Nathaniel's Guidebook
Food scene
Island Lava Java is an excellent choice for waterfront dining and coffee. Their happy hour consists of drink specials and pupu (appetizers) specials! Their lilikoi (passion fruit) cocktails are especially tasty!
163 locals recommend
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrIsland Lava Java is an excellent choice for waterfront dining and coffee. Their happy hour consists of drink specials and pupu (appetizers) specials! Their lilikoi (passion fruit) cocktails are especially tasty!
Huggo's On The Rocks is an outdoor bar and grill with sandy floors and live musics. There is always entertainment and great food here! Their burgers, Bim Bim Bap and fish dishes are amazing!
149 locals recommend
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai RdHuggo's On The Rocks is an outdoor bar and grill with sandy floors and live musics. There is always entertainment and great food here! Their burgers, Bim Bim Bap and fish dishes are amazing!
This is a must do for any beer lover or pizza lover! They make all of their pizza from scratch using products from the brewing process. With "slice of the day" specials, great happy hour deals and brews you can't find anywhere else, this is a true Kona treasure!
226 locals recommend
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlThis is a must do for any beer lover or pizza lover! They make all of their pizza from scratch using products from the brewing process. With "slice of the day" specials, great happy hour deals and brews you can't find anywhere else, this is a true Kona treasure!
El Maguey
74-5563 Kaiwi StEl Maguey is the place to go for authentic Mexican food!
Grab the large sampler platter and enjoy all the favorites with your group!
154 locals recommend
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlGrab the large sampler platter and enjoy all the favorites with your group!
The Firecracker Wings and Fish and Chips are my favorite dishes at this 2nd floor foodie spot!
100 locals recommend
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrThe Firecracker Wings and Fish and Chips are my favorite dishes at this 2nd floor foodie spot!
A local favorite for Hawaiian Saimin and fresh fried seafood dishes. A great place to catch a game!
66 locals recommend
Quinn's Almost by the Sea
75-5655 Palani RdA local favorite for Hawaiian Saimin and fresh fried seafood dishes. A great place to catch a game!
Don't be fooled by the modest appearance! This dive has some of the tastiest breakfast grinds at the best prices on island! The Spam, Egg, Cheese, Mayo and Jelly on Sourdough is a MUST HAVE!
Big Rob's Bakery And Cafe
82-6127 Hawaiʻi Belt RdDon't be fooled by the modest appearance! This dive has some of the tastiest breakfast grinds at the best prices on island! The Spam, Egg, Cheese, Mayo and Jelly on Sourdough is a MUST HAVE!
This is your must do spot for local grindz (food)! With a local style menu, you can find any of your favorites here and they will be delicious! Teriyaki Steak and the build your own Loco Moco are amazing!
61 locals recommend
Big Island Grill
75-5702 Kuakini HwyThis is your must do spot for local grindz (food)! With a local style menu, you can find any of your favorites here and they will be delicious! Teriyaki Steak and the build your own Loco Moco are amazing!
TK Noodle House Kona
75 Hanama PlMassive meals with the flavor to match! Try the ox tail!
Daiichi Ramen - Kailua
25 Kaneohe Bay DrPerfect spot for a quick lunch of some legit Japanese Ramen and Curry!
The best burger on the island! Great views and even better grindz! They use only Big Island Beef!
45 locals recommend
Annie's Island Fresh Burgers
79-7460 Hawaiʻi Belt RdThe best burger on the island! Great views and even better grindz! They use only Big Island Beef!
Holy Donuts
5729 Ali‘i DrHoly Donuts is right!! The most decedent flavors and sweet treats in Kona!
Jackie Rey's is a fantastic spot for some foodie dishes served up with spotless presentation. Their mashed purple sweet potatoes are my favorite. They also have a great happy hour!
127 locals recommend
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini HwyJackie Rey's is a fantastic spot for some foodie dishes served up with spotless presentation. Their mashed purple sweet potatoes are my favorite. They also have a great happy hour!
I am a regular at Kona Coffee and Tea for my morning Kona Coffee with coconut flavor and coconut milk. Their papaya half with coconut chia pudding is a great start to the day. Can you tell I like coconut?
46 locals recommend
Kona Coffee & Tea
74-5588 Palani RdI am a regular at Kona Coffee and Tea for my morning Kona Coffee with coconut flavor and coconut milk. Their papaya half with coconut chia pudding is a great start to the day. Can you tell I like coconut?
Like football? This is a great spot to start your day with a mimosa or bloody mary while catching your favorite team on one of the many t.v.s! The view of the bay is an excellent backdrop to the games!
77 locals recommend
Humpy's Big Island Alehouse
75-5815 Ali‘i DrLike football? This is a great spot to start your day with a mimosa or bloody mary while catching your favorite team on one of the many t.v.s! The view of the bay is an excellent backdrop to the games!
Looking for a hearty start to the day? Their bloody mary paired with a grilled catch of the day breakfast will hit the spot!
35 locals recommend
Bongo Ben's
75-5819 Ali‘i DrLooking for a hearty start to the day? Their bloody mary paired with a grilled catch of the day breakfast will hit the spot!
A classic spot for happy hour and some fine dining! Their Mai Tai's will get you nice and relaxed!
69 locals recommend
Kona Inn Restaurant
75-5744 Ali‘i DrA classic spot for happy hour and some fine dining! Their Mai Tai's will get you nice and relaxed!
I love Thai food and this is my spot for the best curries and fresh rolls! Thai Spicy will light you up, beware!
Krua Thai Restaurant
3283-3291 SE Federal HwyI love Thai food and this is my spot for the best curries and fresh rolls! Thai Spicy will light you up, beware!
Is it Tuesday? Do you like tacos? This is the spot for you! I go here for their great taco and margarita specials every Tuesday!
36 locals recommend
Oceans Sports Bar & Grill
75-5811 Ali‘i DrIs it Tuesday? Do you like tacos? This is the spot for you! I go here for their great taco and margarita specials every Tuesday!
The essential Mai Tai bar in the world! Don's is credited for inventing the Mai Tai and you cannot go wrong with any of the choices. They are all strong enough to make a sailor think twice! Did I mention the views?!
47 locals recommend
Don the Beachcomber
75-5852 Ali‘i DrThe essential Mai Tai bar in the world! Don's is credited for inventing the Mai Tai and you cannot go wrong with any of the choices. They are all strong enough to make a sailor think twice! Did I mention the views?!
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
78-6831 Ali‘i DrGreat views for sunset and happy hour!
Awesome sushi and Japanese cuisine with half off during happy hour! If you are craving sushi, happy hour on the way back from your adventures will hit the spot!
43 locals recommend
Kenichi Pacific
6831 Ali‘i DrAwesome sushi and Japanese cuisine with half off during happy hour! If you are craving sushi, happy hour on the way back from your adventures will hit the spot!
WOW! The views are unbeatable for your breakfast and coffee (unless your eating breakfast on our balcony)! There is limited parking and they are always packed so be ready for a wait but its worth it!
137 locals recommend
The Coffee Shack
83-5799 Mamalahoa HwyWOW! The views are unbeatable for your breakfast and coffee (unless your eating breakfast on our balcony)! There is limited parking and they are always packed so be ready for a wait but its worth it!
Groceries and Goods
Yes, even we have Walmart!
This local chain has the best and freshest poke as well as local goods and food products.
38 locals recommend
Sack N Save Kona
75-5595 Palani RdThis local chain has the best and freshest poke as well as local goods and food products.
Safeway is a large grocery chain where you will find everything you need to cook a great meal during your stay or stock up on snacks, beer/wine, and supplies for your hikes and adventures!
130 locals recommend
Safeway
75-971 Henry StSafeway is a large grocery chain where you will find everything you need to cook a great meal during your stay or stock up on snacks, beer/wine, and supplies for your hikes and adventures!
You will find many ABC stores scattered throughout the islands. They will offer you a variety of Hawaiian goods. Consider this a Hawaiian bodega!
16 locals recommend
ABC STORES
75-5744 Ali‘i DrYou will find many ABC stores scattered throughout the islands. They will offer you a variety of Hawaiian goods. Consider this a Hawaiian bodega!
Walmart
75-1015 Henry StIf you have a membership, this is a great spot to stock the AirBnb for your stay!
153 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
73-5600 Maiau StIf you have a membership, this is a great spot to stock the AirBnb for your stay!
Kona's organic market and deli for all boutique shopping needs! This is our version of Whole Foods!
61 locals recommend
Island Naturals Market & Deli Kailua-Kona
74-5444 Makala BlvdKona's organic market and deli for all boutique shopping needs! This is our version of Whole Foods!
This small shop has a large variety of wines, liquors and cigars. A one stop shop for some of your favorites!
Kona Wine Market
73-5613 Olowalu StThis small shop has a large variety of wines, liquors and cigars. A one stop shop for some of your favorites!
Kona Butcher shop is the best spot to pick up dry aged meats, boutique sausages and freshly butchered cuts! I cannot stop shopping here!
Kona Butcher Shop
75-5660 Kopiko StKona Butcher shop is the best spot to pick up dry aged meats, boutique sausages and freshly butchered cuts! I cannot stop shopping here!
Nightlife and Entertainment
KBXtreme is a bowling alley and amusement center that also has a diner inside. A great indoor activity and they even have a full bar!
19 locals recommend
KBXtreme Premier Entertainment Center
75-5591 Palani RdKBXtreme is a bowling alley and amusement center that also has a diner inside. A great indoor activity and they even have a full bar!
Great open air bar with limited seating. They show every UFC Fight for free with no cover. Come early as it does fill up fast!
9 locals recommend
Dolphin Spit Saloon
75-5629 Kuakini HwyGreat open air bar with limited seating. They show every UFC Fight for free with no cover. Come early as it does fill up fast!
From karaoke to live bands to DJs to dance parties, something is always going on here on the weekends! This is where the younger crowd goes to let loose!
40 locals recommend
Laverne's Sports Bar
75-5819 Ali‘i DrFrom karaoke to live bands to DJs to dance parties, something is always going on here on the weekends! This is where the younger crowd goes to let loose!
Nightly live jazz and music makes this spot a must do! Upstairs and by the water, it's a great place to unwind from your adventures!
60 locals recommend
Gertrude's Jazz Bar
75-5699 Ali‘i DriveNightly live jazz and music makes this spot a must do! Upstairs and by the water, it's a great place to unwind from your adventures!
LGBTQ cocktail bar mixing up great classic drinks and martinis! Karaoke and trivia is a bonus!
Mask-Querade Bar
75-5660 Kopiko StLGBTQ cocktail bar mixing up great classic drinks and martinis! Karaoke and trivia is a bonus!
Regal Makalapua
74-5469 Kamakaeha AveMovie theater playing all the latest releases!
Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries
The islands newest brewery offering beers crafted from local products. Their ciders are excellent and sometimes they have a craft cocktail bar open!
64 locals recommend
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StThe islands newest brewery offering beers crafted from local products. Their ciders are excellent and sometimes they have a craft cocktail bar open!
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlYou cannot miss this spot if you are a craft beer fan!
About an hour's drive away in the Paniolo town of Waimea is Big Island Brewhaus. Their craft beers are rarely available on the mainland and win many awards so enjoy! They also serve some fantastic grindz!
88 locals recommend
Big Island Brewhaus
64-1066 Mamalahoa HwyAbout an hour's drive away in the Paniolo town of Waimea is Big Island Brewhaus. Their craft beers are rarely available on the mainland and win many awards so enjoy! They also serve some fantastic grindz!
The southern most winery in the United States also sits on the side of a volcano! They offer a variety of wines made from area-sourced ingredients. A must do when you are in Volcano!
82 locals recommend
Volcano Winery
35 Piimauna DrThe southern most winery in the United States also sits on the side of a volcano! They offer a variety of wines made from area-sourced ingredients. A must do when you are in Volcano!
Mehana Brewing Company AKA Hilo Brewing Company is the only brewery in Hilo on the East side of the island. Their beers are available at most stores on island and their brewery features a small tasting room. A worthy stop if you are in Hilo!
6 locals recommend
Hilo Brewing Company
275 E Kawili StMehana Brewing Company AKA Hilo Brewing Company is the only brewery in Hilo on the East side of the island. Their beers are available at most stores on island and their brewery features a small tasting room. A worthy stop if you are in Hilo!
Kona Coffee Farms
Greenwell Farms is my absolute favorite Kona Coffee Farm on the island. They have amazing coffee for purchase and offer free tours of their farm and roasting process. They offer free tastings and if you bring your own coffee cup, you can fill it for free! Yes!! Their farm is also home to many Jackson Chameleons. Try to spot them in their fruit trees!
43 locals recommend
Greenwell Farms Inc
81-6581 Mamalahoa HwyGreenwell Farms is my absolute favorite Kona Coffee Farm on the island. They have amazing coffee for purchase and offer free tours of their farm and roasting process. They offer free tastings and if you bring your own coffee cup, you can fill it for free! Yes!! Their farm is also home to many Jackson Chameleons. Try to spot them in their fruit trees!
Kona Joe Coffee offers free tours and samples with amazing views!
23 locals recommend
Kona Joe Coffee LLC
79-7346 Mamalahoa HwyKona Joe Coffee offers free tours and samples with amazing views!
Though not technically a Kona Coffee Farm, this is a cool spot to visit in Pahala. Ka'u Coffee is delicious and rich as well!
39 locals recommend
Ka'u Coffee Mill
96-2694 Wood Valley RdThough not technically a Kona Coffee Farm, this is a cool spot to visit in Pahala. Ka'u Coffee is delicious and rich as well!
Local Made Specialties
Local honey producer with fresh honey, infused honey and art all made by Big Island Bees! Pick some up to sweeten your Kona Coffee!
17 locals recommend
Big Island Bees
82-1140 Meli RdLocal honey producer with fresh honey, infused honey and art all made by Big Island Bees! Pick some up to sweeten your Kona Coffee!
The country's Southern most bakery! Punalu'u makes amazing shortbreads, malasadas, Hawaiian Sweetbread, cookies and more! This is a perfect stop on your way to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
185 locals recommend
Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11The country's Southern most bakery! Punalu'u makes amazing shortbreads, malasadas, Hawaiian Sweetbread, cookies and more! This is a perfect stop on your way to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
A Big Island original classic! Milk chocolate covered Hawaiian macadamia nuts with quirky variations and names! Wouldn't your friends at home like some Hawaiian Donkey Balls?
6 locals recommend
Donkeys Balls Chocolate Factory
79-7411 Hawaiʻi Belt RdA Big Island original classic! Milk chocolate covered Hawaiian macadamia nuts with quirky variations and names! Wouldn't your friends at home like some Hawaiian Donkey Balls?
Delicious hand-crafted chocolates from from Hawaiian grown cacao and cacao beans from around the world, white pineapple, turmeric, farm tours, and chocolate tastings.
Honoka'a Chocolate Co at Kahi Ola Mau Farm
45-3584 Old Mamalahoa HwyDelicious hand-crafted chocolates from from Hawaiian grown cacao and cacao beans from around the world, white pineapple, turmeric, farm tours, and chocolate tastings.
Unique Places
Shaka Restaurant is the Southernmost Bar in the United States! Watch football, have some drinks and brag about your Southern location!
16 locals recommend
South Side Shaka Restaurant & Bar
95-5673 Mamalahoa HwyShaka Restaurant is the Southernmost Bar in the United States! Watch football, have some drinks and brag about your Southern location!
Big Island Abalone is a delicacy known around the world! You can find their products in restaurants all across the islands or visit the farm and take some to cook at home!
Big Island Abalone Corporation
Big Island Abalone is a delicacy known around the world! You can find their products in restaurants all across the islands or visit the farm and take some to cook at home!
Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm is the only seahorse farm in the world dedicated to preserving the species. Take a tour and hold a seahorse!
27 locals recommend
Ocean Rider Inc
73-4388 Ilikai PlaceOcean Rider Seahorse Farm is the only seahorse farm in the world dedicated to preserving the species. Take a tour and hold a seahorse!