Top Restaurants in Kailua-Kona
Top Things to do in Kailua-Kona
Countries
Best American food near Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States
Find out what American restaurants to try in Kailua-Kona. Coffee drinkers will recognize Kona as the source of some of the best beans in the world. Get your blood pumping with a walk along the “Royal Footsteps” waterfront stretch of Alii Drive, or take stargazing to the next level with a nighttime visit to the summit of Mauna Kea. Waterfalls, volcanoes, and soft black sands are just some of the natural features that make Kailua unique. Shimmy your hips at a hula-filled luau, or get an eyeful of native history at the Kamakahonu compound.
Things to do in Kailua-Kona
10. Beach Tree Bar and Lounge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 485 reviews
The essence of "barefoot elegance," Beach Tree Bar and Lounge has the feel of a Hawaiian beach house. Diners choose between al fresco beachside seating or an elegant open-air dining room with 16-foot vaulted ceilings. An outdoor lounge sets the stage for
Reviewed By grlgrdgate
During our stay at Four Seasons Hualalai, we enjoyed dinner and several poolside lunches at Beach Tree. Although the food is Italian, this gorgeous beachside restaurant radiates Hawaiian charm. Dining at sunset is truly a treat, as they have live music and the view cannot be beat. Their homemade focaccia with pesto was flavorful, but I really missed their unique Tuscan bread we had enjoyed on our last trip, years earlier. A few weeks before our trip, I was excited to see they had a special lobster dinner experience on Sunday nights, so I made a reservation for Sunday evening. We were super excited about dining at Beach Tree Sunday night for the Dal Forno a Legna experience. I had planned it far in advance because my husband loves lobster and it sounded really neat! Even on my concierge confirmation it states, âDal Forno a Legnaâ on our Beach Tree Reservation, but when we arrived and asked about it, our waitress said it was risotto night. I tried ordering the crab risotto but a few minutes later she came back and said they were out of crab. The whole night offered slow, scattered service, and my husband was disappointed with his lobster risotto. The risotto was nice, but there was not lobster in it. They cut a lobster in half and placed it ontop of the risotto. The lobster was tough and difficult to pry out of its shell. I did truly enjoy my corn agnolotti entree but wished our waitress had checked in on us after we received the food because salt or Parmesan cheese would have made it even better. She finally came to see how things were after my plate had already been cleared. Their Caesar salad was outstanding. I was really bummed that we didnât get to order the Dal Forno a Legna, and I still donât know why or what changed. After emailing, asking in person, and via text, I still have no answer as to why there was no Dal Forno a Legna dinner on Sunday night, so I may never know. In the Ike Summer Issue, it advertises the special dinner:âFinally on Sunday evenings at Beach Tree, celebrate with a trio of smoke, salt, and flavor at Dal Forno a Legna. Sit back and relax, taking in the sunset and cocktails as our chefs prepare three crafted courses from our kiawe wood burning oven directly in front of you on the lawn. Hearty, rustic cuisine is the focus of the experience: indulgent Crema Paradiso with Tuscan bread, baked Keahole lobster pasticcio and for dessert a Caprese Cake with Macerated Raspberry and Lemon Crema celebrating local treasures from the Big Island.â Sounds incredible, right?Other than that disappointment, lunch food from Beach Tree was delicious. The Ahi sandwich was unique and flavorful, and I loved the tomato mozzarella salad. When we come back to Hualalai, we will definitely eat at Beach Tree.
9. Huggo's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1590 reviews
Reviewed By kimLS35
Great food. We had the baby back ribs and the the chef selection fish (at the recommendation of our server Chad). Both dishes were fantastic. Our server was very friendly and the view is right on the water. I do recommend making a reservation if you want to sit closest to the water. We did not have one but were able to get a table close enough.Aloha Kim, thank you for joining us and leaving your feedback. We are thrilled you enjoyed your experience and we hit the mark for you. We hope you can join us again soon. Mahalo Nui Loa, Tina
8. Big Island Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1455 reviews
Reviewed By Sunsequitur
This was a surprise find. Though the locals were well acquainted!! :) The price is definitely right here, so was the service and it was a pretty standard but well executed breakfast. Lots of options and some really good local favourite varieties of loco moco. No view, not fancy, but good breakfast for decent price served by nice staff.
7. Foster's Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 657 reviews
Fresh from the land and sea around the big of Hawai'i, we offer locally sourced food for your enjoyment.
Reviewed By Cakimbo
We come to Kona quite frequently as my husband is with the airlines. We have always loved Fosters, they are sliding downhill. Last night it took 15 minutes for a server to acknowledge us. They were out of two of the four âfall specialsâ. Out of one of the local fish, out of 3 other things we tried to order. Many of the menu items havenât changed in years and they canât plan to have adequate quantities? They seem to be falling on the laurels since they were featured on food network and need to up their game to deliver what they tout.
6. Splasher's Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3570 reviews
Splashers Grill is a family owned, casual dining experience. We are located across from the ocean where most tables have a great view of the ocean and Kona pier. We are Famous for our burger and Fish Tacos and the best breakfast in Kona. We look forward t
Reviewed By MIZT13
Watched the 10 minute Kona Coffee Lantern Parade from the restaurant. Located right where the lantern parade started. Great crab cakes, aloi sauce too spicy for me but good. Good tea drink, just didn't taste the booze. Friendly staff where you were even asked by manager if food ok. Haven't been asked that in many years at a restaurant.
5. Kona Brewing Company Pub & Brewery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6418 reviews
Kailua-Kona on Hawaiiâs Big Island is the site of our brewery and first restaurant. The brewpub opened in November 1998. In true Aloha spirit, we opted to make it out of locally-sourced materials, and we even built a 2,000 square-foot outdoor lanai that l
Reviewed By groetkenkara
Great food, amazing beer and a fun environment to enjoy it all in! Highly recommend! The Lemon Grass is my personal favorite, if you canât decide though the flight of four is always a great choice!
4. Ultimate Burger
Overall Ratings
4 based on 919 reviews
Ultimate Burger is a Locally Owned by Chef Makani, Big Island born and raised. Chef Makani created this "Quick-service" Burger restaurant catering to a broad spectrum of diners, including Vegetarian, Gluten-sensitive, and even Vegan guests. Ultimate Burge
Reviewed By 253junec
On an anniversary trip to Kona, we used our Mahalo discount card and the great reviews we had read to eat here on a Wednesday evening. Very pleased with both the service, A&W root beer and a great burger and fries! Definitely would return again when on the island!!
3. 808 Grindz Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 450 reviews
Reviewed By Yoda316
Stopped in for breakfast... very good, local food. Wasnât sure about the presentation because Iâm picky about my food touching. It was awesome though. Husband had the breakfast for champions .... he enjoyed it. Apparently Vienna sausages and spam is a thing ... he tried it and was pleased.
2. Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2947 reviews
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill is a casual local's joint featuring fresh seafood, steaks, pasta and a variety of salads at affordable prices. The restaurant (named after our daughter) is the culmination of much hard work and the dedication of ourselves and our
Reviewed By PeeDeeR
Coming back the long way from Hilo towards dinner we located this ahead of us using TA. With pretty good reviews we decided to stop by. They had a great ambiance and we were pretty casual after our trip, but you could make this a dressy outing too. We had a wonderful table near a door so we got a breeze (& to watch rain). Our server Chris was very attentive. When my grandaughter had drawn photos on all the paper in front of her, he moved her sideways & brought more crayons for her art.The G-kids had Lobser and they loved it. We had among us the BBQ Ribs, Pork Chop & Burger. And of course we had desserts! We left full and satisfied.Great place along the road.Aloha PeeDeeR--- I'm glad you found us on the return leg of your Hilo adventure. Sounds like Christian helped find your grandkids art supplies and that your family had a nice dining experience. Super!!! I appreciate you taking the time to give us some feedback--- good or bad, feedback helps keep us moving forward.Enjoy your vacation--- Paul, the owner
1. TJ'S BBQ By The Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 960 reviews
We pride ourselves in serving great BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Burgers, Home Made Honey BBQ Sauce, and Kona Coffee Steak Rubs. Order our famous 23 hour slow Roasted Prime Rib For the holidays or any occasion (need a 2 day notice) Come sit and dine in our outdoor
Reviewed By aknoble
Several visits to The Big Island and several visits to Ali'i Marketplace and somehow this was the first visit to TJ's...it definitely won't be the last. We had a half rack of ribs and a Kona burger and both were amazing. The burger was double the size I expected, and the coffee rub was super flavorful. I am not normally a rib person, but they were fall off the bone and the sauce was delicious! The people running the place are friendly and the food is one of the best values in the area, grab a table on the lawn and get ready for greatness while they make your food to order, it's worth the wait! Aloha, thank you so much for the nice review, we are happy that you enjoyed your time with us, we hope to see you again. Enjoy your time in HawaiiMahaloTim and JoannaTJ'S BBQ
