The 11 best spots to watch the sunset 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 !

In the heart of Kailua Kona boasting luxury accommodations at the King Kam Marriot Aikido In the park on the beach. Kid-friendly parks clean bathrooms at the dock and Kona Marketplace. You will find Aloha at its finest dishing out as much love as possible on the tourists and locals alike. After the sun goes down expect to see and hear live bands and local artists selling their wares. Pack your favorite picnic and best palls for a day at the Bay!

This is a beautiful spot to view sunset, it has marina, restaurant all around, boat rides, parasailing, kayaking.

Nice tourist spot, fun friendly places . Great views

A bit touristy but really pretty. Lots of little shops with trinkets and nicer things to buy.

Vacation paradise.

Our vacation is starting

So amazing

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

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!

We visited this palace on a Friday in early March and had no crowd problem. It was a very interesting look at how the Royal family lived. The museum was very well done and you could walk around the whole grounds. It took us about 2 hours to see and read everything. Very nice.

We had an amazing experience here, we booked the docent guided tour for about 20 bucks and it was absolutely worth it. Our tour guide had so much knowledge, down to the lineage and relationships of every member of the royal family whose portraits are on the upstairs walls which was very interesting. The tour was just over an hour, and we learned so many things. The upstairs room that houses the dresses shows what incredible style the royal family had. We would absolutely recommend doing the tour instead of the self-guided.

Hulihe'e place is located downtown Kona. It pro ides an historic look at the summer home of the past royalty of Hawaii. Very intriguing furniture and clothing the royalty wore and used. I enjoyed walking through the palace.

Hulihe‘e Palace is a beautiful historic site in Kona with well-preserved artifacts and stunning oceanfront views. It’s a peaceful place to learn about Hawaiian royalty and culture—worth a visit if you enjoy history and local heritage.

Loved the palace, we had a friendly welcome and took the self guided tour by scanning the QR how ever a lady was there to provide more information, I was impressed by the history and the view from this point, we also went during the weekend of the King Kamehameha's parade and there was live music, really enjoyed the visit

Wonderful cultural site in downtown Kailua-Kona. We booked the docent guided tour and we were glad we did. Sunshine was our guide and did an excellent job especially with our oversized group. Sunshine answered all our questions and added anecdotes about each room. Not a big palace but significant in Hawaiian history and culture.

What a refreshing change of pace from all the retail and food choices here on Alii Drive. So worth your time to stop in here and witness first hand the history, koa furniture, architecture, interior design, artifacts, historical photography, and pics of Royalty, (ask about Princess Ruth) throughout both floors of this well kept Palace. But first, you'll need to head towards the ocean and stroll around to the back, through the wonderfully manicured grounds to enter. The sounds, fragrance, and rhythms of the water, immediately relax you for your journey back in time. The best part... You are asked to take your shoes off and wander about barefoot, yes barefoot! If that doesn't sound appropriate for you, they will provide you with slippers for over your shoes. We absolutely chose barefoot 🤙 The flooring is immaculate and made with local materials, so the feel is incredible. The "Daughters of Hawaii" currently run the Museum and offer tours if you like. Small donation fee at the back door, and it's definitely worth every dollar.

This church is rich in history, being billed as the first Christian church in Hawaii. It was undergoing intense remodeling while I visited, so I was not able to freely tour. I do recommend visiting when you can, as it provides a glimpse into Hawaiian history that is rich and intriguing.

This church welcomed us, tourists from Virginia, with open arms. The worship and the community were amazing. The service is definitely more “Pentecostal” feeling (at least I presumed it that way), so if you’re looking for something more traditional, it might not be for you. I personally found the sermon the day I went more of a testimony-style rather than expository, but it was a guest speaker, so I’d imagine with the pastor it’s different. Regardless, it was an amazing experience, full of grace, and I highly recommend learning about the church and the history of how Christianity began in Hawai’i because it is a wild story. Thankful for all who made our experience wonderful. Mahalo!

Worth checking out if you are in Kona. Very cool and super pretty.

Fun place to stop for a quick history lesson Did you know Christianity was introduced to the Hawaiians back in the early 1800s? That was something I learnt. The church is the proof of it. The church is not that big so it will take you 5min although the introduction video by the entry is worth the few minutes. It is impressive to see the structure and learn its history. A fun stop on the big island. Happy travels

Mokuaikaua Church is a must-visit in Kona! Attending the Sunday service was the highlight of our trip—the worship and sermon were so beautiful and uplifting. The church is rich in history, peaceful, and truly makes you feel connected to the spirit of Hawai‘i. Highly recommend stopping by!

I love history and this church is living history. Great service and met real people doing God's work! Every time we come back to the Big Island this is our church home. Always see a multicultural gathering with a strong missions application. The building is beautiful and the people are very warm and inviting. Very blessed to have found this church so far from our church home of 29 years on the mainland.

It was my wife and I's first service which happened to be for Father's Day, and what a blessed community this is! God Our Father Is Good!! God Bless Now & Always 🙏

Arrived via cruise ship, lovely little town to wander through. This cultural heritage site is a very short walk off the pier. Historic temple and royal Tahitian site. Walk through from beach side and respect the signs to not enter areas.

This pier is free and open to public foot traffic. On either side, you will find beautiful, sandy-bottomed beaches with shallow turquoise water, nicely protected from big waves. Although it is used for commercial purposes, like docking tour boats, it's also a fun place for locals and tourists to enjoy the ocean. You will see people fishing, launching paddle boards, and kids jumping off the railings. The water is so astonishingly blue, it doesn't look real! And, the views of Kona and the King Kamehameha temple are stunning.

Came in on a Norwegian cruise ship. Nicest pier in Hawaii so far as most were commercial and warehouses. This pier was like a small town with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Great place to go with kids to a safe secluded beach. It is also a fun site as it is where the Ironman swim is held. The pier itself requires a key to park on but still fun to walk on and view the historic structures. It is also a great place to dive, just make sure to bring a flag and float as it is an active boat channel and ramp.

Spent the day exploring this small town of Kailua Kona Hawaii and learning about it's history, some of the best coffees in the world is produced here. Hulihee Palace a former royal vacation home and a world heritage site and museum, the Mokuaikaua church the oldest in hawaii is located here, on Kailua bay/pier seems to be quite bustling with seabathers on a hot day and moorings for small boats. Nice area with cafe's, shops and restaurants with a complimentary bus shuttle to take you around town on a narrated ride. Lovely day was had in this picturesque town full of history with beautiful sunsets.

Beautiful pier. It is a nice place to watch the sunset, watch people fish and admire the ocean views. The water was an unreal shade of blue and there were tons of fish to watch.

I recently experienced the Body Glove Historic Dinner Cruise with Captain Rick, and it exceeded all expectations. The historical insights shared by Captain Rick added a fascinating layer to the scenic journey. The dinner was not only delicious but also served with impeccable hospitality. The combination of a stunning sunset, rich history, and Captain Rick's engaging narration made this cruise a memorable and highly recommended experience.

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. 🌅🍹🌺

A very well-maintained / restored historic landmark. We were not allowed to get really close as it was closed at the time we were visiting the charming beach town. However, you get a great impression from the distance. Certainly worth a visit.

This "recreated" version of the personal temple of King Kamehameha the Great looms just offshore and sets the mood for your visit to the Kailua Pier area. Although you can't walk into it, or even get very close, you can feel the vibes it's sending. The giant tiki statues and thatched grass hales are a thrilling reminder of the culture that once existed in this magical place. I walked around a gate near the water to get close enough to take a picture, but I'm not sure I was supposed to be there. I respectfully took a quick glimpse and left, no one seemed to notice my presence.

Waste of time trying to look for parking! It’s just a hut, but the pictures and history in the hotel close by (I think Marriott?) is really cool.

Loved it! Right at the Courtyard Marriott we stayed at in Kona. Nice sandy beach with great easy snorkeling with a huge variety of fish the closer you get to the landmark out in the water. Had a great time!

Looks good from the outside, but even though we were staying at the hotel, they said it was closed and you can’t really get inside to see anything

I was to confirm we did not go in the gate. We took pictures from outside the gate. It was early so not sure why it was closed.

If you want to see green turtles, you’ll see many of them here. Walk to your left of the park, go there a few hours before the sundown. Beautiful place to catch the sunset( we found the short cut by parking at the end corner of the harbor. Walk for about less than 10 minutes and the beach is in front of you). If you decide to go for a long walk on the trail by the visitor center, it will be couple miles long round trip. Make sure to have great hiking shoes on. It’s sands and lava rocks throughout the trail. Towards the end of the trail, it’s so breathtaking.

Great beach with 2 swim areas. The water is calm. Parking across the street. There’s a little stand that rents paddle boards and other stuff. Get here early to find parking and a good spot.

For a small beach, in an urban setting, it sure is beautiful! There's loads of white sand, palm trees, striking turquoise water, and dozens of species of tropical fish (some of them quite large.) Sure, it gets crowded, but it never loses its appeal. I think the iconic temple of Kamehameha the Great, looming just off-shore, is what gives this beach such cool vibes. Nothing screams, "Dude, you're in Hawaii," louder than giant tiki statues in front of grass-thatched hales! And, its free with restrooms and an outdoor shower close-by.

Right off the cruise ship pier, perfect spot for relaxing on the beach. Restaurant and beach rentals on-site. Calm waters with some snorkeling

Nice little beach with sheltered mainly sandy bottom cove - can be a little crowded but giving it a 5 versus a 4 for location right next to the cruise ship pier and a variety of restaurants, bars and shops - a great place to slip in the water and read a book for an hour or two before you head back to the ship. You can rent chairs and an umbrella from a stand right on the beach.

By far the calmest beach! Getting to it is a little tricky, it’s part of a resort but open to the public. You can find free public parking about a 5 minute walk away so it’s not too bad. We loved snorkeling, playing the sand, and swimming in the waters. It is very family friendly. The snorkeling was great there, lots of beautiful bright yellow fish to see as well as some others! The waters are so clear.

Cute beach and a very convenient location if you’re staying at the hotel. Plenty of amenities around as well.

This is a really beautiful busy bay area, with nice spots for shade under palm trees or to sit on the lava rocks. This is the area where people canoe and more water activities so it was cool seeing large groups of people training on how to get the canoes into the water safety.