By Love Big Island | updated
Kailua-Kona is the main tourist destination on the Big Island. There are many places to choose from if you feel like having a bite – whether you want to grab a quick coffee or a snack, or a complete dinner.
Table of contents
- Restaurant Recommendations + Map
- Restaurants in Kona
- Restaurants in the South Kona district
Table of Contents
- Restaurant Recommendations + Map
- Restaurants in Kona
- Restaurants in the South Kona district
This page contains the places we like to visit on an average night our, which means that rather than once-a-year fancy dine-out options (such as Merriman’s!), you will find restaurants here that are popular with the locals. If you like our recommendations make sure to also check out our favorite restaurants in Hilo, on the other side of the island.
Best Restaurants For… and Map
We love going to the Fish hopper in downtown Kona because of their great views over Kailua Bay (try to get a table at the windows). If you are staying further south, Teshima’s is a GREAT option.
Magic’s Beach Grill (across the street from Magic Sands beach) and Broke da Mouth Grinds (a few blocks from Old Airport beach) are great options for take-out and sunset viewing.
Da Poke Shack is our #1 choice for take-out poke, and Umekes is a great place to go for a sit-down poke bowl.
Restaurants in Kailua-Kona
In no particular order, these are some of our favorite places to grab a bite in and around Kona:
- Pine Tree Cafe: great for take-out and a sunset beach picnic
- Teshima’s
- Magic’s Beach Grill: great sunset beach dinner
- Broke da Mouth Grindz
- Kenichi’s
- Umekes
- Big Island Grill: best value but not very cozy
- Willie’s Hot Chicken
- The Fish Hopper: great for breakfast with ocean views
- Da Poke Shack
Pine Tree Cafe (for take-out)
Pine Tree Cafe (website) is not a sit-down restaurant but is a GREAT stop for take-out. Some favorites are the spicy garlic chicken, fried rice with Portuguese sausage , and Korean chicken.
Teshima’s
Located 15 minutes south of Kailua Kona, Teshima’s (website) is a long-running eatery serving up simple Japanese comfort food in a simple, old-school atmosphere. Fried pork chops and their really good breakfast menu are a few good reasons to go there.
Magic’s Beach Grill
Opposite Magic sands beach for an after meal swim or just to watch the waves, Magic’s Beach Grill (website) offers tasty creative dishes and a nice drink menu. Get a seat in the sand out front to watch the waves or out back on the deck for sunset.
Broke da Mouth Grindz
Broke da Mouth Grindz (website) offers an excellent combination of food quality, price, ambiance and service. Their menu mostly consist of hearty portions of locally sourced Hawaiian & Filipino staples.
Order take out and go to the nearby Old Airport Beach for sunset dinner if it is too busy inside.
Kenichi’s
Kenichi’s (website) is located in a mall but don’t let their location fool you. They serve GREAT and reasonable priced sushi and are also a solid choice for breakfast.
Umekes
Umekes (website) is a good place to go to for a poke bowl and some other local favorites suck as fish tacos and fresh catch.
Big Island Grill
Honest local food in big portions for a fair price but only open for breakfast and lunch. Try their loco moco or teriyaki chicken if you have trouble making a choice. Don’t expect a cute little eatery though, since the decor is somewhat lacking.
Opening times are from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Tuesday through Saturday. They are closed on Sunday and Monday. More information on their website.
Willie’s Hot Chicken
If anything spicy and southern-style fried chicken are your things then Willie’s Hot Chicken (website) is a really good place to go for a quick bite.
The Fish hopper (great for breakfast)
The Fish Hopper (website) with its excellent ocean views is our favorite breakfast spot in downtown Kona.
Tea:licious Cafe
Tea:licious Cafe (website) is not a restaurant but is one of our go-to places for their sandwiches and salads.
Peaberry & Galette
Peaberry & Galette (website) is a small coffee shot that makes GREAT galettes (pancakes) in the Keauhou shopping center.
Da Poke Shack
Known throughout the island for its delicious and fresh poke dishes, Da Poke Shack (website) is the place to try if you are curious about poke and poke bowls. Poke is the perfect lunchtime meal to take on the go, to the beach, or to a nearby beach-front park for example.
Da Poke Shack prides themselves to always serve fresh fish.
Restaurants in South Kona / Captain Cook
In no particular order, these are some of our favorite places to grab a bite in the South Kona district (south of Kealakekua Bay):
- Kaaloa’s Super J’s
- The Coffee Shack
- Black Rock Pizza
Kaaloa’s Super J’s
A small family owned and operated food stop that is known for their authentic Hawaiian dishes – try their pork and poi lau lau if you want to try a local favorite. Really good food at really good prices.
More information on their facebook page.
The Coffee Shack
The Coffee Shack in Captain Cook serves great coffee, breakfast, and lunch (get their homemade bread if you can). The views from the terrace are out of this world and this stop should be included in any road trip taking you for a Kona Coffee tour, a visit to the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, or a snorkeling trip to two step or Captain Cook.
The Coffee Shack overlooks Kealakekua Bay
Black Rock Pizza
If you feel like a great pizza that is hand-made from sauce to crust you should check out Black Rock Pizza in Captain Cook. Their amazing patio view and excellent service is another plus.
