Kona - Horizon Guest House

Restaurant review: Seiji’s Sushi

Posted on July 12, 2026July 12, 2026 by Angus

Located in downtown Kona, just off Ali’i Drive, is Seiji’s Sushi, a Japanese sushi restaurant. Calling for a reservation is essential as they only have three tables, and do not take walk-ins. This restaurant has quickly gained a reputation for serving some of the best sushi on the island.

We arrived for an early dinner at 5pm. We had made a reservation for Omakase, the chef’s multi course meal.

Appetizer was first – local greens. Followed by a bowl of miso soup.

Next was a sashimi platter to share. The fish was super fresh and delicious!

This was followed by a small bowl of fried tofu.

Next was a dish of shrimp, fish and vegetable tempura.

Next was a piece of seared kampachi.

A shared mixed platter of sushi, including unagi, was next.

Finally, a small dessert was the perfect ending. A matcha cookie with chocolate ice cream, whipped cream and strawberries. Perfect!

The meal was delicious, and the flavors delicate, including possibly the best wasabi we’ve ever had. Highly recommended.

To find Seiji’s Sushi, walk through the arcade to the left of the Cheeky Tiki Restaurant & Lounge on Ali’i Drive, the arcade leads into an open area. Seiji’s Sushi is located on the other side of this open space. There is parking behind the restaurant but availability is limited. Additional parking is available only a few minutes walk away.

Seiji's Sushi

75–5669 Ali’i Dr, #1106, Kona

Ph. 808 329 7278

Hours:

Thursday – Monday 5-9PM

https://www.seijissushi.com

Coffee Shack Farms: Honaunau

Posted on September 30, 2025October 12, 2025 by Angus

Located in Honaunau at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 160, is the newly opened Coffee Shack Farms Honaunau. This is the second location for the Coffee Shack, along with the original restaurant and coffee shop in nearby Captain Cook.

This location is more of a local store stocking food to-go, drinks, souvenirs and Kona coffee.The store is almost directly opposite the Honaunau Post Office and there is plenty of parking.

There is also plenty of seating outside on the lanai.

The menu

The menu includes breakfast burritos, sandwiches, wraps, salads and sides.

Granola parfait and generous slices of chocolate cake make for a welcome snack on the way back from the beach.

The entry for the parking lot is located about fifty yards before you reach the intersection (when heading south from Kona).

Coffee Shack Farms Honaunau

84-4830 Hawai’i Belt Rd (Highway 11), Captain Cook, HI 96704

Hours: Fri – Tues 8am – 2pm

https://www.coffeeshack.com/general-6

Restaurant review: Sean’s Kitchen

Posted on August 16, 2025August 30, 2025 by Angus

Located in Kopiko Plaza in Kona, this sushi restaurant is a great place to grab lunch or a late dinner. Open from 11am to 11pm, Sean’s Kitchen offers a wide range of freshly made sushi at reasonable prices.

Tucked into the corner of Kopiko Plaza, Sean’s Kitchen is a short walk to the left of the UPS store.

The interior is spacious with comfortable seating and plenty of tables.

The menu

Sean’s Kitchen has an extensive menu of sushi options and other mains including unagi, chicken teriyaki, beef short ribs, chicken katsu and salmon teriyaki.

Unagi (eel) served with rice, salad and miso soup ($24.95). This was delicious – the unagi was superb.

Sushi Roll Combo ($21.95). Includes Alaska roll, spicy tuna roll, and shrimp tempura roll. Served with miso soup and salad (below). A great mix of different rolls.

Cherry Blossom Roll ($15.95). Includes salmon, avocado, tuna, sesame seeds. Tasted amazing, super fresh and tasty.

Ichiban Roll ($14.95). Includes hamachi, avocado, unagi, scallion, sesame seed sauce and unagi sauce. Delicious combination, especially the unagi.

Kevin’s Lunch Special ($24.95). Spicy tuna roll, 5 pieces nigiri, 3 pieces of salmon. Served with miso soup and salad.

Sean's Kitchen

75-5660 Kopiko St B6, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Ph. 808 334 1827

Hours: Mon – Sun 11am – 11pm

https://www.seanskitchenkona.com

Cafe review: Kaya’s

Posted on April 16, 2025May 22, 2025 by Angus

Located on Highway 11 just south of Kona, Kaya’s is a popular cafe with great coffee – organic as well as 100% Kona – organic baked goods, sandwiches, smoothies and more. They also have a great selection of local art, jewelry and clothing.

Kaya’s is not far out of Kona and makes a great place to stop for excellent coffee on your journey south.

The menu

Specializing in organic and local ingredients the menu includes bagels with plenty of options, sandwiches, avocado toast, plus plenty of vegetarian options. They even use bread baked locally by Sundog Bread!

We can’t recommend their coffee enough! Also check out their fresh-baked offerings in the cabinet.

There’s plenty of seating and plenty of space in the parking lot beside the cafe.

Kaya's Coffee

79-7300 Hawai’i Belt Rd, Kealakekua HI 96750

Ph. 808 322 8800

Hours: Mon – Fri 5:30am to 6pm, Sat – Sun 6am to 6pm

https://www.kayascoffee.com

Restaurant review: The Coffee Shack

Posted on March 30, 2025April 13, 2025 by Angus

Located on Highway 11 just south of Captain Cook is The Coffee Shack. This popular local restaurant is perched on the side of the highway with stunning westward views of Kealakekua Bay and the ocean. It makes for the perfect coffee stop on your scenic journey south.

The Coffee Shack grow their own coffee on the land below the restaurant so it makes for a great place to try Kona coffee while looking over the Kona Coast.

The menu

The Coffee Shack is a family-owned restaurant, serving 100% Kona coffee, homemade pastries, and everything from a full breakfast to a light lunch (including sandwiches, pizza and salads), not to mention their famous pies!

What we ordered

Chocolate cream pie ($7.50) – A decadent slice of perfection!

Cinnamon Roll with cream cheese frosting ($6.50) – a huge cinnamon roll with freshly-made dough, delicious!

The Coffee Shack has a waitlist system for securing a table. When you arrive they’ll add you to the list and then text you when your table is ready. We were told we would have to wait 10-15 minutes but it was only about 5 minutes. There is also an option to call ahead to get on their waitlist.

If you can secure a window table the views are spectacular looking west towards Kealakekua Bay and the horizon.

(Above) Looking down toward Manini Beach in Kealakekua Bay.

The Coffee Shack is the perfect stop on a day trip south from Kona. Parking can be tricky as it gets busy quickly so we recommend getting there for an early coffee, or for breakfast as the sun rises.

The Coffee Shack

83-5799 Mamalahoa Hwy, Honaunau-Napo’opo’o, HI 96704

Ph. 808 328 9555

Hours: Thurs – Tues, 7am – 3:30pm, Closed Wednesday

https://www.coffeeshack.com

Restaurant review: The Theatery

Posted on November 16, 2024December 25, 2024 by Angus

The Theatery is a relatively new restaurant attached to the Aloha Theater in Kainaliu about a 15 minute drive from Kona. This newly renovated space has seen restaurants in the past but the latest incarnation is easily the best. The food is amazing, the service excellent, and the ambience is upscale but relaxed.

We arrived for an early dinner at 5pm on a Thursday evening. There were plenty of tables although it did get busy quickly. There is easy parking in the parking lot just north of the restaurant or on the street outside. You can choose to eat in the main dining room or outside on the covered patio with a view of the sunset over the ocean. The service was excellent and the menu has some great options.

The menu

The Theatery specializes in New American fare using French techniques and Hawaiian ingredients!

What we ordered

Ulu Dauphine – Spinach salad, frisee, crispy shallots, lobster-mustard dressing ($15)

Beet salad – Asian plums, goat cheese, pea tendrils, endive, ponzu & truffle vinaigrette ($12)

Kanpachi – five spice, house gnocchi, sherry-port beurre rouge ($29)

Beef fillet special – beef with mashed potato and green beans ($52)

Puna chocolate panna cotta with ube espuma ($12)

Banana Macadamia Napoleon ($11)

(Above) The view from the outdoor seating.

(Above) Great lighting and a great vibe. The Theatery has quickly become a local favorite.

The Theatery has helped filled the gap left by the closing of Keei Cafe and is now one of our favorite restaurants!

Update: December 2024

We returned for dinner with friends and tried more from their amazing menu.

The Theatery

79-7384 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd # B, Kealakekua

Hawaii 96750

Ph. 808 289 7711

Hours: Wed – Sun, 5pm – 10pm

https://thetheatery.com

South Kona Fruit Stand

Posted on February 28, 2024December 30, 2024 by Angus

The South Kona Fruit Stand has been a fixture in South Kona for a number of years. They grow and sell their own produce as well as serving smoothies, coffee and sandwiches.

The fruit stand is located just south of the intersection of Highway 11 & Highway 160). Their distinctive signs will give you forewarning of where to pull over. Take note – it’s a one way entrance and a one way exit. There is also easy parking.

What you'll find

You’ll find a wide variety of homegrown produce (depending on the season), some familiar snacks, and some homemade baked goods (try the lilikoi bars!). They also do made-to-order sandwiches.

Outdoor seating is located above the parking lot and is accessed by a path that runs alongside the main shop.

The South Kona Fruit Stand is a great little fruit stand and a great addition to the South Kona community. It doesn’t have the wide selection of fruit available at some of the bigger farmers markets but it makes up for it with a unique local charm of its own.

When and where?

The South Kona Fruit Stand operates everyday except Tuesday. Open 10-5pm Mon, Wed, Thurs and Fri & 10-4pm Sat and Sun.

Author: Angus Meek

Restaurant review: The Korner Pocket Sports Bar & Grill

Posted on February 17, 2024December 30, 2024 by Angus

The Korner Pocket Sports Bar & Grill is a South Kona institution. Popular with locals and tourists alike, Korner Pocket is in Kealakekua close to Highway 11. Open every day, they also do a Sunday brunch. A great place to stop on your way south!

We arrived for lunch mid-week and there were plenty of tables. There is also easy parking in the parking lot in front of the restaurant. You can choose to eat inside or outside where there is a covered lanai. The service was great and the menu has some great options.

Of course it is a sports bar and this is well-catered for with nine TVs and two pool tables. It can be a little noisy inside but there is a great outdoor lanai with seating which we found to be perfect.

The menu

Korner Pocket uses fresh, grass-fed beef for their hamburgers, served on locally-made fresh buns. They also offer – slow-cooked prime rib, spicy poke nachos, fish and chips, tacos and salads, as part of an extensive menu.

What we ordered

(Above) Blackened Ono Sandwich $16.95 – Lettuce, tomato, pickled red onion & aioli on a French brioche bun with a side salad.

(Above) KP Patty Melt $14.95 – Toasted rye, sautéed onions and Swiss cheese.

We took advantage of the outdoor seating which is to the left as you walk into Korner Pocket from the main parking lot entrance (the outdoor seating is located behind the screen in the photo below).

The fish sandwich was delicious and perfectly cooked as was the KP patty melt.

The Korner Pocket Sports Bar & Grill is a great place to grab a quick lunch, or to watch the game, or to simply spend the afternoon or evening having a leisurely meal.

Korner Pocket Sports Bar & Grill

81-970 Haleki’i Street
Kealakekua

Hawaii 96750

Ph. 808 322 2994

Hours: Mon – Thurs 11am – 8pm, Fri – Sat 11am – 9pm, Sun 9am – 8pm

https://kornerpocketkona.com

Author: Angus Meek

Snorkeling Kahalu’u Beach Park

Posted on November 29, 2023December 30, 2024 by Angus

Kahalu’u Beach Park is one the most popular snorkeling spots on the Big Island of Hawaii. While we recommend Two Step and Kealakekua Bay as two of the best, Kahaluʻu Bay has its own charm.

The beach park is located in calm water only minutes drive south of Kailua-Kona. Its easy location makes it the perfect place to snorkel if you are staying near Ali’i Drive, or in one of the hotels around the waterfront.

The bay itself is well-protected by a fringing reef, providing safe, calm waters for your snorkeling adventure. The water is relatively shallow, at about 4-5 feet deep. Green sea turtles are often seen in the bay as they like to sun themselves on the rocks.

Some of the sea life you might see when snorkeling include: sea urchins, octopus, eels, turtles, and of course plenty of tropical fish such as yellow tang, parrotfish, rainbow fish, and more.

Take care to snorkel in the south part of the bay. Traditionally, the north part of the bay is where surfers congregate. But there’s plenty of room for snorkelers and surfers alike!

Free parking is available at the beach park. There are also picnic tables, showers and bathrooms, and snorkel rentals. Lifeguards are on duty from 9:30am–4:45pm every day.

Keep in mind that this is a very popular snorkeling destination because of its accessibility to downtown Kona. During the busy season (Nov-Mar) it can get crowded. Your best strategy is to arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds. The ocean will be at its most calm first thing in the morning before the wind changes to onshore.

The best snorkeling is found in the cove directly out from where you first enter the water. The water is a little clearer further out, due to the fresh groundwater that comes up through the sand near the shoreline causing a blurry effect in the water.

When the tide goes out there are plenty of shallow tide pools to explore in amongst the rocks. The park also has large pavilions for added shade and the beach park is the perfect place to bring a picnic lunch. Don’t have a car? The beach park is close enough to Kailua-Kona you can walk to it (if you’re staying nearby), cycle to it, or make use of the Kona Trolley!

If your stay on the Big Island is limited then a short trip to Kahaluʻu Beach Park for snorkeling is well worth it. Make sure you get there early to avoid the crowds, and before the parking lot begins to fill up!

Author: Angus Meek

Essential Big Island: Two Step snorkeling

Posted on September 27, 2023December 30, 2024 by Angus

The Big Island has some of the best snorkeling in the state of Hawaii. Two Step is one of those places (along with nearby Kealakekua Bay). We recommend you don’t miss out on this amazing snorkeling spot.

South Kona is perhaps most famous for coffee and snorkeling. Both Two Step and Kealakekua Bay have some of the best snorkeling on the island and in the entire state. Two Step is especially popular because it’s easy to get to and even easier to jump straight into the ocean and start snorkeling.

Two Step is the name of the beach and also the name of the two naturally occurring steps inset into the rock at the ocean’s edge. These steps are where you enter the water. It can get crowded at peak times, so we recommend getting to Two Step as early as possible. This way you will beat the crowds and also take advantage of the calm ocean surface which is best for snorkeling. Alternatively, the end of the day can be a less crowded time to go snorkeling too.

You will find parking right at the beach itself but keep in mind this fills up quickly. On the opposite side of the road is paid parking. There is more free parking on the side of the road which approaches the National Park next to Two Step. If you park here it’s just a two minute walk down to the beach. You can also park in the National Park itself.

Entering the water is easy because of the two naturally-formed lava steps (hence the name two step). It’s mostly lava here, and there isn’t much sand. But the snorkeling is easy and there are no currents, making it a perfect place for beginners to try snorkeling. We recommend using a flotation device (either a belt, or even a boogie board) if you feel apprehensive about being in deep water (10-15 feet). Using a boogie board is a great way to simply relax and concentrate on observing the marine life.

Two Step is popular with local residents and tourists alike. Despite the lack of sand there is still shade and it makes a nice location to set up a beach chair and relax by the ocean. There is also a shallow bay to the left of the boat ramp that serves as a safe place for children to swim, or adults who aren’t confident in deeper water.

Two Step is one of the jewels of South Kona. You’ll see plenty of fish including yellow tang, butterflyfish, eel, parrotfish, and puffer fish, to name a few. You might even see dolphins and the occasional turtle. Keep in mind it’s now illegal to swim with spinner dolphins. A distance of at least 50 yards must be maintained at all times.

There are limited facilities at Two Step. There are porta potty restrooms, but no showers. There are also a few picnic tables.

Two Step is definitely an essential stop on your Big Island journey. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just a beginner, there is something for everyone at South Kona’s celebrated snorkeling spot.