Guidebook for Kailua-Kona
Food Scene
Good Hawaiian fast food. This location is the best L&L on the island. We've taken trips to the island where we ate at L&L every day. You can order any plate with a green salad and brown rice (instead of macaroni salad and white rice) if you want to be healthy. The regular plates will leave you with leftovers. Breakfast is good, too.
18 locals recommend
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
75-5595 Palani RdGood Hawaiian fast food. This location is the best L&L on the island. We've taken trips to the island where we ate at L&L every day. You can order any plate with a green salad and brown rice (instead of macaroni salad and white rice) if you want to be healthy. The regular plates will leave you with leftovers. Breakfast is good, too.
Fresh sushi located by the corner of Hualalai and Kuakini Hwy.
12 locals recommend
Shimaichi Sushi Kona
75-5742 Kuakini HwyFresh sushi located by the corner of Hualalai and Kuakini Hwy.
On the road to Volcano National Park and Punalu'u Black sand beach. Try the malasadas. Opens at 9 am.
185 locals recommend
Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11 On the road to Volcano National Park and Punalu'u Black sand beach. Try the malasadas. Opens at 9 am.
Downtown Kona. Good breakfast and $$$$ dinner. Great view of sunsets and Kailua Bay.
60 locals recommend
Fish Hopper Seafood & Steaks
Downtown Kona. Good breakfast and $$$$ dinner. Great view of sunsets and Kailua Bay.
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlLimited menu but they brew our favorite beers.
Shopping
In walking distance, KTA groceries, Longs drug store, L&L Hawaiian BBQ and other restaurants, movie theatre, urgent care center.
58 locals recommend
Keauhou Shopping Center
78-6831 Ali‘i DrIn walking distance, KTA groceries, Longs drug store, L&L Hawaiian BBQ and other restaurants, movie theatre, urgent care center.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great place for drinks and sunset views. Food seems hit and miss.
75 locals recommend
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
78-6831 Ali‘i DrGreat place for drinks and sunset views. Food seems hit and miss.
Great place for drinks and the appetizers. Kick your shoes off and rest your feet in the sand. Band can be too loud sometimes.
149 locals recommend
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai RdGreat place for drinks and the appetizers. Kick your shoes off and rest your feet in the sand. Band can be too loud sometimes.
Live music from famous locals every Thursday. There's no cover charge, but you may want to buy a mai tai or two. Lovely views.
38 locals recommend
Don's Mai Tai Bar
75-5852 Ali‘i DrLive music from famous locals every Thursday. There's no cover charge, but you may want to buy a mai tai or two. Lovely views.
Arts & Culture
Early 20th century life on a coffee and macadamia nut farm.
17 locals recommend
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
82-6199 Hawaiʻi Belt RdEarly 20th century life on a coffee and macadamia nut farm.
Visiting this lovely palace is a great way to learn about colonial Hawaiian history.
67 locals recommend
Hulihe'e Palace
Visiting this lovely palace is a great way to learn about colonial Hawaiian history.
Parks & Nature
How many people get to see the newest land on earth? You may even get to see hot lava, although Pele is fickle.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
How many people get to see the newest land on earth? You may even get to see hot lava, although Pele is fickle.
Learn about Hawaiian culture in a spectacular setting.
270 locals recommend
Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160Learn about Hawaiian culture in a spectacular setting.
You may not be able to make it to the summit, but the Visitor's Center is worth the trip for the fantastic views and nighttime starry skies. It's free, and doesn't take a special vehicle.
33 locals recommend
Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station
Mauna Kea Access RoadYou may not be able to make it to the summit, but the Visitor's Center is worth the trip for the fantastic views and nighttime starry skies. It's free, and doesn't take a special vehicle.
Everything Else
Learn amazing facts about tsunamis. Enjoy the farmer's market. Shop along the waterfront. Visit the free zoo or the Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens.
120 locals recommend
Hilo
Learn amazing facts about tsunamis. Enjoy the farmer's market. Shop along the waterfront. Visit the free zoo or the Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens.