The 20 Best Restaurants in Kailua-Kona

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience with ocean views, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.

Experience a blend of exceptional cuisine and breathtaking ocean views, perfect for special occasions and memorable dining experiences.

Jackie Rey's Kailua-Kona offers island-inspired seafood and contemporary dishes with a focus on fresh local fish. Diners highlight flavorful preparations such as ahi tartare, coconut shrimp, and a popular seafood trio, all presented with care. The dining room provides a comfortable setting, and attentive servers contribute to a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Enjoy a delightful dining experience with stunning beach views, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Kona Brewing Co. is a laid-back brewpub known for its house beers and generous, pub-style dishes such as pepperoni rolls, pizza, and towering nachos. Guests highlight prompt, attentive service and a relaxed, low-key vibe. A shaded outdoor patio with music adds to the easygoing atmosphere for enjoying a flight or a favorite brew.

Pau Hana Poke serves fresh, generously cut fish in classic Hawaiian poke preparations near the Kona airport. Diners highlight the melt-in-your-mouth ahi, with options like spicy or wasabi seasonings, along with kimchi sides and occasional smoked fish. Service is quick and welcoming, making it a convenient stop for flavorful, customizable poke bowls.

Pink Mocha Cafe is a cozy local spot specializing in creative coffee drinks, smoothies, and house-made treats. Guests highlight rich lattes, moist banana bread, croissants, and indulgent sweets such as cream cheese Oreo fudge. Sandwiches and beverages are prepared to order, and the welcoming space also features small gifts like jewelry and soaps, adding to its neighborhood charm.

Big Kahuna Beach Grill offers casual, beachside dining with scenic ocean views from the rail. The menu features familiar American favorites such as hearty breakfast plates, burgers, seafood, and fries, with generous portions. Service is noted for being friendly, efficient, and accommodating of special requests. The laid-back, no-frills setting suits guests stopping in throughout the day for food and drinks by the water.

Fish Hopper Kona offers a relaxed oceanfront setting on Ali‘i Drive with views of the bay. The menu highlights fresh seafood alongside hearty comfort dishes, from poke-style appetizers and fish plates to satisfying breakfast options. Friendly, accommodating service and a tempting dessert selection, including tropical-inspired cheesecake, round out the experience.

Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies is a Kona bakery specializing in rich, buttery island-style cookies that attract both local regulars and visitors. Guests often sample a variety of flavors in the shop before choosing favorites to take home. The cookies are frequently given as gifts and can be shipped to the mainland, supported by attentive, accommodating service.

Aloha Mix Food Truck Cafe serves hearty island-style plates with shrimp, steak, rice, and salad from a bright roadside truck. Signature options like garlic, lemon pepper, and mildly spicy lava shrimp are frequently praised for their flavor. Guests can dine at shaded picnic tables, and the welcoming team creates a relaxed, laid-back stop between nearby beaches.

Kai Eats and Drinks offers casual, crowd-pleasing fare from hearty breakfasts to handmade pizzas and burgers, complemented by coffee and drinks. Open-air seating overlooks the Kona coast, with the sound of waves enhancing the experience. Portions are generous, and the staff provides attentive, easygoing service. Occasional live ukulele music adds to the coastal atmosphere.

Paradise Bakery Hawaii is a small local bakery known for freshly made malasadas and donuts with a Hawaiian twist. The kitchen highlights fruit from its own farm, resulting in fillings that taste bright and natural. Guests appreciate the rotating flavors, from tropical custards to seasonal specialties, along with other pastries and pies served in an unassuming food-court setting.

Peaberry & Galette specializes in sweet and savory crepes with inventive, well-balanced flavor combinations. Vegetables are prepared with care, greens taste fresh, and portions are generous, making it a satisfying choice for breakfast or a light meal. Guests note flavorful options like sausage or bacon crepes and dessert variations, complemented by quality coffee. Service is described as friendly and efficient, even when the café is busy.

L & L Hawaiian Barbeque offers hearty Hawaiian-style plate lunches in a simple counter-service setting. Generous portions of dishes such as teriyaki beef, garlic chicken, and chicken katsu come with rice and a choice of salads. The food emphasizes straightforward, satisfying flavors, with many guests opting for convenient takeout. A small dining area inside and additional outdoor tables create an unfussy, local feel.

Island Ono Loa Grill offers a casual counter-service experience centered on juicy burgers made with local Hawaiian beef. Guests also find plate lunches, tacos, sandwiches, and classics like loco moco with macaroni salad. Seasoned and sweet potato fries are frequently noted for their flavor, and the small indoor and outdoor seating areas create a simple, laid-back setting. Helpful, friendly staff contribute to the welcoming feel.

This family-run Mexican food stand serves freshly prepared dishes such as burritos, carnitas, tamales, and tacos from a simple food-court counter. Flavors are described as authentic and satisfying, with a range of house sauces to complement the meal. Guests often remark on the welcoming, family-style service, and a small market area offers a selection of Mexican products and treats.