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A hidden gem, the open-air eatery is on the second floor of an oceanfront shopping center. Patrons can watch the scene below on bustling Alii Drive while enjoying freshly prepared Thai specialties, including plenty of vegetarian options and delicious Thai iced tea. Be prepared to bring some home, as the portions are large. Locals flock here for the lunch specials.
75-5744 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Uncrowded, spacious layout
- Lunch specials
- Large portions
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A nondescript office building, just to the south of town, is home to this quiet, country-style bistro with dark-wood walls and private booths. The traditional French cuisine might not impress visitors from France, but this popular local favorite offers such classics as escargots, beef with a Cabernet Sauvignon sauce, and rack of lamb with roasted garlic and rosemary; it's nice for a special occasion. Less traditional is venison with a pomegranate glaze. Call well in advance for reservations.
77-6400 Nalani St., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Reservations needed well ahead of time
- Great cassoulet
- Good wines by the glass
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential
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In a vintage building dating from 1965, Magics offers an exhilarating oceanfront location overlooking the famous Disappearing Sands Beach, also known as Magic Sands. From fried ulu (breadfruit) wedges in umami truffle oil aioli to griddled crab cakes and shoyu-and-coconut-braised pork belly, the eclectic menu features intriguing choices with contemporary island flair. The same owners operate the Beach Shack right on-site, which has limited hours but serves drinks and local takeout favorites such as Spam musubi (Spam "sushi") and poke bowls. Come for sunset: the setting simply does not get better.
77-6452 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Sunset beach views
- Spicy dragonfruit margarita
- Great happy hour 2--4 pm
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Across the street from the Kona Inn Shopping Village, in Kailua Village, this upstairs cantina is a nice perch for enjoying nachos and margaritas (try the hibiscus margarita) on a lazy afternoon, or for watching the passersby on Alii Drive. Try the molcajete—a type of bowl—loaded with marinated chicken, steak, and shrimp and a sauce crafted of chiles and topped with jack cheese. Or just order the chips, salsa, and ceviche, which might hit the spot at the end of a long day sightseeing. At 5 pm, the banyan tree nearby fills with hundreds of chirping mynah birds, a veritable happy hour in bird land. The cantina is open daily 3 to 8.
75-5725 Ali’i Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Popular happy hour hangout
- Better for snacks than a full meal
- Homemade salsa
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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 truffle Parmesan fries or the kalua pork arancini. Otherwise, stick with a burger or sandwich, as the mains can get pricey. Beloved local musicians Lopaka Roots and LT Smooth play nightly.
75-5770 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96704, USA
Known For
- Innovative appetizers such as fried garlic avocado
- Large portions
- Specialty craft cocktails
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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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.
Keauhou Shopping Center, 78-6831 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- French crêpes
- Cushy seats
- Biweekly art exhibits
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Named for a popular nearby surf spot, the low-key, no-frills café offers local plate lunch options and classics such as loco moco (meat, rice, and eggs smothered in gravy), alongside new inventions like crab curry bisque. The fresh-fish plate is decent, and all meals are served with fries or rice and macaroni salad. The prices are a bit higher than you might expect, but the portions are huge. It's a good place to stop for a last-minute bite—breakfast, lunch, or dinner—before catching your flight back to the mainland.
73-4354 Mamalahoa Hwy. (Hwy. 11), Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Early-morning breakfast
- Fresh fish
- Popular with locals
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Perched above a shopping center with a million-dollar panoramic view, this open-air "fast casual" restaurant offers customers the chance to enjoy cocktail service table side and then order entrées directly from the counter. The ahi wrap is the star of the show, and the macadamia nut–encrusted ono is a close second. Be sure to try the key lime pie with some Kona coffee. They also have a drive-up window where you can get takeout. The fast casual concept takes a little getting used to, but if you're in a hurry, it can be super convenient. Don't worry, though; you can sit at your table and leisurely enjoy the view and sunset. Happy hour runs daily from 2 to 6.
78-6831 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Limited parking for such a popular place
- Fast-casual concept useful if you have limited time
- The best views in town
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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A tiny hidden gem behind Gertrude's Jazz Bar, this authentic little place offers excellent sushi at affordable prices. The Japanese-born chefs serve such offerings as six-piece rolls for under $4. If you want to share, the sushi combo for two includes 30 pieces for $20. The Red Hot Lava roll is a sure bet, and they also specialize in udon noodle and poke bowls.
75-5699 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Red Hot Lava roll
- Inexpensive sushi combos for two
- BYOB welcome
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.
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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. Sandwiches and salads are served from 10 am to 3 pm. Try the brie, apple, and fig jam combo on freshly baked baguette or one of the signature salads. They even serve made-to-order Italian sodas.
75-159 Lunapule Rd., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- European-style specialties
- Italian sodas
- Flaky Portuguese tart
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Everything is cooked to order at this low-key oceanfront restaurant with an excellent selection of Thai food at decent prices. The menu brims with choices, including five curries, a green-papaya salad, and deep-fried fish. A popular platter combining spring rolls, satay, beef salad, and tom yum (lemongrass soup) is great for sharing. You might even see a green flash at sunset as you sip a creamy piña colada while taking in the beautiful view of Kailua Bay. This best-kept secret might have one of the top five ocean views in town.
75-5799 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Great views with both indoor and outdoor seating
- Appetizer platters for sharing
- Convenient to village shops
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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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 in the bar from 2 to 9:30.
75-5683 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Award-winning clam chowder
- Good lunch menu
- Signature Volcano flaming cocktail
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Tucked away at the Kona Country Club at the far end of Alii Drive, this nondescript spot is the place to go for happy hour, appetizers, and ocean breezes. It has a large, open-deck lanai, a kamaaina (old-time) vibe, and decidedly non-fancy decor. While the mains are a bit overpriced, it's a great place to relax, order an appetizer, and maybe talk story with local residents, or perhaps hear about the day's best golf shots. It's open until 5 pm.
78-7000 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96704, USA
Known For
- Wonderful view
- Old Kona–style building
- Good bar menu but closes at 5 pm
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Former resort chef TK Keosavang serves inventive Asian fusion cuisine with the emphasis on noodles. Generous portions are beautifully plated, like the crispy pork belly sauté with Chinese greens and garlic sauce, and noodle soups and abundant salads don't disappoint. The savory seafood yentafo soup is a good bet. Lunch specials draw the locals.
75 Hanama Pl., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Ample parking
- Seafood yentafo soup
- Lunch specials
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Located in the Office Max shopping complex in Kailua-Kona, this excellent burger joint may look like a chain, but it's an independent, locally owned and operated eatery that serves 100% organic, grass-fed Big Island beef. Be sure to order a side of seasoned Big Daddy fries served with homemade aioli dipping sauce. The menu lists a couple non-meat options, too. Top it off with local beers or house-made lemonade or green tea.
74-5450 Makala Blvd., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Organic, hormone-free ingredients
- Supporting local farmers and ranchers
- Locally made buns
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