Looking to eat out in South Kona? Check out our top five restaurants in the area. Whether you crave a classic burger and fries, fresh sashimi, or something spicy, it’s all here on the Kona Coast.
1. Rebel Kitchen
This local favorite serves a selection of salads, sandwiches and burgers, as well as specialty dishes – their coconut curry ono and shrimp is dreamy, and why not try their chicken fajita wontons (hand-rolled). Rebel Kitchen believe in using local suppliers as much as possible, sourcing from Big Island farmers, butchers and fishermen. They also sell a range of amazing sauces, their Hawaiian Fire Sauce packs a punch!
Style: Casual dining
Where: 79-7399 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, HI
Drive time from Horizon: 26 minutes
When: Tues–Sat / 11am–8pm
Online: www.rebelkitchen.com / Instagram @rebelkitchen
Contact. 808 322 0616
2. Galbi 808 Korean BBQ (formerly TK Noodle House) [now closed]
Galbi 808 is part of the TK Noodle House family – they still serve the TK Noodle House menu – but they’ve rebranded and added something new, Korean BBQ. They describe their style as fresh and fast. Offering some of the best noodle dishes we’ve ever eaten – their chicken pad Thai is always delicious – and some tasty salads and soups, as well as the new Korean BBQ mixed plates. Wash it all down with one of their famous bubble tea smoothies (served with Tapioca Pearl) – you know you want to!
Style: Asian Fusion.
Where: 79-7460 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, HI
Drive time from Horizon: 25 minutes
When: Mon–Sat / 11:30am–8pm
Online: www.cheftk.com / Facebook Galbi 808 Korean BBQ
Contact: 808 324 0070
3. Annie's Island Fresh Burgers [temporarily closed]
Often voted the home of the best burger in West Hawaii, Annie’s is more than a regular burger joint. Committed to using locally sourced organic produce, locally caught fish, and making sure your burgers are made with only the best grass-fed beef (raised on the Big Island of course!), eat at Annie’s and know you’re supporting the local community. You can’t go past the Ultimate Classic Burger to sate even the largest appetite, or try their unique Taro burger, made with locally grown taro. There’s a full bar – get there between 3–5pm daily to enjoy happy hour.
Style: Classic burgers with a conscience.
Where: 79-7460 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, HI
Drive time from Horizon: 25 minutes
When: Daily / 11am–8pm
Online: www.anniesislandfreshburgers.com / Instagram @anniesburgers
Contact: 808 324 6000
4. Teshima's Restaurant
Since 1957 Teshima’s has been providing a mixture of some of the best Japanese and Hawaiian dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh sashimi, shrimp tempura or Kona beef curry stew, Teshima’s offers a comfortable, intimate dining atmosphere. Come and enjoy the best tempura on the Big Island at this local institution.
Style: Japanese & Hawaiian cuisine.
Where: 79-7251 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, HI
Drive time from Horizon: 20 minutes
When: Daily / 6:30am–1:45pm & 5pm–9pm
Online: www.teshimarestaurant.com / Instagram @teshimas
Contact: 808 322 9140
5. Keei Cafe
Fresh food, local art and live music – what could be better! Keei Café combines all of these and provides an upmarket dining experience with an eclectic menu. Try their peanut miso salad, or their rack of New Zealand lamb. Reservations are recommended, so call ahead. Cash only.
Style: Hawaiian fine dining
Where: 79-7511 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, HI
Drive time from Horizon: 23 minutes
When: Tues–Sat / 5pm–9pm
Online: www.keeicafe.net / Instagram @Keei_cafe
Contact: 808 322 9992
Click the Book Now button below to make a reservation at Horizon Guest House.