The Big Island has restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets, so whether you’ve spent the day relaxing at the beach or daytripping in the mountains, you’ll definitely want to enjoy the dinner meal. Here are some of our favorite options in Kona
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
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For more suggestions on best restaurants on the Big Island, the best things to do on the Big Island, and the best places to stay on the Big Island, click here.
Feature Photo: Huggo’s Facebook
Sushi has always been elevated at ‘Ulu at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Kona Coast. Now it has a literally elevated restaurant of its own: Noio, a clubby, ocean-view lounge on the second floor above ‘Ulu, serving artisan cocktails, a rotating menu of nigiri and sashimi sushi, fresh seafood and other locally sourced entrees, and date-night-worthy omakase dinners.
The former ‘Ulu Ocean Grill at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai has a shorter name, but has lost none of its deft touch with fresh seafood nor its dedication to sourcing 75 percent of its ingredients locally. The sleek but low-key new decor keeps eyes on the dazzling ocean and sunset views when they’re not ogling showstoppers like tableside poke and ahi Wellington for two.
5308, 75-5828 Kahakai Rd., Kailua-Kona
808.329.1493
You really can’t beat the location — right on the water in downtown Kona. The menu features tasty entrees like seared and sesame crusted ahi and Molokai sweet potato ricotta gnocchi, and also includes a raw bar section. Vegetarian and gluten-free menus are available too.
74-5612 Pawai Place, Kailua-Kona
808.334.2739
This popular, casual pub is serving up hand-tossed pizzas and a wide selection of pupus (appetizers) in addition to standard pub fare. Kona Brew Co. has so many handcrafted beer flavors on tap that it’s probably best to start with a flight for the taste-testing purposes.
75-5864 Walua Rd, Kailua-Kona
The most innovative restaurant in Kailua-Kona may be this collaboration between Kona Village Executive Chef Chad Yamamato and Sardinian chef Alessandro Tarras, which often combines Hawaiian ingredients and Italian dishes in unexpected ways. Spaghetti comes with ahi belly and sea asparagus, Kona kanpachi with green garlic and charred tomatoes, and rich parmigiano reggiano and smoky cheeses adorn most of the salad and pasta lineup. Couples can request one of the upstairs tables for two with an ocean view.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Kaunaoa Dr, #A1, Kailua-Kona
Just about everything at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has had a makeover to mark the iconic resort’s 60th anniversary, including Copper Bar, which has expanded its shareable menu of locally sourced Mediterranean, Japanese and American small plates and entrees. You can take kids here — they’re often fascinated by the hula dancer at sunset — or make it a date night, enjoying a romantic sunset over Kaunaoa Bay.
Waterfront Row, 2nd Floor, 75-5770 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona
Above Papa Kona on the second story of aptly named Waterfront Row, dinner-only Papa’s Tapas provides killer ocean views and a spacious deck as well as clubby interior to enjoy its list of 16 small plates to share (with discounted pricing for ordering three, five or seven.) Dishes such as French brie with mango chutney, grilled fresh catch and piri piri chicken wings showcase local flavors, while the cocktail list also makes this a destination for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
