Best Restaurants Open for Newyears Eve this year in Kailua-Kona – 2024

We came here for a late breakfast, and we're excited to be seated right away with an ocean view! Our waitress was very friendly and provided helpful recommendations for both drinks and food. We enjoyed the brunch menu with its variety and unique twists on traditional meals. Our food came our very quickly, and everything was super fresh and tasty. We were glad we picked this restaurant and enjoyed our time here!

My hubby & I are here in Kona to celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary. We did a search for top places to eat, and Papa Kona was listed in the top 10. So we stopped in to have lunch and our food was delicious. We ordered the avocado fries to start, and it was so yummy! My hubby had the loco moco, and that gravy was the bomb! I had the corned beef hash, and they cooked it crispy just how I wanted it. The beautiful view was an added bonus while we enjoyed our meal. We would definitely come back.

Oh Papa Kona… what a remarkable place to enjoy brunch!! We were lucky enough to have Diane as our server because she made the experience of dining here so stellar. Quick but attentive service. The food was great and the Ube Lemonade was the perfect remedy to a hot morning on the edge of the water. I cannot wait to come back to enjoy another meal here!

Great Poke. We did not eat in the restaurant. We were in a time crunch and ordered food to-go and ate outside. The two meat poke bowl is enough to share. Food is a little pricey but very tasty. Would come back here to order poke.

Great atmosphere. Can get busy during dinner time. Portion sizes are pretty large. We ordered two appetizers and were full at the end of it. The crispy pork belly is gold!

Umekes is a hidden gem that truly captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine, specializing in fresh poke that delights the senses. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that instantly transports you to the islands. The menu features a variety of poke options, each made with the freshest ingredients sourced from local markets. The poke bowl I ordered was simply outstanding. The fish was incredibly fresh, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that highlighted its quality. It was expertly seasoned, balancing savory soy sauce with a hint of sesame oil, and topped with perfectly ripe avocado and a sprinkle of green onions. The portion size was generous, making it a satisfying meal that left me wanting another bite. What sets Umekes apart is the customization; you can choose from different bases like rice or seaweed salad and a plethora of toppings that elevate the dish even further. The friendly staff are more than happy to offer recommendations, ensuring your meal is exactly to your liking. If you're craving authentic Hawaiian poke, Umekes is a must-visit destination that promises a flavorful experience that will keep you coming back for more!

The food was very delicious, with huge portions. With that, comes high prices and a bit of a wait time. It takes time for something high quality. Service was excellent, refilling our drinks without us asking and always available for our needs. Lastly, the view was EXCELLENT. The perfect name for the perfect view while dining in.

Nice place overall! I'd give it like 4.5 stars, but I rounded up to a 5 here. The view was very nice, the service was great, and the food was good as well. I really enjoyed the crab dip. My husband got the teriyaki beef dish, and it was good, but had a bunch of fatty pieces in it. We enjoyed the experience overall, except that the beef wasn't as good of a quality.

Fresh and flavorful Hawaiian cuisine. The kitchen has an impressive selection of flavor with each dish and there certainly was not a thing that was to dislike. The view was great, the service was proper, and the food was cooked perfectly

The food was delicious. The server never brought our onion rings and nobody came to the table to ask how we’d like the check handled. But the unbeatable ocean views more than made up for any service oversight.

Residents Beach House offers more than just a meal; it delivers an unparalleled dining experience nestled right on the beach, where the ocean breeze and breathtaking views set the stage for what was truly an unforgettable evening. It is, without question, one of the finest restaurant ambiances I've encountered. Perfect for a romantic date night, the combination of stunning seaside vistas and candlelit warmth made the evening as visually captivating as it was gastronomically. To start the meal, we shared the Yellowfin Tuna Tataki, which was, quite simply, extraordinary. The quality of the fish was impeccable--fresh, delicate, and almost buttery in texture. The Tataki was served with a light soy-based sauce that provided just the right amount of umami, enhancing the natural flavors of the tuna without overpowering them. Each bite was a symphony of subtle flavors and textures, offering a perfect balance between the richness of the fish and the brightness of the accompanying garnishes. My girlfriend opted for the Blackened Chicken Rigatoni, a dish that was as bold in flavor as it was visually appealing. The rigatoni was cooked al dente, creating the ideal texture to complement the creamy sauce, which was rich yet perfectly balanced with a touch of spice from the blackened chicken. The chicken itself was seared to perfection--tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, infused with a smoky, Cajun-inspired seasoning that paired beautifully with the rigatoni. The dish was a masterful blend of comfort and sophistication, showcasing the chef's ability to elevate a classic pasta dish. I opted for the 14oz Grilled Prime Ribeye, and while the steak itself was a masterclass in grilling, cooked medium-rare to perfection with a beautifully seared crust, the choice of accompaniment left me wanting more. The ribeye's tenderness and rich marbling deserved a side that matched its sophistication. While the French fries were well-executed, crisp and golden, they felt a bit out of place alongside such a premium cut of meat. A more refined side, perhaps roasted vegetables or a creamy potato dish, would have elevated the overall presentation and experience, bringing the dish to a more elevated level. We were so taken with the Brussel sprouts that we ordered not one but two servings. These sprouts were a revelation, crispy on the edges with a tender center and caramelized to perfection. The balance of slight bitterness from the sprouts and the sweet, smoky glaze they were tossed in was absolutely divine. Their texture and flavor were a perfect contrast to the richness of our mains, making them an absolute must-have for any visit. Residents Beach House combines culinary mastery with one of the most stunning beachside ambiances I've experienced. From the expertly cooked ribeye to the unforgettable brussel sprouts, the meal was spectacular from start to finish. Whether you're seeking a romantic date night destination or a place to indulge in top-tier cuisine, Residents Beach House is a must-visit. I will undoubtedly return to relive this incredible experience. P.S. thank you Michael for the lighting you provided for us to take a pictures haha. Truly blessed to have been served by an incredible waiter

Our meal here was fantastic. I got the swordfish chef special which was one of the best meals I've ever had. Out table was next to the walkway and the sound of the ocean made our meal something special. If you are looking for a romantic dinner on your vacation I would recommend stopping in, it's a little expensive but worth it.

Great restaurant! We went here for the first time and had a good experience. The fish sandwich was very good and had a big chunck of grilled fish. My husband got the shrimp and fries and he really enjoyed it - the shrimp were great quality. And the drinks were delicious and fairly strong! And lastly, the soup of the day (beef and vegetable) was do hearty and delicious - highly recommended!

Parking is the first hurdle to eating here and unfortunately feel necessary to talk about. There is a free lot on the hill behind the restaurant - if you can find parking. Otherwise the restaurant only has a handful of spots dedicated to it. Prices are status quo, so we were ok with that. The food was very good and the portions were huge, especially the fish and chips. Tons of protein with that. I ordered the fish sandwich which also had a good size hunk of Ono in it. It was nicely prepared and I enjoyed the pineapple slaw very much. Serve was prompt, attentive and friendly. The atmosphere is dark and not super interesting, but I don’t place a whole lot of emphasis on that unless it’s dirty, which this was not. Overall, I recommend trying it out - more so if you are staying locally and can walk there.

Have heard about this place for years. Yes one of best restaurants in Hawaii. Big portions, excellent service, ambience, Chef, prices.... Very good. AAA+++ Note to self: can get free 90 minute parking across street with stamped receipt from Quinn's

We got there right at 12 when they open and there was a line of course, but the staff did an amazing job at seating everyone quickly. Service was good, attentive but not intrusive. Food was delicious! We shared the Kilauea burger and the fish tacos! The view is amazing as well! Definitely worth trying. We will be back.

We were here on a Wednesday in July 2024 for happy hour and to watch the sunset. The service was great and the prices were reasonable. There was live music that did not drown out the conversation but was quite enjoyable. The drinks were good but on the weak side. Happy hour was from 3pm to 5pm and sunset was at 7pm.

We ordered the fish tacos, beef tacos, and nachos. The nachos were especially disappointing—just a sparse amount of cheese and jalapeños, and no meat at all. The beef taco had seasoned ground beef that tasted a bit like Taco Bell, and the fish taco was underwhelming and lacked proper seasoning. I’ve enjoyed Hugo’s on the Rocks before, but this was my first time trying the happy hour menu, and it didn’t quite hit the mark. Ive experienced their regular menu food which was much better, at least in the past. On a positive note, the ambiance is fantastic with an ocean view, and when the weather is good, it's great to enjoy live music. Due to the rain, we didn’t have to wait for a table, which is usually a long wait of up to an hour. They never take reservations so you just have to show up and wait or hopefully get lucky with a seat at the bar! Overall, I’ll likely return to enjoy their regular menu, but the happy hour experience didn’t quite meet expectations.

This place was great!! Fantastic views, great food, great atmosphere! Some food items and drinks were a little pricier, but it's totally worth it because of the view. And the food and drinks were really good. I got the fish tacos, and they were really flavorful and actually a bit spicy! My husband got the pineapple rice and it was very good as well, but quite spicy also! I recommend going at sunset, because it is beautiful. And just note that I think the spice level is a little on the higher end here!

After a fun but challenging time fighting the currents at Magic Sands Beach, we decided to make an outstanding decision to grab lunch at Magics Beach Grill. Wow. So, so good. Service was SPOT on and food was even better. Had the firecracker tacos with grilled Ono, Fish and Chips...BEST EVER! And grandson ordered his usual bacon cheeseburger...but, he almost never finished it...I look over and he has devoured it and sad he could do it again...now that's a good burger. So, let's talk Fries...I love potatoes in ANY form...even raw! But I especially love French fries! Magics seasoned fries are truly next level. No ketchup or fry sauce needed here...we pulled out own Magic trick and made them disappear! Thank you for a great lunch during our beach day.

1st time (tourist) Easy to find, limited parking spots but we didn't have any issues. Had a reservation, was seated very quickly upon arrival. We tried the ulu breadfruit, ceviche appetizers Ulu Breadfruit was smothered in WAY too much sauce in my opinion Ceviche was different, more sweet than expected, I prefer more citrus /lime style I had the catch of the day which was Marlin, chili rice and asparagus (server said Brussel sprouts, so that was a disappointment) Mom and hubby had the pork belly, tasty! We also split a Caesar salad, the dressing was so good! It was so delicious! Views were nice, we had a nice lunch Service was subpar for what we were getting (and expecting) then the kicker was the auto gratuity 20% ....ther service was lacking definitely, and the attitude of the waitress Samantha was definitely like "I've got their 20% so I don't have to even try" what a sad disposition. Slow to greet us, and then food was all rushed out together apps and meal instead of spaced out, so food got cold before we could even get to it.

Walking down the strip to find a restaurant and happen to walk inside of this fine restaurant. The front desk staff were accessible and friendly as we were indecisive. Mark, our waiter, was exceptional as he checked our table often, greeted us every time with a smile, and was overall attentive. Mark’s exceptional customer service is exactly the reason I will be back to Kona inn restaurant before my trip concludes. Best sunsets and lava flows here!

Great place for drinks, but the food is awful. Just for nostalgia, I stop in every time I'm in town. If not for my crew wanting to eat here, I never would have given it another try. Dry, tasteless food seems to be the standard. Don't even bother choking down the grub. Drinks are the only way to go. The view and a cold beverage is the only reason to patronize Kona Inn.

Sorry, I rarely give a low number for a restaurant...I understand that these places are trying to make a living, but, when it's bad, it's bad and I must say something...the food was just NOT GOOD! First kind of positive, the coconut shrimp was okay, but over cooked. My wedge salad was insane large a loaded with bacon, blue cheese crumbles and blue cheese dressing...not bad. Next, my grandson orders a basic bacon cheeseburger, which came with no bacon and only warm very boring fries...not even any salt. My wife ordered the sampler plate because she really wanted the Macadamia crusted Mahi...but knew that it was not a fresh catch, but we hoped they still cooked it well...NOPE...It came cold, and the server said it was probably the cold salsa on top...ya, NO, it's not well cooked. So, the burger and the Fish plate goes back. They slap some bacon on the burger...and threw the fish plate in a warmer/steamer and heated up the entire plate ...not a refire on the fish! This is just truly POOR management. We actually went to another restaurant, and it had a 1-2 hour wait...this place was nearly empty, and now we know why! I had to convince my wife that the recent bad posts might just be a one in 10 chance...it'll all be okay ...ugh! Then I go to use the restroom...DIDASTER! It's not like they were dealing with a super crazy busy restaurant... including the un-bussed table in an area that had NO guests in it! Again, the owners might want to consider who's managing this place...with SO many choices in the area, people are going to choose a different location. All this for a 150+ tip bill. Not worth it at all...Sorry!

Service was quick and waitress really nice. Views were great, food was very average for the price. I’d have skipped the cheese on burger for $3.00. Burger good but fries were over cooked. Burger worth $17 (cheese made it $20). Fries were extra $4, soda $5 Next if there’s a next I’ll just get plain burger, no side fries or cheese. Great views of ocean and sunset. No I didn’t take photo of food because it was sad looking and not photo worthy. Yes, I ate the burger thou

It was a wonderful setting sitting right next to the ocean. The food was good. There was no one else there except for the cutest little Hawaiian lizard sitting on the post.

A nice spot for happy hour with an outstanding view. Food was fairly tasty but nothing special. Mai Tai was nice, and service was super friendly. The breathtaking view is what truly makes this place stand out! We enjoyed our visit and definitely recommend it for a relaxed waterfront happy hour.

This was an amazing spot for sunset! We had an incredible view of one of the best sunsets we saw on our trip. The food was good too! And the staff was friendly. We had the nachos and they were really good! (and much bigger than we were anticipating) These were definitely a meal and not an appetizer. We also got the Ultimate Cheese Burger which was our favorite! The fries were perfectly cooked, seasoned and salted, plus the burger was delicious with all the melty cheese on it.

Such a beautiful place to enjoy good food & tasty drinks!! We were seated outside and had an ocean view right before sunset! My fiancé ordered the triple Patty smash burger & I ordered the fish & chips! Delicious!!

This place was awesome! The view is unbeatable, right on the shoreline, food was delicious and reasonably priced. Can't beat a $10 kids meal in this day and age. Parking is validated for up to 2hrs in the garage right next door. My 3yr old wanted a balloon and our waiter managed to track one down from a previous party. He was super attentive and friendly. Will definitely stop by again when we are on the island!

Booked a table at 6 and got a nice window facing table. Enjoyed the ribs but it was a bit sweet for our liking. Rosemary bread was a hit/ Ordered the seafood trio which all was decently tasty, but not delectable. Mom got the whole fish special/ Fish was steamed and fresh- enjoyed it but could have been seasoned more. Daughter liked ribeye but the rice arrived crunchy on top as if heated in an oven. Dessert - we were full so we had some gelato- vanilla very tasty

View of the sunset over the ocean from your table: check Outstanding service: Check Mind-blowing food: double check! After just relocating to the Kona area, we actually got a recommendation for Jackie Ray's from a tourist on the highly-recommended Captain Cook Monument Hike. In summary, we could not have been more pleased! The pesto lobster ravioli was incredible, the rosemary bread baked to absolute perfection: moist in the center and a nice thin crispy crust with excellent flavor. The lilikoi cheesecake was a unique sensory masterpiece! This may have been our first visit but it certainly won't be our last! If you're looking for even more bang for your buck, check out their awesome happy hour specials, available daily from 4-5pm.

This is a must go to, if you’re in the Kailua Kona area. It’s great service, great food, great view. We wished we had enough time to come back for dinner. We walked in on Father’s Day and luckily got a table. They had a special menu for Father’s Day and we ordered the stuffed pork chop and whole fried fish. Josh is an awesome bartender and server. He highly recommended the specials since they won’t be around again. The stuffed pork chops had great flavor and the whole fish was cooked to crispy perfection. We really wanted more sauce for each dish, because they were so tasty, I will dream of that lemongrass pesto! They are only open for dinner and seem to have a very popular happy hour. That’s always a good sign, if locals love it and full the barstools up! This is also one of the few places that has free parking.

Came here for my husband’s birthday dinner. Our waiter was sweet and attentive. The fish first came overcooked and he was very kind to replace it for us. The seafood pasta is also amazing. It was a lot of tasty seafood! And I absolutely loved the little furry friend I made during our dinner.

My wife and I chose this destination to spend our anniversary and wow it did not disappoint. The food and drinks were great, and our waitress Hannah was awesome. She was able to help us pick out some great drink choices and nailed it with the desert choice. We enjoyed her so much that we gave her an additional tip. Only wish we could afford to give her more. The scenery was about as good as you can get in Kona. The bar tender was on point. The desert was about 4 times larger than we expected.

Food was great here and we got to hear the live music from On the Rocks next door. Everyone had a great time and the views are absolutely awesome. The Ahi tuna was probably some of the best we have had in a long time. Our server was amazing and super helpful and knowledgeable. Would have been a 5 star review, but the hostess seemed grumpy and wasn’t knowledgeable on some of the questions we had about the food offerings before we started to dine here.

I was debating between a 4 and 5 star only because to have the intimate dining experience, you need to have a good drink menu. Drinks were mostly beers, and the pitchers were only Budlight; budwiser; colors light, and Miller light. Needless to say, we skipped on drinks. However, the fish and chips were delicious, and the calamari was delicious. Our server was always very nice.

Be sure to check your bill if you’re here at happy hour. Otherwise, the Korean chicken was tasty, and the beer served in the ice cold schooner glass was refreshing. We would skip the cheese poppers next time, which were no better than the cheap ones from the frozen food section at the grocery. The overall experience was good enough, but there's room for improvement. The location is certainly perfect if you have a boat excursion departing from this harbor.

After spending the morning through Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, we decided to go for lunch in nearby Harbor House. Was our first visit there and most likely not our last! This is a very nice place near the harbor. It is open all around, so you get a nice breeze. The staff is very friendly and service is quick. We had the fish and chips and the fish of the day sandwich, which was Ahi. Both were excellent! The fried fish was nicely flaky, the fries were very good too. And this were good size portions too! The beer came in nice, truly ice-cold glasses.

Oh. So. Good. Traveling with Celiac is so challenging and Foster’s Kitchen removed that stress! The food was just delicious and the service was phenomenal! The owner or manager (not sure which) wanted to show me the safety of their kitchen for preparing my food. The kitchen has windows you can look right in at! Thy kitchen was immaculate! The cook was making the delicious fries as I watched. Plenty of choices for someone who has a dietary restriction. The owner/manager was so knowledgeable about it and they have a great protocol. I actually ate here twice during my stay. Darling place!!! It is just adorable down to every detail. Beautiful view.

Excellent dining choice for lunch. The view of the ocean is amazing and the service is wonderful. I appreciate the owner being so attentive.

Always my number one spot to go on the island! We ordered the blackened shrimp and grits and the ahi stir fry. The balance of flavor was on point. Staff was friendly and wait time for food was normal. I’ll be back soon!

Fish Hopper: A Perfect Romantic Breakfast Spot If you're looking for a stunning ocean view and delicious food for breakfast, Fish Hopper is the place to be. We were absolutely blown away by the breathtaking view and the quality of the food. Our breakfast was more than we could have asked for - every dish was cooked to perfection. The service was impeccable, and the free parking was a huge bonus given the location. At $15 for two eggs, meat, and toast, the price is very reasonable considering the quality of the food and the atmosphere. We highly recommend Fish Hopper for a romantic breakfast.

Food was great! Very nicely decorated. Love the flower touch on the plate. Our waitress was fantastic! She had such a great sense of humour. Us coming from Canada. We asked if the had Caesar’s. She said yes we do! But she meant the salads! Lol so funny. She was great! We were there in Feb 21 2024.

We just finished an amazing meal at Fish Hopper! We loved that this restaurant had parking, and the location was perfect. The view was incredible and the service was wonderful. Andrea was so sweet and so helpful. Best part was the food! Reasonable prices, huge portions, and everything we had was delicious. We were eating off of each other's plates so that we could try everything! We are definitely looking forward to calling back! It's by far our favorite place we've eaten over the last 4 days.

We returned to this location as we were playing "tourist" from out of state. Remembered they were consistently good Bear in mind, my taste differs from the next person so saying the gravy was more on the sweeter side is a matter of opinion. We were greeted quickly and with a smile. Got seated quickly. I had the Loco moco and there is where the sweetness comes in. It was good. What stood out was the following, they ensured your coffee cup never went empty and the workers there appear to like/love their job: s.iling and with a pleasant tone. As mentioned I had the Loco moco which the serving was more than ample. I could imagine what the super Loco moco was like...lol.

No fuss, mom and pop shop with great friendly staff. It was so good, we drove by it 4x!! Very very reasonable prices and the portions are HUGE! I would call this place the locals own secret place to eat... Can't go wrong with any of the dishes here!! Mac but pancakes were super fluffy, chicken teriyaki very yummy, and the loco mocos were good also!

Big Island Grill was our first restaurant after arriving on the Big Island and it was a good start to our vacation! We were seated quickly, all the staff was friendly, we got our food fairly quickly, and the food was good! Fish and Chips: the fish and chips were really good! The house fried Ahi combined with the tartar sauce was super delicious! The fries are pretty good as well. We got the potato macaroni salad as the side and it was good too. Chicken Katsu plate: the chicken Katsu was perfectly cooked. The chicken was juicy and the breading was not overcooked. The sauce was delicious. We got potato macaroni salad and pineapple coleslaw as the sides. Both were good. Overall happy and full!

I was quite surprised at the excellence here. Typically a trade of between views/atmosphere and cuisine but this hit both which was awesome considering Kona doesn’t have a laundry list of restaurants, so highly recommend. Although the truffle pizza was great, there are other options you’d do better off with. The grilled octopus was absolutely phenomenal. The broccolini is a must have vegetarian or meat eaters alike.

It’s definitely a good place for sunset dinner. Being a vegetarian I was expecting a little more in their menu. Unfortunately not much. They do have a full vegan menu but not many options. I still enjoyed the dishes that we ordered. We ordered Bruschetta, burrata, margarita pizza and gnocchi. Their gnocchi was really good. Overall was a good experience. I would still encourage them to have more vegetarian options.

Nestled along the pristine coastline, Beach Tree Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that combines culinary excellence with breathtaking ocean views. From the moment you step into this coastal haven, you are enveloped by the serene ambiance and the gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore. The menu at Tree Beach is a delightful journey through flavors, with each course crafted to perfection. The appetizers set the tone with fresh, vibrant flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The main courses are nothing short of spectacular, with each dish showcasing the finest ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. The seafood is especially noteworthy, with succulent, perfectly cooked options that reflect the restaurant's coastal charm. Desserts at Tree Beach are the perfect conclusion to an exquisite meal, with a variety of decadent options that cater to every sweet tooth. Each bite is a testament to the skill and creativity of the chefs, leaving diners in awe of the culinary artistry. Beyond the food, the view at Tree Beach Restaurant is truly unparalleled. Overlooking the ocean, the restaurant provides a stunning backdrop for any meal, whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner at sunset or a leisurely lunch under the clear blue sky. The combination of delicious food and breathtaking scenery makes Tree Beach a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. In summary, Tree Beach Restaurant is a gem that excels in every aspect, from its delectable cuisine to its picturesque ocean views. It is a place where every meal becomes a celebration of flavor and beauty, making it an exceptional choice for any occasion.