeling of Elegance. The Food was Delicious and Fairly Priced for this type of Venue. Our Sever was Very Polite and Professional. A Very Enjoyable Meal.

During my experience, the food and service does not align with the price. To begin, as we walked in two servers approach the hostess and asked to pass us to someone else (Family of 5, 3 are kids). All the food is a la carte, and sides are additional. ***I’m ok with this if the service meets the price. Server seemed overwhelmed and the restaurant was not busy. The stuff ono was dry, the scallops were flavorless, and calamari was all breading. My eldest did enjoy his fish tacos, but his brothers ordered from the keiki menu and received one ladle of Mac and cheese no sides. One plus from this was the view of the beach.

After reading some reviews we decided to give this place a try. We were able to get seating quick on a weeknight for a late dinner. Entrance was nice and inviting and views with nice ocean breeze was great. That said, the food was just average, and the overall interior felt a bit dated. I wasn’t a fan of the old furniture and dark carpets—removing those could really freshen up the space.

I came to the Kona Inn Restaurant twice while visiting Kona, and both experiences were absolutely spectacular. The service both times was phenomenal — friendly, attentive, and welcoming. Would definitelyyyyy recommend the Tuna Stack … our server recommended it to me and she was right, it’s incredible. The calamari is also a great appetizer to share with your table and absolutely worth ordering. On top of the great food and service, this is hands-down one of the best places in Kona to watch the sunset. Perfect atmosphere, amazing views, and an overall fantastic dining experience. Can’t wait to come back next time I’m on the island!

We've been here 5 years & enjoy viewing all the Sunsets. The View from Kona Inn Restaurant was EXCEPTIONAL!! The relaxed atmosphere, ambiance & authenticity was also the Best. Hosts and Servers provided exceptional service and offered to take photos of their Guests. Parking is terribly expensive and will limit our number of repeated visits but our enjoyment will keep us coming back.

Totally amazing. The food was top notch, the venue was top notch. A beautiful place to have dinner. I 100% recommend the filet mignon and scallops

This was our third visit to the Kona Inn over a 22 year period, and while the unbeatable oceanfront setting still delivers that classic Big Island charm, we couldn’t help but notice a little decline in overall quality this time around. Let’s start with the positives: the atmosphere is still one of the best you can find in Kona. Sitting out on the open-air lanai, watching the waves roll in with a mai tai (or my go to- a Diet Coke) in hand—it’s hard to ask for a better view. The historic feel of the building, the tropical landscaping, and the relaxed pace all contribute to that old-school Hawaiian vibe that’s becoming harder to find…. Especially now as it seems as more and more storefronts are vacant. That said, while still good, the food and service didn’t quite live up to our previous experiences. Dishes that once felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared now felt a bit more harried and inconsistent. It’s not that it was a bad meal—it just wasn’t up to the standard that made us want to return a third time. We left wishing the experience had matched the beauty of the setting. We’re hopeful this was just an off night, and we’d love to see Kona Inn return to the high quality and warm hospitality that made it a favorite of ours. Here’s hoping it finds its groove again, because that view is still worth coming back for. We love this spot! When you go, we recommend trying the stuffed Ono! That dish is rich and delicious!

Best burger on the island hands down. Juicy patties, awesome sauce, great charred flavour, super filling. Had multiple burgers on the island and this was hands down the best. I had excellent service both times I visited. My only nit is that the brioche bun (which super flavorful) falls apart on a double burger. The burger is that juicy that the bun disintegrates!!

I highly recommend that you SKIP this place! I ordered the "Fresh Catch" fish sandwich. My jaw almost dropped when I read the receipt and it was $20 for JUST a sandwich (no drink or fries.) I thought, well, it must be really big and really good. It was barely bigger than a slider and it was NOT good! The top of the bun was a not much thicker than a piece of paper (see photo.) The fish was not seasoned very well and I couldn't taste the sauce because it had the consistency of water and it all ran off the sandwich (see photo.) I get that this restaurant is in a fancy plaza, with a fountain and lots of free parking, so I'm sure the rent is high. However, you can't charge people $20 for a garbage sandwich!

Food is all made to order but it really did not taste good for my son and I. I ate most of my burger but my son only took a few bites and was done. He also did not like the fries. Honestly I feel the only thing I did like was the sauce for the fries. The burger just did not have hardly any flavor to it.

Busy place for good reason! Fries were delicious and crispy. Burger of good quality, locally sourced.

SO DISAPPOINTED. I've eaten inside many times and it's usually pretty good. I got takeout today for the World Series (am happy to provide my order number) and was so incredibly disappointed. I ordered both burgers medium rare so I could heat them at home, and while they were pink inside, the meat felt mushy and raw. Flavorless. Hard sear on the outside but weird texture and temp on the inside. Also, for $15 JUST FOR A BURGER, I would expect some actual lettuce and tomato. And to salt the patty. Instead it was one slice of tomato, and the smallest bits of lettuce and onion I've ever seen on a burger. The fries were super soggy and overly oily even after heating them in the air fryer. So disappointed that for $50 for only two burgers/two fries, this is what we got. The meat was inedible and you could tell it was just thrown together. Maybe someone was having an off day/new or something. I get it, things happen. The wrapper was tucked in between the burger and bun. I should have taken a better photo before reheating. Definitely not at all like their photos (what food is) but you expect more from a small business who prides itself on local, quality ingredients.

Busy at lunch, but still not a long wait. Made to order burgers shoestring fries both are excellent. Local beef and toppings, counter staff knowledgeable kind and understanding and very easy on the eyes

Flavorful good sized Beef patties, solid additions available to create your own burger. My Dad raved about the fresh caught seared ahi sandwich. The fries are the best we've had in a long time and the special housemade aoili was top tier.

There was five of us (one was a child who does not eat sandwiches so we did not even spend any money on her). It was $85 for two half sandwichs, one full sandwich, and 5 drinks. We paid $2 for an upgrade to pineapple. It looked like it was for a child or for pineapple on a pizza. It was cubed small and a tiny portion. Not worth $2. It was maybe one slice off the pineapple. I ordered the caprese sandwich. When I ordered the lady smirked and slightly laughed when I asked for no avocado. She has absolutely zero idea why I can't have avocado and yet felt the need to express how the customization to MY sandwich was wrong. But that wasn't the worst part. It was the worst sandwich I've ever had. And I don't say that lightly. It was two slices of bread. Two slices of tomato. Two slices of mozzarella. And I think they showed the balsamic to it. It was the driest sandwich I've ever had. There as maybe a drop of balsamic on it. Oh, and I didn't even get a pickle spear...... Also how the heck is popcorn a side for a sandwich? Having chips with a sandwich shouldn't be an upgrade I have to pay for. Absolutely the worst $85 spent. Will not be back and do not recommend.

Sandwiches were phenomenal. Got the Turkey BLT and the Curry Chicken Salad sandwiches. Snacked on fresh popcorn while we waited for our food. Staff was very sweet.

Oh my gosh, this is the cutest, best tasting sandwich shop I’ve ever been to! The service was amazing, the decor was so fun to look at, and the food was… Delicious! Mmmmm I had the turkey orbit and a kitchen sink salad and would definitely go back for the same, But there were so many more things to try. On my short stay here I will go there often.

This review is based only on a single visit so I can't speak for all their sándwiches but I had the notorious P.I.G and it was legit one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. The pineapple and jalapeño added to the ham was delicious. A little sweet, a little spicy. Really good. I will go back before the end of my trip.

Poi Dog Deli is maybe my favorite place to eat on the entire island! Most importantly, the food is top notch. It’s so good to find a serious sandwich spot with fresh, quality ingredients, crispy grilled bread and an awesome craft beer selection! My whole party got the Ranch house Reuben which featured hickory turkey, Swiss cheese, jalepeno sauerkraut, and homemade 1000 island sauce. The flavors were complex yet cohesive, perfectly balanced in every bite. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their sandwiches and were glowingly reflecting on them the rest of the day. Adding to the experience- the ambiance is so cool! Being from Louisiana, I love that one of the owners is as well and you can tell from the thoughtful decorations throughout. There are cool details in every corner of the room, and you can tell so much love was put into every aspect of decoration, down to the cafe du mond coffee tins for holding utensils and straws. Finally- they are LGBTQ friendly and also huge advocates for rescue dogs!! It doesn’t get any better than this. Instead of a table number used for the server to bring your food, they use a photo of a rescue dog from the local humane society! As the dogs get adopted (hopefully helped by the boosted exposure!) their picture gets moved to the wall so their happy ending can be celebrated forever! Service was so friendly! Happy smiling faces that seemed genuinely interested in making sure you were having a great time while there. The best vibes all around. They also occasionally have live music, and even offer simple free meals to children in the community! Such cool ways to foster a positive environment. Can’t recommend them enough! Get off the strip and tuck into this cozy spot for a memorable lunch. Lots of parking right out front!

Always had to choose from their fabulous menu. Be sure to check out the daily specials. Add the Cajun spice to the free popcorn. Absolutely love their support for the poi dogs on island!

We're visiting the Big Island from the mainland for 8 days and we were in the area so decided to stop in for a quick lunch. I had the rueben and absolutely loved it! The bread was crispy and the sandwich was hot and fresh and the corned beef was super tasty and lean. My wife had the turkey BLT and loved it. Loved the inside and the staff were so nice. Definitely recommend stopping in and enjoying a freshly made sandwich! Thanks!

We have been there three times during our stay on big Island. It is an amazing place with a great view. The service is fast and super friendly. We tried breakfast, lunch and dinner and it was always a great experience with them. The desserts are from another level and really good. I can definitely recommend this place

The chowder was the best I've ever had. the smash burger was seasoned to perfection 🤌🏼 the fish n chips 🔥. I have absolutely no complaints. not only was the food amazing but the service BJ provided was excellent. he was so fast so friendly and so inviting. we will return but also recommend this gem to everyone we know! Mahalo 🤙🏼

Great spot across the street from the tender pier. We tried a combination of traditional American fare and some local favorites and was not disappointed. Delicious!

Old Kona Galley??! Anyways, great update to the old long time restaurant. Food was killaz, and our server was top notch. Anyways, highly recommend for a good bar & grill type place. Ask for Mia as she was a wonderful server. We watched the Iron Man from the balcony. Was awesome

Went here for breakfast and Shayce was our lovely waitress, so kind! We got the Mochi Pancakes and breakfast burrito and it was 10/10!! Probably the best meal we’ve had on the island! Highly recommend and ask for Shayce!

We ate here two separate times on our trip because it was so good. The staff are all so friendly, great recommendations, and they’ll validate your parking for you - make sure to ask if they don’t remember! The first time we had the breakfast tacos and loco moco both were delicious. The second time we came for lunch and had the BLT and the Steak & Cheese, again both dishes were so good. The views are also gorgeous. Highly recommend.

From tip to tail this place is Fantastic! Our Host, our Server (Shayna) and the GM (Olivia) were all at the top of their game. So kind and hospitable. Our drinks were top notch as well. We had a Hibiscus Cooler (Vodka mixed drink) and a delicious Bloody that included bacon and a jalapeño popper! We shared the Reef Break Bene (Mahi Mahi, poached egg, capers, micro greens and hollandaise on English muffin). I'm a purist for breakfast food, but a fresh fish Junky. This met both of those needs perfectly. It made us want to taste the whole menu and with enough time we will make that attempt. Absolutely outstanding and they don't gouge tourist, they deliver in all respects of the food and beverage profession. Mahalo Big Kahuna! Don't miss this Gem, its unassuming but will leave you with loving memories.

Great poke! We got here right before the lunchtime rush so there were a lot poke still available. The staff are all friendly and kind, if you are not sure what to pick-you are able to have a taste. There is no seating inside. However, outside they do have benches you can sit and enjoy your food. The portions are fairly large for the price. By the time we finished our food-there was already a long line that had formed. So go early for more choices.

We were looking for some good poke when in Hawaii, and we found it! Just a bit off the beaten path, but so worth it. Several selections of preparations/seasonings, and sides. All incredibly fresh. No seating inside, but there are some tables outside.

Really fresh poke here! We had the baby octopus poke — so tasty and perfectly chewy. Added some seaweed salad and kimchi on the side, both were great. Also grabbed a little Shoyu Ahi by weight, super fresh and flavorful. A nice spot to stop by if you’re craving poke during your trip!

We did the 2 scoop selection: 2 scoops of rice, 2 scoops of poke, 2 sides. Hands down, THE BEST poke I've ever had! The sides were amazing - highly suggest the incredible macaroni salad. Added bonus, the staff were super helpful and nice. The butter mochi was a trip back to my childhood💜

The to go poke bowls here are absolutely delicious, packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients that make every bite satisfying. The flavors are well-balanced, combining quality proteins, vibrant toppings, and tasty sauces in a way that feels both thoughtful and delicious. On top of that, the customer service is excellent—friendly, attentive, and welcoming—making the whole experience enjoyable.

Under-assuming spot where all the locals go - one of our favorite places to find food! I had 3 different mac salads in my first 24 hours on island. This one was my favorite! A perfect mix of mac/potato salad. The ocean salad was sooo good, as was the spicy ahi! We also picked up some li hing mui gummy bears 😋 if you’re looking for authentic local flavors - you found it!

Best poke we had in Kona after trying a few other spots! So good we ended up coming back twice in 2 days just to have this again before leaving. The fish is incredibly fresh and the sides are great. I’m leaving this review so I remember to come back here next time I’m in Kona. Can’t wait to be back :-)

Food was really good! I highly recommend the crab cake and the coconut shrimp. I also had a margarita and it was excellent. They have happy hour from 4–5 with discounts on appetizers and some cocktails, which is a nice bonus. Great spot!

Wow! So glad we left our resort and tried this place. Looks are deceiving. Not fancy at all looks like it's been there for a long time but has amazing ocean views. Staff is super friendly and knowledgeable and the food is unbelievable. Those pork egg rolls and coconut shrimp were to die for! Lamb shank was awesome. Go!

Impressive place overall. Great atmosphere with indoor seating overlooking the water and parking lot, with plenty of tables on a Thursday evening. Food was fair. Dinner for four people was $312 with two drinks, two appetizers and three entrees. I tipped rather generously (20% +) because service was excellent. Parking & Service - parking was free and plentiful. Our server was highly attentive, checking in with refills on beverages and clearing plates at the right times without being overbearing. Drinks - the Ocean Dragon is one of their most popular drinks and has vodka, elderflower liqueur, sparkling sake and drgonfruit. It’s refreshing and a good way to cool off, if not a very strong drink. Food - the food was amongst the better “finer” establishments on the island. The crab cakes and ribs for the sampler were decent, but the pork spring roll was somewhat notable. The kai pasta was rich with a healthy amount of seafood, with a lobster tail, about eight shrimps and many bay shrimps. The ribeye had a rich, deep flavor with a grilled or charbroiled taste. Molokai mash was decent, but only because I tend to favor regular potatoes over sweet potatoes/yams. The fried pork chop was fine, and while not dry, it certainly was not tender. Good portion.

The pork rib, kalua eggroll and crabcake appetizer was good. The crispy pork chop was thick, but should have ordered medium, because it was tough and dry. Server was nice but not to be seen for several minutes, in a half full restaurant.

We went to Jackie Rey’s as a family of four, and the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming. Our youngest can be a handful at restaurants, but the team was patient and kind, making sure everyone felt comfortable. The hostess seated us right away, and our server/bartender didn’t miss a beat—drinks came fast, he checked in often, and even paced the meal perfectly by bringing dishes as they were ready (a lifesaver with the kiddoes). We ordered big: a tomahawk, ribeye, crab cakes, coconut shrimp, lobster tail, and potatoes au gratin. Every plate came out perfect. I worked my way through the signature drinks on the cocktail list and every one was fantastic. We’ve tried all the “famous” spots on the island, and nothing else compared. The service and food here set a whole different standard. If you only eat at one place on the Big Island, make it here.

We went there without a reservation in the early evening and was seated within minutes. They gave us the drink menu only at first, and we waited quite a while before the server came again to take our drink order and switch for food menu. We informed the server we're in a hurry for a tour and he was so helpful to speed up our order. The special menu tasted amazing and wished I had more time to enjoy. They even have a TV with the volcano livestream playing.

Jackie Rey's was absolutely delicious and had a wonderful waitstaff! There is no view, but the inside is beautifully decorated with paintings, real plants, and lots of light features that bring the space to life. The bar is a great focal piece as well. We started off with drinks: a non-alcoholic pitaya and company for me, which was more tart than sweet, as I prefer, and my friend ordered a sweet, but very strong mai tai. For appetizers, we ordered the ceviche, which was good, but it didn’t have enough chips for the amount of ceviche on the plate. The flavor is very light due to the coconut milk and needed more lime to provide the lacking acidity, but we found it paired really well with the intensely flavored kalua pork spring rolls, which had the tangiest sweet chili sauce. Those rolls were crispy and well stuffed too. For our main entree, we had the seafood trio and I was pleasantly surprised by the vast amount of vegetables. The crab cake was well seasoned, juicy and fresh with a thin layer of crust that let the crab shine through. The tropical salsa on top was a great addition too. The Ahi Tuna actually paired fantastically with the remaining ceviche sauce, much better than the curry underneath it, which was delicious, but overpowering for the light fish. The ube mash and vegetables however were great alongside the curry. My only suggestion is on the coconut shrimp, which needed more sweetness in the coconut flakes themselves and it needed to be salted as soon as it was removed from the fryer because it was lacking seasoning. Also it would have been nice to have the sauce on the side to dip into, as there was barely any and it fell off the shrimp and onto the other items on the plate.

Quinn’s was a good place to stop in and check out the vibe and food here. Atmosphere is very cool, lots of space and chill spot. My burger was fantastic, cooked perfectly and absolutely loved the Quinn’s brand on top. Wife and daughter shared the fish order and found it to be a tad overcooked but still tasty. Restroom is a shared one which was a bit to Pub like and a little less tidy. Service from the time we entered to the end was fantastic and top notch. Flowers all around made it feel cozy and inviting. I would still highly recommend making this place a stop, their menu has a lot to offer.

The location, atmosphere, and service were good. Everything looked appealing, but the food missed the mark for me. The soup was overly thick, and the fish and shrimp tasted more like pre-battered, fried items than fresh seafood.

Quinn’s Almost by the Sea is such a gem! The bar food is great — fresh, flavorful, and exactly what you want in a casual spot. The bartender was attentive and friendly, keeping the drinks flowing and the atmosphere upbeat. It has this wonderfully laid-back vibe, almost like a dive bar you’ve been going to for years. Easygoing, welcoming, and always a good time — definitely one of my favorite relaxed spots in Kona.

We ate here our last night in Kona - just walked over from the Courtyard where we were staying. The waitress was nice, but a bit strong in the way she suggested that I get the Ono for my Fish and Chips, but I took her recommendation and ordered it. My wife got the Fish sandwich. The atmosphere was interesting with some of the sports memorabilia, but the air in the area we were seated in felt stuffy. It felt to both of us that the food took longer than it should have coming out, and once it did we both said that it was just average. It looked good, and the portion size was large, but it just didn't taste that good. I don't think either of us finished our meal. Not a bad choice in coming here as it was convenient and reasonably priced, but we didn't think the food was that good.

This a low key classic restaurant. Good prices. The food was good. I had the Mahi Mahi fish and chips. Huge portions. The fish was tasty and the fries were very good. I had a Mai tai which was expected. Service was fine. It was raining hard out side and we sat out side which was nice but the floors had a lot of water on it which we had to be careful of. Not a big deal but we could have slipped. There was a slippery floor sign there. My daughters had the chicken tacos and they loved them.

Love this place!! Amazing fish and chips (We got the Ono fish) and the BEST fish tacos! The pineapple Cole slaw is also something that is worth trying! The portions are big and the meals were decently priced. My husband and I were in Kona for the evening and stumbled across this place and we're so glad we stopped by here! We were here the same weekend of the Iron man and were afraid it'd take a bit since it was a busier day but we got seated super quick along with our waitress who got our food and drinks order in and out! Besides the delicious food, we really enjoyed our meal and experience overall because of the amazing service there. Our awesome waitress Janessa was super friendly, attentive and very sweet. She was just very helpful and gave us her recommendations on the meals we were choosing between. We will definitely be back here the next time we're visiting :)

This is a great spot offering comforting food in large portions. Staff extremely welcoming. Had a Reuben and an amazing lilikoi pie. Not seen anyone else around have Reubens on the menu and this place nailed this classic sandwich perfectly. I hadn’t planned on dessert but when Christian told me about a passion fruit pie, I was sold. It was a wonderfully tart and sweet curd filling on a coarse graham cracker crust with generous amounts of whipped cream. Very nice relaxed setting, great food and very genuine people.

Huge menu with many options- a little on the pricey side for some items but food was good. We got the fried rice omelette and the fried rice was very yummy- simple and not too salty or mushy. Lots of space and our order was ready quickly, however, there were some teeny flies that were very bothersome when trying to eat.

If you are looking for a local place with classic Hawaiian fare you are in the right place. The Loco Moco was good as was everything we ordered. Busy popular place, lots of locals. Indoor and outdoor seating. Lots of free parking, minutes from airport. Our flight was delayed so we made a stop, nice way to end the trip. Service was fast despite how busy they were.

Counter serve local style food. Prices were reasonable, serving sizes were good, not too much. We ordered 3 different sandwiches, each was good. I enjoyed the teriyaki chicken burger. The tempura fish sandwiche was tasty and hot. It's a zero frills location, no real atmosphere, but real food cooked well. The fries and onion rings were good, nothing spectacular, but good. One cool thing, it had both Pepsi and Coke soft drinks. Lots of options. It's a good place for well-priced food. I hope to make it for breakfast for yhe loco moco.

Incomplete order, instant mash potatoes, overpriced...I order Korean chicken take out with mashed potatoes and Mac salad. The Korean chicken was plain fried chicken with no sauce? Since my order was take out we only saw that something was wrong after receiving, but we were 20 minutes away and couldn't take it back. So they didn't check orders before they go out. Also as a menu options was mash potatoes/rice/fries, if I knew it was instant I wouldnt have picked mash and didnt assume it was since it's $20 a plate which is the price of a nice meal in a restaurant with an ocean view..it tasted like cardboard along with the unseasoned plain fried chicken they gave us. I tried to eat the chicken but it was completely dry and unseasoned and we didn't have anything for it so that was a total waste. The Mac salad was the only edible thing. Our other plate teri chicken with rice, the teri chicken was super dry like sun dried jerky hard to chew no flavor. Super disappointed overvalued no quality check wish I could undo it wasted $45

Pine Tree Café in Kona – A Hidden Gem! We had such a fantastic experience at Pine Tree Café that we actually went twice during our trip. The first time was for breakfast, which we chose after reading reviews about their affordable and delicious. It did not disappoint — I had two fried eggs with Portuguese sausage on toast, along with hashbrowns, all at a pretty inexpensive price. The breakfast was simple, but packed with flavor. On our last day, we returned for lunch and honestly wish I had discovered their lunch menu sooner! The location is perfect, especially if you're near the airport, making it a great spot for a quick, satisfying meal. I tried their poke bowl special for under $10, which came with a generous portion of poke and a side of their tuna Mac salad — absolutely delicious! My husband enjoyed a club sandwich, which he said was one of the best he's had. The staff are friendly and welcoming, creating a relaxed atmosphere. While seating inside is limited, there’s plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the lovely Kona weather. Plus, it’s a great place to grab a quick bite and either take it back to your hotel or enjoy it on the beach. I also loved their massive condiment station filled with all kinds of hot sauces — I wish I had taken a photo of it! Overall, Pine Tree Café is a must-visit for great food, friendly service, and a convenient location. We’ll definitely be back!

Not fancy by any means but omg the food was so good! Tuna Mac salad? Their Tabasco sriracha was so good never had that before. We ordered kalbi beef, and spicy garlic chicken and will definitely be back. Great portions too

Nice local place to eat. Nothing fancy, just comfort kine food, just how I like it! Highly recommended by a few people!

Food: the sauce, egg and protein are very well done; flavor balanced and delicious. To me, the rice is still too much, but with the price and value ratio, it’s not too bad, and the savory flavor can make you finish most of it somehow. Service: they’re very busy and people flooded in during lunch time, so we ended up sitting outside. The staff were able to locate us and brought the food, which is very nice and helpful. Ambiance: super casual. Family, couples and friends are all suitable for a quick bite.

Friendly staff, but the food experience was underwhelming. I ordered the 808 Special—toast, hashbrowns, eggs, and sausage—for $14. The price was about what I expected for Hawaii, but the quality felt more like a to-go Denny’s meal in a plastic box. The toast came dry with no butter, no jam options, and I had to hunt around for both butter and hot sauce. No condiments were readily offered. Everyone was eating out of plastic boxes with plastic utensils, even if they were dining in, which really took away from the meal. It didn’t feel like a restaurant experience at all. The food itself was fine—nothing terrible, but nothing memorable either. Just basic breakfast fare with zero flair. If you’re expecting local flavor or a warm dining vibe, this probably isn’t it.

Delicious! It’s pretty busy because of foot traffic from the resorts. Super tasty food. Try the Kahlua pork bene you won’t be disappointed and spring for the fried rice side.

We highly recommend for breakfast! The pancakes are incredible! Our group of 8 ate at the Cafe and everyone was happy with their order. Huge portions so come hungry. The cafe is in a strip mall and is not large but they cook quickly and the tables turnover fast.

Was in town for a few days and stopped here for breakfast. Came back the next day again for lunch. The menu is packed with options, portions are generous, and you can’t beat the prices.

The food was new to me.I never really tasted it before.But it wasn't bad, it wasn't fantastic, but it was edible something different.I'll try some different stuff tomorrow

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ **Incredible food and great service!** 808 Grindz Cafe in Kona is a must-visit! Everything we had was amazing. The short ribs, 6oz steak, and bacon were all packed with flavor and cooked perfectly. I ordered the "Breakfast of Champions"—a huge plate of food—and every bite was worth it. They even let me sub the eggs for short ribs for just \$2.50! I got 8 pieces of bacon (yes, 8!) and they were crispy and cooked to perfection. The hash browns were solid too, but the steak and short ribs were the absolute standouts. We even got a waffle in that combo, and the mac sauce took it to the next level—sweet, creamy, and tied the whole thing together beautifully. Great portions, great service, and a relaxed local vibe. Can’t wait to come back!

I really try to support family businesses, and I completely understand when a place needs more time to prepare an order or limits customers inside — that’s totally fine with me. What’s not okay is being treated rudely at 7:30 in the morning just for asking a question. The coffee itself was okay — nothing special. If you’re in Kona, there are definitely better places to go for coffee — with friendlier service and better vibes. I wanted to like this place, but unfortunately, service matters. A little kindness goes a long way, especially first thing in the morning.

Green Flash Coffee was right around the corner from where I was staying in Kona, and after my first visit, I couldn’t stop coming back! Each time I went, I tried something new and was never disappointed. The staff are amazing. So kind, friendly, and always ready with great recommendations (which were always spot on). It’s no wonder there’s constantly a line out the door! Drink-wise, I tried the Haupia Iced Latte, the Gianduia Iced Latte, and the Mauna Kea Mocha Iced Latte and I still can’t decide which one I loved most. For food, I had the Monte Cristo, the French Toast Sammie, and the Ham & Swiss Panini … all absolutely incredible. This place is warm, welcoming, and everything they have to offer is delicious in every way. Can’t wait to come back next time I’m on the island!

This place is nice little spot but what makes it such a great place is the people. The service here was fantastic. I have a serious allergy to peanuts and I noticed that there was peanut butter on the menu and they made sure to clean and change out the cutting boards which so many other places would never do.

This place is a cute little coffee shop! Only one guest or party allowed inside at a time so if there is a line it starts at the door. Which is fine cuz they post their menu on the door too so u get a chance to look. The barista was fun to chat with and suggested the Green flash smoothie which was really yummy!

Coffee was good. But really the service was great, the lady made me a "custom" drink and we chatted a bit. Very friendly, very nice, and surprisingly affordable compared to other costs on the island, or even back home

If you like watered down coffee (latte) and a cup full of ice this is the place to go! Service was quick, but the lack of barista experience and customer service is quite evident. It was extremely disappointing being treated so rudely, especially when you are trying to support a local business.

Our airbnb was in the sea village hence this was our everyday spot for breakfast and coffee. I like their bagels/croissant with ham and cheese and oats. This was our usual. The place is usually busy from the get going. The staff is super nice and service is pretty fast. They have around 3 outdoor tables and the wait isn't super long. My usual coffee was the green flash which they told me is a custom bean. Pretty great and I do recommend it.

Good customer service. The staff was very clear and nice in taking orders. She thoroughly asked us details about how spicy we would like for each meals we ordered. And she wears a nice smile 😊 I had Pad Thai and it was good. We are satisfied with the customer service and the food. Thank you!

Worse than mall food court Thai. Small portions, bad taste, and a complete disaster if you order anything with noodles. I honestly don’t know how this place is still in business. Pad Thai – They used super thin noodles, which completely ruined the texture. It was way too sweet and sour, like they just dumped bottled sauce over it. Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) – Hands down the worst I’ve ever had. It was watery, not stir-fried at all, and somehow, they also used thin noodles instead of the wide ones that are supposed to be in this dish. Panang Curry – I have no idea why there were so many cucumbers floating in the soup. The curry itself was thin and watery, lacking any richness or depth of flavor. The rice bowl was tiny, literally smaller than my fist—and I’m a slim female! Thai Basil Fried Rice – The only thing I could finish, but not because it was good—just because everything else was worse. When I asked the server about the thin Pad Thai noodles and cucumber curry—he said, “That’s how we’ve done it for five years.” Maybe that explains why everything was so bad. I have no idea how they’ve lasted this long. Do NOT waste your time or money here.

Food was good. We got sat down at a table immediately and our server was very friendly and service was very quick. We ordered the chicken pad kee mow (drunken noodles), basil fried rice with tofu, and basil fried rice with chicken. Both basil fried rices were good other than the fact that one was super spicy and we had to send it back. Pad kee mow was a little fishy in flavor but overall delicious.

We feel very disappointed with the food: 1. the fresh spring roll is basically lettuce roll + half shrimp. It cost 12 USD with 3 rolls. 2. The Penang curry is a small bowl of watery curry soup cost $22 3. The beef salad cost $27, with a plate of lettuce and onion, some beef covered on the top. The meal cost about $70, and tips with $10 which they won’t even bring you the water, you have to get by yourself. It’s a ripoff, and do not recommend.

I love Pad Thai, and buy it the first time I ever go to a Thai restaurant. I've eaten hundreds of Pad Thai dishes at hundreds of restaurants around the world. Let's start with the initial presentation below. Plenty of fresh, uncooked beansprouts for a good crunch texture in the mouth. A small but not tiny amount of chopped peanuts. These are good. However, unfortunately that's where my compliments on the Pad Thai have to end. The noodles were very thin for rice noodles, and seemed overcooked and fell apart into small bits before I had finished. The green onions were plentiful, but due to how large each piece was as you can see, instead of more finely chopped, this meant that some bites didn't have any onion taste, and some bites tasted of nothing but green onion. Worst of all though, is that this restaurant's design of the main flavoring, is a thick gooping of Mystery Red Sauce, what I call it when a pad Thai is just swimming in sauce rather than being lightly tossed in it. (this also contributes to rice noodles falling apart faster too). A good pad Thai should have only trace amounts of sauce left on the plate when finished. It's just overpowering otherwise. Also, as much as I love the fresh beansprouts in general, there seemed to be a weird almost metallic/chemical tang to them. Never have seen that before. Texture great on those, taste, sadly not. Ambiance of restaurant was fine, a little bland with heavy dark wood theme everywhere. Staff were busy and a bit stressed seeming (place was packed with tourists including us) but they were nice. All and all, I would stop by again probably, see how other dishes are, but I would never have the Pad Thai again, personally.

Good food (thought won’t say the best Thai food!) The avocado fried were great! Something unheard of so we tried them. Really crispy and fun to eat! Do ask for the lunch special on weekdays - rice, egg roll and an entree. Decent quantity and good value for money! Decent service and good food.

Good Thai food. Made our dishes vegan for us which was amazing. Our panang veggie curry was priced $16 on the menu but we were charged $20 and also overcharged by another $1 for not having tofu for some odd reason. If you like spicy, you need to go for at least 5-6 on scale. Portion for curry a bit small for the price but worth trying and stopping by. Glass noodle dish was just okay.

This place is lovely. Right on the ocean. Very "touristy", but a really great view. I had the chef's special pasta with vodka sauce, and it was delicious. They have a kids menu, and an extensive drink menu. They may have been light on staff, as our server was VERY busy and had a lot of tables to cover. He was good though, his name is Gabriel. The atmosphere alone at this place was great. Highly recommend.

I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great dining experience paired with stunning views. The service was exceptional, the staff was attentive and welcoming and the food was absolutely delicious. We had a wonderful time and are already looking forward to our next visit!

Our first time in Hawaii, and this was the first place we ate lunch at. I ordered a poke nacho dish that was super fresh and the crunchy wonton chips held up their crisp until the very last bite. My fiance ordered the Guava BBQ bacon cheeseburger that he crushed. Our server Derrick made delicious mocktails for my aunt and I. He also gave us wonderful suggestions for island activities, per our request. My aunt ordered the pork BBQ sandwich amd her bf ordered the teriyaki burger. All were delicious. And the VIEW off the patio was just breath taking. We all highly recommend this restaurant. (The prices were reasonable!)

Great spot overlooking the water. Felt like an old time Hawaiian restaurant, nothing fancy. The food was excellent. We had the fish sandwich and 2 different types of hamburgers… all delicious. We also ordered the avocado fries which were so good. The Mai Tais and piña coladas were also excellent.

Recommend this place! Was there in September 2025, the service was really nice and the food was good, portions are big, cocktails are tasty! View is great and sunset table sitting is also available!

We loved this place so much that we came three days in a row during our trip. The food is absolutely delicious, but the real star is their homemade peanut butter cheesecake — it’s unforgettable. If I could give this place more than 5 stars, I would. We also got lucky to have the same server, Bri, each time. She remembered us, knew exactly what I was coming back for (the cheesecake!), and made us feel so welcome. She truly goes above and beyond and absolutely deserves all the tips you can give her! A must-visit restaurant — don’t leave without trying the cheesecake!

In February, I went to Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar with my mom and dad, and we had a wonderful dining experience. The oceanfront setting was beautiful, especially with the breeze and views of the water. We enjoyed the island-inspired dishes and fresh flavors, and the service was friendly and attentive. The atmosphere felt lively yet relaxed, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal together as a family. Watching the sunset from our table made the experience even more special. 🌅🍹🌺

Sunday Brunch was a wonderful experience. From the food to the staff and the “shop dog” Miley, everything was perfect. Loved the Hawaiian Waffles and the salmon eggs Benedict. Live music, too. Beautiful outdoor setting with an ocean view and a big tree in the courtyard.

Great spot for breakfast in Kona! Arrive early before the cruise ships come in and all the lost tourists start to take over. The food was fresh and delicious! Our server was fantastic!

Food was fresh and delicious. I had the fruit plate and my husband had the waffles and French toast. His plate came with an egg and choice of bacon or sausage. They had a live musican that played music from around the island, and he gave some history about the island and stories. The view was beautiful. Service was excellent.

We went for a brunch and it was awesome. The ranchero eggs had a great banana bread and the waffles were outstanding! They had a homemade lilikoi sauce that was fantastic. Coffee was Kona coffee, very good. The owner and waitress were super nice. There was a musician playing local songs, what a great atmosphere, outdoors in front of the sea! I highly recommend this place!!

Our favorite breakfast from our trip! Food amazing, kids loved it also. Pineapple whip & waffles so delicious. The banana bread was so good we had to take extra to go!

This is absolutely the most delicious stuffed French toast I have ever had! Wonderful service, great atmosphere and live music. We will definitely be back!

Not many places with a more beautiful view to look at while eating breakfast! Right across the street from the waterfront of Kona. Owner super nice, biggest tree in all of Kona (how does that huge branch not crack off?) and lovely Australian Shepard to greet you. We’ll be back next year too!

OH. MY. GOSH. This is the best sushi you're ever gonna eat!!! Rolls are MASSIVE!! I'm a 33 year old 6' 3" 185lb athletic dude and I eat a lotttttt. That being said my wife and I (also young fit and can eat) ordered 4 rolls and didn't come close to finishing them lol we couldn't even finish 3!! Rolls are huge, fish and other ingredients are high quality, combos are bomb, prices are fantastic and the final product almost made me cry it was so good... lol pro tip, take your left over sushi (you will have left overs...) remove insides from rice, throw rice in the microwave and put insides on top for a fantastic poke bowl!!! Now I will say... we called at 2 in the afternoon, it took 4 trys to get someone to pick up, and we picked up our sushi at 6 but that's because how could you not want this shushi!!! so plan for that but I would do it 100 times again it was so worth it!!! Keep up the good work you guys you absolutely nailed it!!!

So good, and 100% worth the wait. We ordered around 1 PM and ended up picking up at 7 PM before our flight. Was amazing, best sushi I've ever had. 5/5!

The sushi was great, however, the service needs work. I called at 1100 and did not get through until 1130 at which it was going to take 2 hours til it’s ready. I believe the business needs to open earlier maybe around 1000. Opening at 1000 will ensure that people with lunch break between 1100-1200 actually has a chance to eat some great sushi. Also, possibly open a bigger place and hired more works.

Absolutely delicious made to order takeaway rolls. They're generously sized - one per person is more than enough. Our go to for a perfect post diving lunch!

Found out about this place while browsing for some good sushi online while we were at the Big Island The reviews don’t lie I had to call 19 times to get my order in and waited 1.5 hours to pick up the food- which worked perfectly as we wandered the streets and checked out some shops. This place was a bit tricky to find. You have to walk a bit to find it. It’s tucked in so don’t think it’ll be right by the road. Now the food It was great I had the sushi pizza - that was not so worth it but interesting to say the least. Would not get it again But everything else? Way Big rolls for decent price. Yes it’s a big roll but the fish that fills inside is also huge. Def got the value and had left overs since both of us could not finish it

Was the sushi fresh? Absolutely. Was it yummy? Yes. But Was it worth calling over 200 times just to place an order? No. Also I did not care for the sushi Pizza. It just didn't pair well and made my sushi warm so I would recommend sticking with the fresh rolls if you put in the effort to get sushi here. Another plus is that the rolls are huge. I have killed sushi boats between me and my husband alone but less than 2 of these rolls had me stuffed!

Very good rolls, large and tasty! Phone in orders only (as of the review date) and they had a sign saying it's a 3 hour wait for walk ups. Not sure if that's true (walk up wait time) but the phone in and pick up option worked just fine. If you're looking for a good filling roll, this is the place to go!

Excellent small menu with highly-authentic local dishes using local ingredients, but they are best known for their cava, served in a coconut shell!

Great little corner with amazing kava and tasty local plates. We tried the lau lau, kalua pork, kalo and the freshest poi we've had on the islands! Everything was delicious. It's a must try if you're on Kona side!

If I went there for the kava alone, I would have given 3 stars. The "potent" kava was not so potent and barely did anything to relax any of us. We bought one bowl and shared it between 4 people. I don't mind the taste, but keep in mind it that it tastes like dirt water. The kalua pig was good and cooked just right. The garlic bread didn't have much flavor.

We went with the locally grown Hawaiian kava, and it was amazing. The food was top tier and the kimchi specifically was some of the best we’ve eaten.

03.17.3024 celebrated our St Patty's anniversary with the idea of eating traditional Hawaiian food. The hostess was very nice and knowledgeable. We ordered and love the Pupu with a side order of Jasmine rice with furikake and drinks of gingerade for me and kava for my hubby. The Pupu came in a beautiful dish and enough for two to share. The gentleman who delivered our food was great as he patiently explained each dish. The open outdoor eating area was wonderful. Will definitely be back to try other dishes.

The bowl I had wZlas delicious. Kava itself is a fun, uplifting, and a unique kind of intoxicating experience. The atmosphere of the bar feel traditional Hawaiian and laid back

Absolutely no Aloha here. Seriously disappointed and disgusted with how we were treated. Went with my family and as we're sitting there taking our time drinking our kava, the male bartender, who appears to be getting high with his buddies who are just hanging out talking very loudly and not ordering, he tells us basically if we're not buying more then we're not welcome to stay. Really? But your friends are huh? Didn't know aloha was all about the money and exclusion. And I'm sorry, but I thought it was normal to sit at the establishment whose cup you're using. Stupid thing is, we probably would have ordered more once we were done with what we had, but instead we asked for a to go cup for the rest of our drink and left. This bartender is an embarrassment for the company and Hawaiian culture. I had taken a new family member here to try it out, but this will be our last time going.

Good New York style pizza! Decently priced per slice and they are huge. I had them cut 2 into 4 slices to share with the side. The pepperoni is really good. Crunchy dough! Clean taste. The garlic knots are so good! The service is great and the tv’s are huge. It’s also air conditioned.

Such great customer service. I think it was the owner who took my order… he’s super friendly. Best pizza on island! They sell by the slice or you can get a pie. The garlic knots are delicious too. Love supporting this place whenever I’m here

In times where everything is costing more, why does it continually feel like we are getting less!? I made an online order on Thursday evening at about 6:45 was given a 7:30 pick up time. I started with the base cheese pizza ($23.00) and added chicken ($3.20), bacon ($3.20), mushrooms ($2.70), black olives ($2.70) and garlic (.99). My total bill was just over $45.00 bc online they seem to automatically include a 20% gratuity in which I didn’t want to spend additional time figuring out if I could change the tip amount so I went with it. When I got to the shop to pick up my pizza it was ready and waiting for me which I was appreciative of. However, when I got it back home and opened the box I was underwhelmed. The toppings were sparse and there were huge bald spots on each slice exposing just a light layer of cheese. See my video of the freshly opened box. It made my heart sink because even though pizza is one of my favorite treats it’s not often that I order it and indulge. So when I do, and especially when I pay $45.00 for it, I want it to be everything good. Very disappointing and definitely didn’t win my business or recommendation.

Pizza and Comics! Sweet! The pizza was fantastic, the service was great and super chill. Star wars playing on TV. AND!! The price was fantastic! Go here, buy stuff, keep these dudes in business. FANTASTIC!

Best pizza I’ve had this trip, hands down, by the slice or a whole pie, you can’t go wrong! They’re a comic book shop/pizza place and quite frankly it’s genius, I can recommend this place enough! Staff is super friendly, everything looked good behind the viewing glass. Had a round and Sicilian slice, couldn’t decide which was better so I’m gonna have to come back! If you’re a local, they have a pretty awesome rewards program.

We stopped in for a couple slices (both types of pepperoni and the veggie) they were so good we ended up getting a whole pie to take home. Amazing service at the counter, very friendly staff. They have comics available for purchase and comic related movies playing, it’s a vibe. Highly recommend.

The service was quick and friendly. The pizza unfortunately is sub par at best, the crust is very chewy and essentially flavorless. The atmosphere is a bit confusing, the walls are covered in comic books for sale, but it doesn't really fit the vibe of a pizza restaurant. It's almost like they're confused as to whether they want to specialize in pizza or comic books. I can appreciate trying to add an additional revenue stream, but at the same time I want to be immersed in a pizza centric experience at a pizza shop. The last thing that I want to do with greasy pizza hands is pick up collectible comic books.

Well, not very huge market place. You do get one store with fresh produce and local ethnic foods. Reasonable priced. About 4 food venues in a small food court and a good amount of seating. A bakery, Spanish, Filipino, and a Japanese based venues. We tried the Japanese place and it was ok. And not much else to say. There are lots of free parking. And it’s very close another plaza called Kona Commons.

I like the idea of converting a warehouse into a food court. It's modern, open and airy. And I love the plentiful free parking. However, I have tried three of the eating establishments and found them all to be overpriced and underwhelming.

As of this post there are 5 eateries inside the food court. 2 are hands down my favorite, the fried chicken at tenkatori and the donuts at paradise bakery. If you love great fried chicken with delicious dipping sauces this is the place. For dessert or breakfast try paradise bakery so many amazing gourmet donuts and baked goods. The food court itself is inside and not the greatest ambiance but take your food to go and have a picnic!!

Ate at Trinis cause its my favorite!! And the only reason ill go. Always so good!! Fried pork belly plate filipino style and dinguan (my personal favorite!) Wished i got to try their mac salad but they sold out.

There is lots of beautiful artwork and statues here. Definitely a must see place when you are here visiting. Like most Market You can haggle a little bit with the prices. Even one of our large group loved this place from the young to our elders

Went to Paradise Bakery. OMG the donuts are FANTASTIC. So many to choose from. The Lilikoi are great

Older open market concept. Well maintained grounds and buildings. Unfortunately the place looks like it is dying. Only a few stores open with a lot of empty spaces. No reason to go there unless you want something specific. I feel bad for the remaining hold outs.

Going into dinner not our first choice. Tomorrow however it will be. Fried oysters were delicious. Not greasy but juicy and full of flavor. Sauce was surprisingly not salty. Really good. We got a bunch of sushi items all well presented and fresh as can be. Sushi order comes in two pieces that are on the smaller side, but top quality and masterfully made.

had a $100 gift card from Costco. called for a reservation but really wasn't needed plenty of tables on a tues night. ordered the chef's choice sashimi, miso buttered fish, salad, and eel rolls. loved the salad dressing. the chef's choice had toro, uni, hamagachi, shrimp. honestly, the fish portion size was a bit small for $50. the miso buttered fish was alright but for $28 it didn't even come with rice. overall the food was good, just thought the prices were a bit steep for the portion sizes. was still hungry afterwards.

Wife and I went twice during our week long Big Island exploring. We mainly stuck to the sushi options, all of which were very fresh and satisfying for the tropical evenings. Staff was very attentive and both outdoor as well as indoor seating options were nice.

Great place to eat up on local and Japanese cuisine. This place lives up to its Izakaya name. So many great small dishes and big plates. I am really impressed with their variety, quality, and the knowledge + friendliness of their staff. This is a must-stop place for us. I only managed to take one photo of our food because I was legitimately too busy enjoying my dinner instead of 'gramming it all.

Our family of five, plus a baby, had such a good dinner at Izakaya Shiono in Kona last night. The menu has plenty to choose from hot and cold dishes, lots of sushi, and a really big sake list too. We went for the hamachi jalapeño, tuna tataki, oysters, and shrimp tempura to start, and everything came out fresh and ono. We also shared a few rolls, like the spider roll and tiger roll, and they all hit the spot. I had the spicy ahi katsu curry for my main, and that one was definitely a winner. We also tried the flavored yuzu sake, and it was super refreshing perfect with the meal. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, the staff took great care of us, and the location is super convenient. With plenty of options, great service, and solid food all around, Izakaya Shiono is one of those spots in Kona you’ll want to come back to again and again.

The unagi rice bowl was very good and the fried oysters were okay. portion sizes are good. the food came in a random order and our appetizer came last.

Great service (Uilani was super friendly), excellent food, portions were wonderful, tastefully prepared, attention to detail.

We enjoyed our meal here! We sat right by the water which was great. I DEFINITELY recommend the sushi bombs!! So yummy and fresh! I ordered the street tacos, which were great with the sauces. My husband ordered the burger, which he was disappointed with. We sent it back and he got fish and chips instead, which he enjoyed a lot more!! The staff was great about making sure we were satisfied!

Our flights were cancelled and we were put up at the hotel for the night. We ended up hanging out at the restaurant for several hours, waiting on our next flight. Lacey took care of us for breakfast and lunch. She was amazing and chatted with us and kept us entertained. We loved her vibe. The food was great and the Mai Tai's were delicious. Thanks to Lacey for spending the day with us and not making us feel like stranded travelers just camping in her section.

Loved, loved, loved. The drinks (especially the Three Dots And A Dash) were on par, and the food was excellent. Our server was hustling, but offered all the options. The prices were fair, and the view is stunning.

Food: we were only here for r the variety of Mai Thai they offer. We had the 1944 Mai Thai and the Topless Mai Thai. Both tasted great, and if you prefer a sweeter flavor, Topless Mai Thai will be your choice. The food there seemed delicious when we saw people ordering Banh Mi and chips. Service: the bartender is very friendly even they’re busy during the evening especially. We witnessed him caught our drink that almost dropped and he also swapped a new one for sanitary ✨ Ambiance: chill and nice at night but definitely need to be mindful during buggy season.

Stopped here before our flight out for happy hour. Discounted drinks and apps from 4 to 6 PM! Great views of the ocean and delicious mai tai! Lots of Kona beers on tap. We enjoyed the tuna bombs. We sat at the bar. At some point, the sun was shining in our face as it was starting to set - so bring sun glasses! Fun place to stop and relax for a drink with great views.

I was reading reviews about good prime rib and dons kept coming up. The prime rib was decent but I've had better, plus I think it's one of the only places in Kona you can get prime rib any night. The atmosphere and views are amazing I'd probably eat here again.

Amazing views and live music, but the food and service here is terrible. I didn’t order a drink, but I suspect your best option is to come for a sunset drink and maybe an appetizer, but don’t get the poke nachos. They’re practically inedible with chewy fish that’s obviously not fresh, stale wonton chips that aren’t light or flaky at all, and a disgusting overly salted sauce. The chicken wings were dry and the fries were limp, almost like they were reheated in a microwave multiple times. The guava bbq on the sliders had a good flavor and the coconut cream sauce was tasty, but still too salty overall. The staff seemed disgruntled with fake smiles and eye rolls and our food took forever to come out.

I've been coming here since 1990 and IMHO, this is the best shave ice in Kona. The flavors are bold, sweet and an absolute taste of Hawaii. The shave ice is snow-soft and fluffy. You can get it with ice cream, and with toppings if you want. I prefer just shave ice as-is. Service was fine. There is usually a line, but it moves fast enough. The location is on the boardwalk, just enjoy it as you walk, or sit by the Kona sign. The tasted coconut ice cream was tasty. Here's the downside: Due to the high cost of Hawaii, high rents, etc., it was $20 with tip for a small shave ice, waffle cone and 2 stickers.

Not only can you get the best shaved ice in town (yes, even the kind with ice cream in the center), but they also have an incredible selection of local ice creams! My personal favorite is Kona Joy, but the lilikoi cheesecake is a close second! Almost always busy with a line but the staff is fast, friendly and you’ll be enjoying something delicious in no time. As a local I could not recommend this stop enough.

Located in the lively Ali‘i Drive shopping area, this popular shave ice stand always has a crowd, so parking can be a bit tricky. But it’s worth it—the selection of flavors and ice cream options is amazing! We tried the Rainbow (small) and a medium size with natural flavors: mango, lychee, and strawberry. Super refreshing and definitely a local favorite.🍧

The shave ice is decent, and they do offer some natural flavors. But the vibe is really off. Friendliness is basically nonexistent. We came here twice because the kids wanted to go again—we didn’t. Not once did I see any of the girls working there smile. Even when our daughter’s top-heavy shave ice tipped over in the empty store, the woman who saw it happen didn’t react at all. When we asked for something to clean it up, we were handed napkins from the dispenser—exactly what we were already using to help ourselves.

This is on the lower end of shave ice in my opinion after visiting a number of spots on both Oahu and the Big Island. I did appreciate the detail with which our server prepared the shave ice and enjoyed the strawberry flavor, but the Pińa Colada tasted very artificial. The macadamia nut ice cream in the middle was average and the rice mochi bits we added on top were decent. I recommend staying away from coconut flavoring in general, as the fruit seems to be less artificial tasting. There’s free street parking in the alley behind it, but we were there quite late, so it may not be available during the day.

We came here twice. The shave ice is decent. If you’ve been to Oahu- Matsumoto’s Shave ice is better. That being said, this isn’t Oahu. We did enjoy the shave ice - it is quite expensive. We purchased a large tigers blonde, with the Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream, Snow Capped (sweetened condensed milk) and thoroughly enjoyed it. As well as two other mediums, the same ice cream, just different flavors. There isn’t much seating - like 1-2 tables inside for just a couple people, so we ended up outside just in front of the store. Overall, it is decent and would go back again, but I did feel like it was a bit over priced.

"I recently discovered Scandinavian Shaved Ice and was blown away by the great customer service! The employees were friendly, efficient, and made the experience even more enjoyable. What really stood out was the vast array of unique flavors to choose from - I loved that I could mix and match up to three flavors. My first visit, I opted for guava, lychee, and melona, and my second time, I went for pear with melona and added vanilla ice cream. Both times, the flavors were absolutely delicious! The prices were reasonable, similar to what I'd pay at Bahama Bucks. If you're visiting the area, Scandinavian Shaved Ice is a must-try! Plus, it's conveniently located in a popular tourist spot, so you can stroll around while enjoying your treat

Off the beaten path, brew pub. It’s has a large dining area. Place your order at the bar and then pick your seat. The staff is friendly, they take time to talk with you and socialize. By the time you sit and get comfortable your food is delivered. They were fast with their service. Burgers are juicy and flavorful. We enjoyed our lunch

We experienced both the Hilo and Kona locations - loved them both! We enjoyed lunch and beers in Hilo, the service was great! We were running errands stopped in the Kona location - industrial park, and service was great again! Locals or not - treated the same! Mahalo!

Great beer - we especially loved the porter. This place has a ton of outside space but we were here when it rained so this inside was crowded, hot and loud. There are some cool counter seats where you can see the tanks. The beer is great, definitely give it a try.

The Best Beers We Had in the Entire State! 🍺🌋 Ola Brew Co. is a local gem that absolutely lives up to the hype. Hands down, these were the best beers we had during our entire time in Hawai'i, fresh, flavorful, and brewed with serious craft. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, with a convenient menu of classic favorites: burgers, wings, fries, and pizza. We tried the Pestoroni with its house-made red sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni topped with a pesto drizzle, and it was delicious. We also grabbed a traditional cheese pizza, which hit the spot. Add in an erupting volcano playing on the TV, and you've got a uniquely Hawaiian experience that’s hard to beat. We later found out it’s a local favorite, and for good reason! That’s your cue to pop in, grab a cold one, and show some love to this awesome spot. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on ordering a side of ranch for your pizza crust. Trust us, you’ll thank us later.

Great beer and their lau lau pork dish was the best thing I ate on the island in my entire visit and we went to several higher end spots, this simple dish blew everything out of the water in terms of taste. So much flavor!

Great brews and friendly service Watch sports on several TVs and different streaming services Street parking Inside seating at tables and bar Also Patio but it seems you need to come inside to order No happy hour

Chris had the MA'A Lager. I had the A'A IPA. Very nice. The Ola Burger was one of Best I've ever had. Chris ordered the Cobb. We shared. Dessert was the delicious Kiawe Vanilla Porter. Service was great. Mahalo!

It’s a welcomed suit finding this cafe on the scenic walk thru the water front and shopping district. The staff was very patient with the group and fast working on the line. The Açaí bowls are fresh and full of delicious flavors. Also the frappe’s were yummy too 😋 thanks to the staff for saving us from the heat. PS the outdoor seating was chill

Kona Wave Cafe – Kailua-Kona Kona Wave Cafe is in a great spot right across from the beach in Kailua-Kona. It’s a small, casual setup with only a few outdoor tables, so it works more as a grab-and-go place, perfect if you want to take your food and enjoy it by the ocean. I ordered a custom Acai bowl with banana, strawberry, peanut butter, granola, and chia seeds. The Acai itself was bomb — fresh, cold, and full of flavor. The strawberries were sweet, the peanut butter was creamy and rich, and the granola gave it a nice crunch. Overall, the bowl looked beautiful and tasted refreshing. A couple of things could make it even better: the banana portion was tiny (barely five tiny slices), and the chia seeds were just raw on top instead of soaked, which made them a bit odd to eat. A soaked chia layer would have added so much more texture and balance. Service was the one downside. When I went to pay, I hit “no tip” on the card reader because I planned to leave cash in the tip jar, but the lady at the counter made disapproving sounds. It felt awkward and unnecessary, and it left me with a less-than-welcoming impression. Overall, Kona Wave Cafe has great potential. The Acai base was fantastic, and the location is unbeatable. With a little more generosity on toppings and a friendlier customer service experience, this could easily be a five-star spot in Kailua-Kona.

We had some nice acai bowls for lunch one day and they were surprisingly filling. The flavors of the fruit and granola work well with the acai. Great alternative to a lot of heavy brunch food and this one was tasty.

Best Acai I have had on the island. I’ve tried other places, but this place keeps it simple. It’s not too sweet like others (big problem I’ve seen) the ingredients are always ready to eat and fresh. Had a bowl everyday of my trip. Perfect Acai to granola ratio. Price is fair as well compared to other expensive places!

My favorite Acai bowl on the island! The monkey bowl is packed with flavor and pb. The granola is great and this bowl is very filling

We ordered the Kona Wave Bowl and a Latte and they didn't disappoint! Absolutely fresh and delicious flavors with friendly, attentive and speedy service. I absolutely love when people repeat your order back to you before they submit it and cash you out. It means that the service staff is willing to take the time to get you exactly what you wanted. We are so grateful we stumbled upon this gem right in the heart of Kailua-Kona.

This place is a true gem for acai bowls. Each bowl is fantastic—perfectly balanced with fresh, flavorful ingredients and just the right amount of sweetness. The service is friendly and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. It’s a simple spot, but everything feels thoughtfully done, from the presentation to the taste, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, satisfying treat.

I love this place. During our stay in Kailua-Kona we ate there three times! Everything on the brunch menu is delicious! We had the pull pork po boy, pancakes, poi bread French toast, loco moco, and so many other things off the menu! It was so good! While we were waiting for our food we enjoyed the scenic waves at our table and walked around the beach! You must come here if you're in town!

Decided to try out this restaurant for breakfast. I really had high hopes given the reviews online. Pros: the site is amazing. You are right by the ocean and the view couldn't be better. Lots of air inflow which is good especially given the heat. The service is ok. Cons: the menu is somewhat limited even though it is pages long. There were some basic breakfast items that were missing. The food was not spectacular or amazing, just regular. This is just my opinion and hopefully not a terrible review.

Great breakfast spot! Coffee was so good, portions were big and delicious. Staff was so friendly and helpful. You cannot beat the view from the dining tables. Ordered a latte with vanilla, Chef’s daily frittata (Portuguese sausage and potato) that came with a great salad, and coconut pancakes. Glad I just happened to find this place when looking up a breakfast spot. There’s pay parking underground. Close to fun area with shops and little beaches. We’ll be back again before the end of our trip!

Beautiful view, friendly and attentive staff, delicious espresso/coffee, and awesome food. I've been here only for brunch, but I think it would be fun to go for dinner as well as the sun sets with a nice drink on your hands. They refund the cost of parking on your bill if you bring the parking stub. Love it and highly recommend it.

Friendly staff, epic view & sound of the waves, and incredible food! Bona kine Benedict and Loco Moco for brunch were tasty! They have a delicious coconut syrup for their pancakes that is unlike anything I’ve tried before! 10/10 definitely recommend. Go early for brunch if you want a seat right next to the ocean.

Tried the cold brew coffee and the Puna Kine Benedict with a side of pulled pork. Highly recommend the Puna Kine with a side of pulled pork (pork is enough for two). Super tasty, great vegetables. Great service too!

We just had a wedding reception here! It was awesome!! The staff was friendly and helpful! The view was gorgeous! The set up was convenient! The food was tasty! Overall, the whole experience was fantastic!! We are glad we had it here!! Thank you!!