Measuring over 4,000 square miles, the Big Island has a lot of ground to cover. Naturally, you’ll want to spend your mornings and afternoons here outside, so you’ll need a satisfying lunch to keep you fueled up. For your island adventures Here’s a list of our favorite spots in Kona for a tasty lunch on the Big Island.
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.
If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @LocalGetaways on Instagram to share the love.
Feature Photo: Umekes Facebook
Best Lunch in Kona
Harbor House Kona
74-425 Kealakehe Parkway #4, Kailua-Kona
808.326.4166
Locals and visitors in the know head to Harbor House Kona for its harbor views and menu that covers everything from shrimp shumai and fish and chips, to a grilled fish sandwich and fried oysters. Located in Honokohau Harbor, the open-air eatery boasts great views and is great spot to grab lunch after a morning of scuba diving with Kona Diving Company (the operators’ boat slip is just a few minutes’ walk from the eatery) or watching turtles at neighboring Kalolo-Honokōhau National Historical Park.
Kona Brewing Co.
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. Open daily from 11am to 9pm.
Umekes Ali’i Plaza
74-5599 Pawai Place, Kailua-Kona
808.238.0571
Umekes serves traditional Hawaiian cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients — as their saying goes, “so fresh it’s off da hook!” They’ve got lau lau (steamed tender pork wrapped in taro leaves and slow cooked) served over rice or you can try their loco moco. Open daily 11am to 9pm.
