We'll be in Kona for Christmas. Can anyone suggest good restaurants?

I got a good list off the forums on chowhound.com. I can't give personal recommendations yet. You are going before I am, so be sure and post a trip report when you return!

Keei Cafe: nice atmosphere, delicious food and good value. This was our favorite restuarant.

Lava Java Cafe for breakfasts. Huge cinnamon/carmel rolls.

We also like Daniel Thieabaut in Waimea.

Sam Choy's Cafe in the industrial park between Kailua and the airport - breakfast and lunch. Lau Lau, Loco Moco... oy.

Merriman's in Waimea, Canoe House at the Mauna Lani... lots of good places.

I will add the Waimea Ranch House - excellent steaks, large portions - well worth the price. Rios Seafood restaurant in Kona was also very good, although my husband wasn't pleased with the portion he got. We were told by many to try Huggo's, but we didn't. The Hawaii Ultimate Guidebook didn't give it an "Ono."

Monica

My Hawaii October 2005 Journal: http://www.luvtotravel.homestead.com/HIjrnl2005.html

Try Uncle Inbea's Restaurant...if you have any sort of steak ask for sauteed mushrooms and onions on the side...they are out of this world. The restaurant is near the Greenwell Coffee farms, I can't remember the name of the little town it's in. It's not very fancy, but the food is great.