The Best Restaurants in Kona, Hawaii
The Ultimate Guide to Eating on the Big Island
I’ve been visiting Kona since 2017, when I came for my babymoon while pregnant with my son, Ryder. What started as a getaway my ex-husband suggested turned into a full-on love affair with the Big Island. A few years and a condo purchase later, Kona is now home to my short-term rental, Kona Landing, and I’ve been eating my way across the island ever since.
This isn’t a touristy food list. These are my real-deal favorites, from fresh poke and epic brunches to sunset dinners and happy hour gems. I’m also big on balance, so you’ll find some grocery shopping tips in here, too. Whether you’re here for a quick trip or an extended stay, here’s where to eat in Kona (and exactly what to order).
Kona Coffee & Breakfast Spots
Kona is famous for its coffee. You can even take a tour of a local coffee farm while you’re here. While I don’t drink coffee myself, I do love tea, so a lot of my drink recommendations and coffee shops lean that way. I also love ingredients unique to the island, such as macadamia nuts, ube, and pineapple. Everything in this section is either walkable or a short drive from Kona Landing, so you can start your day island-style.
My morning ritual. I grab a lavender chai latte with macadamia nut milk and sit on the lanai soaking up the sound of the ocean.
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If you're in Kona, you’ve got to check out Big Kahuna Beach Grill. Awesome ocean views, killer smash burgers, and the friendliest vibes. Perfect spot to chill by the pier with great food and a cold drink.
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Vibes and views. I love the macadamia nut pesto scramble, the kalua pork scramble, and their giant cinnamon roll.
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Acai bowls with bee pollen and local honey. It’s a nourishing boost before a beach day.
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Right below Kona Landing. Try the macadamia nut chai latte or a strong cup of coffee with ocean views. Great for a quiet solo morning.
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Extreme vibes. They serve ube foam drinks, avocado toast that will blow your mind, and carry cute merch. I love stopping here after hiking the Captain Cook Monument or before hitting the beach.
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Where to Go for Lunch in Kona
Fresh poke is a must. Makai has more variety, and Da Poke Shack is a classic. Grab it to-go and head straight to the sand.
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Pro tip: Bring a cooler with ice to keep your poke fresh. Kona Landing has one, plus beach chairs, umbrellas, blankets, and kid toys. If your rental doesn’t have one, grab a cheap cooler—totally worth it.
Amazing poke bowls, fish tacos, and local favorites. Great for dine-in or takeout. Full bar too!
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Tables in the sand and a view of the ocean. Kids can play while you sip tropical cocktails. Order: fish tacos, sweet potato waffle fries, and the house lime dressing on your salad.
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Right next to Magic Sands Beach. Gluten-free fish and chips, tropical cocktails, and open-air seating with ocean views.
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Where to Eat Dinner on the Big Island
This is a must-do every trip. I walk here from Kona Landing and order the monchong with risotto. Sunset views are phenomenal.
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Fancier than its beachy sister. I sit at the bar and order the ahi tuna tower, sizzling shrimp, and Toes in the Sand cocktail (hold the pepper rim).
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Casual-upscale with stuffed mushrooms that taste like pizza bites. Amazing cocktails and ocean views.
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Upscale, oceanfront, and worth the reservation. My favorite bougie night out.
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I love visiting the Four Seasons when I’m on Island and need a special occasion restaurant:
Kalua pork, firecracker shrimp, and kimchi fried rice, every bite is incredible. They sometimes sell out and are closed unexpectedly, so check hours. I always take it to go and eat on the lanai at Kona Landing.
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Budget-Friendly Tip: Grocery Shopping in Kona
I’m one of those people who plans their trip around the food, but I also like a stocked fridge. When I stay at Kona Landing, I always make a grocery run. I cook breakfast, prep some easy dinners, and keep drinks and snacks on hand for the beach.
Bonus: Best Kona Happy Hours
Trying to stay on budget without missing out? I’ve got a full guide to the Best Happy Hours in Kona so you can bar hop your way down Ali’i Drive with small plates, strong cocktails, and no guilt. Before you jet off to paradise and start tasting your way through these amazing Kona eats, make sure you’re fully prepped! I’ve put together a free, easy-to-use Kona packing list so you don’t forget a thing, from reef-safe sunscreen to the perfect dinner outfit. 🌺 Download it now and take the stress out of packing,so you can focus on enjoying every bite and breathtaking view.
I created this Vacation Ready Packing List to make packing simple and stress-free. As a frequent traveler and Airbnb superhost, I’ve learned exactly what’s essential and what’s not. This is the same list I use every time I travel, and it’s helped so many people feel confident and prepared for their trips. I hope it helps you feel the same way!
