
Kai Eats + Drinks
Oceanfront dining with a diverse menu of international favorites, renowned for its breathtaking sunset views and extensive craft beer selection.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Kai Eats + Drinks

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Oceanfront dining with a diverse menu of international favorites, renowned for its breathtaking sunset views and extensive craft beer selection.
"The best ocean views in town, with great food and a vibrant atmosphere for any occasion."
Secure an Outdoor Seat
Reserve an outdoor table for the best sunset views and ocean ambiance.
Happy Hour Delights
Visit during happy hour for discounted drinks and a beautiful ocean vista.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian, American, Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking Sunset Views
Dine with the ocean as your backdrop and witness stunning sunsets from your table. A truly unforgettable dining experience.

Extensive Craft Beer Selection
Boasting 48 local brews on tap, this spot is a paradise for beer enthusiasts seeking diverse and refreshing options.

Interactive Live Pizza Station
Watch pizzas being made right before your eyes, adding a dynamic and engaging element to your meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Secure an Outdoor Seat
Reserve an outdoor table for the best sunset views and ocean ambiance.
Happy Hour Delights
Visit during happy hour for discounted drinks and a beautiful ocean vista.
Validated Parking
Parking is validated; provide your license plate number to the host upon arrival.
Vegan Options Available
Clearly marked vegan options make dining easy for plant-based eaters.
Tips
from all over the internet
Secure an Outdoor Seat
Reserve an outdoor table for the best sunset views and ocean ambiance.
Happy Hour Delights
Visit during happy hour for discounted drinks and a beautiful ocean vista.
Validated Parking
Parking is validated; provide your license plate number to the host upon arrival.
Vegan Options Available
Clearly marked vegan options make dining easy for plant-based eaters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about Kai Eats + Drinks for its stunning oceanfront location and vibrant atmosphere, especially during sunset. The extensive beer selection and diverse menu, including popular pizzas and tacos, are frequently praised. While many enjoy the friendly service and accommodating nature, some find the Italian menu items overpriced for the portion sizes.
"They could serve me a plate of garbage here and I wouldn’t notice because I’m too busy staring at the ocean. I like the fun vibes and jokey decor as well. I got to try swordfish as the “hook line and sinker” which was fun, and the fish tacos were great. I also like the long taplist. But seriously, such a great view at sunset."
Andy
"Great burgers with gluten free buns! Beautiful ocean views and great location. Pizza looked and smelled amazing since we sat right next to them making it, though we didn't get any (no GF crust).
They have a separate GF menu and are good about cross contact. Sweet potato fryer is dedicated, but everything is cooked in soybean oil. Ugh.
Don't pay for parking in the garage downstairs. They pay it for you if you give them your license plate number upon check-in."
Jenne Acevedo
"So you might wonder how we can rate 5 stars on three categories but then give 4-stars overall ..
Well, it’s because while the food, service, and ocean front atmosphere were really great, the Italian menu items were WAY over priced for the absolutely small portion sizes served.
Note to Huggos (owners of Kai): Please increase portion sizes of all Italian menu items at Kai .. Especially the pizzas and pasta .. nobody is happy having just a few small bites of great tasting pizza .. And pasta noodles aren’t that expensive. .. Please add more food to the great tastes you’re serving guests .. and increase the size of your pizzas to at least 6” .. 3”-4” pizzas are not making families happy 😑
And what’s a bit funny is that the dessert portions are large and tastes were great .. so i guess if you’re still hungry, the desserts might fill you up 🙃
We’ll go again once we hear portion sizes have been addressed
By the way, for folks that love great beer selection, i believe Kai has 48 (!!) taps to choose from 🍺"
bill blackhogins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Many guests recommend the pizzas, tacos, and coconut shrimp. The extensive beer list is also a major draw.
Yes, Kai Eats + Drinks has clearly marked vegan options on their menu, making it a accommodating choice for plant-based diners.
Yes, parking is validated. Be sure to provide your license plate number to the host upon arrival.
Visiting in the late afternoon or early evening is ideal to enjoy the beautiful sunset views over the ocean.
Absolutely! They boast 48 local brews on tap and also offer themed cocktails like the lava flow and Mai Tai.
Yes, the menu is available via QR code at the table, and some online sources also provide access to it.
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Restaurants in Kailua-Kona
With its oceanfront location close enough for diners to feel the salt spray, Kai's is a fun, casual dining experience. Just pick a table, then order and pay online; they bring your meal to your table. In the morning, you can fill your paper coffee cup with limitless amounts of coffee at the self-serve station.
Vegan Food Near Me: 10 Hot Spots in Kona, HI
Kai is Hawaiian for “ocean,” and if you are looking for a happy hour drink with the best ocean views in town, this tourist hot spot is the place. With 48 brews on tap, many of them local, and themed drinks like the lava flow (something between a piña colada and dessert), Kai doubles as a fun-filled patio at the edge of the ocean. Enjoy the sunset as you nibble on a small but delicious selection of vegan offerings including avocado tacos, mango pizza, waffle sweet potato fries, and lemon fries with chimichurri sauce.
Plant Based Hawaii: 10 Best Vegan Eats In Kona, Big Island
The latest addition to the local restaurant family which includes Lava Lava Beach Club and Huggo’s, Kai Eats + Drinks is slowly but steady garnering the reputation of the most accommodating of vegan needs. We appreciate that vegan options are clearly marked on the menu and wish more venues made the effort to do that. Yes, Kai is touristy as one would expect of the main drag oceanfront location in Kona.
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Neighboring the market along that same northern stretch of Kona’s tourist row is the Kona Inn Shopping Village, Kona Islander Inn, Kailua Village Condos, Kamana Kitchen Indian Cuisine, Papa Kona Restaurant and Bar, Kai Eats and Drinks, Pa’akai Poke and Deli and many others. There’s even bicycle, snorkel, beach and board rentals found one block away at the rental shop called Boss Frog’s.
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One of our favorite go-to’s due to its mix of great service, good ambience, and solid food offerings along with 40 different drinks on tap giving plenty of selection. While the menu is somewhat basic being mostly pizza and burger centric the location is great with music and an ocean view. The food is good and should not disappoint either.
5 Fantastic Breakfast Spots in Kailua-Kona
📍 75-5776 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona🥞 Must-Try: Cinnamon roll pancakes, breakfast pizza, island breakfast sandwich. Kai is a fun, laid-back spot located near the waterfront with an eclectic menu and playful atmosphere. While it’s known for its lunch and cocktails, the breakfast here is creative, satisfying, and served with ocean views.
Best Happy Hour Spots in Kailua-Kona
Address: 75-5776 Ali’i Dr Kailua-Kona, HI 96740Kai Eats & Drinks is all about fresh, local ingredients, and their happy hour is a great way to sample their menu. From 3 PM to 5 PM, enjoy $5 beers and $6 cocktails. The coconut shrimp is a must-try, and you’ll feel like you’re on a mini-vacation with every bite.
Restaurant Recommendations
Amazing waterfront location, ample seating, and features a menu consisting of mainly of tacos, pizzas and burgers. There are also salad options, as well as killer coconut shrimp and many decorated versions of French fries. Extensive bar seating and bar menu as well.
Places to Eat & Drink in Kona
Kai Eats + Drinks (menu) is right on the water, and the closest spot to the Pau Hana Condo (just a 3-minute walk). It serves a staggering number of beers on tap, along with pizza, tacos, and burgers. Good with dietary restrictions (vegan and gluten-free options).
Best Happy Hours On The Big Island Of Hawaii: Top Spots For Drinks And Bites
Kai Eats and Drinks sits right on the oceanfront in Kailua-Kona. When I walked in, I watched surfers out back and felt the relaxed, modern vibe. The colors inside matched the water view, making it feel like a local spot where everyone is welcome.
Best Coffee Shops in Kailua-Kona Historic Village (Kona, Hawaii on the Big Island)
This restaurant sits right on the ocean’s edge, and has a little to-go area right near the main entrance where you can order takeaway food, and takeaway coffee drinks, hot or cold.
Our favorite restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii
Kai - Oceanfront restaurant featuring a fantastic location serving American favorites. A great place for families with a wonderful casual atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit