Located on the west of Hawaii Island, also popularly known as the Big Island, is Kailua-Kona, a gorgeous town famous for its deep-sea fishing and an amazing variety of distinct coffee flavors.
This sunny seaside town is often referred to as ‘Kona’ by the locals residing in the Kona district. From beautiful sandy beaches to a lively farmers market to rich culture and history, Kona has so many amazing things to offer to its visitors and guests. But, above all that, one has to talk about the incredible variety of food that this part of the Big Island has in store for you.
You will find some of the best fine dining restaurants in Kona, each of which has something unique to bring to the table in terms of their menus, dishes, flavors, and ambiance. After all, if there’s one thing found in abundance in the Big Island, it’s an impressive variety of dining options.
So, if you ever plan a trip to the Big Island, you must explore the following top five fine-dining restaurants in Kona for an exotic culinary experience.
1. ‘ULU Ocean Grill And Sushi Lounge
There are no surprises as to why ‘ULU Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge is our top pick for fine dining restaurants in Kona, especially considering the fact that the Big Island is most famous for its abundant fresh seafood.
This restaurant is located within the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai and is considered to be the epitome of the fine dining experience. As the name suggests, it offers an ideal blend of a fine Hawaiian grill and a sushi lounge.
If you want to make the most of your dining affair at ‘ULU Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge, you must go for the oceanside open-air seating that is made absolutely specular by Hawaiian torches that are lit every evening. Some of the restaurant’s signature dishes include Hawaiian Ahi Poke with ogu, sesame oil, white shoyu, and Maui onions, Black Pepper Prime NY Steak with Kiawe smoked potatoes, edamame, and fennel creamed Kerala Swiss chard, and local snapper, which is served according to your individual preference!
2. Huggo’s
This is considered to be a mainstay of downtown Kailua-Kona given its ideal seaside location, delicious fresh seafood dishes, and a mesmerizing to-die-for cocktail selection!
Huggo’s welcomed all the foodies out thereby opening its doors back in 1969, and over time, it managed to earn its reputation as one of the top fine dining restaurants in Kona. It’s a Kona classic thanks owing to its just-caught seafood, unique elegance, and stunning sunsets.
Some of its winning dishes include Kailua Bay Cioppino with red shrimp, clams, tomatoes, saffron, local fish, and fennel.
With a sophisticated oceanfront ambiance, delicious food, and colorful cocktails, this premier restaurant in Kona will truly leave you craving for more.
3. Beach Tree Bar And Lounge
This elegant lounge-style restaurant is located in the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, and it boasts absolutely picturesque views of the Kona coastline. It is characterized by a sleek, modern, sophisticated beachside spot with a great menu featuring a variety of Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
The Beach Tree Bar and Lounge is just a few steps away from the water, with an oceanfront beach set against a beautiful sunset backdrop where you can enjoy fresh craft cocktails.
A few of its signature dishes include Mahi Tacos with purple Napa cabbage, roasted tomatillo salsa and cojita cheese, Margherita brick oven pizza with basil and mozzarella di bufala, and char-grilled beef burger with crispy prosciutto, giardiniera, provolone, and Calabrian chili remoulade.
While devouring this delectable food, you get to choose from a collection of fine wines that are sourced from around the world, along with and classic cocktails that you can enjoy to the fullest with live Hawaiian music.
4. Fish Hopper Seafood And Steaks
This another fine dining restaurant in Kona that overlooks the Kailua Bay with a beautiful expansive patio. Fish Hooper Seafood and Steaks restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, which it sources from California and Hawaii.
It was established back in 1934, and since then, the restaurant has gained significant popularity for some of its signature dishes that range from seafood pasta, fresh grilled fish, sesame-crusted ahi tuna, clam chowder, and oysters on the half shell. This exotic cuisine is further coupled with a selection of fine wines from around the world, as well as refreshing cocktails that are made from top-shelf spirits.
A few must-have dishes at this restaurant include Kona brew fish and chips featuring fresh ono tempura style with island coleslaw, local Kona Brewery beer and French fries, Bone-in rib-eye steak with herb pound butter and crispy onions, and Grilled Sanddabs with lemon caper sauce, sautéed organic vegetables, and wasabi mashed potatoes,
5. Honu’s On The Beach
This restaurant is located in the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel and is the hotel’s most popular, award-winning restaurant. It also holds a great reputation for being one of the best fine dining restaurants in Kona with a premier culinary experience in a spectacular setting.
Honu’s on the Beach serves breakfast, brunch, and dinner in lavish buffets featuring a plethora of incredible food dishes. This restaurant has been designed and set on a spacious lanai that offers picturesque views of the white sandy beach as well as roaring fire pits that complete the look. The delicious food along with gorgeous water views makes Honu’s on the Beach an ideal dining choice for all the foodies out there who have a thing for fine alfresco dining.
Enjoy Culinary Heaven In Kona!
These top fine dining restaurants in Kona will certainly transport you to culinary heaven! The Big Island is home to so many talented local chefs who make the most of this spectacular island’s beauty and bounty. Then, they bring it all together in the form of delicious culinary creations that perfectly satisfy the palates and leave you wanting more.
