




Buzz's Original Steak House
About
A Kailua Tradition Since 1962
Steps away from the soft sands of Kailua Beach, Buzz's Original Steak House remains a piece of living history. This isn't just a place to grab a meal; it is a time capsule of local culture where the walls are adorned with vintage surfboards and photos that track decades of island life. You will often find the air filled with the scent of kiawe-wood smoke, a signature of the kitchen’s grilling style that has defined their menu for generations.
Steaks, Seafood, and Island Lore
The menu leans heavily into classic surf-and-turf traditions. You cannot visit without trying their Teriyaki Steak, a dish that has kept regulars coming back since the sixties. The kitchen balances these hearty plates with fresh local catch, served in a dining room that feels more like an open-air porch than a formal restaurant. Be prepared for a lively, occasionally noisy environment—the floor-to-ceiling windows and communal energy mean you’ll hear the chatter of both locals and visitors enjoying a post-beach Mai Tai.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
This Windward Oʻahu landmark is best for those who appreciate a casual, no-frills environment where history is more important than white-tablecloth pretense. While the atmosphere is relaxed, the parking lot is notoriously tight and can fill up quickly during peak hours, so plan your arrival accordingly. It is the perfect spot for a post-swim dinner where the dress code is strictly 'island casual' and the focus is squarely on the tradition of the grill.
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Amenities & Features
Location
413 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua, Hawaii, 96734-3134
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 1555 community reviewsJesus EstrellaGoogle Maps
Recently
I don’t tend to leave reviews but this time this place definitely deserves it. The attention was splendid, the food was WOW. Please please! start with the house made mozzarella, cherry tomatoes salad. Also dubs to the multiple servers specially the brunette (with the mellow smile) that took care of us. I know I must stop here on my next trip not matter what
CWGoogle Maps
Recently
Buzz’s Steakhouse is a local favorite right across Kailua Beach. Perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s on the pricer side but food is worth it and staff are professional and yet casual and fun. Large drink menu from beer, wine, cocktails and special drinks. Atmosphere is vintage Hawaiian, nice sitting area out front amd large lanai area for dining outdoors.
marjon farzGoogle Maps
Recently
My uncle found this cute spot while we were sightseeing the island. The cutest and cutest little restaurant. We stopped by for lunch and I feel like we got there just on time because shortly after they got really busy! I ordered a lychee martini that was a tad strong but still tasty. I also ordered the kai fruit salad with chicken which was perfectly refreshing. There is patio seating but we sat inside in what felt like a private nunk of the restaurant. Our service was super nice and tentative. We had a greatly experience overall.
Boaz LivnyGoogle Maps
Recently
Buzz’s Original Steakhouse is a highly recommended spot, ideally situated right across the street from Kailua Beach parking and within walking distance of Lanikai. It offers a fantastic atmosphere for a more substantial lunch, providing a perfect break from the beach. Buzz's is known for its drinks that come at various strengths, so much so they need to limit the number you can order when it comes to “63 years on the beach”! It’s refreshing to find a place that offers more than just casual fare for an early lunch, and provides a fun hang-out, with a restaurant vibe over other nearby options. Note the line for the dinner service started early, so plan ahead. We just made the end of the lunch service around 2:40 and had no wait. On our visit, we enjoyed the delicious, fresh Ahi poke, a surprisingly good Lamb salad, and a decent fresh fish dish (not mahi). For dessert, I believe we had bread pudding which was also fantastic. Enjoy!
Kevin RamosGoogle Maps
Recently
The evening began with a languid whisper of service slow enough to test one’s patience, yet not quite slow enough to condemn. Once the drinks arrived, however, the experience unfolded with a smoother cadence, as if the staff had finally found their rhythm. The Sugar Plum Fairy cocktail was a surprising delight, an opulent swirl of coconut essence and gentle sweetness that danced across the palate with almost whimsical grace. Its counterpart, Mrs. Claus, strutted in with considerably less charm: bold and sour, assertive to the point of imbalance, like a festive spirit who has overstayed her welcome. The Caesar salad was splendid, a commendable study in harmony where each component played its part with conviction. The bread that accompanied it was a curiosity, an unfamiliar breed, the likes of which I had never encountered gracing a restaurant’s opening act. The calamari proved to be the evening’s most intriguing surprise. With a lime-forward profile that felt almost rebellious, it delivered an unexpected but strangely satisfying experience unlike anything one might anticipate, yet undeniably delicious. Maybe a little more salt ? The tragedy, however, emerged with the 13-oz ribeye steak, ordered medium rare, as all respectable ribeyes should be. What should have been the star of the performance instead delivered a tale of two steaks. Some bites were the very definition of indulgence: juicy, flavorful, and rich. Others, sadly, were flavorless stretches burdened with excessive fat and tendon, proving that even the mighty ribeye is not immune to inconsistency. The mashed potatoes were the true disappointment of the evening. Flavorless, texturally uninspired, and at times reminiscent of mere boiled potatoes, this is an unforgivable misstep for such a classic staple. Fortunately, the squash redeemed the plate with its pleasing flavor and satisfying execution. In the end, the experience can be described as pleasant, though not without its misadventures. There is promise here enough to warrant a return, though perhaps with a wiser selection of entrées. A recommendation? Yes, but with the gentle warning to explore beyond the ribeye and discover what else the kitchen may do better justice to.
Cam WGoogle Maps
Recently
Our dinner at Buzz's was fine, but pretty expensive for the quality in my opinion. The one exception though is the calamari which is absolutely DELICIOUS. The calamari dinner is the best thing on the menu in my eyes, and I would probably come back just to try it again. The porkchop I ordered was fine-- I didn't love the sauce (a sweet citrus flavor) and thought the pork was maybe a little more cooked that I would have liked it. I also tried a bite of prime rib which was fine, but I've had better elsewhere on the island. Additionally, on the night we came in, the service was pretty hectic since apparently their computer system was down. Bummer since everyone we talked to was nice, but probably just overwhelmed by having to track everything by hand without an ordering system. While Buzz's is a cute restaurant in a beautiful location (across the street from one of the best beaches in the US), I think this place is best for drinks and appetizers (the frozen cocktails are really good, notably the Deez Nuts (a coconut mojito which is delicious despite the absolutely horrible name which needs to be changed haha)).
tony villaGoogle Maps
Recently
After spending a couple hours across the street at the beach, it was time for lunch and we looked up this place and figured why not give it a try. We left our car parked at the beach, walked across the street and were able to be seated right away outside. Nicole was our waitress, she was very friendly and attentive. She rattled off the lunch specials with all sounded amazing but my wife and I had made our mind up on a wrap and a salad. Her wrap came with a tomato chicken pesto soup that was out of this world. I had the buzzes Caesar salad with chicken and it was wonderful. Place has good atmosphere, friendly service, and a good selection of food.
KGoogle Maps
Recently
We’ve eaten here several times and it’s be excellent every time. Their steaks are cooked perfectly, appetizers are delicious, and it feels like old Hawaii. Their steaks service is great and there’s always a good variety of food. The desserts are yummy and it’s across the street from one of the best beaches. Ask for the president’s table!
Nate CGoogle Maps
Recently
What am amazing experience! Stopped here for dinner, it is basically the only restaurant across from Lanikai Beach and always has a crowd. Even though we went early on a weekday, the parking lot was packed and there was a short wait to be seated. The inside decor felt a bit out-dated but meant to keep the historic vibes for a restaurant open for over 60 years. Staff was very attentive and patiently explained all the specials and recommendations. Loved the misoyaki steak special and the calamari steak. Looking forward to visiting again in the near future
Eddy SalomonGoogle Maps
Recently
We stopped for a late lunch after visiting Kailua Beach Park. The restaurant is right across the street from the beach, so you get a nice view and ocean breeze if you sit outside. The inside is a bit dark but charming. Luckily, there was outdoor seating with a covered area, so you didn’t have to deal with the sun. The food was good, and the drinks were strong, just the way we like them. I had a Caesar salad, and my uncle-in-law had the spinach scampi salad. The shrimp looked amazing! Both meals were delicious and filling. I highly recommend this place for a quick bite after a day at the beach. The prices were reasonable too. And the servers were all friendly and helpful. This place is perfect for families, singles, or couples after a long day at the beach. Enjoy!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Buzz's Original Steak House
Common questions from diners about Buzz's Original Steak House in Kailua.
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