27 Best American Restaurants in Kailua Kona

“AMAZING view and we loved the live music. Service was great with good recommendations/advice. Compared to the other places we ate at factoring in the service/standard and vibes I would highly recommend if you're looking for a higher end spot.“

“Awesome place Go Pack Go !“

“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.“

“We had an absolutely amazing evening at Resident’s Beach House. From start to finish, every detail exceeded our expectations.

Despite requesting a reservation just an hour ahead, the host was warm, accommodating, and welcoming. We were seated right by the beach just as the sun was setting - the view alone was magical - and the atmosphere felt relaxed, intimate, and beautifully Hawaiian.

Our server, Bella, made the evening truly special. She was not only professional and incredibly kind, but also deeply knowledgeable. She easily guided us through the menu, pointing out which vegetarian dishes could be made vegan and how their mixed drinks could be served alcohol-free - all with a genuine smile.

The food was exceptional - fresh, flavorful, and artfully presented. Every course was a delight.

And to top it off, when Bella noticed us taking selfies, she kindly sent Gabriel over to take a proper group photo. He knew how to adjust the settings and use flash on our phone for perfect shots; something we genuinely appreciated.

The entire staff radiated warmth and care, making this one of the most memorable experiences of our trip to Hawaiʻi.

Highly recommended; we’ll be talking about this evening for a long time!“

“Our second visit this vacation and by far our favorite foods and drinks of all the island. Great staff to top off the experience.“

“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!“

“One of the best meals we had on the big island. Fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked. We went back for another the day before we departed but the store was closed for renovations. Although we were disappointed we didn't get a second chance to enjoy, we're grateful we were able to experience one of the best burgers we've ever had! Highly recommend“

“Clean tables, friendly staff, roomy and THE BEST WAFFLE WE EVER HAD!!!! Gotta do the CHANTILLY WAFFLE ! We loved the Big Island Grill so much, we went three times for breakfast during our vacay. Hubby LOVED the Loco Moco. I wish this restaurant existed in our town 💕 and seriously the chantilly waffle deserves an award ⭐️“

“Glenn was a good server. Easy to communicate with.“

“Fantastic spot next to Magic Sands beach. We had lunch and dinner at this spot during the week. Lunch wasn't too crowded but reservations are a good idea for dinner. My family's celiacs were extremely pleased with the gluten free fish and chips.“

“Absolutely love this place wonderful Aloha vibes! Live music is also great. 😊“

“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.“

“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!!🤙🏽“

“We enjoyed a wonderful Sunday breakfast by the water listening to a musician play great island music. Our waitress, Tammy, was excellent. She was quick, knowledgeable, and the food was amazing!“

“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.“

“Great place to meet friends for the amazing schooners!“

“We just enjoyed a beautiful sunset while we sipped a Maitai. Followed by a delicious Caprese appetzer and the entrees which included Egg plant parmigiana and Aloha Chicken and Build your own pasta. Our server, Emily, was very attentive and extremely professional. all in all we had an excellent experience hope you try it.“

“Nice atmosphere, decent prices, beer prices are crazy, $8/bottle of domestic but I buy 12 pack of Kona brewing big wave brew at local store for $15. Fries were crisp and fresh, fish was frozen cod, expecting local fish for $19, but i was happy with the meal. I would and I will return again to this place.“

“The bartender Darcy was awesome“

“We had a quick lunch. Service was pretty quick and the view of the bay was nice.“

“Our family of 11 dined here on July 28th. We chose this restaurant as it was close to where we would be doing the Manta Ray Swim and where others that were golfing at Kona Country Club were close as well. The food was delicious. I think we had a little of everything at our table. Sweet chili wings, fries, Chicken Teriyaki, Seafood Pasta, Fish Tacos, are just a few of the items our crew enjoyed! Oh, and the Chocolate cake was amazing! Our sever, Cherlynn (I hoped I spelled it right) was absolutely outstanding! While we were at dinner our swim was canceled. We were a little bummed but her attitude, personality, and spirit was just what we needed! She truly has the kindest soul and a great resprentation of Aloha. Thank you for a wonderful experience. The Forbes Family Greenville, NC“

“Came for the happy hour and it didn't disappoint!! I had the $12 shrimp bucket and a cup of clam chowder. The clam chowder is possibly the best I've ever had. I'm always on the hunt for a clam chowder without bacon and I finally found it on island. The shrimp were deveined and very easy to peel. House made cocktail sauce with horseradish. Oceanfront views!! I will definitely be back 🤙💖 mahalo“

“Huge shout out to bartender Ryan. Great service, super friendly. If I am back on the island I will definitely come back for the great food/drinks (Ryan makes a great mai tai) and great service. The place is great for a chill, relaxed evening.“

“Enjoyed the coconut shrimp with a sweet chili sauce and frues. The shrimp was excellent. The sauce had a little kick but not too much. I don't like spicy food. The fries were crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. There was a singer pkaying nice music. The service was good. I'll be back!“

“Great restaurant. Food, service and atmosphere... a trifecta!“

“We came in for a large table and they quickly put an 8 top together for us! Lacy went above and beyond for us girls and made us feel at home. She was quick, responsive and soo friendly and fun! Atmosphere is great! Thanks a ton for helping us girls have a fun night!“

“Staff was excellent and friendly. Fast service and on top of everything when it came to our food and drinks. Decor is cool and the food was excellent, plus the night we were there, there was live music which made us stay longer and get more drinks. Also a great spot for the sunset too!“