When I moved to Kailua Kona I thought there were no food choices at all! Funny how all these years later I love so many! Whenever friends or family come to the island for vacations their first question to me is always “Where should we eat?” So I thought this would be an awesome place to put my list of favorites together for all of the food lovers out there! So keep in mind, these are MY favorites, everyone has a different perspective on food!
When choosing your restaurant, my first advice is to have an open mind. Hawai’i’s locals have a unique spin on food genres. Hawai’i’s nickname being the “melting pot” explains a lot when it comes to food. There are so many different cultures in the islands that over the years many culinary minds have created fusions of food. I know you plan to tan in your swimsuits while you are on your vacation in paradise, but I will tell you, come hungry, and content to leave with an extra pound or two!
MY #1 – KONA BREWING COMPANY
So by far this is my favorite restaurant in Kona. Not only was my wedding rehearsal dinner held here but we must have celebrated over half of my husband and I’s birthday’s here. With a local spin to a good ole pizza place, Kona Brewing Company has a little something for everyone. Local produce and a restaurant that truly cares about sustainability, it’s an all around great option for food. Although their menu has a pizza focus, my husband’s favorite is the shrimp sandwich. He’s a local boy so no matter where we are he drifts towards seafood. And we ALWAYS start our meal with the nachos appetizer, they are incredibly good! Of course for all of the beer connoisseur’s out there, this is the best beer made in Kona. Kona Brewing Company grew from a small brewery into a nationally sold beer brand, for that reason alone you need to go there!
#2 – UMEKE’S
If this were my husband’s top 5 list, Umeke’s would be his number 1. If you want a true local meal this is where you want to go. Locals love fresh fish, and it’s so fresh, fishermen literally haul their boat right up to the restaurant for drop off. Now that’s fresh! The Poke Bowls are fantastic! Poke is a local term that is pronounced “Po-kay”. Poke is raw fish mixed with a dressing type recipe only local chef’s really know how to master! My favorite is the Spicy Ahi Bowl, its made with Ahi (yellow fin tuna), and a spicy mayonnaise dressing. If you like a little spice to your food you MUST try this! Ahh-mazing!!
#3 – BEACH TREE BAR AND LOUNGE
If you are looking for ambiance, this is the place you want to go. Beach Tree is set on the beach at the spectacular Four Seasons Hualalai. The Four Seasons name says it all. Most nights you can experience some of the most talented musicians and hula dancing the west side of Hawai’i has to offer while sipping your glass of wine. You can only imagine the talent in the kitchen at a Four Seasons Resort, so make sure to add this one to your list of places to eat while here!
#4 – ISLAND LAVA JAVA
Okay, so this is a weekly favorite for me. The reason it’s not higher up on the list is because it’s more of a grab a quick coffee and lunch type of place. Lava Java’s location on the scenic Ali’i Drive is seriously prime! I love to eat lunch here during the workweek; I get my Chai Tea Latte fix while watching the waves crash. It makes me feel a million miles away from actual work. It’s also a favorite spot to invite my clients to. There is no better place to take a client who is interested in buying Kona Real Estate than this view of Kona that Lava Java offers! Okay so I mentioned everything about the location, but the food is yummy too! It may be a small menu but they offer just the right options for a delightful meal! They also pride themselves on using locally grown foods. Which if you haven’t noticed is very important to me.
As a Real Estate Agent in Kailua Kona this restaurant is a staple. Not only do we hold our weekly West Hawaii Association of Realtors caravan/Broker’s open meetings here but their food is incredible! Whether you are looking for a lunch break or a romantic dinner with your significant other, the central Kona location, ambiance, and delectable food is inviting for all! The Chef at Jackie Rey’s is extremely talented and I have never tried something I didn’t like!
Well there you have my top 5 restaurants in West Hawaii. I truly had to hold myself back from a list of 20. Don’t be afraid to try something new and local! Below are a few of my honorable mentions!
Basik Acai – For a quick Acai Bowl, these are so yummy.
Ultimate Burger – Local Beef at its best!
Da Poke Shack – Another great gourmet poke eatery.
The Coffee Shack – Travel to coffee land, enjoy a cup of joe, and breakfast while overlooking Kealakekua Bay.
What are your favorite eats in Kona?
