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15 Feb 2018
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Big Island

We already explored the best restaurants in Hilo, so let's move to the west side of the Big Island. One plate at a time, let the search for the best restaurants in Kona, Hawaii begin! 

Chubby’s at the Avalux Café

Yes, delicious food can be found at a bowling alley. Whether before or after a game, Chubby’s at the Avalux Café is a must-stop dining option. Chubby’s offers local and American cuisine for the entire family at very affordable prices. The "diner fare" includes appetizers, sandwiches, salads, a Keiki (kid) menu, and breakfast served all day.

chubbys avalux cafe bowling alley kona

Their daily specials (like homemade Lau lau, Oxtail soup and Kalua pork quesadillas) entice Chubby's visitors to drive great distances from all over the island! Before you leave, we highly recommend a slice of the homemade apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Location: Chubby's at the Avalux Cafe, KBX Family Entertainment Center at Lanihau Center, 75-5591 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Hours: Daily (9 am - Midnight)

Phone: (808) 392-2960

Kona Brewing Company

Back in 1994, a father and son team envisioned a collection of craft beers to reflect the culture and beauty of Hawaii. Since then, the Kona Brewing Company has become one of the best-selling craft beer brands in the world. Kona Brewing Company (KBC) offers award-winning brews, including: the Longboard Island Lager, Big Wave Pale Ale, seasonal Lavaman Red with a hint of chocolate, and the Koko Brunette which is brewed with real coconuts. To enhance the brews, KBC expanded its menu and introduced locally prepared pub-style food. We recommended the hand-tossed pizzas, like the classic pepperoni and cheese or the Kaʻū Pesto — with chicken smothered in fresh homemade macadamia nut pesto, cheese, sundried tomatoes and Kalamata olives.

Location: Kona Brewing Company, 74-5612 Pawai Place, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Hours: Daily (11 am – 10 pm)

Phone: (808) 334-2739 

Umeke's Fishmarket Bar & Grill

Since 2015, Umeke's Fishmarket Bar & Grill has tantalized all who enter into the restaurant with a foodie experience unlike any other. The master genius behind Umeke's, Chef Naoka, has a "Boat to Bowl Vision" — that only fresh fish caught from Kona waters will be served on your plate tonight. 

umekes fishmarket and grill kona hawaii

With two popular locations in the Kona area, Umeke's features only the freshest, locally sourced fish of the highest quality. It’s no wonder why Chef Nakoa has won the “Best of the Best 2016 Poke Bowl” and continues to be honored with 5-star customer reviews. 

Umeke's Fishmarket Bar and Grill: 74-5563 Kaiwi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Hours: Monday - Saturday (11 am - 9 pm). Sunday (11 am - 5 pm).

Phone: (808) 238-0571, 333-7380

Umeke's Poke Bowls and Local Style Lunch Plates: 75-143 Hualalai Rd #105, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Hours: Monday - Saturday (10 am - 5 pm)

Phone: (808) 329-3050 

Hana Hou Restaurant

Hana Hou Restaurant, located in Na’alehu, is another honorable mention. You will find great food, exceptional desserts and take-out for your the island trip. The staff of Hana Hou always makes you feel like ‘ohana. Besides the country charm, great food and staff, Hana Hou just may be the southernmost restaurant in the United States — but it's worth the effort to get there.

Location: Hana Hou Restaurant, 95-1148 Naalehu Spur Rd, Naalehu, HI 96772

Hours: Sunday – Thursday (8 am - 7 pm). Friday – Saturday (8 am – 8 pm).

Phone: (808) 929-9717