Embark on a savory exploration in Kailua, where the eclectic mix of traditional Hawaiian dishes and global flavors awaits. From cozy cafes to beachfront dining, this culinary journey promises to tantalize your taste buds with the island’s best-kept secrets and alluring eateries. What delightful dishes will you discover in the heart of Hawaii? Continue to uncover the top spots that locals love and visitors crave.
Culinary Gems: Top Eateries in Kailua
Stroll down Kalaheo Ave and be tempted by daily specials that showcase the best of Kailua’s local produce and seafood. Whether it’s the fresh sashimi at a sushi bar or the unique offerings at bar 22 Kailua, your island food adventure starts here.
Goen Dining & Bar – A Fusion of Flavors
At 573 Kailua, Goen Dining & Bar presents a culinary canvas where comfort food meets innovation. Indulge in ice cream flavors that sing of local produce, and experience meats and fish grilled over kiawe wood that infuse each dish with a distinct, smoky essence. It’s a place where the revered techniques of Maui Brewing converge with island gastronomy for a truly memorable feast.
Buzz’s Steakhouse – A Legacy of Sizzling Delights
Experience the legendary Buzz’s original steakhouse, where each bite into their succulent steaks and local seafood tells a story of tradition and excellence. This iconic eatery has been serving up sizzling delights to residents and visitors alike, creating a legacy that continues to thrive in Kailua’s vibrant dining scene.
Rai Rai Ramen – Slurp into Comfort
Discover the hidden gem of Rai Rai Ramen, where each bowl is a warm embrace of comfort. Savor the rich broths, perfect noodles, and accompaniments like fried rice and kimchee that elevate this humble dish into a culinary experience that’s both unassuming and deeply satisfying.
Island Snow – The Sweetest Finale
At 130 Kailua, nestled within the Kailua Shopping Center, Island Snow crafts ice cream masterpieces with locally sourced ingredients. This dessert haven is the perfect stop to sweeten your day on the island, offering a delightful finish to any meal or a refreshing treat to enjoy under the Hawaiian sun.
Breakfast Bliss: Kailua’s Morning Hotspots
Greet the day with a variety of comfort food offerings, from acai bowls sprinkled with macadamia nut to hearty plate lunches. Savor the flavors of Mexican food, or opt for a local twist on classics like loco moco at Moke’s Bread & Breakfast. Whether you’re after the perfect spot for Instagram photos and videos or a coffee shop to enjoy Hawaiian coffee, you’ll find it along the sunlit streets of Kailua.
Moke’s Bread & Breakfast – Start Your Day Island-Style
Just a short distance from the pristine sands of Lanikai Beach, Moke’s Bread & Breakfast is where island mornings begin. Dive into their famous loco moco or enjoy other breakfast favorites in a laid-back setting. And remember, they’re closed on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly for a taste of true Hawaiian hospitality.
Over Easy – A Modern Twist on Breakfast Classics
For a modern spin on breakfast classics, Over Easy delights with innovative dishes that incorporate island flavors. Imagine fluffy pancakes with macadamia nuts, savory chicken katsu, or a Mexican food twist that will kickstart your day. Their unique take on comfort food makes every morning in Kailua an adventure in taste.
Morning Brew – Coffee Lovers’ Haven
At 600 Kailua, Morning Brew is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a sanctuary for those who appreciate the art of caffeine. Here, coffee roasters work their magic, offering a selection of Hawaiian coffee and tea leaf blends. Don’t miss their breakfast burritos, a hearty companion to your morning cup.
Lanikai Juice – Sip on Sunshine
Also at 600 Kailua, Lanikai Juice is a beacon of health and vitality. Step in to find a vibrant selection of smoothies and juices that capture the essence of the island’s bounty. It’s the perfect place to recharge with a refreshing drink that’s as bright as the Hawaiian sun.
Kailua’s Unmissable Lunch Spots
Midday in Kailua invites you to indulge in a variety of comfort food options. From seaside cafes to bustling food trucks, each location offers a unique taste of the island, perfect for a lunch break filled with aloha spirit.
Mahaloha Burger – Handcrafted Island Burgers
Mahaloha Burger, known for its fresh daily handcrafted burgers, is a testament to the island’s love for high-quality, local ingredients. Bite into a juicy burger and taste the difference that freshness makes, right in the heart of Kailua’s relaxed beach town atmosphere.
Hawaiian Plate Lunch – Authentic Local Fare
For an authentic taste of Hawaiian culture, nothing compares to a traditional plate lunch. These hearty meals, often served with a side of aloha, offer a delicious glimpse into the island’s diverse culinary heritage, satisfying hungry diners with a blend of flavors that span the Pacific.
The Hibachi – Grilled Goodness Galore
The Hibachi brings the art of grilling to the forefront, with an array of meats and seafood cooked to perfection over an open flame. Each dish, infused with the unique flavors of island spices and marinades, showcases the simplicity and richness of grilled cuisine in Kailua.
Uahi Island Grill – Where Locals Flock
At Uahi Island Grill, nestled on Aulike Street, the vibe is as local as it gets. This hidden gem is a testament to the island’s love for fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Visitors will find themselves in good company with Kailua’s residents, who regularly gather here for the mouthwatering fare. From the succulent grilled fish to the innovative takes on traditional Hawaiian dishes, Uahi offers an authentic experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Kailua
With every step along 600 Kailua Road, the air gets sweeter, leading to an irresistible array of desserts that epitomize the flavors of the island. Here, you’ll find everything from the smoky, tender goodness of kalua pig served with a sweet twist, to an assortment of tropical treats that celebrate Kailua’s rich culinary heritage. It’s a haven for those looking to indulge in the sweeter side of life, where traditional recipes meet creative confectionary artistry.
Kailua Sweetness – Indulge in Tropical Treats
For those craving a taste of paradise, Kailua Sweetness offers an array of tropical treats that are as delightful to the eyes as they are to the palate. Their confections, brimming with island-grown fruits, provide a refreshing escape from the everyday. Whether it’s a creamy coconut pudding or a tangy passion fruit tart, each bite transports dessert lovers to a world where every flavor is a celebration of Kailua’s natural bounty.
Cinnamon’s Restaurant – Famous for Guava Chiffon Pancakes
Located on Uluniu Street in Kailua, Cinnamon’s Restaurant is a breakfast haven famous for its guava chiffon pancakes that perfectly balance fluffy texture with sweet, fruity flavor. But it’s not just pancakes that draw the crowds; their savory crab cakes are a brunch standout, offering a delightful fusion of local seafood and classic comfort. Cinnamon’s captures the essence of Hawaiian mornings with every dish served.
Refreshing Sips: Kailua’s Best Brews and Juices
When the Hawaiian sun warms the day, Kailua offers a refreshing reprieve with its selection of local brews and juices. From craft beers imbued with the spirit of aloha to fresh juices that taste like they’ve been squeezed straight from the tree, there’s a beverage to quench every thirst. These liquid delights are as much a part of Kailua’s culinary landscape as the food, offering a sip of the island’s vibrant culture.
Maui Brewing Company – Craft Beers With Aloha
Maui Brewing Company brings a taste of the islands to Kailua with its craft beers brewed with aloha. Each pint is a tribute to the local culture and the rich, volcanic soil that nurtures Maui’s ingredients. From the robust coconut porter to the crisp Bikini Blonde Lager, their beers offer a unique and satisfying way to end a sun-soaked day or complement a meal at any of Kailua’s dining spots.
Lanikai Brewing Company – Island-Inspired Ales
At Lanikai Brewing Company, the spirit of the island infuses every ale they craft. The brewery takes inspiration from Kailua’s stunning landscapes, with beers that capture the essence of beach life and island adventure. Their innovative use of local ingredients results in flavors that can’t be found anywhere else, making each sip a reminder of the tropical paradise that is Kailua.
Kailua’s Dinner Destinations for Memorable Evenings
As the sun dips below the horizon, Kailua’s dinner scene comes alive, offering a variety of eateries where families and friends can gather for a memorable evening. From casual diners serving up comfort classics to elegant establishments boasting gourmet fare, there’s a dining destination to suit every taste and occasion. The city’s diner culture adds a cozy, nostalgic charm to the mix, ensuring every dinner is not just a meal but an experience.
Local Boy Sushi – Fresh and Inventive Rolls
Local Boy Sushi, located at 102 Kailua Road in the Enchanted Lake Shopping Center, is a hub for sushi aficionados. Their Instagram profile is as vibrant as their offerings, filled with photos and videos that showcase their fresh and inventive rolls. The Pacific Rim flavors, combined with Hawaiian fruits and vegetables, meats, and cheeses, make for a delightful lunch or dinner option. The sushi bar overlooks the serene Kawainui Canal, adding an enchanting view to the dining experience.
Lilikoi Kitchen – Healthful Eats With Local Ingredients
Lilikoi Kitchen is a Kailua gem where healthful eats meet local ingredients. With a menu that celebrates the diversity of the Pacific Rim, guests can enjoy vibrant dishes that feature Hawaiian fruits and vegetables, alongside premium meats and cheeses. Whether for lunch or dinner, each meal is a testament to the flavors that can be found around the Kawainui Canal, making Lilikoi Kitchen a must-visit for those seeking nourishment and flavor.
Adela’s Country Eatery – Homemade Comfort in Every Dish
Adela’s Country Eatery is where comfort food gets a homemade touch. Each dish is crafted with love and care reminiscent of a meal at grandma’s house, yet with an island twist. The eatery prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that with every bite, diners taste the true essence of Kailua. It’s a place where family and friends can relax and savor the simple joys of hearty, comforting cuisine.
Savoring Kailua’s Unique Flavors – A Final Note
As the sun sets on a day of culinary exploration in Kailua, one can’t help but reflect on the unique flavors that make this island town a food lover’s paradise. Whether it’s the gourmet fare at Formaggio Grill that tantalizes sophisticated palates, or the distinctive taste of guava barbecue sauce that adds a tropical twist to traditional dishes, the array of flavors is as diverse as the island itself. Kailua’s casual atmosphere lends itself to every dining occasion, from a breezy family lunch to a romantic date night under the stars.
For the adventurous foodie, the journey might end with an omakase meal, where the chef’s selection showcases the freshest local seafood and produce in an elegant array of dishes. Each bite taken in Kailua is a reminder of the island’s rich culinary heritage and its continuous innovation. Savoring these flavors is not just about enjoying good food, but also about embracing the aloha spirit that infuses every meal with warmth and hospitality.