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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Kaupulehu

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6 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Jackie Rey's Kailua-Kona restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(534)
$$$$
• American • Kailua-Kona
Booked 33 times today
Jackie Rey’s Kona is a locally loved, open-air restaurant featuring elevated seafood and steak in the heart of Kailua-Kona. Conveniently located near Aliʻi Drive and just 15 minutes from Kona International Airport (KOA), Jackie Rey’s offers on-site parking and an easy, relaxed dining experience for both locals and visitors.Open daily starting at 3:30 PM, guests can enjoy Happy Hour from 3:30–5:30 PM, along with a main menu focused on island-inspired flavors, prime steaks, and fresh seafood. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available.Fan favorites include the Seafood Trio with seared ahi, coconut shrimp, and crab cake, as well as Kalua Pork Spring Rolls served with sweet herb chili sauce. Handcrafted cocktails, including the signature JRey’s ’44 Mai Tai, and a curated wine list perfectly complement the menu.With warm aloha hospitality and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, Jackie Rey’s is ideal for date nights, celebrations, and memorable Kona dinners.
A photo of Huggo's restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1879)
$$$$
• Seafood • Kailua-Kona
Booked 36 times today
Chart a course to Huggo’s for the finest in surfside dining.Dine just inches above the waves on an open-air lanai. Experience tender beef or prime rib, or try our exquisite island-fresh seafood. And by the way, when we say fresh—we mean fresh! Ahi, mahi mahi, ono and other delectable Hawaiian fish are delivered directly to our back door by local fishermen who caught them just hours earlier.Enjoy artfully prepared selections also influenced by Pacific Rim and Mediterranean styles.Thanks to Huggo’s on-the-water location and its commitment to “aloha” service, diners at Huggo’s will savor influences from Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian ports of call. This family-owned restaurant has become an island tradition since offering its first seafood platter 45 years ago.We always keep space available for walk-ins, so even if reservations look full, please stop by!Huggo’s on the Rocks, our next-door neighbor, is the perfect location for oceanside cocktails and light fare.
A photo of Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6462)
$$$$
• Hawaii Regional Cuisine • Kamuela
Booked 79 times today
Tommy Bahama combines a tranquil environment and good food with an emphasis on hospitality to make for the perfect place to recharge or unwind while indulging in a unique dining experience. The experience is sure to feel like a getaway, whether you’re on vacation or looking for a vacation from your everyday life. For more information: www.tommybahama.com
A photo of Kai Eats and Drinks restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(115)
$$$$
• American • Kailua-Kona
Booked 17 times today
Oceanfront dining in the heart of Kailua-Kona featuring our Italian-inspired dinner with pasta, seafood, steak, and classic desserts. By day, enjoy our casual lunch favorites like handcrafted pizza and burgers, and on weekends join us for brunch by the bay.With 48 taps of craft beer, wine, and cider, Kai offers one of the largest selections in Kailua-Kona town.We take a limited number of reservations daily, but we always keep space available for walk-ins.Even if OpenTable shows no availability, please come on in and we’ll be happy to seat you.Validated parking is available, two hours free, just bring your license plate number to our host!
A photo of Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island restaurant
Icon
4.9
Exceptional(11318)
$$$$
• Hawaii Regional Cuisine • Kamuela
Booked 80 times today
Located in the heart of the Big Islands farm community is Peter Merriman's original restaurant; Merriman's Waimea. Chef/Owner Peter Merriman is one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and uses 90% or more of local produce, fish and beef. All dishes are handcrafted to highlight the natural flavors of each menu item. Our award winning wine list has selections for all to enjoy. Merriman's knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you through a culinary experience you will not forget. We look forward to serving you!
A photo of FORC restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(571)
$$$$
• Farm-to-table • Kamuela
Booked 2 times today
Owned by Chef Allen Hess, FORC brings the farm to your table located in the heart of Waimea. FORC showcases a farm to table aspect by bringing fresh harvests from farmers, the ocean from the fishermen and the ranch from local paniolo. By changing our menu seasonally, we are able to get creative with what Hawai’i has to offer. Curating hearty seasonal dinner dishes with a flare of local fusion flavors we put our own unique twists on Big Island grass fed beef, whole roasted fish, and so much more. There are vegetarian, paleo and gluten free options too. Indulge more with special menus like happy hour and holiday menus. Sip on our award winning craft cocktails and dine in our warm friendly Kamuela atmosphere.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lynnette
    Denver / Colorado •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great place to view the bay, great ambiance. Good food, the carpaccio with ahi and kanpachi was great! Front row view of the fireworks on the 4th was spectacular!! Great evening had by all.
    More info
    Kai Eats and Drinks$$$$• American• Kailua-Kona
    4.6
  • MariaGold
    New Orleans / Louisiana •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This is the best food I have ever had at a restaurant, and I have been too many many restaurants! It was literally perfection.
    More info
    Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island$$$$• Hawaii Regional Cuisine• Kamuela
    4.9
  • Griffin
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We had the absolute best server and had a child w and allergy and they were phenomenal with it.
    More info
    Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island$$$$• Hawaii Regional Cuisine• Kamuela
    4.7
  • Lena
    Greater Boston •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Our family of 5 had the best night at Huggo's! The service was outstanding, the food was delicious and the scenery top notch. Would highly recommend this restaurant!
    More info
    Huggo's$$$$• Seafood• Kailua-Kona
    4.6
  • Andre
    Cleveland / Akron / Canton •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Coming from Ohio, seafood usually isn’t our first choice—but at Jackie Rey’s Restaurant & Bar, that completely changed. We ordered the Seafood Ravioli and the Mochiko-Crusted Fresh Catch, and both dishes were absolutely incredible. We’ve been on the island for a week, and this was hands down the best meal we’ve had so far! If you’re visiting, I highly recommend giving this place a try. Keep in mind that it’s a fine dining restaurant, so the prices are on the higher side, but the quality of the food, exceptional service, and overall experience make it well worth it. And for my fellow non-drinkers, be sure to order the “Only in Dreams” mocktail—it’s delicious!
    More info
    Jackie Rey's Kailua-Kona$$$$• American• Kailua-Kona
    4.6
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