What is the best restaurant in Kailua-Kona for fresh poke?

Da Poke Shack and Pau Hana Poke are the two most celebrated poke spots in Kona. Da Poke Shack has a 4.6-star rating from nearly 2,700 reviews, while Pau Hana Poke earns an impressive 4.8 stars. Both sell out, so arriving early is strongly recommended.

Where should I eat in Kailua-Kona for a waterfront dinner?

Huggo's is the classic choice for a waterfront dinner, with tables practically over the water and a long track record of fresh seafood. Fish Hopper Kona and On the Rocks are also solid oceanfront options with broader menus.

Where can I get the best Kona coffee in Kailua-Kona?

HiCO - Hawaiian Coffee, Kona Coffee is the top specialty coffee bar in town, with serious single-origin pour-overs from local farms. Kona Coffee & Tea and Island Lava Java are also excellent, with the latter offering ocean views right on Ali'i Drive.

What is the best local Hawaiian food restaurant in Kona?

Broke Da Mouth Grindz- KONA is the go-to for authentic local plate lunches and comfort food. Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill is also a top pick, particularly for poke bowls and fish plates, with over 6,500 reviews backing it up.

Is Kona Brewing Co. worth visiting in Kailua-Kona?

Yes, the Kona Brewing Co. brewpub in Kona is worth a visit. It serves a rotating tap list that goes beyond their well-known flagship beers, paired with a full food menu and a coastal outdoor setting that is hard to beat.

Are there good non-seafood restaurants in Kailua-Kona?

Absolutely. TK Noodle & hot pot is a standout with a 4.7-star rating and excellent hot pot spreads. Journey Cafe Big Island offers health-forward cafe meals, and Magics Beach Grill serves a casual all-day menu with burgers and breakfast plates.

Best Restaurants in Kailua-Kona: Where to Eat Right Now

By Scott Sweeney & Jennifer Anderson · September 15, 2026 · 5 min read

Colorful plates of fresh poke and grilled fish on a waterfront table in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Kailua-Kona punches well above its size when it comes to food, blending native Hawaiian flavors, fresh Pacific seafood, and a relaxed surf-town energy that makes every meal feel like a small celebration.

Why the Kona Food Scene Stands Apart

The Big Island's west coast sits at the intersection of some of Hawaii's most productive fishing grounds and the world-famous Kona coffee belt. That means your plate is likely to hold fish pulled from the water that morning and a cup of single-origin coffee grown just a few miles upslope. The dining culture here is unpretentious but genuinely excellent, and knowing where to point yourself saves you from tourist-trap menus.

The Best Sit-Down Restaurants in Kailua-Kona

For Seafood with a View

Huggo's is one of the oldest waterfront restaurants in Kona, and it earns its reputation with consistently fresh fish, a great happy-hour bar scene, and tables that hang practically over the ocean. The open-air setting means you are watching the sunset while you eat, which never gets old.

Fish Hopper Kona covers similar oceanfront ground with a broader menu that pulls in pasta, steak, and local catches side by side. It is a reliable choice when you are dining with people who have wildly different appetites.

On the Rocks leans into the casual beach-bar vibe while still delivering solid food and strong cocktails. The crowd is lively and the location near the water makes it an easy spot to linger.

For Local Hawaiian Flavor

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill is arguably the most talked-about restaurant in Kona right now, and for good reason. The poke bowls are built to order with market-fresh fish, the plate lunches are generous, and the 4.4-star rating across more than 6,500 reviews reflects a kitchen that does not cut corners.

Broke Da Mouth Grindz- KONA is the kind of local spot that regulars guard jealously. The name is Hawaiian pidgin for "food so good it breaks your mouth," and the plate lunches, loco moco, and daily specials live up to that billing. Expect a line at peak hours and zero regrets.

Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar rounds out this tier with a relaxed neighborhood feel and a menu that hits classic Hawaiian comfort food with a few creative twists.

For Something a Little Different

TK Noodle & hot pot is a standout for anyone craving something outside the seafood-and-poke rotation. With a 4.7-star rating from nearly 2,500 reviews, the hot pot spreads and noodle bowls here are the real deal, and the value is exceptional.

Magics Beach Grill sits near La'aloa Beach Park and serves a casual all-day menu of burgers, fish tacos, and breakfast plates. It is the kind of place you stumble into after a morning swim and end up staying for two hours.

Kai Eats + Drinks offers a slightly more polished experience, with creative cocktails and a menu that skews modern Hawaiian. Good for a date night or a special dinner when you want something a step above the usual.

Best Poke in Kailua-Kona

Poke is practically a food group on the Big Island, and Kona has two standouts worth going out of your way for.

Da Poke Shack is a tiny counter-service spot with a 4.6-star rating from nearly 2,700 reviews. The fish is impeccably fresh, the sauces are housemade, and the portions are generous. Arrive early because they sell out.
Pau Hana Poke earns a remarkable 4.8 stars from close to 950 reviews. "Pau hana" means "after work" in Hawaiian, and the vibe is exactly that: casual, friendly, and focused on doing one thing brilliantly.

Best Cafes and Coffee Spots

Kona coffee is one of the most celebrated regional coffees in the world, and drinking it here, grown just up the mountain, is a genuinely different experience from buying it at home.

HiCO - Hawaiian Coffee, Kona Coffee is a specialty coffee bar that takes the local bean seriously. Single-origin pour-overs, knowledgeable staff, and a calm atmosphere make it the best place in town for a proper coffee moment.

Kona Coffee & Tea is another excellent choice, with a 4.6-star rating and a menu that pairs quality Kona brews with light bites. It is a favorite for a slow morning before heading to the beach.

Journey Cafe Big Island brings a health-forward, cafe-style menu to the mix, with smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and plant-based options alongside good coffee. The 4.7-star rating from over 1,600 reviews signals this is not a trend-chaser but a genuinely well-run spot.

Island Lava Java sits right on Ali'i Drive with ocean views and a full breakfast and lunch menu to go with its coffee. It is a classic Kona morning stop.

808 Grindz Cafe Kona and Pine Tree Cafe both deliver solid, no-fuss cafe meals with local flavor and loyal regulars.

A Note on the Kona Brewing Scene

Kona Brewing Co. is worth a visit even if you have seen their cans at home. The brewpub in Kona serves a rotating tap list that goes well beyond the flagship beers, alongside a full food menu of pizzas and pub fare. The outdoor setting overlooking the coast is genuinely lovely.

Ola Brew is a newer local brewery with a 4.6-star rating and a menu that leans into farm-to-table ingredients alongside their craft beers and seltzers. A great option if you want something more off the beaten path.

Plan Your Kona Food Trip

The best meals in Kailua-Kona are spread across the town, from waterfront tables to roadside counters, and the right itinerary depends on how long you are staying and what you are after. Build a personalized trip plan with all your food stops, beaches, and activities mapped out at Airplane Mode.