This awesome restaurant is AMAZING! your up on the second story and it's alllll open so it's good with a view. The wait staff it's AMAZING as well! We have had dinner and breakfast here the food is fantastic. They have a bar and love music. The flaming pineapple drinks are more than perfect! We celebrate to Hawaii for vacation and one goal was to find a place with a drink in a pineapple and they have it! Very much recommend!
1 / 10

Big Kahuna Beach Grill

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Experience laid-back island vibes with live music, ocean views, and comforting Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
This awesome restaurant is AMAZING! your up on the second story and it's alllll open so it's good with a view. The wait staff it's AMAZING as well! We have had dinner and breakfast here the food is fantastic. They have a bar and love music. The flaming pineapple drinks are more than perfect! We celebrate to Hawaii for vacation and one goal was to find a place with a drink in a pineapple and they have it! Very much recommend!

Big Kahuna Beach Grill

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience laid-back island vibes with live music, ocean views, and comforting Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.

"The food was fantastic with a flavor and view that matched."

TIP

Visit During Happy Hour

Enjoy $2 off drinks and appetizers daily from 3-5 PM.

Don't Miss the Chowder

The clam chowder is considered some of the best on the island.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

American, Hawaiian

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(808) 556-6482

Address

75-5663 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oceanfront Dining with a View

Oceanfront Dining with a View

Dine with stunning ocean and pier views, offering a perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal.

Hawaiian Comfort Food

Hawaiian Comfort Food

Savor local favorites like Loco Moco and fresh seafood, including highly-praised clam chowder.

Tropical Cocktails & Live Music

Tropical Cocktails & Live Music

Enjoy unique, visually impressive cocktails and a fun atmosphere with live music.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Big Kahuna w @Whit 🤗🤗🤗
@brady.steele
65 likes • 1.3K views

Visit During Happy Hour

Enjoy $2 off drinks and appetizers daily from 3-5 PM.

Don't Miss the Chowder

The clam chowder is considered some of the best on the island.

Did you know we’re open on weekends? Escape the cold and enjoy 84 degree temps right here at Big Kahuna’s!
@saharasamsnj
18 likes • 2.3K views
📍Big Kahuna #fatsunday #sundaydinner #friends
@sophieslife34
93 likes • 2.2K views

Ask for Recommendations

Servers like Amber or Jennifer can offer great suggestions.

Try Specialty Drinks

Unique cocktails like the Tropical Whale are a must-try.

Some of, if not the best Hawaiian BBQ I have ever had. @Big Kahuna deserves a line out the door and I hope they get it❤️☺️ #bigkahuna #hawaiianbbq #lexington #lexingtonky #foodtok #foodreview #restaurantreview #foodie #yummy
@grootiethefoodie
1.1K likes • 23.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit During Happy Hour

Enjoy $2 off drinks and appetizers daily from 3-5 PM.

Don't Miss the Chowder

The clam chowder is considered some of the best on the island.

Ask for Recommendations

Servers like Amber or Jennifer can offer great suggestions.

Try Specialty Drinks

Unique cocktails like the Tropical Whale are a must-try.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Big Kahuna Beach Grill is praised for its stunning ocean views, friendly service, and delicious comfort food, with many highlighting the clam chowder and unique cocktails. While most diners enjoy their experience, some have noted issues with food quality on occasion, particularly with breakfast items like avocado toast.

"Most enjoyable place to eat for some of the best clam chowder around with the blend of clams and Mahi Mahi, Philly Steak and Fish abs Chips absolutely did not disappoint. From the very moment we arrived at the top of the stairs the excellence in service awaited us with an amazing smile and greet from the hostess and service from then on. We were checked on many times and were also greeted and checked on by the manager as well. Food was fast and very tasty with a flavor and view that matched. Glad we made this a stop before heading back to California. Thanks to all the staff at Big Kahuna Beach Grill! Top notch."

Randal Pettyjohn

"Great views of the ocean and even better food. The Poke Bowl is super fresh and full of flavor, 10/10 and highly recommend. Pairs great with Kona Big Wave beer."

Ryan Savage

"An amazing evening overlooking the pier, enjoying our last evening in Kona before heading home. Our server was great, very friendly, and the manager stopped by to see how we were doing. The fish tacos and blackened fish sandwich were amazing, and they even did steak right! My son even dared the loco moco - two burger patties on fried rice served with egg, and he loved it!"

Duane Richards

What People Like

Spectacular ocean views
Friendly and efficient service
Delicious clam chowder and seafood

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food quality
Paid parking

Frequently Asked Questions

Must-try dishes include the clam chowder, volcano burgers, grilled shrimp, and the Loco Moco.

Yes, the restaurant offers an open-air dining room with great views of the pier and ocean.

Restaurants in Big IslandBest Places to Eat in Kona, Hawaii: Where to Eat Like a LocalGoogle Review

Yes, happy hour runs daily from 3-5 PM with $2 off drinks and appetizers.

Best Big Island Hawaii Happy HoursBest Happy Hour Spots in Kailua-Kona

The restaurant is located near paid parking areas.

Google Review

Yes, the restaurant offers gluten-free options, such as their pancakes.

Google Review

Yes, the venue often features live music.

Google Review

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From its upstairs, open-air dining room decorated with kitschy surfer chic, this new restaurant invites customers to enjoy views of the pier and a bustling corner of Alii Drive. Fortunately, an excellent, extensive menu makes it well worth a stop; fresh fish plates including fish tacos are a sure bet. The clam chowder is some of Kona's best.

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Another totally laid-back local hangout right on the waterfront in Kailua-Kona, Big Kahuna hosts happy hour from 3-5pm daily with $2 off drinks and pupus. Entrees are reasonably priced to begin with and you’re getting full pupu entrees in the deal. Diners can choose from sauteed clams, loaded chili cheese fries, poke, beer cheese and pretzel bites, breaded bay shrimp, crab patties and a skinny-dippin’ option with fresh veggies, an edamame hummus dip with pita bread.

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Address: 75-5663 Palani Rd, Kailua Kona, HI 96740Big Kahuna Beach Grill is all about that beachy vibe. Their happy hour is from 3 PM to 5 PM, and you can enjoy $5 cocktails and a variety of appetizers. The fish and chips are a local favorite, and you’ll feel like a true islander with every bite.

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Surf on into Big Kahuna Beach Grill for great food and good times. Located in Kailua-Kona, this is a great sit-down burger shop on the island. With a stunning view of the bay, they have the spot you will never want to leave.

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Located across from the pier in downtown Kona the view is very good if you want to see some hustle and bustle especially on cruise ship days. The breakfast fare is solid here.

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Big Kahuna Beach Grill (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide