The Big Island offers a plethora of incredible things to see and do. Hike across the rocky moonscapes of ancient lava flows, up jagged volcanic peaks and along fluted pali (sea cliffs), learn the ancient sport of ‘wave sliding’ (surfing) and snorkel or dive with the myriad of marine life on the Technicoloured reefs. At the end of a fun day, finish exploring the best attractions in Kona, followed by dinner at one of these fantastic restaurants. Set on the west coast of Hawaii Island (the Big Island), Kailua-Kona is a charming town in the sunny Kona District that stretches almost two-thirds of the west side of the island, boasting beautiful white sandy beaches, famous coffee farms and historic Hawaiian landmarks.
Beach Tree Bar and Lounge
Located in the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the Beach Tree Bar and Lounge is an elegant beachside spot that serves modern Italian fare and colorful island cocktails in a sleek and sophisticated space. The lounge-style restaurant boasts breathtaking views of the Kona coastline with outdoor seating on an expansive wooden deck, a casual lounge, and a full-service bar. The restaurant serves a menu of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine infused with tropical and Californian flavors, with signature dishes of fresh seafood, prime steaks, wood-fired pizzas, organic salads and vegetables, and decadent desserts. The cuisine is accompanied by a selection of fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers on tap and by the bottle, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits, and live Hawaiian music is performed on the lawn each night. Beach Tree Bar and Lounge is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Sunday.
72-100 Kaupulehu Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-325-8000
Don's Mai Tai Bar
Based in the Royal Kona Resort, Don's Mai Tai Bar is a beachside restaurant and bar with kitsch décor that offers unforgettable tiki-inspired oceanfront dining. Boasting bold Tiki architecture and a lush tropical, open-air ambiance with beautiful views over the ocean, the restaurant serves a menu of sumptuous Hawaiian and international cuisine with Asian flavors prepared using fresh locally sourced ingredients and European culinary techniques. Fresh seafood, prime steaks and salads, vegetarian options and sweet desserts are just a few of the options on the menu, and the cuisine is accompanied by a selection of fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers on tap and by the bottle, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits from the Mai Tai Bar.
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-3111
Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks
Overlooking Kailua Bay on the Big Island Hawaii with an expansive patio for alfresco dining, Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks Restaurant specializes in fresh sustainably sourced seafood from Hawaii and California and signature Bucket of Fire and Volcano Flaming drinks. Established in 1934 and a local Kona favorite and dining destination, the restaurant is a popular go-to spot for surf 'n' turf, clam chowder, and other classic Hawaiian fare. Signature dishes range from fresh grilled fish, clam chowder, oysters on the half shell, sesame-crusted ahi tuna, and seafood pasta, and the cuisine is accompanied by a selection of fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers on tap and by the bottle, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits. Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily.
75-5683 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-326-2002
Hualalai Grille
Overlooking the 18th green of the famous Hualalai Golf Course at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the Hualalai Grille is a classic American steakhouse that serves prime USDA steaks, classic chateaubriand, and fresh seafood infused with island flavors. The open-air chophouse boasts an intimate, club-like ambiance with spectacular views of the golf course and the palm-tree framed ocean and serves a menu of thick house-butchered cuts of USDA choice steaks, free-range chicken and pork, fresh seafood and a range of vegetarian options. The full-service bar has an extensive menu of fine wines from around the world, which can be enjoyed by the glass or bottle, craft beers on tap or by the bottle, and handcrafted cocktails. The Hualalai Grille is open for dinner only, seven nights a week.
72-100 Kaupulehu Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-325-8525
Huggo's Restaurant
Huggo's Restaurant is a seafood stalwart that has been serving fresh, locally caught seafood, steaks, and pasta against a backdrop of unfettered ocean views for more than 50 years. Opened as a casual spot for good steak, a slab of fresh fish, and fresh salads, Huggo’s has grown into Kona’s premier restaurant for fresh seafood, live entertainment, colorful tiki drinks, and cocktails and an elegant, oceanfront ambiance. Tuck into signature dishes of poke bowls, hearty burgers and healthy sandwiches, and fresh salads, along with a wide variety of craft beers on tap or by the bottle, fine wines from around the world, which can be enjoyed by the glass or bottle, and handcrafted cocktails. Huggo’s Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily.
5308, 75-5828 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-1493
Huggo's on the Rocks
Located next to the local landmark Huggo's Restaurant, Huggo's on the Rocks is an oceanside lounge that serves island bites and classic cocktails right on the water. The self-described “toes-in-the-sand” restaurant offers a casual dining experience with an emphasis on island fresh foods and serves sublime tropical cocktails against a backdrop of spectacular sunset views. Signature dishes on the menu include a variety of pupus (appetizers), fish tacos, burgers, sandwiches and salads, and delectable desserts like Huggo’s tasty Big Island Lime Pie. Sip a selection of fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers on tap and by the bottle, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits. Huggo’s on the Rocks is open for lunch and dinner daily.
75-5824 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-1493
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill
Located in Pottery Terrace, Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill is a casual, family-owned restaurant with a retro-kitsch Hawaii vibe that serves refined versions of locally-inspired fare such as wasabi-seared ahi, guava-glazed ribs, and mochiko fish with Moloka?i purple sweet potatoes. Established in 2004, the colorful, casual eatery is named after the two owners’ daughter and specializes in seafood straight off the boat, along with premium quality steaks, chops, and burgers, a variety of pasta, local organic salads and vegetables, and homemade dressings. Signature dishes include New England clam chowder and a healthy wild mushroom bowl, and several delicious pupu (appetizers) options and the fare is paired with fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers on tap and by the bottle, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits. Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday and dinner only on the weekends.
75-5995 Kuakini Hwy STE 1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-327-0209
Kenichi Pacific
Located in the Keauhou Shopping Center, Kenichi Pacific serves refined Japanese Pan-Asian fusion cuisine and sushi in a contemporary atmosphere. The understated strip-mall restaurant serves traditional handmade sushi and sashimi, as well as Asian-inspired steak, lamb, chicken, and duck confit, along with ample sides, fresh salads and vegetables, and fabulous dessert selections. Signature dishes include Chinese five-spice cured duck leg with wild mushrooms, grilled Ono Tataki with mashed yams and Japanese mushrooms, and the Dynamite Shrimp with smelt aioli and teriyaki sauce. Kenichi Pacific is open for dinner only, seven nights a week.
6831 Alii Dr #78, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-322-6400
Kona Inn Restaurant
Located in the historic Kona Inn Shopping Village on the waterfront in the heart of old Kona town, the Kona Inn Restaurant is a vintage restaurant boasting an open-air setting with unobstructed views of the ocean. The restaurant features a massive horseshoe-shaped all-Koa-wood bar that serves fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers on tap and by the bottle, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits, including the best mai-tais on the island. The menu features seafood straight off the boat, premium quality steaks, lamb chops, and burgers, a variety of pasta, local organic salads and vegetables, and decadent desserts. The Kona Inn Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily.
75-5744 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-4455
La Bourgogne French Restaurant
La Bourgogne French Restaurant brings the rich tastes and flavors of French cuisine to Kona. The intimate restaurant exudes European countryside charm with elegant décor, soft lighting, and a warm and welcoming ambiance. Owners Head chef Ron and his wife Colleen create a menu of French-inspired fare prepared using locally sourced ingredients and traditional European culinary techniques with specialty dishes, such as escargot, cassoulet, baked brie, and sweetbreads. The cuisine is accompanied by a selection of fine wines from France and around the world, craft and draft beers on tap and by the bottle, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits. La Bourgogne is open for dinner six nights a week.
77-6400 Nalani St #101, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-6711
Residents' Beach House
Overlooking the 18th tee box of the Hualalai Golf Course and the tranquil Waiakauhi Pond, the Residents' Beach House offers casual lanai dining in an elegant setting. The breezy dining spot specializes in traditional Hawaiian fare, fresh seafood, premium steaks, and chicken, and organic salads and vegetarian options, and a range of pupus (appetizers) can be enjoyed on the picturesque patio overlooking the beach. The cuisine can be paired with award-winning wines from around the world, local craft beers, and classic cocktails made with high-end spirits, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Sunday.
100 Kaupulehu Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-325-8510
