Historic Kona Inn
Historic oceanside inn on Ali'i Drive offering seafood, Hawaiian classics, and stunning sunset views from its lanai.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Unforgettable ocean views
Historic Kona Inn
Best Time
Unforgettable ocean views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic oceanside inn on Ali'i Drive offering seafood, Hawaiian classics, and stunning sunset views from its lanai.
"The unbeatable oceanfront setting still delivers that classic Big Island charm."
🎯 Sunset Spectacle
Arrive early for sunset to secure the best oceanfront seats. It's a popular time!
🍹 Mai Tai Magic
Don't miss their signature Mai Tais – a classic pairing with the ocean breeze.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oceanfront Lanai Dining
Open-air lanai
Dine with waves crashing nearby. The unbeatable oceanfront setting is the star, offering classic Big Island charm.
Mai Tais with a View
Horseshoe-shaped bar
Sip on a classic Mai Tai while watching the sunset over the Pacific. The perfect way to experience Kona's relaxed vibe.
Historic Inn Ambiance
Main dining area
Experience the old-school Hawaiian vibe with tropical landscaping and a relaxed pace. A step back in time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Oceanfront Charm
Dress Code & Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sunset Spectacle
Arrive early for sunset to secure the best oceanfront seats. It's a popular time!
🍹 Mai Tai Magic
Don't miss their signature Mai Tais – a classic pairing with the ocean breeze.
🍽️ Stuffed Ono Recommendation
If you're looking for a standout dish, try the Stuffed Ono. It's often praised!
🛍️ Shopping Nearby
Explore the shops in the historic Kona Inn Shopping Center, including local boutiques.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sunset Spectacle
Arrive early for sunset to secure the best oceanfront seats. It's a popular time!
🍹 Mai Tai Magic
Don't miss their signature Mai Tais – a classic pairing with the ocean breeze.
🍽️ Stuffed Ono Recommendation
If you're looking for a standout dish, try the Stuffed Ono. It's often praised!
🛍️ Shopping Nearby
Explore the shops in the historic Kona Inn Shopping Center, including local boutiques.
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be tricky on Ali'i Drive; consider walking or using nearby public lots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Historic Kona Inn for its unbeatable oceanfront setting and classic Hawaiian ambiance, making it a popular spot for sunset views and relaxed dining. While the atmosphere is a major draw, some reviews note that the food and service can be inconsistent and may not always align with the price point, with a few finding the interior a bit dated.
"After reading some reviews we decided to give this place a try. We were able to get seating quick on a weeknight for a late dinner. Entrance was nice and inviting and views with nice ocean breeze was great. That said, the food was just average, and the overall interior felt a bit dated. I wasn’t a fan of the old furniture and dark carpets—removing those could really freshen up the space."
A C
"This was our third visit to the Kona Inn over a 22 year period, and while the unbeatable oceanfront setting still delivers that classic Big Island charm, we couldn’t help but notice a little decline in overall quality this time around.
Let’s start with the positives: the atmosphere is still one of the best you can find in Kona. Sitting out on the open-air lanai, watching the waves roll in with a mai tai (or my go to- a Diet Coke) in hand—it’s hard to ask for a better view.
The historic feel of the building, the tropical landscaping, and the relaxed pace all contribute to that old-school Hawaiian vibe that’s becoming harder to find…. Especially now as it seems as more and more storefronts are vacant.
That said, while still good, the food and service didn’t quite live up to our previous experiences. Dishes that once felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared now felt a bit more harried and inconsistent. It’s not that it was a bad meal—it just wasn’t up to the standard that made us want to return a third time. We left wishing the experience had matched the beauty of the setting.
We’re hopeful this was just an off night, and we’d love to see Kona Inn return to the high quality and warm hospitality that made it a favorite of ours. Here’s hoping it finds its groove again, because that view is still worth coming back for. We love this spot!
When you go, we recommend trying the stuffed Ono! That dish is rich and delicious!"
Arianne Randolph
"Great place to drop in for a lunch. I got the Cheeseburger and garlic bread, nothing very special about the burger but the garlic bread blew me away. The view was astonishing and the service was great! You can see the age of the restaurant and that is all part of the experience, the menu was pretty limited but had some good options to choose from. I enjoyed the overall experience and most definitely would choose a different menu item if I returned."
Scott Fritz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Historic Kona Inn is located on Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona. If you're driving, be aware that parking can be challenging in this popular area. Many visitors find it easier to walk from nearby accommodations or use public parking lots. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
While there might be limited street parking directly in front, it's often scarce. It's advisable to look for public parking lots in the vicinity of Ali'i Drive or consider walking if you're staying nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and during peak sunset hours, to ensure you get a table with a good view. Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, but you might face a wait.
The Historic Kona Inn typically serves lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current operating hours, as they can vary seasonally.
No, there is no admission fee to enter the Historic Kona Inn or its shopping center. You only pay for food and drinks if you choose to dine or drink there.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Historic Kona Inn offers a menu featuring seafood, Hawaiian classics, and American fare. They are known for their oceanfront dining experience and classic cocktails like Mai Tais. +1
Yes, the Kona Inn generally offers a keiki (kids) menu with standard options like mac and cheese, which can be a lifesaver for picky eaters.
Many visitors recommend the Stuffed Ono for a rich and delicious seafood option. The cheeseburger with garlic bread has also received positive mentions for its sides.
Prices can be on the higher side, reflecting the prime oceanfront location and historic ambiance. It's considered fair for the venue, but some reviews suggest the value might not always align with the cost.
While the Kona Inn itself focuses on a broader seafood and Hawaiian menu, there are excellent poke spots nearby, such as The Poke Shack, which is highly recommended. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The prime photo opportunities are undoubtedly the ocean views from the lanai, especially during sunset. The historic architecture of the inn itself also provides charming backdrops.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most magical lighting for photos. The blue hour after sunset also provides a beautiful, serene atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more diverse family dining experience, consider exploring other highly-rated spots in Kailua-Kona. The Poke Shack offers customizable poke bowls that kids might enjoy, and places like Broke Da Mouth Grindz are known for crowd-pleasing dishes.
💰 Budget Travelers
For more budget-conscious dining, explore local eateries and food trucks in Kailua-Kona. The Poke Shack is often praised for its delicious and reasonably priced poke bowls.
💑 Couples
While the food might not always be the highlight, the overall atmosphere makes it a memorable destination for a special occasion or a relaxed evening. For those who prioritize the view and the romantic setting, the Kona Inn is a solid choice. Consider making a reservation to ensure a prime table.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Kona Inn Experience
However, recent reviews suggest that while the unbeatable oceanfront setting remains its strongest asset, the overall quality of food and service has seen some decline. Some diners find the interior a bit dated, with old furniture and dark carpets that could use a refresh. Despite these critiques, the view and the historic charm continue to draw visitors, with many hoping the Inn will recapture its former high standards.
For those seeking a quintessential Kona experience, the Historic Kona Inn offers a chance to dine with a spectacular view. It's a place where the atmosphere often outshines the culinary execution, making it a popular spot for sunset cocktails and casual lunches, even if the main dining experience might not always meet expectations.
Culinary Delights in Kailua-Kona
When considering dining with a family, especially with picky eaters, the Historic Kona Inn does offer a keiki menu with familiar options.
Ultimately, Kailua-Kona provides a spectrum of dining experiences, from the historic charm of the Kona Inn to the bustling local spots. Whether you're seeking a sunset dinner with a view or a quick, flavorful poke bowl, there are plenty of options to satisfy your palate.
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