10 Best Restaurants in Kailua-Kona, Big Island

From its upstairs, open-air dining room decorated with kitschy surfer chic, this restaurant invites customers to enjoy views of the pier and a bustling corner of Alii Drive. Fortunately, an excellent, extensive menu makes it well worth a stop; fresh fish plates including fish tacos are a sure bet. The clam chowder is some of Kona's best. Try the smashburger (a cooking technique that adds flavor while reducing grill time) or the marinated sirloin or New York strip. Death by Chocolate is the dessert to die for. They also serve breakfast from 7 until noon, and there's a happy hour, as well as live music nightly. Great prices keep the locals coming in. 

Ocean breezes flow through this open-air restaurant on Alii Drive, known for a quality menu infused with Cajun and island influences. Almost all dishes are made to order and feature non-GMO, hormone-free, or USDA-certified organic ingredients. A must-try is the seafood pesto puff pastry on the appetizer menu, and for dinner the steak house pasta (creamy mushroom pasta topped with a New York strip steak) is a good bet. Signature cocktails blend freshly muddled fruit and fresh juices with no commercial mixes. With happy hour daily from 3 to 5 and live entertainment nightly, Foster's Kitchen is a cool spot to enjoy a sunset cocktail or late-night libation. It's a good sign that you see a lot of locals here; it's got an elevated reputation among residents. 

Visitors enjoy stopping here before or after a morning of snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, and for good reason: the views of the Honaunau Coast from this roadside restaurant are nothing short of drop-dead stunning. This place is best for breakfast or a quick bite, as overpriced mains can miss; but if you're in the mood for a Hawaiian smoothie, iced honey-mocha latte, or scone, it's worth the stop. It can get crowded, and parking is tricky and limited, so you may need to plan carefully or get there early.

The largest open-air tiki bar in Kona has the absolute best view of Kailua Bay in town. This is the perfect spot to relax with a pupu (appetizer) such as the coconut-crusted shrimp or "Hapa" poke bowl, or to dig into something more substantial like the kiawe wood–smoked prime rib. The Breezeway Lounge is excellent for watching giant surf or breaching whales, and Don's hosts first-rate Hawaiian performers on Thursdays. During happy hour from 4 to 6, the famous mai tais are only $8; the pina coladas are $9. Save room for dessert; the mud pie is deliciously sinful, or order one of the luscious dessert coffees.

In the heart of Historic Kailua Village, the open-air Hawaii location of the popular Monterey, California restaurant offers an expansive menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a vintage building with a bayfront view. Inventive fresh-fish specials as well as simple fish-and-chips are among the local favorites. The lunch menu is tantalizing, especially the seafood entrées. There's also a comprehensive wine list, plus a happy hour menu chock full of great choices and prices.

A Kona icon since 1969, family-owned Huggo's is one of the few restaurants in town with prices and atmosphere comparable to the splurge restaurants at the Kohala Coast resorts. Dinner offerings sometimes fall short, considering the prices, but the pupus (appetizers) and small plates are usually a good bet. If you're on a budget or just want lunch, Huggo's on the Rocks, next door, is a popular outdoor bar in the sand, and the burgers are pretty darn good, too. It's also Kailua-Kona's hot spot for cocktails and live music nightly.

With its oceanfront location close enough for diners to feel the salt spray, Kai's is a fun, casual dining experience. Just pick a table, then order and pay online; they bring your meal to your table. In the morning, you can fill your paper coffee cup with limitless amounts of coffee at the self-serve station. For lunch and dinner, choose from the "plancha" burgers such as the smashburger or one of the gourmet pizzas with goofy names like Mango Tango or Funkai Funghi. Owned by the same company as Huggo's and Lava Lava Beach Club, Kai's prices are pretty good considering its spot right on the water. 

Simply unbeatable proximity to the ocean is part of the draw of this lively restaurant in the heart of town: you just can't get any closer to the water without getting wet—and sometimes you do! It's popular to come here for sunset for drinks and appetizers such as the poke stack or the avocado fries. Otherwise, stick with a burger or sandwich, as the mains can get pricey. Order online for pickup and delivery. Beloved local musicians Lopaka Roots or LT Smooth play nightly. 

Known for home-baked pastries, gourmet loose-leaf teas, and high-end coffees, this sweet, cozy spot is a lovely destination not far from the beach. Try the brie, apple, and fig jam combo on freshly baked baguette or one of the signature salads. A to-go picnic box for two is priced at only $27. They even serve made-to-order Italian sodas.

The menu at this little crêperie includes Illy espresso, teas, excellent sweet and savory crêpes, sandwiches, soups, salads, and rich desserts like lemon cheesecake and chocolate mousse, all made fresh daily. The small venue has a relaxed, urban-café vibe. It's a nice place to hang for a bit if you're waiting for a movie at the theater next door or feel like taking a break from paradise to sip a decent espresso and view the latest local art installations on display.