Restaurants - 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

Restaurant review: Merriman’s Restaurant

Posted on October 17, 2025July 12, 2026 by Angus

Merriman’s is one of Hawaii’s most well-known restaurants. Whether you want to splash out for a special occasion, or just enjoy some of the best dining on offer on the island, Merriman’s is a great option.

Located in Waimea, a 55 minute drive from Kona, this restaurant has a well-deserved reputation for fine dining. A reservation is almost always essential, especially for dinner, but we had no trouble getting a table toward the end of the lunch rush on a Monday.

The menu

Merriman’s has a unique locally-sourced menu combining great flavors and quality ingredients. Our mains, a salad and the fish of the day were exquisite, while the desserts were sublime.

Fresh Catch of the Day – Ono ($29)

Kamuela Greek Salad ($18)

Pineapple Macadamia Nut Bread Pudding – Butter rum sauce, house-made vanilla ice cream ($16)

Waialua Chocolate Torte – Salted caramel, whipped cream ($14)

The restaurant is spacious with plenty of seating.

Merriman’s is known for being a high quality dining experience and it doesn’t disappoint. Consistently rated as one of Hawaii’s best restaurants, Merriman’s is worth making the trip from wherever you are staying on the island. Highly recommended.

Merriman's Restaurant

65-1227 Opelo Rd B, Waimea, HI 96743

Ph. 808 885 6822

Hours:

Mon-Sat Lunch – 11:30-2PM

Sun Lunch – 10:30-1PM

Mon-Sun Dinner – 5-8:30PM

https://www.merrimanshawaii.com/location/big-island/

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

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

Restaurant review: Menehune Restaurant

Posted on June 16, 2023December 30, 2024 by Angus

Menehune Restaurant is located on Mamalahoa Highway in South Kona, just south of Captain Cook. They serve a great variety of breakfast and lunch dishes. Open from 6am to 3pm. A handy pitstop on your journey south!

We arrived for lunch early in the week and there were plenty of tables. There is also easy parking in front of the restaurant. The service was super friendly and the menu is extensive.

The menu

For breakfast choose from – a range of omelettes or waffles, or go for their classic breakfast options – like biscuits and gravy, a breakfast burrito, a wrap, or a turkey & Swiss croissant. For lunch choose from sandwiches, wraps, burgers, salads or fish and chips.

What we ordered

(Above) Fish and Chips – beer batter crispy fresh caught fish, French fries, citrus slaw, and tartar sauce ($26.95)

(Above) Ono sandwich with avocado and slaw ($29.95)

The fish and chips were tasty and the portion was large. The Ono sandwich however, was overpriced for what it was and wasn’t as flavorful as expected. This was disappointing. We do like to support local businesses but the prices at Menehune Restaurant are on the steep side. If you’re looking for a lunch spot on your way out of Kona there are other restaurants to choose from such as the Coffee Shack that might be a better option in this area.

(*Please note, we haven’t tried their breakfast menu).

Menehune Restaurant

84-5227 Mamalahoa Hwy
Captain Cook

Hawaii 96704

Ph. 808 238 0627

Hours: Mon – Sun, 6am – 3pm

https://www.menehunecoffee.com/restaurant/

Author: Angus Meek

Restaurant review: Taka Sushi Grill Chinese Cuisine

Posted on May 16, 2023December 30, 2024 by Angus

Taka Sushi Grill Chinese Cuisine is tucked away in the Coconut Grove Marketplace on Ali’i Drive. They serve a great selection of sushi as well as Chinese dishes. Open all day for lunch and dinner, this quiet restaurant is great for a quick lunch or a dinner feast!

We arrived early in the week for an early lunch and were seated quickly. The restaurant has only a few tables, plus seating at the counter, although there is a back room for large groups. Unless you’re seated at the table by the window there aren’t views of the ocean. Parking is easy, the Coconut Grove Marketplace almost always has adequate parking in the lot behind the marketplace, and it’s just a short walk to the restaurant.

The service is good and the only problem we had was deciding on what to choose from their vast menu!

The menu

A large selection of sushi rolls, sashimi/nigiri as well as chow mein noodles, chicken and pork dishes.

What we ordered

(Above) Dublin Roll – Spicy tuna crabmeat topped with yellowtail and avocado ($14.95). Unagi ($6.95) and Seared Sake (Nigiri) ($7.95).

(Above) Sesame Balls – sticky white flour dough filled with a sweet paste ($6.25).

(Above) Edamame ($5.75).

(Above) Sunset Blvd Roll – Spicy tuna and yellowtail crunch with unagi spicy sauce ($13.95).

(Above) Dragon Roll – Crabmeat mix, shrimp tempura and eel, topped with avocado. Served with eel sauce and tobiko ($14.95).

Taka Sushi is a great place for fresh sushi. All of our dishes were excellent, in particular the eel. The only disappointment was the heavily salted edamame but that’s just a personal preference. If you’re looking for sushi for lunch or dinner near the Kona waterfront, be sure to head to Taka Sushi.

Taka Sushi Grill Chinese Cuisine

75-5803 Ali’i Dr B5, Kailua-Kona

Hawaii 96740

Ph. 808 491 2321

Hours: Mon – Sun, 10:30am – 10:30pm

https://www.takaorder.com