South Kona Grindz - Hawaii Restaurant
#6 of 20 Restaurants in Captain Cook American

South Kona Grindz

4.3(302 community reviews)
Fine Dining ($$$$)

About

Discover South Kona Grindz, offering the best Seafood experience in Captain Cook. Enjoy Fine Dining ($$$$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

Local Flavors in the Heart of Kona

When you find yourself navigating the winding roads of the Big Island, South Kona Grindz offers a necessary pit stop for those craving genuine, no-frills Hawaiian comfort food. Tucked away in Captain Cook, this spot serves as a casual refueling station for locals and travelers heading toward the coffee farms or the snorkeling spots of Kealakekua Bay.

A Taste of Island Homestyle Cooking

The menu leans heavily into local favorites. You will find hearty plate lunches that define the island experience—think slow-cooked kalua pork that pulls apart with a fork, savory laulau, and perfectly seasoned mac salad. The aroma of smoked meat and steaming white rice fills the small space, creating an immediate sense of comfort. It is the kind of kitchen where the focus is strictly on the flavor profile rather than high-end presentation.

The South Kona Experience

The atmosphere is unpretentious and buzzing with the chatter of residents grabbing a quick lunch before heading back to work or the ocean. It is an ideal setting for anyone looking to ditch the tourist traps in favor of a straightforward meal prepared with local ingredients. Be prepared for a relaxed pace; this is not a place for a hurried corporate lunch. One minor observation: the parking area can get a bit tight during peak afternoon hours, so timing your visit right is a smart local strategy. If you are exploring the Kona coast and need a meal that tastes like an actual home-cooked Hawaiian kitchen, this is your destination.

Location

83-5315 Mamalahoa Hwy near Mile post #106, Captain Cook, Hawaii, 96704-8302

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 302 community reviews
R

Rebekah FoderaroGoogle Maps

Recently

I’ve been to several restaurants on big island as has the rest of my family and none of us have been super thrilled about Hawaiian food… until we found this place. I’m not kidding, this is the best food I’ve had here. I got the poke nachos and they are so tasty and unique; like nothing I’ve ever had before. My family got burgers, fish tacos, and chicken tenders, and they all agree that it’s really good food. It’s got a fun atmosphere too. It’s like we’re right up against a jungle and there’s fun Hawaiian music in the background. We were all cracking up watching a hen with her brood of chicks wandering around at our feet. There’s a sign that says “Aloha Vibes” and I think that definitely fits the atmosphere. We loved it here.

C

Chinmayee Prabhu DessaiGoogle Maps

Recently

This restaurant was conveniently close to the two step snorkelling area, with vegan/vegetarian options. The ambience was nice. The food was average but filling.

S

Sabrina WinderGoogle Maps

Recently

What a gem of a restaurant! We were hungry and just came here on a whim since it was close by. I wish I had discovered it a few years ago! Anyway, the atmosphere- SO FUN!!! We were literally on a back patio next to the jungle, with chickens running under foot. Truly unique and fun experience and kept us all entertained while waiting on our food, even our toddler. And the food?? Oh goodness. My only regret is not coming here sooner. It was so delicious!! I am a little nervous about eating fish because I don’t have much experience with it, but decided to give it a try here, because I like trying things I won’t normally cook at home. It was so good! So flavorful! And not fishy tasting. Just so yummy! I will definitely be coming back to this delightful place and recommending this to my friends!

B

Brandon CarnicleGoogle Maps

Recently

South Kona Grindz is a gem! My first visit was on Taco Tuesday, and I had the grilled ono tacos all three ways. Every single one was delicious, and the prices were great too. You really can’t beat fresh fish tacos done right. A few days later, my mom came into town to visit, so I brought her back to try more of the menu. This time I had the Hawaiian-style cheesesteak sandwich, and it was just as delicious. I also highly recommend the onion rings,crispy, flavorful, and definitely worth ordering. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, with outdoor seating surrounded by lush greenery and wild chickens running around, which adds to the local charm. On our second visit, they even had live music that was unique, funny, and super entertaining. It made the whole experience even better. I’ll definitely be a regular here and look forward to trying more items on the menu. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!

C

CindyGoogle Maps

Recently

This place feels like the old Hawaii and worth the drive! The server was friendly, the atmosphere was casual and the food was really good. I had the fish tacos which were fresh and tasty. I found the prices were very reasonable. They have a patio in the back for dining and is clean and comfortable.

A

Andrea FelicianoGoogle Maps

Recently

What a great find! Amazing food and service. Ordered the Pineapple Cilantro Tacos, which were fabulous. We had a very handsome guest join us, too!

Z

Zach HendersonGoogle Maps

Recently

Really great Poke Nachos! Easy parking and good food. Loved the seating in the back patio, it was quiet and very green. We also got the Kalua Pork Quesadilla as an appetizer and it was amazing as well.

K

Karine MirambeauGoogle Maps

Recently

Food was quite delicious but our service from Marika was excellent and amazing. She was lovely and made the experience even better. The place was so cozy, welcoming, loved the outdoor terrace and the way it was decorated. I recommend this place, don’t pass on it if you’re nearby. Get yourself some delicious food and amazing service.

3

300 300Google Maps

Recently

The place looks like heaven garden. After a long a hot day it is very comfortable to stay in the shadow of the tropical plants , small chickens and kitten were roaming around ❤️ The food is pretty good and portions are enormous.

K

Kevin VakalisGoogle Maps

Recently

We were on the way back to Kona from the Volcano National Park, which is a long and slow drive. We happened upon this place and decided to give it a shot. The atmosphere was nice, local, and very comfortably down to earth island style. The staff were very friendly and the food was great. The pineapple cilantro fish tacos were awesome. Great flavor without being too sweet like one would expect with pineapple. Also, the fresh wahoo was very tasty, both grilled and fried.

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Frequently Asked Questions about South Kona Grindz

Common questions from diners about South Kona Grindz in Captain Cook.

Absolutely! The restaurant offers a fun, casual atmosphere with an outdoor patio nestled by the jungle. Children often enjoy watching the friendly local chickens wandering nearby.

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