Don the Beachcomber - Hawaii Restaurant
#22 of 199 Restaurants in Kailua

Don the Beachcomber

3.9(870 community reviews)
Upscale ($$$)

About

Discover Don the Beachcomber, offering the best American experience in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy Upscale ($$$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Portal to Polynesia on the Kona Coast

Stepping into Don the Beachcomber in Kailua-Kona feels less like entering a restaurant and more like surfacing from a classic maritime film. Located right along the breezy shoreline of the Big Island, this spot serves as a tribute to the man who arguably invented the Tiki bar movement. The air here is thick with the scent of salty Pacific mist and the sweetness of freshly muddled pineapple and lime.

The Birthplace of Tiki Culture

This isn't just a place to grab a bite; it is a piece of living history. Donn Beach, the legendary adventurer and restaurateur, pioneered the fusion of rum-soaked libations and Polynesian aesthetics. The bar menu remains dedicated to these roots, featuring iconic, heavy-hitting rum cocktails that helped define tropical mixology. You’ll hear the faint clinking of glass and the low hum of island music bouncing off the dark, bamboo-lined walls, creating a backdrop that feels miles away from the modern world.

What to Expect

Whether you are local to the Kona district or just touched down at the airport, the restaurant offers an expansive view of the harbor that is hard to beat during sunset. It is an ideal setting for those who appreciate old-school kitsch and a slower pace of life. A small heads-up for visitors: the parking lot can get surprisingly packed as the sun begins to dip, so arriving early is your best bet to snag a table with a direct view of the water.

The menu leans heavily into surf-and-turf staples, highlighting fresh Hawaiian catches that pair perfectly with their signature, high-proof mai tais. While the decor embraces a vintage, slightly worn charm, it is that authentic, unpolished character that keeps people coming back. It is the perfect spot for groups looking to soak in the deep-rooted spirit of the Big Island while enjoying a drink exactly as they were served decades ago.

Location

75-5852 Alii Dr Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740-1310

Directions

Reviews

Showing 5 of 870 community reviews
K

Kerby KuykendallGoogle Maps

Recently

Came in after a few months eating other places with specific dishes in mind! New Chef, new menu absolutely blows! No wasabi aioli on the fish tacos, Royal pasta is gone! Hard pass if you had food you liked here.

B

Bill EvansGoogle Maps

Recently

We didn't eat on this visit, just had cocktails. They were excellent, the view is great and our server was amazing. The food that went by our table looked great and we heard customers saying it was very good.

J

J GonzalezGoogle Maps

Recently

Great vibe with excellent food and drinks. The setting is beautiful, overlooking the sea and perfect for watching the sunset. The staff was friendly and welcoming. Service was a bit slow, but completely understandable given how busy they were. Overall, a wonderful experience and a place worth visiting again.

S

Skye MedicineBearGoogle Maps

Recently

Fantastic bar and setting to watch the sunset. Thursdays, 5-7 they have Live Hawaiian music- we were blessed to see Robi Kahakalau- absolutely fantastic professional musician! We had the prime Rib and the blacked Ahi Sandwich- both were delicious and priced well. We also brought our own bottle of wine and paid the cork fee of $25. Well worth it as my wife could have the wine she wanted with dinner. We have been coming here since 2010 and always have a great experience. And their Happy hour is fantastic too!

A

A PGoogle Maps

Recently

I am very disappointed in the performance of today's team at Don the Beachcomber. My disabled mother and her caretaker waited for an hour for a prime rib plate and burger with the restaurant at 1/4 capacity. Food was sent out room temperature with the prime rib completely rare and 25 percent rubbery fat (not rendered). Extremely soggy sweet potatoes fries were sent and inedible. One of the sides was supposed to be a pop-over for which we waited again for an additional 10 minutes. Eventually the waiter said they were in the oven and brought out 2 dinner rolls. When asked for butter my disabled mother received 2 (frozen solid) butter pads. The burger came out cold and over cooked (figure that one out) and all of this to the tune of 85.00. The waiter (Desmond) seemed indifferent and short, and instead of trying to make the situation better the staff merely blew it off and passed the check on. Bringing the food home - this is what we're left with.. sad to say that after returning home we enjoyed Burger King that was in the refrigerator all night more - and I feel I'm doing Burger King a disservice.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Don the Beachcomber

Common questions from diners about Don the Beachcomber in Kailua-Kona.

It offers an oceanfront setting with Tiki architecture and an open-air ambiance.

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