Restaurants in Kailua-Kona
Best Restaurants
Vegan • $$
Asian Fusion • $$
“The food is so incredible for a reasonable price! the owners are very friendly. fav dish is pad thai with shrimp, beef or chicken.”
Seafood • $$
“We had a fantastic dinner with a beautiful view! We told our waitress that we had a flight to catch and our food served was promptly. Fish tacos were fabulous and the view was everything!”
Seafood • $$
“Absolutely love this place wonderful Aloha vibes! Live music is also great. 😊”
Pizza • $$
“Love the food We are making this our favorite food spot. The BOYB was great”
Restaurants by Cuisine
Thai • $$
“The food is awesome the owner is friendly the view is amazing ❤️”
Bistros • $$
“I was in Hawaii for a few days and I ate at Jackie Rey’s for one of those evenings. The food, atmosphere and staff were spectacular. Not the mention, the food layout was incredible. I highly recommend. Mahalo.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“Super great food, with an Asian touch. The poke and the fries were amazing!”
Restaurants with Delivery
Seafood • $
“Seems to be the best poke place while on Big Island. They have some standard types of poke and to me, it’s sufficient enough to satisfy the desire for good poke.”
Asian Fusion • $$
“The food is so incredible for a reasonable price! the owners are very friendly. fav dish is pad thai with shrimp, beef or chicken.”
Hamburger • $
“Our food was delicious and made to order. Kalua Loco moco was the first for me but so glad I tried it. Husband had the fresh ahi tuna sandwich, cooked great. 👍🏻”
Hamburger • $
“Updated my review! I would like to thank Ultimate Burger for making the order right... Although the first order was not correct they made up for t. Thank you for the delicious food. Mom said thanks!”
Coffee Shops • $
“Amazing spot! Had the lox toast and the spam musubi. 10/10 recommend. Food takes about 15 minutes but the drinks are so quick. Highly recommend trying a couple items here.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Having a paint party on there lanai , they have the best Kona coffee and chai in town”
Coffee Shops • $
“Easy going 20 odd seating, me lucky with no wait the day. Savory & Galette mushroom, spinach, ham & tasty cheese. Swing fair tunes with a good ice Americano. Be back for the Dessert Crepes 🙏”
Seafood • $$
“We had a fantastic dinner with a beautiful view! We told our waitress that we had a flight to catch and our food served was promptly. Fish tacos were fabulous and the view was everything!”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“This was the culinary highlight of our trip to the big island! Sam and Jennifer are super kind in explaining the business-all local ingredients! Premium ingredients (local chocolate, Kona hinted brownies-Mac nut base ice cream)-wowza! Serious stuff! Come support this incredible shop. Yum!”
Fine Dining • $$$
“Great night celebrating my Dads visit to Kona. Da Bomb fries and Kona fish tacos were delicious. Service was friendly and attentive, Widdy Loo - entertained- the beautiful Kona sunset was spectacular! Thanks for a wonderful evening!”
Thai • $$
“Amazing food, great quick service, and free parking! We got the yellow curry with chicken and pad thai with tofu as well as these fresh rolls with an authentic peanut sauce.”
Online Reservation Available
Seafood • $$
“Absolutely love this place wonderful Aloha vibes! Live music is also great. 😊”
Pizza • $$
“Love the food We are making this our favorite food spot. The BOYB was great”
Bistros • $$
“I was in Hawaii for a few days and I ate at Jackie Rey’s for one of those evenings. The food, atmosphere and staff were spectacular. Not the mention, the food layout was incredible. I highly recommend. Mahalo.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“Super great food, with an Asian touch. The poke and the fries were amazing!”
Seafood • $$
“The food at Fish Hopper,Kona, was great! My husband thought the pulled pork sandwich was the best he had ever had! My parmersan crusted fish was excellent! We do wish the wings weren’t just during happy hours.”
Brewery • $$
“The beers were all surprisingly delicious and much smoother than bottled or canned ones. The food was also great (tacos, wings, Caesar salad). It was fun to try different sampler beers and mark them on the beer map.”
American • $$$
“You cannot beat the atmosphere here it is absolutely stunning! Service was very friendly and top-notch. Food was amazing. Definitely will come back to try everything we can!”
Cafe • $
“The restaurant is located near Kona Airport, and the front desk is run by a pair of twin brothers. It serves typical Hawaiian-style American Chinese food with very generous portions. Everything is served with disposable tableware, which I find convenient. The taste leans toward the local Hawaiian flavor and is quite good. Next time I come to the Big Island, I’ll definitely stop by here after landing—have a meal and then head to the Costco next door for shopping.”
Hamburger • $$
“We ate here after 12 hours of traveling and could not have been happier. The service was so friendly and outdoor seating with tiki torches and a view of the water was great. My son isn’t always the most adventurous eater but he asked to try the clams from my seafood stew and pronounced that he “loves clams more than pizza”. It was his first time trying it. He had the kid’s grilled cheese with fries, and myself and my friend had the Crabby Patties crab cakes, cocktails, fish n chips and seafood stew. Everuthing came out quickly, hot and fresh. It was just what we needed after airport food all day.”
Asian • $$
“Excellent food. Friendly wait staff. Good value for money. We had the chicken and corn soup, roast duck, and fried rice. The first two items were exceptional- as good as you can find in mainland US in a big metro. The fried rice was decent.
This is a way better restaurant than what the 4.0 rating suggests.”
American • $$
“Best food in Kona! We love this place and keep coming back every chance we get. Need to call ahead and get on waitlist to be lucky and get a reservation day off. It’s on the beach- so perfect setting and great sunsets!!”
Seafood • $$$
“They have abalone and scallops in their boiled seafood bucket! Although I feel like they didn’t boil the different seafood together, but rather boiled them then mixed them with the sauces, the seafood was pretty fresh.”
Barbecue • $
“I vacationed here for a week in September 2025 and Kona Chinese BBQ was so good that I had to get it twice! I ordered the Chicken Katsu via DoorDash both times, leaving special instructions for extra Katsu sauce and fried rice instead of white rice - and both times they followed through! Very generous portions and everything was absolutely delicious, it was exactly the experience I was hoping for. Would recommend if you love chicken katsu and fried rice like I do!”
American • $$
“Our second visit this vacation and by far our favorite foods and drinks of all the island. Great staff to top off the experience.”
Seafood • $$
“The food at Fish Hopper,Kona, was great! My husband thought the pulled pork sandwich was the best he had ever had! My parmersan crusted fish was excellent! We do wish the wings weren’t just during happy hours.”
Sushi • $$$
“Rarely do I go to the same restaurant more than once during a vacation. There are just too many good options generally available especially in a place like Hawaii island with such a variety of fresh fish and inventive chefs. But Sushi Sam is an exception. We've gone twice during each of our last two visits. Their menu isn't expansive like some sushi restaurants whose menus are bursting with inventive rolls dominated by gloppy sauces. But the items they feature have delicious rice and feature the freshest fish you'll find anywhere. My wife who never eats sashimi was devouring the display so quickly I couldn't help but admire her chopstick proficiency. The Hamachi appetizer with serrano is a winner. Sapporo on tap! Service is professional and efficient. Reservations required. Highly recommended.”
Brewery • $$
“The beers were all surprisingly delicious and much smoother than bottled or canned ones. The food was also great (tacos, wings, Caesar salad). It was fun to try different sampler beers and mark them on the beer map.”
Takeout Restaurants
Bakery • $
“WOW! These are the best donuts I have ever had. We came here with our young family of 6 and started out with 6 donuts and ended up licking the box clean and got another 6. They are perfected, delicious but not too sweet so you can eat and eat! also they are not your regular donut so ask about the flavors!!”
Coffee Shops • $
“Recently I came across Koholā Coffee. I had no idea how reasonably priced the incredible food would be, how yummy the smoothies and other drinks are. The owner is a bright eyed beauty full of incredible Aloha and all of her staff are equally as awesome. I love whales and so does Jeannette🐋‼️ THE BEST‼️”
Thai • $$
“The food is awesome the owner is friendly the view is amazing ❤️”
Coffee Shops • $
“We love this place because the coffee is so good. Staff kind and knowledgeable. They offer a cool mail order service with nice savings to keep you supplied with beans. Great gift shop. A fun time in Naalehu.”
Pizza • $
“Stepping into Kona Crust was a complete whim, a spontaneous decision that turned out to be the best pizza I've had in ages! I was just looking for a quick bite and decided to try this spot by chance, and boy am I glad I did.
From the first bite, it was clear this wasn't just any pizza. Did not disappoint.”
Vegan • $
“When in kona you must grab something from here. Everything is amazing and the people are awesome.”
Bakery • $
“I am so sad this place is closing! The donuts are wonderfully delicious and they come up with all kinds of combos that are yum!! The workers are great! Helpful and kind. My favorite was the bacon one. We will miss you! #damnCovid2020”
Thai • $$
“Amazing food, great quick service, and free parking! We got the yellow curry with chicken and pad thai with tofu as well as these fresh rolls with an authentic peanut sauce.”
Cafe • $
“The people were nice, the food was delicious, including the pastries, and it is a nice little shop to have a bite to eat. Would definitely return if I come back to area.”
Coffee Shops • $$
“I love the coffee so much that my husband and I buy Kona Coffee online and have it shipped to us. We have tried their medium roast and we just purchased the Dark Roast Peabody. We love it.”
Health Food • $
“Wow, this place is amazing! The açaí bowls are HUGE, super fresh, and loaded with toppings — hands down the best we’ve had in Hawai’i. Staff were super friendly and welcoming, and the vibe here is so chill. Definitely a must-stop if you’re nearby. 🌺🥭🥥”
Cafe • $
“I stopped here on the way to the airport. What a great find! I had the coconut mocha delight and it was definitely delightful! We also ordered the acacia bowl, a breakfast sandwich and a bagel. Everything tasted fresh. The cafe has a cute play area that my girls enjoyed playing in while we waited for our order. I will definitely visit again when I’m back on the Big Island.”
American • $$$
“You cannot beat the atmosphere here it is absolutely stunning! Service was very friendly and top-notch. Food was amazing. Definitely will come back to try everything we can!”
French • $$$$
“Outstanding service and food. I appreciate the staggered reservations for the one-on-one service and recommendations! The food was amazing and I wish I could try the whole menu! Dessert was definitely the best part- the lilikoi mousse- phenom!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Chicken • $
“Love their signature Boneless Chicken Thighs and their potato salad too! 👍👍”
Asian • $
“This is my favorite place for Hawaiian food hands down. Fresh is in the name and that’s what you get. The best laulau, pretty much everything I have tried on the menu is da bomb. But don’t get me started on the chicken long rice! Nowhere else comes close! I dream about it. If you know what’s up then you know Hawaii Fresh Specialties is the spot for plate lunch in Kailua Kona.”
Pizza • $
“amazing food and amazing people thank you so much 💗 delicious 😋”
Mexican • $
“This was the best meal I had on the island. I had a bento box with the Kalua Pork and spicy jungle sauce. Great flavor and the serving size was large. Dragonfruit lemonade was also a good treat! Highly recommend.”
Chinese • $
“Fireart Cuisine has some of the best Asian food we have ever had! We are on a short visit to Hawaii, but we’ve already been there twice - the food is so good we had to come back! Both the beef and broccoli and the shrimp and broccoli have delicious flavor with perfectly cooked broccoli. The braised green beans and chicken (mild) was also delicious. And for desert, this was our first time ever trying fried ice-cream - delicious and so much fun! Staff are super kind and on the ball. Everyone seems to want to put out the best - for those who love great food, this little spot is an awesome find!”
Coffee Shops • $
“Fantastic Acai bowls. We visited recently from the UK and as soon as we discovered them we returned every day until we left!!”
French • $$$$
“Outstanding service and food. I appreciate the staggered reservations for the one-on-one service and recommendations! The food was amazing and I wish I could try the whole menu! Dessert was definitely the best part- the lilikoi mousse- phenom!”
Sushi Bar • $
“The place is a lot better than expected. We also got the Chinese food. It came in big portions and was well done. We spent long time admiring the crazy drone aerial photography videos trying to figure out if they were ai or real. Nice atmosphere and it filled up by 9pm. Seems like lots of people around here know it's good. We've been in two nights in a row.”
Sandwich Shop • $
“The great joy of finding a Cajun, French blend to Hawaii! They’ve found their niche and do it well! A very unique menu with great snack offerings as well as solid lunches. Don’t change your style!”
Seafood • $
“The best poke. Lots of varieties, lots of sides. Parking is tight but not a problem. Ate poke a lot while in Hawaii and this was easily the best of all of the spots.”
Cafe • $
“Wonderful place, beautiful and cozy inside. Very welcoming staff. Food was very good , we liked the breakfast pizza very much. It was quite tasty and very affordable for a breakfast for 2.”
Bar • $
“We had a great time the staff was there and attentive and the karaoke was so much fun! I will go back!”
Tiki Bar • $$$
“Shout out to Kayla our server. She was great tonight . Drinks were great too! Will be back”
Seafood • $$
“We got in right before the rush and got sat right away. We ordered the fish and chips, Laulau plate, hottie poke, and kids quesadilla w/ fries. The fish and chips was great, fresh. The laulau was good, very moist, not too salty. Service was quick and kind. Poke was fresh.”
Cheap Eats
Pet Friendly • $
“This was a GREAT find. The food is reasonably priced, and they give a generous portion serving. The hamburger was extremely tasty and the fries are superb, as are their salads. The fish and chips dish was not as expected...too much breading on the fish and the kind of fish is suspect, given they don't disclose it. All in all, they have a huge menu that will please anyone, though be aware that they get very busy during regular breakfast/lunch/dinner hours.”
Hawaiian • $
“Plenty of flavors also a cheat sheet inside to help those who don’t know”
Cafe • $
“A true hidden gem. Tucked away beneath the King Kam hotel, this place has absolutely delicious breakfast, sandwiches, and coffees. We went here nearly everyday during our vacation to try everything from the donuts, to croffles, to grilled cheese, to the paninis.”
Southern • $
“This place is special. Awesome crew , killer food and amazing live music! Only a few years old and already a Kona landmark! Do yourself a flavor and get ya some Willies!!🤙🏽”
Hawaiian • $
“I ordered an oxtail soup to go! The best oxtail soup I've tried and I have tried many! The broth was fire and the meat was perfect and soft. Everything was seasoned to perfection! A must try if you are on Hawaii Island and in Kona.”
Bar & Grill • $
“Our favorite place! This was the second summer we have been able to visit Big Island and we went to Da Shark Shack almost every night both times we visited. Between the view, the drinks, the geckos, and the ono bites you can’t find a better place! We only wish we tried the ono bites sooner(we didn’t have them during our first trip.) Can’t wait to come back!”
Sushi • $
“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!”
Coffee Shops • $
“The food and coffee here are so yummy!! I’ve been coming for a while and I’ve always been impressed with the quality. I went in today and we had the nicest, sweetest barista she made my whole day! Can’t recommend enough!!!”
Cafe • $
“We absolutely loved our experience at 808 Grindz Café! The food came out fast, fresh, and at a great price — a rare find on the island. My wife ordered eggs with spam and potatoes and everything was cooked perfectly with that comforting, local touch. I went for the shrimp, eggs, steak, and hash browns, and it was honestly one of the best breakfasts I’ve had anywhere — generous portions, perfectly seasoned, and so satisfying. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere had a laid-back, local vibe that made us feel right at home. This was hands down the best meal we’ve had so far on the island, and we can’t wait to come back again!”
Bubble Tea • $
“This place never disappoints l! Always create amazing beverages!”
Brewery • $$
“I went to the Hilo location with my mother last night and was treated in a very racist and disgusting manner by the FOH staff. There were many empty tables yet the host avoided talking to us for a half hour. Then when I asked one of the waiters if we can sit at one of the open tables he said, "He cant let us do that" Then when I finally was able to talk to the host. He said it would be a 40 min wait for food. Ok I get it, the kitchen is swamped. So I say can we just sit right there pointing at the table he just cleaned. He says "no". Keep in mind there were at least four more empty tables. So we decided to leave. On the way out the thought comes into my mind, that he is going to seat the people who walked in behind us. So I tell my mother to wait a second and I go back in to look and there goes the host immediately seating these people bringing them water and menus. So I head back in and ask him "Whats going on here? Can I talk to a manager?" He tells me there are no managers. Then the waiter at the bar who said he couldnt do anything to let us sit down, says "I am the manager" So they lied to my face. Then I go to the bartender she barely bothers to tall to me and says "we are all managers" and that then tries to defend this discriminatory behavior by saying they are not being prejudiced against us. Yet the people behind us are chilling and going over their menus. and here we are not able to even talk to a manager never the less receive service at this racist establishment. We were systemically blocked from sitting. Then some manager esque fellow comes out trying to do damage control after all of this ongoing nonsense. To little to late. Im not going to eat spit burger with some bigot lougies in it. Mind you both my 76 year old mother have hosted various business meet ups there over the yeara bringing them business supporting Ola Brew and they treat us like this. Do not support businesses like this in Hilo. black people of Hilo be aware. This place will treat you second class. Over priced too, for the worst kind of service. dont do it, dont eat there.”
Hamburger • $$
“We ate here after 12 hours of traveling and could not have been happier. The service was so friendly and outdoor seating with tiki torches and a view of the water was great. My son isn’t always the most adventurous eater but he asked to try the clams from my seafood stew and pronounced that he “loves clams more than pizza”. It was his first time trying it. He had the kid’s grilled cheese with fries, and myself and my friend had the Crabby Patties crab cakes, cocktails, fish n chips and seafood stew. Everuthing came out quickly, hot and fresh. It was just what we needed after airport food all day.”
Thai • $$
“We arrived at 4:45pm on a Monday and the restaurant was nearly full- a great sign. We were seated at a table for two and waited on promptly. The menu is extensive but we found an appetizer and two entrees and placed our order relatively quickly. Staff was friendly, efficient and our meals: pad tai, roasted eggplant and Tom ka with chicken, were all excellent. Highly recommend!”
Japanese • $$
“Absolutely yummy first stop on our trip so glad we stopped”
Asian • $$
“Excellent food. Friendly wait staff. Good value for money. We had the chicken and corn soup, roast duck, and fried rice. The first two items were exceptional- as good as you can find in mainland US in a big metro. The fried rice was decent.
This is a way better restaurant than what the 4.0 rating suggests.”
American • $$
“Best food in Kona! We love this place and keep coming back every chance we get. Need to call ahead and get on waitlist to be lucky and get a reservation day off. It’s on the beach- so perfect setting and great sunsets!!”
Seafood • $$$
“They have abalone and scallops in their boiled seafood bucket! Although I feel like they didn’t boil the different seafood together, but rather boiled them then mixed them with the sauces, the seafood was pretty fresh.”
Hot Pot • $$
“The food is so incredible for a reasonable price! the owners are very friendly. fav dish is pad thai with shrimp, beef or chicken.”
Latest Reviews
Coffee Shops • $
“We were very impressed with the quality of these coffee beans. I wanted to bring home to Michigan authentic Kona Coffee. I paid a high price, however, it was worth it! This coffee is freshly grown in Kailua-Kona. The Peaberry Med Roast is a smooth cup of coffee! We loved it!”
Restaurant • $$
“I recently stopped in to get lunch and they started serving the kalua pork again (My Favorite) this bowl with all the yummy veggies plus the brown rice, extra sweet potato, edamame and miso good dressing was the BOMB! The service here is outstanding, super friendly and nice staff. Definitely recommend stopping here for a healthy and great lunch!”
Sushi Bar • $$$$
“My wife and I celebrated our 20th Anniversary on the Big Island and wanted to experience the best the island had to offer. Ulu Ocean Grille did not disappoint! Here is a summary of our dinner: We thoroughly enjoyed the Ebi Tempura roll - (it was good enough that we have encouraged several family members to join us at Ulu this evening for sushi and dinner) For our entrées we had the Mahi Mahi and the Spicy Crab Noodles. Both were perfectly prepared, very flavorful, and the presentation was perfect. For dessert, we couldn't decide between the chocolate or vanilla (the flavor of the evening) soufflé, so we got one of each (you only celebrate 20 years once!). Again, perfectly prepared and presented and was thoroughly enjoyed. And I can't overstate how excellent the service was. The staff went out of their way to make the experience memorable. It was the best dining experience I have ever had and I don't expect to top it soon, unless they outdo themselves when we return this evening. Ulu & Four Seasons Resort - well done!”
Restaurant • $$
“I ate there twice in March, and twice in April, not brisk service, Hawaiian leisure!, but incredible food! The coconut shrimp, with either sauce (although I loved the sweet chili), both panko and beer battered fish and chips were delicious, and I never expected to find THE tastiest BLT sandwich I have ever eaten!”
Meal Delivery
“Food o Hawaii is by far the best delivery service. Noah is the best as well!!”
Restaurant • $$
“Love the food We are making this our favorite food spot. The BOYB was great”
Bubble Tea • $
“the place was really good and had great customer service and it was very welcoming I recommend going there”
Most Popular Restaurants
American • $$
“Our second visit this vacation and by far our favorite foods and drinks of all the island. Great staff to top off the experience.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Amazing spot! Had the lox toast and the spam musubi. 10/10 recommend. Food takes about 15 minutes but the drinks are so quick. Highly recommend trying a couple items here.”
Hamburger • $
“Our food was delicious and made to order. Kalua Loco moco was the first for me but so glad I tried it. Husband had the fresh ahi tuna sandwich, cooked great. 👍🏻”
Seafood • $
“The best poke. Lots of varieties, lots of sides. Parking is tight but not a problem. Ate poke a lot while in Hawaii and this was easily the best of all of the spots.”
Vegan • $
“When in kona you must grab something from here. Everything is amazing and the people are awesome.”
Cafe • $
“We absolutely loved our experience at 808 Grindz Café! The food came out fast, fresh, and at a great price — a rare find on the island. My wife ordered eggs with spam and potatoes and everything was cooked perfectly with that comforting, local touch. I went for the shrimp, eggs, steak, and hash browns, and it was honestly one of the best breakfasts I’ve had anywhere — generous portions, perfectly seasoned, and so satisfying. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere had a laid-back, local vibe that made us feel right at home. This was hands down the best meal we’ve had so far on the island, and we can’t wait to come back again!”
Hamburger • $
“Updated my review! I would like to thank Ultimate Burger for making the order right... Although the first order was not correct they made up for t. Thank you for the delicious food. Mom said thanks!”
Pet Friendly • $
“This was a GREAT find. The food is reasonably priced, and they give a generous portion serving. The hamburger was extremely tasty and the fries are superb, as are their salads. The fish and chips dish was not as expected...too much breading on the fish and the kind of fish is suspect, given they don't disclose it. All in all, they have a huge menu that will please anyone, though be aware that they get very busy during regular breakfast/lunch/dinner hours.”
Hawaiian • $
“Plenty of flavors also a cheat sheet inside to help those who don’t know”
“It was delicious and great service!”