Best American food near Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States

May 14, 2020 Trinity Boughner

Find out what American restaurants to try in Kailua-Kona. Coffee drinkers will recognize Kona as the source of some of the best beans in the world. Get your blood pumping with a walk along the “Royal Footsteps” waterfront stretch of Alii Drive, or take stargazing to the next level with a nighttime visit to the summit of Mauna Kea. Waterfalls, volcanoes, and soft black sands are just some of the natural features that make Kailua unique. Shimmy your hips at a hula-filled luau, or get an eyeful of native history at the Kamakahonu compound.
Things to do in Kailua-Kona

10. Beach Tree Bar and Lounge

72-100 Kaupulehu Dr, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-5610 Italian, Seafood, American Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Table +1 808-325-8000 http://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/dining/lounges/beach_tree_bar_and_lounge/
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4 based on 485 reviews

Beach Tree Bar and Lounge

The essence of "barefoot elegance," Beach Tree Bar and Lounge has the feel of a Hawaiian beach house. Diners choose between al fresco beachside seating or an elegant open-air dining room with 16-foot vaulted ceilings. An outdoor lounge sets the stage for

Reviewed By grlgrdgate

During our stay at Four Seasons Hualalai, we enjoyed dinner and several poolside lunches at Beach Tree. Although the food is Italian, this gorgeous beachside restaurant radiates Hawaiian charm. Dining at sunset is truly a treat, as they have live music and the view cannot be beat. Their homemade focaccia with pesto was flavorful, but I really missed their unique Tuscan bread we had enjoyed on our last trip, years earlier. A few weeks before our trip, I was excited to see they had a special lobster dinner experience on Sunday nights, so I made a reservation for Sunday evening. We were super excited about dining at Beach Tree Sunday night for the Dal Forno a Legna experience. I had planned it far in advance because my husband loves lobster and it sounded really neat! Even on my concierge confirmation it states, “Dal Forno a Legna” on our Beach Tree Reservation, but when we arrived and asked about it, our waitress said it was risotto night. I tried ordering the crab risotto but a few minutes later she came back and said they were out of crab. The whole night offered slow, scattered service, and my husband was disappointed with his lobster risotto. The risotto was nice, but there was not lobster in it. They cut a lobster in half and placed it ontop of the risotto. The lobster was tough and difficult to pry out of its shell. I did truly enjoy my corn agnolotti entree but wished our waitress had checked in on us after we received the food because salt or Parmesan cheese would have made it even better. She finally came to see how things were after my plate had already been cleared. Their Caesar salad was outstanding. I was really bummed that we didn’t get to order the Dal Forno a Legna, and I still don’t know why or what changed. After emailing, asking in person, and via text, I still have no answer as to why there was no Dal Forno a Legna dinner on Sunday night, so I may never know. In the Ike Summer Issue, it advertises the special dinner:“Finally on Sunday evenings at Beach Tree, celebrate with a trio of smoke, salt, and flavor at Dal Forno a Legna. Sit back and relax, taking in the sunset and cocktails as our chefs prepare three crafted courses from our kiawe wood burning oven directly in front of you on the lawn. Hearty, rustic cuisine is the focus of the experience: indulgent Crema Paradiso with Tuscan bread, baked Keahole lobster pasticcio and for dessert a Caprese Cake with Macerated Raspberry and Lemon Crema celebrating local treasures from the Big Island.” Sounds incredible, right?Other than that disappointment, lunch food from Beach Tree was delicious. The Ahi sandwich was unique and flavorful, and I loved the tomato mozzarella salad. When we come back to Hualalai, we will definitely eat at Beach Tree.

9. Huggo's Restaurant

75-5828 Kahakai Rd Ste B, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-5308 American, Seafood, Hawaiian Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront, Beach [email protected] +1 808-329-1493 http://www.huggos.com/
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4 based on 1590 reviews

Huggo's Restaurant

Reviewed By kimLS35

Great food. We had the baby back ribs and the the chef selection fish (at the recommendation of our server Chad). Both dishes were fantastic. Our server was very friendly and the view is right on the water. I do recommend making a reservation if you want to sit closest to the water. We did not have one but were able to get a table close enough.Aloha Kim, thank you for joining us and leaving your feedback. We are thrilled you enjoyed your experience and we hit the mark for you. We hope you can join us again soon. Mahalo Nui Loa, Tina

8. Big Island Grill

75-5702 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-1717 American, Diner, Polynesian, Hawaiian Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 808-326-1153 https://www.facebook.com/BigIslandGrill/
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4 based on 1455 reviews

Big Island Grill

Reviewed By Sunsequitur

This was a surprise find. Though the locals were well acquainted!! :) The price is definitely right here, so was the service and it was a pretty standard but well executed breakfast. Lots of options and some really good local favourite varieties of loco moco. No view, not fancy, but good breakfast for decent price served by nice staff.

7. Foster's Kitchen

75-5805 Alii Dr Suite DU, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-1374 Seafood, American, Cajun & Creole, Bar Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Acce [email protected] +1 808-326-1600 http://www.fosterskitchen.com
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4 based on 657 reviews

Foster's Kitchen

Fresh from the land and sea around the big of Hawai'i, we offer locally sourced food for your enjoyment.

Reviewed By Cakimbo

We come to Kona quite frequently as my husband is with the airlines. We have always loved Fosters, they are sliding downhill. Last night it took 15 minutes for a server to acknowledge us. They were out of two of the four “fall specials”. Out of one of the local fish, out of 3 other things we tried to order. Many of the menu items haven’t changed in years and they can’t plan to have adequate quantities? They seem to be falling on the laurels since they were featured on food network and need to up their game to deliver what they tout.

6. Splasher's Grill

75-5663 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-3138 American, Bar, Seafood, Hawaiian Drinks, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront, Beach [email protected] +1 808-326-2212 http://www.splashersgrillkona.com
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4 based on 3570 reviews

Splasher's Grill

Splashers Grill is a family owned, casual dining experience. We are located across from the ocean where most tables have a great view of the ocean and Kona pier. We are Famous for our burger and Fish Tacos and the best breakfast in Kona. We look forward t

Reviewed By MIZT13

Watched the 10 minute Kona Coffee Lantern Parade from the restaurant. Located right where the lantern parade started. Great crab cakes, aloi sauce too spicy for me but good. Good tea drink, just didn't taste the booze. Friendly staff where you were even asked by manager if food ok. Haven't been asked that in many years at a restaurant.

5. Kona Brewing Company Pub & Brewery

74-5612 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-1617 American, Bar, Pizza, Pub, Hawaiian Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront +1 808-334-2739 http://konabrewingco.com/come-visit
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4 based on 6418 reviews

Kona Brewing Company Pub & Brewery

Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island is the site of our brewery and first restaurant. The brewpub opened in November 1998. In true Aloha spirit, we opted to make it out of locally-sourced materials, and we even built a 2,000 square-foot outdoor lanai that l

Reviewed By groetkenkara

Great food, amazing beer and a fun environment to enjoy it all in! Highly recommend! The Lemon Grass is my personal favorite, if you can’t decide though the flight of four is always a great choice!

4. Ultimate Burger

74-5450 Makala Blvd Ste 112, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-2725 American, Healthy Lunch, Dinner Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts C [email protected] +1 808-329-2326 http://www.ultimateburger.net/
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4 based on 919 reviews

Ultimate Burger

Ultimate Burger is a Locally Owned by Chef Makani, Big Island born and raised. Chef Makani created this "Quick-service" Burger restaurant catering to a broad spectrum of diners, including Vegetarian, Gluten-sensitive, and even Vegan guests. Ultimate Burge

Reviewed By 253junec

On an anniversary trip to Kona, we used our Mahalo discount card and the great reviews we had read to eat here on a Wednesday evening. Very pleased with both the service, A&W root beer and a great burger and fries! Definitely would return again when on the island!!

3. 808 Grindz Cafe

75-5660 Kopiko St, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-3611 American, Cafe, Hawaiian Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service +1 808-280-8914 http://www.808grindzcafe.com/
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4 based on 450 reviews

808 Grindz Cafe

Reviewed By Yoda316

Stopped in for breakfast... very good, local food. Wasn’t sure about the presentation because I’m picky about my food touching. It was awesome though. Husband had the breakfast for champions .... he enjoyed it. Apparently Vienna sausages and spam is a thing ... he tried it and was pleased.

2. Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill

75-5995 Kuakini Hwy Ste 1, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-2144 American, Seafood, Healthy, Hawaiian Drinks, Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront [email protected] +1 808-327-0209 http://www.jackiereyskona.com
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4 based on 2947 reviews

Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill

Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill is a casual local's joint featuring fresh seafood, steaks, pasta and a variety of salads at affordable prices. The restaurant (named after our daughter) is the culmination of much hard work and the dedication of ourselves and our

Reviewed By PeeDeeR

Coming back the long way from Hilo towards dinner we located this ahead of us using TA. With pretty good reviews we decided to stop by. They had a great ambiance and we were pretty casual after our trip, but you could make this a dressy outing too. We had a wonderful table near a door so we got a breeze (& to watch rain). Our server Chris was very attentive. When my grandaughter had drawn photos on all the paper in front of her, he moved her sideways & brought more crayons for her art.The G-kids had Lobser and they loved it. We had among us the BBQ Ribs, Pork Chop & Burger. And of course we had desserts! We left full and satisfied.Great place along the road.Aloha PeeDeeR--- I'm glad you found us on the return leg of your Hilo adventure. Sounds like Christian helped find your grandkids art supplies and that your family had a nice dining experience. Super!!! I appreciate you taking the time to give us some feedback--- good or bad, feedback helps keep us moving forward.Enjoy your vacation--- Paul, the owner

Top 10 Things to do in Kailua-Kona, United States

1. TJ'S BBQ By The Beach

75-6129 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-2311 American, Barbecue Free Wifi, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards [email protected] +1 425-308-1815 http://tjsbbqbythebeach.com/
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5 based on 960 reviews

TJ'S BBQ By The Beach

We pride ourselves in serving great BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Burgers, Home Made Honey BBQ Sauce, and Kona Coffee Steak Rubs. Order our famous 23 hour slow Roasted Prime Rib For the holidays or any occasion (need a 2 day notice) Come sit and dine in our outdoor

Reviewed By aknoble

Several visits to The Big Island and several visits to Ali'i Marketplace and somehow this was the first visit to TJ's...it definitely won't be the last. We had a half rack of ribs and a Kona burger and both were amazing. The burger was double the size I expected, and the coffee rub was super flavorful. I am not normally a rib person, but they were fall off the bone and the sauce was delicious! The people running the place are friendly and the food is one of the best values in the area, grab a table on the lawn and get ready for greatness while they make your food to order, it's worth the wait! Aloha, thank you so much for the nice review, we are happy that you enjoyed your time with us, we hope to see you again. Enjoy your time in HawaiiMahaloTim and JoannaTJ'S BBQ

Top 10 restaurants in Kailua-Kona, United States

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