Guidebook for Kailua-Kona
Food Scene
Locally owned and fun this coffee shop is a hub for visitors and locals.
46 locals recommend
Kona Coffee & Tea
74-5588 Palani RdLocally owned and fun this coffee shop is a hub for visitors and locals.
Put your feet in the sand for an evening cocktail, entertainment and pupus or go next door for a finer dining experience. Always delicious and a good time! A popular spot for locals and tourists alike, this Kona Bay lounge boasts a cozy waterfront setting. Enjoy live local entertainment while you sample a poke bowl and sip one of the best Mai Tais in town; for your main course, try the Bulgogi fried rice bowl featuring island style marinated beef. Beach bums will feel at home with the sand floor of this super laid back venue.
162 locals recommend
Huggo's
75-5828 Kahakai RdPut your feet in the sand for an evening cocktail, entertainment and pupus or go next door for a finer dining experience. Always delicious and a good time! A popular spot for locals and tourists alike, this Kona Bay lounge boasts a cozy waterfront setting. Enjoy live local entertainment while you sample a poke bowl and sip one of the best Mai Tais in town; for your main course, try the Bulgogi fried rice bowl featuring island style marinated beef. Beach bums will feel at home with the sand floor of this super laid back venue.
Locally sourced ingredients and a quaint atmosphere. Takes a little time to get your food so time is a must when going to this yummy restaurant.
61 locals recommend
Holuakoa Gardens and Cafe
765897 Kona Belt RdLocally sourced ingredients and a quaint atmosphere. Takes a little time to get your food so time is a must when going to this yummy restaurant.
Kenichi Pacific
6831 Ali‘i DrYou can count on great drinks and fun sushi here. Locals love it!
A great local spot. For what its lacking in atmosphere it makes up for it in yummy sushi you can always count on. Great for a quick lunch!
9 locals recommend
Sakura
75-1027 Henry StA great local spot. For what its lacking in atmosphere it makes up for it in yummy sushi you can always count on. Great for a quick lunch!
BEST SHAVE ICE YOU WILL EVER HAVE!!! They make there flavors themselves and a lot of them are organic! Who could pass up vanilla bean with real vanilla flakes in it?!!!
24 locals recommend
One Aloha Shave Ice Co.
75-5711 Kuakini HwyBEST SHAVE ICE YOU WILL EVER HAVE!!! They make there flavors themselves and a lot of them are organic! Who could pass up vanilla bean with real vanilla flakes in it?!!!
Best all around poke and Hawaiian food joint. Definitely a must do! Even if you don't like fish you can still find something delicious to eat!
154 locals recommend
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlBest all around poke and Hawaiian food joint. Definitely a must do! Even if you don't like fish you can still find something delicious to eat!
Best brewery around! Such a great atmosphere with incredible beers and delicious food! A must do! The brewery tours are great too for all of you beer lovers and you can even take beer to go!
226 locals recommend
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlBest brewery around! Such a great atmosphere with incredible beers and delicious food! A must do! The brewery tours are great too for all of you beer lovers and you can even take beer to go!
Right across the street you will find the Poke Shack. Walk over and get an amazing lunch or dinner. You won't regret it! Tempt your taste buds with a variety of fresh poke at this classic shack. Spicy Pele’s Kiss is a local favorite, but you won’t go wrong with garlic and sesame. Or why choose when you can order a plate with four poke selections? There may be a line of folks waiting to order, but service is fast and friendly. Visit early before the daily menu is sold out.
132 locals recommend
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i DriveRight across the street you will find the Poke Shack. Walk over and get an amazing lunch or dinner. You won't regret it! Tempt your taste buds with a variety of fresh poke at this classic shack. Spicy Pele’s Kiss is a local favorite, but you won’t go wrong with garlic and sesame. Or why choose when you can order a plate with four poke selections? There may be a line of folks waiting to order, but service is fast and friendly. Visit early before the daily menu is sold out.
Coffee shop & cafe with beach views & sidewalk space goes from morning eggs to evening seafood.
163 locals recommend
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrCoffee shop & cafe with beach views & sidewalk space goes from morning eggs to evening seafood.
With perfect sunsets over the Kona Coast, Magics Beach Grill is about honoring Hawai’i through authentic Big Island flavors. The restaurant, bar, and Beach Shack each have their own menus and style so you can find what you crave for any occasion. Rooted in exceptional ingredients from our local farmers and fishermen, our dishes are equally playful and refined. They believe, just tasting these incredible flavors you become part of something bigger, our ‘ohana. Swing by for a cocktail and a meal, learn Big Island history, and tap into the latest local happenings.
91 locals recommend
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrWith perfect sunsets over the Kona Coast, Magics Beach Grill is about honoring Hawai’i through authentic Big Island flavors. The restaurant, bar, and Beach Shack each have their own menus and style so you can find what you crave for any occasion. Rooted in exceptional ingredients from our local farmers and fishermen, our dishes are equally playful and refined. They believe, just tasting these incredible flavors you become part of something bigger, our ‘ohana. Swing by for a cocktail and a meal, learn Big Island history, and tap into the latest local happenings.
Chef Peter Merriman has a handful of eateries across the Hawaiian Islands, and the flagship Merriman’s in Waimea has been a local favorite for more than twenty years. The focus here is on local ingredients and regional flavor. It’s a pricier night out, but there’s a solid selection of sharable side plates and award-winning entrees: Lobster pot pie? Yes, please.
Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo RoadChef Peter Merriman has a handful of eateries across the Hawaiian Islands, and the flagship Merriman’s in Waimea has been a local favorite for more than twenty years. The focus here is on local ingredients and regional flavor. It’s a pricier night out, but there’s a solid selection of sharable side plates and award-winning entrees: Lobster pot pie? Yes, please.
Napua at Mauna Lani Beach club
68-1292 S Kaniku DrRoy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill
69-250 Waikōloa Beach DrElegant beachside spot at the Four Seasons Resort features modern Italian fare & island cocktails. Soooo yummy you won't ever have a bad meal!
28 locals recommend
Beach Tree Bar
72-100 Kaupulehu DrElegant beachside spot at the Four Seasons Resort features modern Italian fare & island cocktails. Soooo yummy you won't ever have a bad meal!
Stylish haunt with an inventive menu that merges global flavors, plus a beer garden & live music. Cute atmosphere with good food!
51 locals recommend
Red Water Cafe
65-1299 Kawaihae RdStylish haunt with an inventive menu that merges global flavors, plus a beer garden & live music. Cute atmosphere with good food!
Local fare such as seafood & slow-cooked BBQ star at this rustic cafe & bar in a historic building.
53 locals recommend
The Fish And The Hog
64-957 Hawaiʻi Belt RdLocal fare such as seafood & slow-cooked BBQ star at this rustic cafe & bar in a historic building.
Cafe Pesto - Hilo
308 Kamehameha AveCreative, intimate French restaurant with European countryside charm & an extensive wine list. Small and family run you will definitely need a reservation. The food is outstanding!
18 locals recommend
La Bourgogne French Restaurant
77-6400 Nalani StCreative, intimate French restaurant with European countryside charm & an extensive wine list. Small and family run you will definitely need a reservation. The food is outstanding!
While there are burgers and plate lunches to be had here, everyone goes to Tex Drive In for the Malasadas—thick, eggy Portuguese donuts sprinkled in sugar and celebrated island-wide. The local favorite is Tex’s Bavarian cream filling. There’s a no-frills walk-up counter certain to have a line-up, but you’ll find plenty of outdoor seating.
72 locals recommend
Tex Drive-In
45-690 Pakalana StWhile there are burgers and plate lunches to be had here, everyone goes to Tex Drive In for the Malasadas—thick, eggy Portuguese donuts sprinkled in sugar and celebrated island-wide. The local favorite is Tex’s Bavarian cream filling. There’s a no-frills walk-up counter certain to have a line-up, but you’ll find plenty of outdoor seating.
Essentials
Safeway
75-971 Henry StPricey but clean and easy to navigate.
KTA Super Stores
74-5594 Palani RdClose and easy.
KTA Super Stores
74-5594 Palani RdMore local but has all of your needs!
Island Naturals Market & Deli Kailua-Kona
74-5444 Makala BlvdOur favorite health food store!
Arts & Culture
Our sleepy artist town of Holualoa. Quaint and cute if the galleries are even open.
57 locals recommend
Holualoa
Our sleepy artist town of Holualoa. Quaint and cute if the galleries are even open.
Island Breeze Luau
75-5660 Palani RdDrinks & Nightlife
Don's Mai Tai Bar
75-5852 Ali‘i DrHang with the locals at a packed dive bar. Guaranteed good drinks and lots of people watching.
9 locals recommend
Dolphin Spit Saloon
75-5629 Kuakini HwyHang with the locals at a packed dive bar. Guaranteed good drinks and lots of people watching.
Been around forever and isn't going anywhere! Right on the ocean you get the best sunsets and fun atmosphere! Wear your aloha shirt!
69 locals recommend
Kona Inn Restaurant
75-5744 Ali‘i DrBeen around forever and isn't going anywhere! Right on the ocean you get the best sunsets and fun atmosphere! Wear your aloha shirt!
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai RdLava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i PlActivities - Parks & Nature
Volcano
Best place to go to find any kind of outdoor activity! They will give you a great time wether it be a hike or a nature walk in a bamboo forest! One stop shop for the avid adventurer!
21 locals recommend
Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters
73-5593 Olowalu StBest place to go to find any kind of outdoor activity! They will give you a great time wether it be a hike or a nature walk in a bamboo forest! One stop shop for the avid adventurer!
Great one stop shop for renting all things H2O! Need a surf board or stand up paddle? These guys can hook you up with anything! They have two locations so check them out depending on where you are going!
18 locals recommend
Kona Boys Beach Shack
755664 Kaahumanu PlGreat one stop shop for renting all things H2O! Need a surf board or stand up paddle? These guys can hook you up with anything! They have two locations so check them out depending on where you are going!
Want to learn how to surf? We highly recommend these guys! Patient and so cool! With a lot of experience these guys will have you standing up in no time! Surfs up!!
FBI Surf School
Want to learn how to surf? We highly recommend these guys! Patient and so cool! With a lot of experience these guys will have you standing up in no time! Surfs up!!
Such an amazing experience. Get up close and personal on a canoe and hop in with the mantas! A night you wont forget!
10 locals recommend
Anelakai Adventures
78-7138 Kaleiopapa StSuch an amazing experience. Get up close and personal on a canoe and hop in with the mantas! A night you wont forget!
Best way to see our amazing island hands down! Make sure to see the valleys what ever you do!
13 locals recommend
Paradise Helicopters
73-341 Uu StBest way to see our amazing island hands down! Make sure to see the valleys what ever you do!
Kohala Zipline
55-515 Hawi RdKohala Ditch Company Mule Station
52-5055 Akoni Pule HwyBody Glove Hawaii
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Skyline Eco-Adventures Kaanapali Ziplines
2580 Kekaa DrFun and educational
Great fun location up the mountain. Very informative coffee tour. Perfect little gift shop to pick up things to bring home and yummy coffee tasting! Highly recommend if you love coffee!
32 locals recommend
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Great fun location up the mountain. Very informative coffee tour. Perfect little gift shop to pick up things to bring home and yummy coffee tasting! Highly recommend if you love coffee!
Get the chance to hold a seahorse and learn how amazing these creatures really are! Fun staff and so informative!
27 locals recommend
Ocean Rider Inc
73-4388 Ilikai PlaceGet the chance to hold a seahorse and learn how amazing these creatures really are! Fun staff and so informative!
Pacific Tsunami Museum
130 Kamehameha AveHulihe'e Palace
Kona Cloud Forest
73-1865 Hao StBeaches
Banyan's Beach
Surfing
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveKahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveSnorkeling
Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
Kohanaiki Beach Park