Best places to eat in Kona Hawaii is a list of food joints around the island and their reviews. This is a new website that provides restaurant recommendations to visitors to the island.
The Island’s best restaurants, rated by you! Our site features favorite spots from locals and tourists alike where to eat in Kona Hawaii. A great way for anyone planning a trip here to get an idea of what’s available on our little slice of paradise! Whether your taste buds are looking for classic Hawaiian seafood or crave fresh and local cuisine, we’ve got the perfect place for you.
Places to eat in Kona Hawaii
The best breakfast places to eat in Kona Hawaii
Aloha Restaurant – 409 Kilauea Ave
Breakfast is served from 7 am-11 pm, served with coffee – a cup of coffee is $2.75.
Lunch is also served in the restaurant, and there is a wide variety of menu items including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and daily specials.
There are three vegetarian options available as well as many other dishes that appeal to both meat-eaters and vegans. The service can be slow at times but the food is fresh and tasty enough to wait for.
Outstanding place and food: Vegan options at Panda express
Aloha Restaurant
Big Island Grill – 459 Kilauea Ave
Breakfast is served from 7 am-10:30, served with coffee – a cup of coffee is $2.75.
Order one of their signature dishes such as the mahimahi breakfast or the Big Island bold breakfast and you won’t be disappointed! There is a chance that the service may be slow at times, but the wait will be worth it!
The Urbane Cafe – 590 Kilauea Ave
The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch from 7 am-5 pm. They serve daily specials as well as pastries, sandwiches, and salads. The service is fast and friendly, so you should have no problem getting in and out quickly!
Urban Cafe
Kona Fresh – 622 Kilauea Ave
Breakfast is served from 7 am-11:45 or 12:45 on Sundays at Kona Fresh Bakery & Cafe. That’s a long time to feed a hungry crowd, so you won’t have any trouble finding something on the menu that appeals to you and your party.
There is outdoor seating available, though sometimes it can get crowded since it’s a popular place. Additionally, you can sit indoors.
The Kona Mercantile – 775 Kilauea Ave
Breakfast is served from 6 am-1 pm with coffee and tea included in the price of the meal. They serve bagels, egg dishes, sandwiches, and more.
GreenHouse Cafe – 959 Kilauea Ave
Breakfast is served from 7 am-11 am with coffee included in the price of the meal. Breakfast is served with waffles or pancakes made fresh in-house daily by a chef. Options include breakfast burgers as well as grilled cheese sandwiches and sides of coffee and juice for just $3.75 each.
View at GreenHouse Cafe
Ono Gelato – 758 Kilauea Ave
Ono Gelato is a new gelato shop right in the heart of Kailua-Kona. Locals love it, and tourists are finding it to be a place that’s worth going back to time and time again! Ono Gelato serves up delicious homemade gelato made with only natural ingredients straight from Hawaii. They offer many different flavors including favorites like lilikoi and green tea as well as seasonal favorites like pina colada and mango.
They also offer a wide array of specialty flavors like macadamia nut and kettle corn. The gelato is high quality and served right in front of you, so you know it’s as fresh as possible. The shop also serves smoothies with fresh fruit pureed together to make a delicious treat with knowledgeable staff that is eager to give you tips on what flavors to try!
Kona Taco – 790 Kilauea Ave
The tacos are served with chips and salsa, as well as a side of soup or salad. Kona taco offers an appetizer combo for $6.99 that includes a full order of chips, salsa, and cheese dip!
Kona Ice – 612 Ali’i Dr
Kona Ice is a local business with Kona-grown products. They make shaved ice, snow cones, and Hawaiian loli pops. Their menu consists of various tropical flavors such as macadamia nut, lilikoi (passion fruit), strawberry, watermelon, coconut, and mango.
In addition to these flavors, they also offer more traditional flavors such as cherry and blue raspberry! The service at Kona Ice is quick and friendly so you won’t have to wait very long to get your treat!
Kona Ice
The best lunch places to eat in Kona Hawaii
The Big Island Cafe – 463 Kilauea Ave
This is a local restaurant that’s located right in Kailua-Kona. It’s a cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have a hearty menu including burgers, sandwiches, pasta as well as other traditional food items.
Mauna Kea Cafe – 463 Kilauea Ave
Mauna Kea Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 am-5 pm. Their menu contains a variety of items including sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more. They have free wifi to keep you connected while you are there!
Useful knowledge for you: Vegan options at Panera bread breakfast and lunch/dinner option 2021
Mokihana Grill – 539 Kilauea Ave
The food is served from 11 am-3 pm with dinner being served until 9 pm on weekdays and 10 pm on weekends. Their menu includes appetizers, salads, seafood, sandwiches, and burgers. They also have kids’ meals which is great for families!
Mokihana Grill
Monsoon India – 597 Kilauea Ave
Monsoon India is a small restaurant that serves up Indian food cooked by an actual Indian chef from India! It’s a great restaurant with great food and friendly service!
You can enjoy a variety of curries as well as chicken tikka masala as well as other great dishes while you are there. They have a big menu of traditional Indian dishes as well as some fusion dishes that you will love!
The best dinner places to eat in Kona Hawaii
Smilla Bakery – 959 Kilauea Ave
Smilla Bakery is a local bakery that has been around for many years. They have an extensive menu of pastries, bread, and other baked goods. They also have a wide variety of sandwiches and paninis, as well as gelato that you can get to go! Service that is fast and friendly is what we offer.
Smilla Bakery
Mauna Kea Cafe – 463 Kilauea Ave
Mauna Kea Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 am-5 pm. Their menu contains a variety of items including sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more.
Don Quijote Sushi Bar – 640 Ulano St
This little restaurant in Kailua-Kona has an extensive menu of sushi dishes as well as non-sushi dishes such as donburi bowls and fried rice plates.
Rainforest Cafe – 921 Kilauea Ave
This is a local family diner so you will often see all generations dining together! The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner between 7 am and 8 pm. The menu is extensive on traditional American family-style meals as well as Hawaiian favorites such as loco moco and mahi-mahi taco plates. In addition to gluten-free options, they also offer vegetarian options.
Rainforest Cafe
Kokomai Sushi & Grill – 673 Ulaino St
Kokomai Sushi & Grill has a full menu of sushi rolls as well as other Japanese dishes such as teriyaki bowls, udon noodles and other traditional Japanese dishes. They are open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 am-10 pm. They have a kids menu with options for kids 10 years old or younger!
Spice House – 66 Uliano St
Kailua-Kona’s Spice House is a small family-owned restaurant that has been serving delicious food since 1994. They have a full menu of the most popular and traditional dishes such as burgers, fajitas, pasta, chicken katsu, and more!
They also have an extensive kids’ menu to keep the little ones happy! You can even enjoy the food with online ordering so you can pick up your food right at your house!
Spice House
Propaganda – 829 Kilauea Ave
Propaganda is a lively cafe located in the Kona coffee district. Between 7 am and 4 pm, they serve breakfast and lunch. The menu is extensive, offering all sorts of favorite foods. From French toast to homemade omelets, they have everything you could possibly want!
Temptations – 699 Kilauea Ave
Temptation is a local restaurant located in Kailua-Kona’s coffee district serving a variety of breakfast items as well as dishes from other countries such as Turkey and Italy. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 am-9 pm with some specials running later until 10 pm on nice evenings! The restaurant is family-owned with a big menu full of delicious food!
Best vegetarian places to eat in Kona Hawaii
The Healthy Thai – 317 Walo St
The Healthy Thai is a local restaurant that serves up delicious Thai food! They have a menu of vegan dishes along with a large variety of meat and vegetarian dishes. There is a dine-in and take-out option.
Kale Me Crazy – 699 Kilauea Ave
Kale Me Crazy is a local restaurant that serves up an array of delicious dishes including sandwiches, salads, snacks, and more! They have a full menu of vegan food as well as meat dishes so you are sure to find something amazing on the menu!
Food at Kale Me Crazy
Nui Nui – 699 Kilauea Ave
Nui Nui is a local restaurant that serves up a variety of dishes including island-style burgers and sandwiches along with other traditional Hawaiian dishes such as loco moco! There are both dine-in and take-out options at the restaurant!
Luau Makana Terrace – 468 Kilauea Ave
Luau Makana Terrace is a local restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch from 8 am-2 pm. They offer an extensive menu of items and have a big selection of vegetarian items on the menu as well as traditional Hawaiian favorites!
Aloha Plate – 150 Kaleid Papa St
Aloha Plate is a local restaurant that serves up fresh, healthy meals ready fast! They offer take-out and dining options with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served all day long. You can enjoy all your Hawaiian favorites as well as a wide variety of vegetarian selections. You can also order a vegetarian or vegan meal.
Aloha Plate
Luau Papa – 130 Kaleiopapa St
Luau Papa is a local restaurant that serves up traditional Hawaiian food! They have an extensive menu with traditional Hawaiian favorites such as loco moco and mahi-mahi tacos along with many other dishes you will love! Their breakfast includes eggs poached to order (they cook your eggs rare so not the best for those who want them scrambled).
Ravana’s – 181 Kalaeloa St
Rawana’s is a local restaurant serving authentic Hawaiian food that is healthy, fresh, and delicious! The menu includes healthy options such as green salad with ginger dressing, raw veggie wraps, and a variety of raw tacos. They also offer free-range chicken wings for those who like to eat meat! They have an extensive menu with items for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Kabob & Curry House – 699 Kilauea Ave
Kabob & Curry House is a local restaurant offering a variety of dishes. They have an extensive menu with each dish made to order so it is unique and fresh!
Kona Bowls – 699 Kilauea Ave
Kona Bowls is a local place serving up smoothies, acai bowls, salads, and oatmeal bowls to go for those on the go! The food served here is vegan or vegetarian-friendly!
You can order from their online take-out menu that lists all of your choices by category: breakfast, lunch, dinner, or sweet treats. The service can be quick because you grab your drinks/food and then leave.
Kona Bowls
Ku’a Lei – 160 Kaleid Papa St
Kua La is a local restaurant with an extensive menu that takes you around the world! They have items such as Hawaiian BBQ ribs, Thai red curry, chicken satay, and salad bowls. There are also vegetarian options on the menu including their vegan curried cauliflower rice bowl!
Best places to enjoy a raw meal in Kona Hawaii
Island Roots Cafe – 699 Kilauea Ave
Island Roots Cafe offers local favorites with a healthy twist! They have plates, salads, wraps, bowls, and even desserts! Besides regular options, they also offer gluten-free alternatives. Some menu items include BBQ chicken salad, fresh fish with ginger scallion sauce (or cornmeal alternative), fresh fish tacos, and more! Friendly and fast service are provided by the staff.
Cafe Kaila – 699 Kilauea Ave
Cafe Kaila offers an array of food including breakfast, lunch, and dinner! They offer bowls, burgers, sandwiches, and wraps as well as acai smoothies and salads. Some menu items include burgers such as the turkey burger with avocado on a whole wheat bun with kale slaw and a side of steamed veggies or the salmon burger with spicy mayo/dill relish/scallions on an onion bun along with a salad. Their acai bowls include flavors such as pomegranate, mango, and dragon fruit.
Cafe Kaila
The Raw bar – 699 Kilauea Ave
The Raw Bar offers an array of raw foods at a reasonable price. Their menu includes a variety of raw foods including a sashimi platter, oysters on the half shell, poke tacos, pizzas, and fruit appetizers! They offer fresh salads as well that they will make to order!
Green Island Naturals – 1250 Kalanianaole Ave
Green Island Naturals offers a wide variety of fresh local foods including acai, smoothies, bowls, wraps, and sandwiches. Their menu includes items such as the veggie wrap with hummus and sun-dried tomato spread on a whole wheat wrap or the acai bowl with banana, cacao nibs, granola, and agave syrup.
Bamboo Sushi – 699 Kilauea Ave
Bamboo Sushi is a local restaurant that serves up fresh food with both vegetarian and meat options. They offer a variety of sushi rolls including the legendary caterpillar roll! It is a pleasure to work with such a friendly and fast company! They have an extensive menu including items such as mixed tempura, spicy tuna, and California rolls.
Food at Bamboo Sushi
Kona Hawaii Bowls – 699 Kilauea Ave
Kona Hawaii Bowls is a take-out-only restaurant offering healthy delicious bowls ready fast! They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as desserts all, served in a bowl! Their menu includes items such as the size 6 bowl with brown rice, carrot ginger dressing, tuna, sweet potato, and sautéed kale. Kona Hawaii Bowls is a must-visit on your trip to Kailua-Kona!
Love Buzz Cafe – 699 Kilauea Ave
Love Buzz Cafe is a local place offering a wide variety of options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as desserts! They offer an array of vegetarian options and their staff is friendly and the service is quick! The menu includes items such as the quinoa burger with heirloom tomato, avocado, arugula, sprouts, and balsamic glaze served on a whole grain bun.
Chelo’s Healthy Kitchen – 699 Kilauea Ave
Chelo’s Healthy Kitchen offers a wide variety of food choices including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options as well as desserts! Their menu includes items such as the acai bowl with bananas, granola, agave syrup, and Samoa coconut caramel sauce.
Chelo’s Healthy Kitchen
Things to pay attention to when choosing the best places to eat in Kona Hawaii
- Cheap Eats – Chelo’s Healthy Kitchen is considered the cheapest food in Kailua-Kona. There is a slight problem with the quality of the product.
- Family-Friendly Food – Love Buzz Cafe, Kona Hawaii Bowls, and Island Roots are family-friendly restaurants. You will be pleased to see that the staff is friendly and the service is quick!
- Health Conscious – Kabob & Curry House, Cafe Kaila, and The Raw Bar are considered to have healthy options on their menus. The quality of their food is good and fresh too!
- Fast Food – Bamboo Sushi’s service is fast but it is not vegan friendly like other restaurants listed on this list.
- Suitable for Groups – Kona Hawaii Bowls is considered to be a great place for groups with its serving style that helps you share food with others so each person ends up paying less.
- Romantic – The Raw Bar offers an intimate dining experience in a small setting so it is perfect for couples or even a small group of friends!
- Limited Budget – Chelo’s Healthy Kitchen offers budget-friendly choices that are still filling and tasty!
- Great Location – All of the restaurants listed are located near other shops and activities so you can make a day out of eating and shopping!
- Distance to Beach – Kabob & Curry House, Cafe Kaila, and The Raw Bar are located near a beach; however, the other restaurants listed are not.
If you are looking for the best places to eat in Kona Hawaii then you have found the right article! The places to eat listed are in my opinion the best because they offer a wide variety of foods.
There are numerous reasons for you to visit Kailua-Kona such as surfing, snorkeling and kayaking, numerous beaches, and great nightlife. However, if you are missing your favorite food from home then please check out some of the best places to eat in Kona Hawaii!
Moo Lisa is the founder and editor of Food 4 Kitchen. She graduated in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She started learning about food and kitchen utensils in high school and still pursues it to this day.
