What are the best restaurants in Kailua-Kona, Big Island?

According to Seemor's analysis, top-rated restaurants in Kailua-Kona include Kona Seafood Market (A-, Seafood market), Pa'akai Poke (A-, Poke shop), Big Island Grill (A-, Hawaiian comfort food), Island Lava Java (B+, Hawaiian restaurant), Kai Eats + Drinks (B+, Waterfront restaurant and bar). Seemor grades restaurants from A+ to F based on review-language analysis across 35+ dimensions including food quality, service, ambiance, and value.

What is Kailua-Kona known for?

Based on Seemor's analysis of 31 restaurants in Kailua-Kona, the most represented cuisines are Hawaiian (10), American (7), Japanese (3). Grades reflect contextual review analysis, not star ratings.

Is Kailua-Kona good for a special occasion?

Kailua-Kona has 3 top-rated restaurants from moderate to very_expensive, including Kona Seafood Market (A-, Seafood market).

Seemor

Best Restaurants in Kailua-Kona

31 restaurants analyzed · Big Island

Kailua-Kona's dining scene is anchored along Ali'i Drive, where you'll find a solid run of Hawaiian and American spots that make the most of the oceanfront setting, with fresh seafood naturally taking center stage. The local Hawaiian food here is worth seeking out specifically, and when it comes to a special occasion meal, this stretch of the Big Island delivers surprisingly strong options for a special night out. Prices vary widely, so whether you're after a casual plate lunch or a proper sit-down dinner, there's a comfortable entry point for the kind of meal you're after.

Restaurants

Kona Seafood Market A- · Seafood market, Poke takeout
Pa'akai Poke A- · Poke shop, Seafood
Big Island Grill A- · Hawaiian comfort food, Breakfast and brunch
Island Lava Java B+ · Hawaiian restaurant, Brunch restaurant
Kai Eats + Drinks B+ · Waterfront restaurant and bar, Pizza
Huggo's B+ · Oceanfront seafood and steak, Hawaiian influences
IZAKAYA SHIONO KONA B+ · Japanese restaurant, Sushi
Jackie Rey's Kailua-Kona B+ · Seafood and steak, Hawaiian
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill B+ · Seafood restaurant, Poke bar
SUSHI COCORO & UDON NOODLE B+ · Sushi and udon restaurant, Japanese
Sakura | Sushi • Japanese B+ · Sushi restaurant, Japanese
On the Rocks B · Bar & grill, Pacific Rim
Nephi's Smokehouse B · Hawaiian comfort food, Breakfast
Da Shark Shack B · Bar & grill, Seafood
Fish Hopper Kona B · Seafood restaurant, Breakfast
Herbivores B · Vegan restaurant, Cafe
Ola Brew B · Brewpub, Brewery
Island Ono Loa Grill B · Burger restaurant, Hawaiian plates
Kona Crust B · Pizzeria, Slice shop
Kona Brewing Co. B · Brewpub, Brewery

Top Cuisines

Hawaiian — 10 restaurants
American — 7 restaurants
Japanese — 3 restaurants
Seafood — 2 restaurants
Pizza — 2 restaurants
Plant-based — 2 restaurants
Steakhouse — 1 restaurants
Southeast Asian — 1 restaurants
Bar food — 1 restaurants
Pan-Asian — 1 restaurants

Find Your Next Meal in Kailua-Kona

Casual Meal restaurants in Kailua-Kona — Quick, quality, no fuss
Date Night restaurants in Kailua-Kona — Romantic dining for two
Fun with Friends restaurants in Kailua-Kona — Something everyone will enjoy
Family Outing restaurants in Kailua-Kona — Kid-friendly, stress-free dining
Solo Dining restaurants in Kailua-Kona — Comfortable spots for dining alone
Business Discussion restaurants in Kailua-Kona — Professional setting, no distractions
Vegetarian-Friendly restaurants in Kailua-Kona
Vegan-Friendly restaurants in Kailua-Kona
Gluten-Free Friendly restaurants in Kailua-Kona
Walk-ins Welcome restaurants in Kailua-Kona
Highly Authentic restaurants in Kailua-Kona
Local Favorites restaurants in Kailua-Kona
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Amazing Setting restaurants in Kailua-Kona
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Great Value restaurants in Kailua-Kona

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