Guidebook for Kailua-Kona
Food Scene
this is our hang. they put an emphasis on local food and the slow food movement. coffee is fantastic, brunch on the weekend is unbeatable, and dinner is romantic. make reservations for dinner.
61 locals recommend
Holuakoa Gardens and Cafe
765897 Kona Belt Rdthis is our hang. they put an emphasis on local food and the slow food movement. coffee is fantastic, brunch on the weekend is unbeatable, and dinner is romantic. make reservations for dinner.
a contemporary sushi joint. try the new style yellowtail. their entrees are better than their sushi in my opinion. dinner only, reservations recommended.
43 locals recommend
Kenichi Pacific
6831 Ali‘i Dra contemporary sushi joint. try the new style yellowtail. their entrees are better than their sushi in my opinion. dinner only, reservations recommended.
located in the four seasons resort, the food is fantastic, the service friendly and the view is paradise. make reservations and plan on dropping some cash. try the oxtail gnocci and the mpa pizza.
28 locals recommend
Beach Tree Bar
72-100 Kaupulehu Drlocated in the four seasons resort, the food is fantastic, the service friendly and the view is paradise. make reservations and plan on dropping some cash. try the oxtail gnocci and the mpa pizza.
this place is an old staple. hunter s. thompson used to hang out here. the mai tai's are incredibly strong. and the mud pie's are delicious.
69 locals recommend
Kona Inn Restaurant
75-5744 Ali‘i Drthis place is an old staple. hunter s. thompson used to hang out here. the mai tai's are incredibly strong. and the mud pie's are delicious.
the restaurant called huggos next to this place has a great island inspired (pricy) menu and atmosphere, and Billy takes his cocktails seriously.
149 locals recommend
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai Rdthe restaurant called huggos next to this place has a great island inspired (pricy) menu and atmosphere, and Billy takes his cocktails seriously.
best casual dinner in town... good food, even better company. this is where the locals go after work for a brew and a slice. local beer and wine only. no reservations, first come first serve.
226 locals recommend
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai Plbest casual dinner in town... good food, even better company. this is where the locals go after work for a brew and a slice. local beer and wine only. no reservations, first come first serve.
best quick, healthy breakfast. fresh island fruit smoothies and satisfying acai combinations.
32 locals recommend
Basik Cafe
75-5831 Kahakai Rdbest quick, healthy breakfast. fresh island fruit smoothies and satisfying acai combinations.
great kona coffee, local ingredients and an amazing view, but be prepared to wait a while for your food, and for it to be a bit on the bland side.
163 locals recommend
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i Drgreat kona coffee, local ingredients and an amazing view, but be prepared to wait a while for your food, and for it to be a bit on the bland side.
support my friend malia and get your coffee here, not at starbucks! she has a new location on palani drive that has great atmosphere!
6 locals recommend
The Kona Coffee and Tea Company, Inc.
74-5035 Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwysupport my friend malia and get your coffee here, not at starbucks! she has a new location on palani drive that has great atmosphere!
Kaya's Kawanui Inc
79-7300 Hawaiʻi Belt Rdgreat coffee and kombucha on draft!
go say hi to ryan, slinging it behind the bar! this is where most of the evening action happens. typical bar fare, but a great selection of 36 beer taps!
77 locals recommend
Humpy's Big Island Alehouse
75-5815 Ali‘i Drgo say hi to ryan, slinging it behind the bar! this is where most of the evening action happens. typical bar fare, but a great selection of 36 beer taps!
this is a walkup window. plan on your food taking 40 minutes to prepare, and stroll town while you wait. Order ahi, papaya, avo with spicy sauce! eat on the sea wall; that's my idea of a perfect day.
26 locals recommend
You Make the Roll
75-5725 Ali‘i Drthis is a walkup window. plan on your food taking 40 minutes to prepare, and stroll town while you wait. Order ahi, papaya, avo with spicy sauce! eat on the sea wall; that's my idea of a perfect day.
best hawaiian food. bring some coconut water and drink a bowl of kava before you eat to get the right state of mind. their local combo plates are phenomenal, and their squid luau is not to be missed!
9 locals recommend
Kanaka Kava
75-5803 Ali‘i Drivebest hawaiian food. bring some coconut water and drink a bowl of kava before you eat to get the right state of mind. their local combo plates are phenomenal, and their squid luau is not to be missed!
grab a poke bowl and walk down the beach behind the condos to the world-class surf break, banyans, to see some surfing in action (this spot is somewhat territorial, so approach with respect!).
132 locals recommend
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i Drivegrab a poke bowl and walk down the beach behind the condos to the world-class surf break, banyans, to see some surfing in action (this spot is somewhat territorial, so approach with respect!).
fluffiest ice and widest selection of flavors. grab some shaved ice and sit on the sea wall across from the palace and watch the waves and day go by.
22 locals recommend
Scandinavian Shave Ice
75-5699 Ali‘i Drfluffiest ice and widest selection of flavors. grab some shaved ice and sit on the sea wall across from the palace and watch the waves and day go by.
awesome asian fusion. try the ono sashimi, the sambal beef, the mushroom udon.
7 locals recommend
Lemongrass Bistro
75-5742 Kuakini Hwyawesome asian fusion. try the ono sashimi, the sambal beef, the mushroom udon.
Original Thai Cuisine LLC
75-5629 Kuakini Hwybest thai food in town.
chef morgan has a way with seafood unlike anyone else. and their lasagna is bomb. make reservations, this place is tiny.
26 locals recommend
Mi's Waterfront Bistro
75-5770 Ali‘i Drchef morgan has a way with seafood unlike anyone else. and their lasagna is bomb. make reservations, this place is tiny.
Annie's Island Fresh Burgers
79-7460 Hawaiʻi Belt Rdbest burgers in town.
The Fish And The Hog
64-957 Hawaiʻi Belt Rdgreat bbq in waimea. their onion rings are unreal.
try an ahi tartar! the restaurant is casual, the fish is fresh and saucy, the wine list is awesome. reservations for dinner recommended.
127 locals recommend
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini Hwy try an ahi tartar! the restaurant is casual, the fish is fresh and saucy, the wine list is awesome. reservations for dinner recommended.
Miyo's
564 Hinano Stbest home style japanese food anywhere.
innovative cocktails, fusion menu, nice view, interesting atmosphere.
137 locals recommend
Hilo Bay Cafe
123 Lihiwai Stinnovative cocktails, fusion menu, nice view, interesting atmosphere.
Paolo's Bistro
15-2955 Pahoa Village Rdsuch great food and even better atmosphere.
perfect homestlye guilty pleasures after a long day of hiking!
40 locals recommend
Hana Hou Restaurant
95-1148 Naalehu Spur Rdperfect homestlye guilty pleasures after a long day of hiking!
Waimea Coffee Company
65-1279 Kawaihae Rdstop in for something warm going or coming from a day trip!
Kamana Kitchen
75-5770 Ali‘i Drreally fantastic indian food at a great price.
the coffee and the view are extraordinary. their food... not the best.
69 locals recommend
Daylight Mind Coffee Company
69-201 Waikōloa Beach Drthe coffee and the view are extraordinary. their food... not the best.
don't go hungry... but DO stop in for a malasada... it's an island staple.
72 locals recommend
Tex Drive-In
45-690 Pakalana Stdon't go hungry... but DO stop in for a malasada... it's an island staple.
for a nice night out on the way back from day tripping. merriman's started the localvor kick on the island, and his food is homestlye elegance. reservations recommended. not on kauai? in waimea.
102 locals recommend
Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo Rdfor a nice night out on the way back from day tripping. merriman's started the localvor kick on the island, and his food is homestlye elegance. reservations recommended. not on kauai? in waimea.
stop in for a beer, best brewers on the island! order the red sea of cacao, heather's favorite!
88 locals recommend
Big Island Brewhaus
64-1066 Mamalahoa Hwystop in for a beer, best brewers on the island! order the red sea of cacao, heather's favorite!
two locations right next to eachother; on the rock is casual with a great happy hour, huggos is fancier with an amazing cocktail bar. say hi to billy and dane for us!
162 locals recommend
Huggo's
75-5828 Kahakai Rdtwo locations right next to eachother; on the rock is casual with a great happy hour, huggos is fancier with an amazing cocktail bar. say hi to billy and dane for us!
Ivonne runs this fabulous little german style tea and coffee shop and bakes everything fresh daily. order the german breakfast!
20 locals recommend
Tea:licious Cafe
75-159 Lunapule RdIvonne runs this fabulous little german style tea and coffee shop and bakes everything fresh daily. order the german breakfast!
Drinks & Nightlife
best place to catch the sunset with a beer in hand. wait to eat elsewhere :)
47 locals recommend
Don the Beachcomber
75-5852 Ali‘i Drbest place to catch the sunset with a beer in hand. wait to eat elsewhere :)
Essentials
romantic and relaxing get-a-way. bring some champagne and a cheese plate :)
14 locals recommend
Mamalahoa Hot Tubs & Massage
81-1016 St John's Rdromantic and relaxing get-a-way. bring some champagne and a cheese plate :)
Miranda Chiropractic
73-5618 Palani Rdneed a chiro while in town? go see dr. phil!
there's one in town and one in keauhou. our "local" supermarket. all the asian goodies to take home, like arare and furikake. also the only place to buy local beef, pork and produce. buy local!
156 locals recommend
KTA Super Stores
74-5594 Palani Rdthere's one in town and one in keauhou. our "local" supermarket. all the asian goodies to take home, like arare and furikake. also the only place to buy local beef, pork and produce. buy local!
it's pricey, but it's local and it's organic.
61 locals recommend
Island Naturals Market & Deli Kailua-Kona
74-5444 Makala Blvdit's pricey, but it's local and it's organic.
perfect place to stop for picnic provisions on the way to a day trip adventure. the health food aisle is to the far right, next to deli/sushi. poke is to the far left in the back.
31 locals recommend
Foodland Waimea
67-1185 Hawaiʻi Belt Rdperfect place to stop for picnic provisions on the way to a day trip adventure. the health food aisle is to the far right, next to deli/sushi. poke is to the far left in the back.
Yoga Hale
75-5725 Ali‘i Driveif you want to drop into a class, they've got a pretty good program.
Westside Wines
75-5660 Kopiko StHave Alex help you pick out a special bottle of wine or liquor for your stay!
Shopping
this boutique specializes in local designers clothing and jewelry. heather gets most of her earings and bracelets here.
7 locals recommend
Pueo Boutique
75-5729 Ali‘i Drthis boutique specializes in local designers clothing and jewelry. heather gets most of her earings and bracelets here.
the king and queen shops in waikoloa are our honolulu/big city shopping centers.
67 locals recommend
Kings' Shops
250 Waikōloa Beach Drthe king and queen shops in waikoloa are our honolulu/big city shopping centers.
this is a joint venture between quill and feather and pueo... it's my favorite boutique. the jewelry is amazing, the kid's sections is great as well.
7 locals recommend
Quill & Feather
75-159 Lunapule Rdthis is a joint venture between quill and feather and pueo... it's my favorite boutique. the jewelry is amazing, the kid's sections is great as well.
Entertainment & Activities
best manta ray snorkel/dive ever! it's like swimming with angels... DO IT!
Neptune Charlie's Ocean Safaris
74-380 Kealakehe Pkwybest manta ray snorkel/dive ever! it's like swimming with angels... DO IT!
want to rent a surf board/kayak/sup/snorkel gear? these guys are the ones to go to, plus they have tons of gear to help you blend in :)
28 locals recommend
Kona Boys, Inc.
79-7539 Hawaiʻi Belt Rdwant to rent a surf board/kayak/sup/snorkel gear? these guys are the ones to go to, plus they have tons of gear to help you blend in :)
if you want to explore the island on a guided tour, no one knows it better than this crew. go to the volcano with taj. i think he's having an affair with madame pele.
21 locals recommend
Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters
73-5593 Olowalu Stif you want to explore the island on a guided tour, no one knows it better than this crew. go to the volcano with taj. i think he's having an affair with madame pele.
if you want to learn to surf, go see isha and ben. they are such great surfers, and kahalu'u is ryan's favorite break.
14 locals recommend
Kahalu'u Bay Surf and Sea
78-6685 Ali‘i Drif you want to learn to surf, go see isha and ben. they are such great surfers, and kahalu'u is ryan's favorite break.
Makalei Golf Club
72-3890 Hawaiʻi Belt Rdgolf with peacocks in the fern forest!
Hapuna Golf Course
62-100 Kaunaʻoa Drthey usually have good deals on a round of golf.
Makani Golf Club
71-1420 Hawaiʻi Belt Rdgorgeous, affordable golf course.
Sightseeing
best accessible white sandy beach but crowded conditions! nice place for body surfing and laying out! hwy 19, north of mile marker 88 on the ocean side, 5 minutes north of the airport.
159 locals recommend
Kua Bay
best accessible white sandy beach but crowded conditions! nice place for body surfing and laying out! hwy 19, north of mile marker 88 on the ocean side, 5 minutes north of the airport.
a little out of the way, but mostly empty. park by the link fence and walk north instead of going to the beach at the end of the road. our fave stretch of sand and sunset spot, and lot of shade.
7 locals recommend
Mahai‘ula Beach
a little out of the way, but mostly empty. park by the link fence and walk north instead of going to the beach at the end of the road. our fave stretch of sand and sunset spot, and lot of shade.
Kealakekua Bay
best snorkeling in town. have kona boys set you up.
DRIVE THE HAMAKUA COAST to hilo. it takes longer than the saddle road, but the view is breathtaking.
Hamakua Forest Reserve
DRIVE THE HAMAKUA COAST to hilo. it takes longer than the saddle road, but the view is breathtaking.
this is a mission, but it's amazing. where else do you see green sand? go in the morning, the wind picks up in the afternoon. bring lots of water, and be prepared for a long day in the sun.
Papakolea Point
this is a mission, but it's amazing. where else do you see green sand? go in the morning, the wind picks up in the afternoon. bring lots of water, and be prepared for a long day in the sun.
the botanical garden is so beautiful to walk though, with waterfalls at both ends. super easy paved walk. bring an umbrella.
341 locals recommend
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls Rdthe botanical garden is so beautiful to walk though, with waterfalls at both ends. super easy paved walk. bring an umbrella.
amazing rainforest walk. the scenic drive to get here is one of my favorites on island!
192 locals recommend
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa Hwyamazing rainforest walk. the scenic drive to get here is one of my favorites on island!
be adventurous and jump the cliff :) the southern most part of the u.s. of a. the views are spectacular and the mana (spiritual energy) is unreal.
74 locals recommend
South Point Park
South Point Roadbe adventurous and jump the cliff :) the southern most part of the u.s. of a. the views are spectacular and the mana (spiritual energy) is unreal.
this is an island, but it's cold up here! best star gazing anywhere. go for sunrise or sunset!
161 locals recommend
Mauna Kea
this is an island, but it's cold up here! best star gazing anywhere. go for sunrise or sunset!
the big market days are wednesdays and saturdays, make sure not to miss this... the closest to being in the 3rd world you'll get without actually being there. amazing selection of nearly everything.
246 locals recommend
Hilo Farmers Market
Mamo Streetthe big market days are wednesdays and saturdays, make sure not to miss this... the closest to being in the 3rd world you'll get without actually being there. amazing selection of nearly everything.
"the place of refuge." awesome spiritual hawaiian site of peace. across the bay you will see lots of people on the lava snorkeling "two step." best snorkeling on island... you'll see dolphins!
270 locals recommend
Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160"the place of refuge." awesome spiritual hawaiian site of peace. across the bay you will see lots of people on the lava snorkeling "two step." best snorkeling on island... you'll see dolphins!
so many amazing things to explore, you could spend days hiking. aaand there's an active volcano! if you want a guided tour, go with hft.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
so many amazing things to explore, you could spend days hiking. aaand there's an active volcano! if you want a guided tour, go with hft.
Parks & Nature
the most amazing, spiritual view ever. if you have a 4x4, drive down and explore. if you do this, ask me where you should hike in person (waterfalls!!).
201 locals recommend
Waipio Valley Lookout
the most amazing, spiritual view ever. if you have a 4x4, drive down and explore. if you do this, ask me where you should hike in person (waterfalls!!).
Pololu Valley
awesome day-hike. killer views of the valleys.
"beach 69" is what the locals call it... awesome little coves of white sand. keep walking to the left til you find a private spot. shade, sun, snorkeling fun.
Puako Beach Drive
Puako Beach Drive"beach 69" is what the locals call it... awesome little coves of white sand. keep walking to the left til you find a private spot. shade, sun, snorkeling fun.