Kona’s coastal charm brings some of the freshest seafood in Hawaii. From casual poke shops to oceanfront grills, the town offers flavors that highlight the day’s catch.
The best seafood restaurants in Kona serve fish caught just hours before it reaches the plate.
Visitors often choose between laid-back spots like Da Poke Shack for a quick, flavorful bowl or upscale venues such as The Fish Hopper for full-service dining with ocean views.
Each location brings its own style, from traditional Hawaiian preparations to creative twists on classic dishes.
Kona’s seafood scene blends local tradition with fresh innovation. The variety ensures every seafood lover finds a memorable meal.
Top Seafood Restaurants in Kona
Kona restaurants serve fresh island seafood in settings ranging from casual takeout spots to oceanfront dining rooms. Many menus feature locally caught fish, traditional Hawaiian flavors, and Pacific views.
Da Poke Shack
Da Poke Shack operates as a small, takeout-style eatery in Kailua-Kona known for its fresh poke bowls. Local fishermen supply the fish, and customers can choose from marinades like shoyu, spicy garlic, or Hawaiian-style.
You can find Da Poke Shack just steps from the shoreline, making it easy to grab lunch and enjoy it by the water. Portions are generous, and sides often include rice, seaweed salad, or kimchi.
The casual setup means seating is limited, so many guests take their food to-go. For quick service and fresh catch, Da Poke Shack stands out among Kona seafood restaurants.
Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks
The Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks sits on Ali‘i Drive with open-air seating that overlooks Kailua Bay. The restaurant offers a mix of seafood and steak dishes, but the seafood menu stands out for its variety.
Popular plates include macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi, coconut shrimp, and fresh ahi tuna. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a flexible option for visitors.
Guests can sip tropical drinks while watching the sunset, adding to the relaxed island feel. The Fish Hopper is known for pairing ocean views with fresh seafood.
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill combines restaurant dining and a fish market experience in Kailua-Kona. The menu features poke bowls, grilled fish plates, and Hawaiian-style appetizers.
Their chefs often prepare fish caught the same day, keeping flavors simple to highlight freshness. Sides like lomi lomi salmon and taro chips add a local touch.
Umekes also runs a market where customers can buy fresh fillets to cook at home. For travelers wanting both a meal and fresh seafood to take away, Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill is a solid choice.
Huggo’s and On the Rocks
Huggo’s is a waterfront restaurant in Kona that serves fresh fish, steaks, and island-inspired sides. The open-air seating sits right over the water, creating a relaxed yet upscale vibe.
Next door, On the Rocks offers a more casual setting with sandy floors, live music, and tropical cocktails. Both spots source local fish like ono, ahi, and mahi mahi.
Huggo’s is great for a sit-down dinner, while On the Rocks is ideal for a laid-back lunch or sunset drinks. Together, they give visitors two different ways to enjoy fresh seafood in the same oceanfront location.
Signature Seafood Dishes and Local Flavors
Kona’s seafood scene features fresh catches prepared with simple, clean flavors that showcase the natural taste of the fish. Many restaurants buy directly from local fishermen, so diners often enjoy the day’s catch within hours.
Poke Bowls and Ahi Poke
Poke bowls are a staple in Kona, often made with fresh ahi tuna cut into cubes and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Some places add avocado, limu seaweed, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
At Da Poke Shack, customers can pick from several marinades, from mild shoyu to spicy garlic. The ahi poke bowl is a favorite for its freshness and simplicity.
Many restaurants also serve ahi steak seared outside and raw inside for a tender texture. These dishes often come with rice and pickled vegetables, making them filling yet light.
Grilled Mahi-Mahi and Local Snapper
Grilled mahi-mahi appears on many Kona menus, often paired with tropical salsas made from pineapple or mango. The mild, slightly sweet fish works well with citrus-based sauces.
Local snapper, called opakapaka or onaga, is another popular choice. Chefs often prepare it as the “catch of the day,” grilling or pan-searing it with simple seasoning.
Restaurants like The Fish Hopper serve grilled fish with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice pilaf. Some offer fish tacos using mahi-mahi or snapper, topped with cabbage slaw and creamy sauce.
Crab Cakes, Lobster Tails, and Shrimp Specialties
Kona chefs pack crab cakes with lump crab meat and pan-fry them for a crisp crust. They often serve these with tangy remoulade or aioli.
Lobster tails, sometimes from local spiny lobster, are grilled or broiled with butter and garlic. Many restaurants include them in surf-and-turf plates with steak or alongside grilled fish.
Shrimp dishes range from garlic butter shrimp to coconut-crusted shrimp. Some places serve peel-and-eat shrimp with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce, while others offer shrimp scampi over pasta.
Dining Experiences and Atmosphere
Kona’s seafood restaurants offer more than fresh fish on a plate. Many pair their menus with scenic views, relaxed spaces, and a focus on Big Island’s local bounty.
Beachfront and Oceanview Settings
Many popular spots sit right on the shoreline, where guests can watch the waves while enjoying their meal. Restaurants like the Kona Inn Restaurant offer open-air seating with sunset views over Kailua Bay.
Some venues serve tropical drinks like a classic mai tai alongside fresh-caught ahi or ono. The sound of the ocean and warm evening air create a calm, unhurried pace.
Oceanview dining often includes a mix of seafood and land-based dishes, such as grilled steak or vegetarian pasta. Many places also feature live Hawaiian music in the evenings, adding to the atmosphere without overpowering conversation.
Family-Friendly and Casual Options
Casual waterfront grills and poke shops make it easy for families to enjoy fresh seafood without a formal setting. Places like On the Rocks offer open seating, kid-friendly menus, and easy access to the beach.
These spots serve simple, fresh dishes such as fish tacos, poke bowls, and shrimp plates. Portions are generous, and prices are usually lower than upscale venues.
Many casual eateries also offer local craft beer for adults and fresh juices for kids. The relaxed dress code lets guests come straight from the beach, making these spots a convenient choice for a day out on the Big Island.
Local Ingredients and Sustainability
Kona’s dining scene often highlights ingredients from nearby farms and waters. Many chefs use locally caught fish, Big Island vegetables, and Kona coffee in marinades or desserts.
Some restaurants partner with sustainable fisheries to ensure they harvest seafood responsibly. They may serve line-caught mahi-mahi or use reef-safe sourcing practices.
Menus often list where key ingredients come from. This gives diners a direct connection to the island’s producers.
Vegetarian options are common. Chefs use local produce to create fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or taro-based dishes.
