Don's Mai Tai Bar & Restaurant

During our recent stay at the Royal Kona Resort, we visited Don’s Mai Tai Bar, having fond memories from our last trip. While the scenic views and friendly service were as delightful as ever, we did notice some changes that left us missing the previous happy hour options.

Last time, the Poke bombs and more extensive happy hour specials were highlights for us. This visit, the happy hour menu seemed more limited, with just a slight discount on items like the Chile nachos, which are no longer part of the happy hour deal. My husband also missed the Mai Tai flight and some of the unique drinks they previously offered.

Breakfast was a bit underwhelming, but dinner certainly made up for it. The bruschetta and chips with guacamole were enjoyable starters, and my Royal Catch dish, with its flavorful miso Dashi broth and tender bok choy, was fantastic. My husband loved his rigatoni, which was a comforting delight.

We’re excited to see the outcome of the ongoing renovations and hope they might consider bringing back some of the previous menu favorites, like the happy hour options and Mai Tai flight. Despite the changes, Don’s Mai Tai Bar remains a wonderful spot for enjoying a meal with a view.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Went in with moderate expectations. Not staying at the Kona Royal, just trying to find a nice spot to eat and enjoy the sunset. Whoever was running the kitchen on Saturday night was definitely putting in effort and was cooking with passion. We both had the fresh catch and were blown away by the perfect cook on the fish, plating presentation, seasoning, and solid portions. Bravo! I would argue it was a better seafood meal at that price point than anywhere else in Kona. Drinks were pretty good could use some tiki mugs if they're going to invoke Don beach. Date Night Sunset Spot go here.

Had happy hour drinks here before the luau .

I ordered the sake soy braised short ribs, gochujang garlic shrimp, and a lava flow with strawberry puree. Everything was absolutely delicious. I will be returning!
The setting was probably my favorite part. There was a clear view of the sunset over the ocean and after dark the tiki torches were lit. The restaurant is open to the public, so you don’t need to be a resort guest to make reservations.

Beautiful view, friendly servers, lots of waterfront tables and delicious mai tais.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

The view, the ambiance, the dinner service were all incredible. Will definitely be back. 3 stars for my food, because I wasn't impressed with the ahi nachos. The sauce was too sweet, not much ahi or avocado, and lacked that feeling of love put into the dish. But I will definitely be back to try out the rest of the menu, and my friend loved her Kampachi dish. The host was set the tone by immediately giving us her attention and clearing a table so we could be seated faster. She was so welcoming and endearing. Our server Lacy had perfect timing all evening, took time and care with us, and her thoughtfulness just really made a great impression. She effortlessly took care of our every need. The sunset was jaw dropping. Their coastline view is top tier. Guests all over the dining room were standing up to take photos and videos of the spectacular sunset view over the crashing ocean waves. The overall experience was fantastic for a night out in Kona.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Yes, an amazing location, but the new chef has destroyed the puu puu menu (maybe more; we were just there for happy hour) by eliminating favorites like the sliders and adding the world's worst pulled pork nachos: stale/soggy chips topped by unseasoned meat and--wait for it--Velveeta. OTOH, the house Mai Tai was refreshing and strong (albeit way too small for $14). If you order food, stick with a basic items.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 3

Nice sunset view and good foods.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very rude service. They couldn’t care less to take our money. Our server gave us a nasty attitude so we went to the bar to order our drinks. And then the bartender was a jerk. Customer service is not the priority here. A shame because it’s a nice place.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

We attempted to go to this bar after attending the amazing luau. We were a party of 13. We were seated at a table and let the server know we were getting drinks only. (Note there were plenty of open tables so we didn’t think just getting drinks would be an issue) Some had already gone to the bar and we were very transparent about that. She caught an attitude saying if we were at her table we were her customers. We decided to go to the bar and just order directly. The bartender seemed oblivious to us but then a little later when he circled around he seemed very bothered that we were ordering drinks and having just one drink on separate tabs. We were very excited about our visit here because we read reviews and wanted a drink after the luau. Based on the interaction from both people I would never return here. And it is sad because we were excited to keep our good time going.

Service: 1

We came specifically for the seafood chowder but was told it was no longer on the menu, so we enjoyed our drinks and left.... had to find dinner somewhere else 😢

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Sitting right on the water, we timed it perfectly with sunset—and it was absolutely breathtaking. The atmosphere was relaxed but still felt special—perfect for a memorable night out. Service was warm and attentive without being over the top, and you could tell the staff genuinely cared about the experience. The food absolutely delivered. Everything tasted fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Only giving 1 star because I have to. Upon arrival was told it would be a 10 minute wait and then became a 30 minute wait. When we finally got seated they placed us at a table in the rain, despite there being numerous other open tables. Beside the table was a large waste bin which could be smelled and seen from the table. The breaking point For us was watching the roaches crawl around the plant and to the tables. Would not recommend this place.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

Ever since they changed the menu, the food become mediocre. It used to be well worth it and delicious but no longer. Sad!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 4

The food is just not great. At least the breakfast isnt. How do you cook for a living and not now how to make scrambled eggs without burning them? I had to cut them with a fork. Potatoes were old. Just not great at all for a 23$ breakfast