From traditional Hawaiian cuisine to the freshest seafood and more, we’re breaking down where to find the “dakine grindz” at some of the best restaurants in Kona Hawaii. Just take a stroll along the famous Ali’i Drive in the heart of Kailua Kona Village and find yourself an amazing array of local eateries, with others just a hop & a skip away. The taste of aloha awaits you….
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Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
Enjoy breakfast, lunch & dinner by the sea at this laid-back oceanfront restaurant with a terrace, an international menu & live music nightly. This open-air venue provides a stunning backdrop for a locally inspired menu, locally brewed beers as well as a vast selection of interesting wines and some of the best craft cocktails in Kona!
By day, Papa Kona Restaurant is the perfect spot for sharing a meal with friends surrounded by unforgettable views. At sundown, Papa Kona transforms into the best place to enjoy dinner, live music, cocktails, and party under the stars on the Big Island.
If you stop in for brunch be sure to try the absolutely delectable “UNICORN BREAKFAST SANDWICH” which features punalu’u sweet bread, scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese & black pepper aioli with breakfast potatoes and pair it with locally grown Papa Kona Coffee.
For Dinner try starting out with the KALUA PORK QUESADILLA made with ube tortillas with house made kalua pork, shredded cheddar cheese & pineapple salsa. And for your main dish be sure to explore theirCOCONUT MAC NUT CRUSTED FRESH CATCH!
The Waterfront Row, 75-5770 Ali’i Dr 1st Floor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Be sure to check out this oceanfront restaurant serving a menu of international favorites such as burgers, tacos & pizza and perhaps the largest selection of beer on tap on the island. Enjoy al
l day dining menu for lunch and dinner at a waterfront table or booth or take a seat at the largest bar on the big island for a bite and a brew.
Whether you decid
e to “grab and go” or enjoy your breakfast by the bay inside Kai, quick service style morning will get you jump started for the day with a full espresso bar and breakfast menu.
Did we mention dinner entrees? Try Kona’s freshest fish with Hook, Line and Sinker or how about a Black Magic Marinated Flank Steak. The whole family will enjoy the Coconut Shrimp and the Kai Guy’s Dry Rub Baby Back Ribs are to die for.
And who doesn’t love tacos? said no Juan! Kai’s taco selection includes mahi mahi, black magic marinated beef, or vegan with avocado, black beans, cilantro and lime.
Open Daily 12pm-9pm (breakfast served weekends 7am-11am)
75-5776 Alii Drive Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
With its stunning waterfront location, Huggo’s is Kona’s leading restaurant for just-caught seafood, spectacular sunsets and casual elegance. Celebrating Aloha since 1969, Huggo’s has it all – seaside location, balmy breezes, expert service and cuisine that refuses to compromise.
casual elegance in dining on the breathtaking Kona Coast.
Open For Breakfast Wed – Sun 7am-1pm
Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill Kona
While just off the beaten path, this colorful, casual eatery is a bustling local go-to for seafood specials, pupu platters & wine. Jackie Rey’s features local organic produce, fresh locally caught fish, hand cut filets, and homemade desserts, all cooked to perfection and served with Aloha. In addition to their approachable wine list, they also offer a great selection of local craft beers and handcrafted cocktails.
Check out their Happy Hour from 4pm-5pm daily and sample their HAPPY HOUR PUPU PICKS such as the Lemongrass Caesar Salad (An Island Spin on an Italian Classic) or their Mac Nut Ahi Tartare.
Dinner Time CHEF’S SPECIALTIES include the must have Guava BBQ Glazed Baby Back Ribs and the Seafood Trio (Seared Fresh Catch, Crab Cake, Shrimp Kabob, Molokai Sweet Potatoes, Thai Coconut Sauce)
Open Daily 4pm-8:30pm
“So fresh it is off the hook” Umekes serves up poke bowls & other Hawaiian favorites in a spacious, laid-back setting with a full bar. Using local ingredients that are of the highest quality Umeke’s dishing out some serious Aloha on the daily. Their renowned poke is always created with only the freshest fish from Hawaiian waters providing a truly “boat to bowl” experience for all guests.
The MAKAI PLATTER allows you to sample Any 3 POKE CHOICES, 4 ahi cakes, 4 raw oysters, sashimi, furikake sashimi, ahi katsu & 4 shrimp with GARLIC or SPICY aioli with unagi. UMEKES AHI FISH TACOS and their SWEET & SOUR TEMPURA AHI BELLY are both out of this world.
They also feature great veggie options and all the hawaiian sides we all love!
Open Daily 11am-9pm
Kona is a fantastic base for your upcoming Hawaiian vacation because it has phenomenal restaurants like those listed above. But this is just a snapshot into what Kona has to offer in terms of cuisine. For more information on dining on the big island and the best restaurants in Kona Hawaii visit Casago Kona – Dining & Shopping.
Our team of experts will help you find your perfect Vacation Rental and make your dream vacation a reality!
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🌺 Website: www.CasagoKona.com 🌺
📩 Email: reservations@casagokona.com 📞 Call: 1-808-466-1878
Casago Kona
75-5870 Kahakai Rd Kailua Kona, HI 96740
license # #23869
