One of the most common questions we get from visitors to the Big Island is where they should eat while they are on their trip. If you’re searching for the best places to eat in Kona, Hawaii, you’re in luck! Kona offers a wide variety of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Hawaiian cuisine, fresh seafood, or a casual bite, there are countless places to eat in Kona, Hawaii that will leave you satisfied.
From hidden gems to well-known eateries, here is your guide to the best places to eat in Kona!
BEST BREAKFAST EATS
Lava Java
Everything on the menu here is delicious. For breakfast, think island-style pancakes with bananas, macadamia nuts, and coconut syrup! Outside of breakfast, they have a large selection of plates to choose from, whether it’s seafood, salad, pizza, or sandwiches. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu and the variety ensures there’s something for everyone!
- Open on Monday and Tuesday from 7am – 9pm, and Wednesday through Sunday from 7am – 12am
- $20 – $30
808 Grindz
The pancakes with homemade Mac-Nilla sauce are killa good! This cute brunch place ensures that appetites are satisfied with any of their plates, from Portuguese sausage to steak and shrimp!
- Open Tuesday through Sunday from 7am – 2pm
- $10 – $20
Coffee Shack
Order it all, because it’s really that good. Just be prepared for crowds!
- Open 7am – 3:30pm daily; closed Wednesdays
- $10 – $20
Kalikala Cuisine
Lilikoi French Toast is what I grab every time I go! But really, how could you go wrong with Hawaiian Waffles, coconut milk, pineapple chunks, and lilikoi syrup!
- Open Wednesday through Sunday from 8am – 1pm
- $20 – $30
BEST LOCAL-STYLE FOOD
Super J’s
Amazing 100% traditional and authentic Hawaiian food. The lau lau is cooked in its leaves days in advance, making the pork fall apart so easily. Very tender and salty. Great with a side of mac salad and lomi lomi with rice.
- Open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 10am – 3 pm; closed Sundays and Tuesdays
- $10 – $20
Broke da Mouth Grindz
As featured on Diners Drive-in’s and Dives from the Food Network you can’t go wrong with the Garlic Furikake Chicken. Stop in for a real local Hawaiian plate!
- Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm
- $10 – $20
BEST SEAFOOD
BEST SEAFOODWhile in Hawaii you might as well indulge in some sushi or poke; you’re right by the ocean and delicious fish are caught daily right off the coast!
Umekes Restaurants
Fresh fish selections, sushi, and poke. They also have options for those not wanting fish.
- Open daily 11am – 9pm
- $20 – 30
Da Poke Shack
The name says it all. All the types of delicious poke can be found here. Don’t want fish? No problem, grab a Hot Hawaiian plate of lau lau or kalua pork. So ono!
- Open daily 10am-4pm
- $10 – $20
Huggo’s
Huggo’s makes a great evening spot with an ocean view. They have something for everyone and on certain nights they even have live music!
- Open daily from 4 – 9pm
- $20 – $60
Quinn’s Almost by the Sea
This place is delicious comfort food served up perfectly! It has some great seafood options but also other options for those who aren’t a fan of seafood. Trust us, get the fried pickles and the fish and chips! We’ve never had pickle chips this crunchy or delicious…remember, you’re on vacation!
- Open daily from 11am – 10pm, closed Wednesday
- $20 – 30
OTHER FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
OTHER FAVORITE RESTAURANTSKrua Thai Food
Our favorite appetizer is the Spring Rolls. We love all of the curry dishes so really you can’t go wrong!!
Tip: stick with mild unless you really like it hot!
- Open Monday through Saturday, 11am – 9pm. Open on Sundays 3:30 – 8:30pm
- $20 – $30
Black Rock Pizza
One of the best pizza places on the Island! Their dough and sauce are so delicious! They also have exciting pizza combinations to try out. Have a seat on the patio with a beautiful ocean view, and devour some of the best pizza on the Island. Check out their fresh salads and grab a cannoli for dessert!
- Captain Cook location: Open every day 11am – 8pm
- Kona location: Monday through Thursday from 4pm – 8pm, Friday through Sunday from 11am – 8pm
- $10 – $20
Fosters Kitchen
Farm to table and delicious! For a tasty appetizer, try their pimento cheese and cajun shrimp or the whipped goat cheese bruschetta! The daily fresh catch is always a winner here, as well as the pulled pork plate! Don’t leave without trying the Fosters banana pudding or the lilikoi cheesecake!
- Open daily 11am – 10pm
- $20 – $30
Willie’s Hot Chicken
Looking for a trendy restaurant, possibly one that serves chicken and waffles? Try Willie’s! Our favorite is the Nashville Hot chicken tenders, Franch sauce, and waffle fries! This place is truly delicious, their merchandise is cool, and the staff is super friendly.
- Open Monday through Saturday from 11am – 9pm, Sunday from 11am – 8pm
- $10 – $20
Poi Dog Deli
When you’ve been eating out a lot on vacay and just want a quick bite that feels fresh and healthy, Poi Dog Deli is a good spot to grab a salad, sandwich, or half of each. We like to try their kitchen sink specials (which change often). The Turkey Orbit sandwich is also delicious!
- Open Monday through Saturday 10:30am – 6pm
- $10 – $20
Loko Wraps
Loko Wraps has two locations, one in central Kona, and one south in Captain Cook. There are lots of great things to go for here. They have delicious vegetarian options as well and beef, pork, and chicken. Feeling like something light and refreshing? Grab one of their smoothies or acai bowls. Their fresh creations will delight your taste buds!
- Open daily 10am – 8pm
- $10 – $20
Ultimate Burger
For those wanting to keep it simple with a giant burger and yummy fries (served up with some special fry sauce), then this just might be the spot for you! It is located across the street from Target in Kona.
- Monday through Thursday from 11am – 8pm, Friday through Saturday from 11am – 8:30pm
- $10 – $20
Big Kahuna Beach Grill
Surf on into Big Kahuna Beach Grill for great food and good times. Located in Kailua-Kona, this is a great sit-down burger shop on the island. With a stunning view of the bay, they have the spot you will never want to leave. Come in and try their juicy smash burgers, delicious island breakfast, and happy hour deals!
- Open Everyday from 8am – 10pm
- $20 – 30
Shaka Tacos
Shaka Tacoz has become a community staple for the locals and must-visit tourist hot-spot after being coined the Best Tacos in Hawaii in 3 years in a row. Whether you’re snorkeling at Two Step, cruising around the island, heading to Hawai’i Volcano National Park, or just craving some delicious, healthy tacos on Ali’i Drive in Kona; stop by and enjoy the breathtaking view of Kealakekua Bay and the Pacific Ocean as you devour the Big Island of Hawai’i’s best tacos at a cost the whole family can afford!
- Captain Cook location: Open Sunday through Wednesday from 11am – 8pm, Friday & Saturday from 11am – 9pm. Closed Thursday
- Ali’i Drive location: Open Sunday and Tuesday through Saturday from 10am – 5pm. Closed Monday
- $10 – $20
Rebel Kitchen
Rebel Kitchen has a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a few specialty dishes that are really good! This place is sure to satisfy your appetite and provide you with a wholesome dining experience.
- Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am – 8pm. Closed Sunday and Monday
- $20 – $30
From breakfast at Lava Java to dinner at Huggo’s with a stunning ocean view, you’ll find no shortage of delicious options. Don’t miss out on hidden gems like Super J’s for authentic local flavors or Da Poke Shack for the freshest poke on the island. With so many places to eat in Kona, Hawaii, your taste buds are in for a treat! Want to work up an appetite before you head to one of the best restaurants in Kona? Join us for a Big Island ATV Tour or a Polynesian Wood Carving Tour at Aloha Adventure Farms.
If you’re still in the trip planning phase, check out our posts about how to plan your Kona vacation, see the Big Island with kids, and execute the best Big Island Hawaii road trip itinerary.
