James and Rocky's Guidebook
Food scene
Best for pupus (appetizers), drinks and sunsets. Great view of the ocean and Magic Sands beach.
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Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrBest for pupus (appetizers), drinks and sunsets. Great view of the ocean and Magic Sands beach.
FAVORITE. Our favorite place for ono grinds (tasty food). Good asian fusion food-- everything from Korean to Malay and Thai. Large portions! We recommend the tempura fried green beans, macnut coated fried tofu, sambal beef, or the braised ox tail with kimchi fried rice (or beef ribs if there is no oxtail).
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TK Noodle House Kona
75 Hanama PlFAVORITE. Our favorite place for ono grinds (tasty food). Good asian fusion food-- everything from Korean to Malay and Thai. Large portions! We recommend the tempura fried green beans, macnut coated fried tofu, sambal beef, or the braised ox tail with kimchi fried rice (or beef ribs if there is no oxtail).
Great and affordable spot for pupus, dinner, and drinks. 48 different beverages on tap right on the ocean.
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Kai Eats and Drinks
75-5776 Ali‘i DriveGreat and affordable spot for pupus, dinner, and drinks. 48 different beverages on tap right on the ocean.
Great spot for a date night. Delicious entrees and drinks. Beautiful sunset view, but expensive prices.
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Huggo's
75-5828 Kahakai RdGreat spot for a date night. Delicious entrees and drinks. Beautiful sunset view, but expensive prices.
Great spot for tiki drinks and sunsets. Would skip on dinner. Certain nights during the week you can catch the adjacent luau and watch the dancers for free.
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Don the Beachcomber
75-5852 Ali‘i DrGreat spot for tiki drinks and sunsets. Would skip on dinner. Certain nights during the week you can catch the adjacent luau and watch the dancers for free.
Delicious local spot near the airport. A large variety of local food options as well as burgers and salads. The burger is my favorite to-go/quick burger on the Kona side. Portions can be large so expect to share or save some for later.
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Pine Tree Cafe
73-4040 Hulikoa DrDelicious local spot near the airport. A large variety of local food options as well as burgers and salads. The burger is my favorite to-go/quick burger on the Kona side. Portions can be large so expect to share or save some for later.
Kona Wave Cafe
75-5669 Ali‘i DrDelicious and most affordable acai bowl in town.
Delicious Nashville-style fried chicken covered in hot sauce. There are many levels of spiciness so there is something for everyone. The chicken pairs well with their frozen/slushie mai tais.
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Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai PlDelicious Nashville-style fried chicken covered in hot sauce. There are many levels of spiciness so there is something for everyone. The chicken pairs well with their frozen/slushie mai tais.
Great pub-style seafood and my favorite place for fish and chips or calamari and chips. They also have deliciously affordable 20 oz. schooners with local beer on tap.
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Harbor House
74-425 Kealakehe PkwyGreat pub-style seafood and my favorite place for fish and chips or calamari and chips. They also have deliciously affordable 20 oz. schooners with local beer on tap.
Good brunch spot in Kailua-Kona-- though I think they do better with the sweet dishes than savory. The restaurant is located right on Ali’i Dr. in front of the seawall. If you’re lucky enough you may catch some dolphins in Kailua Bay. The must-get item is the Lilikoi French Toast. It will make time stand still.
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Kalikala Cuisine
Good brunch spot in Kailua-Kona-- though I think they do better with the sweet dishes than savory. The restaurant is located right on Ali’i Dr. in front of the seawall. If you’re lucky enough you may catch some dolphins in Kailua Bay. The must-get item is the Lilikoi French Toast. It will make time stand still.
Delicious and more affordable spot for cocktails and seafood. The restaurant gives nice “date night” vibes.
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Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini HwyDelicious and more affordable spot for cocktails and seafood. The restaurant gives nice “date night” vibes.
Local comfort food breakfast spot. They have lots of different varieties of eggs and sweet breakfast items. Portions are big so be prepared to be full!
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808 Grindz Cafe
75-5660 Kopiko StLocal comfort food breakfast spot. They have lots of different varieties of eggs and sweet breakfast items. Portions are big so be prepared to be full!
Feeling adventurous? This kava bar serves locally grown kava-- a traditional drink made from the root of a kava plant that doesn't have the best taste, but relaxes you and fuels conversation. My tip: purchase coconut water and add it to the kava.
My favorite reason to go here is for the FOOD. Some of the best traditional Hawaiian food on the island. My favorites include squid luau with a side of garlic bread, the lau lau, and cooked 'ulu (breadfruit).
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Kanaka Kava
75-5803 Ali‘i DriveFeeling adventurous? This kava bar serves locally grown kava-- a traditional drink made from the root of a kava plant that doesn't have the best taste, but relaxes you and fuels conversation. My tip: purchase coconut water and add it to the kava.
My favorite reason to go here is for the FOOD. Some of the best traditional Hawaiian food on the island. My favorites include squid luau with a side of garlic bread, the lau lau, and cooked 'ulu (breadfruit).
WAIMEA TOWN. Located in Waimea town (1 hour north) this is one of the best restaurants on the island. Much of the food is local and prepared very fresh. Dinner can be pricey (great date night spot), so I usually suggest brunch or lunch. Get the mai tai. It’s not too sweet and it comes with a lilikoi foam on top. It’s probably the best mai tai I’ve ever had.
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Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo RdWAIMEA TOWN. Located in Waimea town (1 hour north) this is one of the best restaurants on the island. Much of the food is local and prepared very fresh. Dinner can be pricey (great date night spot), so I usually suggest brunch or lunch. Get the mai tai. It’s not too sweet and it comes with a lilikoi foam on top. It’s probably the best mai tai I’ve ever had.
One of my favorite dessert places on the island. They have a rotating assortment of gelato, sherbets, and sorbet. If you don’t get the Tom Kha gelato at least give it a free taste. It tastes just like the soup in the best and most refreshing way.
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Gypsea Gelato Kailua-Kona Coconut Grove Marketplace
75-5809 Ali‘i DrOne of my favorite dessert places on the island. They have a rotating assortment of gelato, sherbets, and sorbet. If you don’t get the Tom Kha gelato at least give it a free taste. It tastes just like the soup in the best and most refreshing way.
One of our favorite and most affordable sushi places in town. Dine-in is charming and intimate, but they also do take-out. I love the spam roll with spicy poke on top, the agedashi tofu, and the Kona Sunset roll. They also have very affordable 30-piece sushi platters!
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Tunaichi Sushi & Noodle
75-5699 Ali‘i DrOne of our favorite and most affordable sushi places in town. Dine-in is charming and intimate, but they also do take-out. I love the spam roll with spicy poke on top, the agedashi tofu, and the Kona Sunset roll. They also have very affordable 30-piece sushi platters!
WAIMEA TOWN. Absolutely delicious Japanese-style patisserie and baked goods. They usually sell out by 12 pm so I suggest leaving early on Saturdays (it's roughly a 1 hour drive) to check out the Waimea Farmer's market and swing by the Patisserie.
Patisserie Nanako
67-1185 Hawaiʻi Belt RdWAIMEA TOWN. Absolutely delicious Japanese-style patisserie and baked goods. They usually sell out by 12 pm so I suggest leaving early on Saturdays (it's roughly a 1 hour drive) to check out the Waimea Farmer's market and swing by the Patisserie.
In Hawaiian pidgin (local slang) “broke da mouth” means “the food tasted so good it broke your mouth”. The name is right on because this is some of the best comfort food in Kona. I highly recommend the garlic furikake chicken (spicy) and pork belly adobo. Portions are BIG so I recommend the mini.
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Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering
74-5565 Luhia StIn Hawaiian pidgin (local slang) “broke da mouth” means “the food tasted so good it broke your mouth”. The name is right on because this is some of the best comfort food in Kona. I highly recommend the garlic furikake chicken (spicy) and pork belly adobo. Portions are BIG so I recommend the mini.
FINE DINING. Incredible food, incredible cocktails, incredible view and vibe. This is high end resort dining and it’s fabulous. We’ve been lucky enough to eat here a twice and it’s on another level. I suggest going for a big occasion dinner because it is EXPENSIVE.
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CanoeHouse
68-1400 Mauna Lani DrFINE DINING. Incredible food, incredible cocktails, incredible view and vibe. This is high end resort dining and it’s fabulous. We’ve been lucky enough to eat here a twice and it’s on another level. I suggest going for a big occasion dinner because it is EXPENSIVE.
Sightseeing
Nearest white sand beach in town. It can get crowded by 10 am so go early if you like a little more room. The white sand washes away in the winter and returns in the summer-- hence the name Magic Sands. In 'Ōlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian) the name is La'aloa which means very sacred.
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Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveNearest white sand beach in town. It can get crowded by 10 am so go early if you like a little more room. The white sand washes away in the winter and returns in the summer-- hence the name Magic Sands. In 'Ōlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian) the name is La'aloa which means very sacred.
Beautiful white sand beach a short drive north out of town past the airport. Great spot of body boarding in the winter because the waves can get really big.
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Kua Bay
Beautiful white sand beach a short drive north out of town past the airport. Great spot of body boarding in the winter because the waves can get really big.
Museum with docent lead tours. Great spot for Hawaiian history during the monarchy era. I suggest looking them up online to find a scheduled tour. You’ll get more out of it if someone leads you through.
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Hulihe'e Palace
Museum with docent lead tours. Great spot for Hawaiian history during the monarchy era. I suggest looking them up online to find a scheduled tour. You’ll get more out of it if someone leads you through.
Great spot for Hawaiian history prior to Western contact. Requires a National Park pass or entry fee to access. Two-Steps sporks spot is also nearby.
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Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160Great spot for Hawaiian history prior to Western contact. Requires a National Park pass or entry fee to access. Two-Steps sporks spot is also nearby.
Interesting historical site to learn about Hawaiian culture and history prior to Western contact. It's free!
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Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
62-3601 Kawaihae RdInteresting historical site to learn about Hawaiian culture and history prior to Western contact. It's free!
One of our favorite places on the island. A short hike to a serene valley with a black sand beach. You can continue hiking further to the next valley if you choose.
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Pololu Valley
One of our favorite places on the island. A short hike to a serene valley with a black sand beach. You can continue hiking further to the next valley if you choose.
Our favorite spot for snorkeling since it is so close. The coral and fish have been rebounding since a bleaching event in 2015. Accessibility is easy and it's a great spot for beginners. Make sure not to set your feet down because you won't know if there are some baby corals growing on what looks like a pile of rocks.
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Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveOur favorite spot for snorkeling since it is so close. The coral and fish have been rebounding since a bleaching event in 2015. Accessibility is easy and it's a great spot for beginners. Make sure not to set your feet down because you won't know if there are some baby corals growing on what looks like a pile of rocks.
Favorite beach on the island. The water is clear, the fine grain white sand is like sugar between your toes, and the views are incredible. The hike to the beach is not long (~2 miles each way), but the sun can be unforgiving in the lava fields. Make sure to bring water and sun protection.
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Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19Favorite beach on the island. The water is clear, the fine grain white sand is like sugar between your toes, and the views are incredible. The hike to the beach is not long (~2 miles each way), but the sun can be unforgiving in the lava fields. Make sure to bring water and sun protection.
City/town information
Waimea is Paniolo County (Cowboy Country). Great area for horse back riding, exploring farmer's markets, and getting some country air.
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Waimea
Waimea is Paniolo County (Cowboy Country). Great area for horse back riding, exploring farmer's markets, and getting some country air.
Activities
Beautiful boat ride along the coast to a large diverse reef in Kealakekua Bay. This place is difficult to reach on foot or by kayak so I would definitely suggest booking a charter trip. I think the boat ride is half the fun since you get great views of the mountains and you may see some ocean animals like dolphins and whales in the winter.
Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruises
78-7156 Kaleiopapa StreetBeautiful boat ride along the coast to a large diverse reef in Kealakekua Bay. This place is difficult to reach on foot or by kayak so I would definitely suggest booking a charter trip. I think the boat ride is half the fun since you get great views of the mountains and you may see some ocean animals like dolphins and whales in the winter.
Absolutely a MUST DO when visiting Kailua-Kona! Imagine dipping into the water with blue lights illuminating the ocean floor while gentle giants glide and barrel rolling pass you. It's incredible and the access is easy. There are many charters to choose from, but if you want the best deals check out Groupon. Spots are limited so make sure there is availability for nights that you are here.
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Manta Ray Night Dive
78-127 Ehukai StAbsolutely a MUST DO when visiting Kailua-Kona! Imagine dipping into the water with blue lights illuminating the ocean floor while gentle giants glide and barrel rolling pass you. It's incredible and the access is easy. There are many charters to choose from, but if you want the best deals check out Groupon. Spots are limited so make sure there is availability for nights that you are here.
Tropical botanical gardens with a variety of beautiful flowers, ferns, and palms to delight the senses. Scenic overlooks and bubbling creek are some other highlights of this tropical wonderland.
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Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyTropical botanical gardens with a variety of beautiful flowers, ferns, and palms to delight the senses. Scenic overlooks and bubbling creek are some other highlights of this tropical wonderland.
One of the most unique National Parks in the park system. You could spend all day exploring the dynamic and new landscape created by the Kīlauea volcano. Favorite activities include the visitor center, Steam Vents, Thurston Lava Tube, Kīlauea 'Iki trail, and Chain of Craters Rd. For the best view of active lava (is Pele permits it) is at the Keanakāko'i Crater lookout. To see the red glow at night, get to the Devastation Trail parking lot by 5 pm because it can get crowded fast.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
One of the most unique National Parks in the park system. You could spend all day exploring the dynamic and new landscape created by the Kīlauea volcano. Favorite activities include the visitor center, Steam Vents, Thurston Lava Tube, Kīlauea 'Iki trail, and Chain of Craters Rd. For the best view of active lava (is Pele permits it) is at the Keanakāko'i Crater lookout. To see the red glow at night, get to the Devastation Trail parking lot by 5 pm because it can get crowded fast.
Best nearby hike in the park. You will descended into a caldera that was active in the 1970s. You’ll get forest, vistas, and steaming ground all in one hike. I would set aside 1.5-2 hours for the hike.
Kilauea Iki Trail
Kilauea Iki TrailBest nearby hike in the park. You will descended into a caldera that was active in the 1970s. You’ll get forest, vistas, and steaming ground all in one hike. I would set aside 1.5-2 hours for the hike.
Very cool ocean safari with the potential to see big animals like whales, sharks, whale sharks, porpoises, and manta rays. Nothing is guaranteed, but the tour guides do their best to make the trip worthwhile. Check them out on IG @kaimanaoceansafari
Kaimana Ocean Safari
Very cool ocean safari with the potential to see big animals like whales, sharks, whale sharks, porpoises, and manta rays. Nothing is guaranteed, but the tour guides do their best to make the trip worthwhile. Check them out on IG @kaimanaoceansafari
Bar Scene
Sports bar where locals head for pau hana (finished work) drinks. They usually have pay-per-view games and UFC matches playing for free on the TVs.
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Dolphin Spit Saloon
75-5629 Kuakini HwySports bar where locals head for pau hana (finished work) drinks. They usually have pay-per-view games and UFC matches playing for free on the TVs.
Local biker bar that specializes in good company and karaoke.
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Sam's Hideaway
75-5729 Ali‘i DrLocal biker bar that specializes in good company and karaoke.
THE CLURB in town. An LGBTQ bar that turns into an dance club on the weekends. Weekly drag shows (they are good, too!), stand-up comedy, burlesque, EDM parties, etc. Many young locals (straight/queer/inbetween) come here to dance and mingle.
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MY BAR & Nightclub - LGBTQ Friendly Hot Spot
74-5606 Luhia StTHE CLURB in town. An LGBTQ bar that turns into an dance club on the weekends. Weekly drag shows (they are good, too!), stand-up comedy, burlesque, EDM parties, etc. Many young locals (straight/queer/inbetween) come here to dance and mingle.
Local LGBTQ with more of a pub scene than dance scene. Highlights include friendly bartenders, conversational environment, and karaoke.
Mask-Querade Bar
75-5660 Kopiko StLocal LGBTQ with more of a pub scene than dance scene. Highlights include friendly bartenders, conversational environment, and karaoke.
Weekend dancing/clubbing for locals right on Ali'i Dr.
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Laverne's Sports Bar
75-5819 Ali‘i DrWeekend dancing/clubbing for locals right on Ali'i Dr.
Shopping
Nearby shopping area with food from Wednesdays to Sundays. Very good poke (Ali'i Poke) and Hawaiian/Mexican (Shaka Tacos).
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Alii Gardens Marketplace
75-6129 Ali‘i DrNearby shopping area with food from Wednesdays to Sundays. Very good poke (Ali'i Poke) and Hawaiian/Mexican (Shaka Tacos).
Coffee
FAVORITE. Best coffee in Kona. It will make you believe that Kona coffee is worth the expense. Not open on the weekends and short hours during the week. Great little gift shop as well.
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Kona Mountain Coffee
73-4038 Hulikoa DrFAVORITE. Best coffee in Kona. It will make you believe that Kona coffee is worth the expense. Not open on the weekends and short hours during the week. Great little gift shop as well.
Hip third wave coffee joint. Good food, coffee drinks, and merchandise. Get the ube latte for something unique and delicious.
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HiCO - Hawaiian Coffee
74-5599 Pawai PlHip third wave coffee joint. Good food, coffee drinks, and merchandise. Get the ube latte for something unique and delicious.
HOLUALOA TOWN. New coffee shop just mauka (inland/uphill) from town. Good food and drink and STUNNING views.
Uncle Kimo’s Coffee Shop
HOLUALOA TOWN. New coffee shop just mauka (inland/uphill) from town. Good food and drink and STUNNING views.
...not my favorite coffee in town-- but I know lots of people who like it. Location is great (in town) and the atmosphere is cafe-like.
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Kona Coffee & Tea
74-5588 Palani Rd...not my favorite coffee in town-- but I know lots of people who like it. Location is great (in town) and the atmosphere is cafe-like.
Cute cafe with delicious European style pastries. They have a High Tea service your can RSVP for.
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Tea:licious Cafe
75-159 Lunapule RdCute cafe with delicious European style pastries. They have a High Tea service your can RSVP for.