Huggo's Restaurant
About
Feet in the Sand, Ocean at Your Doorstep
There is a specific rhythm to dining at Huggo's, where the crashing surf of the Pacific provides the soundtrack and the salty mist occasionally kisses your skin. Located right on the water’s edge in the heart of Kailua-Kona, this Kona icon has been a landmark for those looking to trade formal dining rooms for the raw, magnetic pull of the ocean. The open-air architecture ensures that you never truly leave the beach, even while you are tucking into a plate of fresh, locally sourced ahi.
A Legacy of Kona Flavors
Founded by Huggo Tomich in 1969, the restaurant remains a cornerstone of Big Island hospitality. The kitchen leans heavily into the bounty of Hawaiian waters; the Teriyaki Steak and the daily fresh catch are staples that define the menu. You will notice the open-air kitchen layout, which adds a frantic, energetic pulse to the dining room as chefs handle the heat. It isn’t just a meal; it is a front-row seat to the sunset, provided the clouds don’t roll in over the Hualālai mountains to steal the show.
Practical Notes for Your Visit
If you head down during high tide, be prepared for the occasional splash—it is part of the charm. Parking in Kona can be a bit of a localized puzzle, so consider walking if you are staying nearby, or arrive early to navigate the tight spots along the waterfront. This is the place to go if you want the quintessential Big Island evening: informal, loud, and deeply connected to the tide. It is best suited for groups looking to celebrate a day of snorkeling or travelers who want a no-fuss, high-flavor experience with their toes near the water.
Amenities & Features
Location
75-5828 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740-5308
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Reviews
Showing 9 of 1766 community reviewsEclarebearGoogle Maps
Recently
From the name, I would not have thought this was a fancy restaurant. Very clean upon arrival. Parking is a bit tough. We ended up parking across the street for $12/hour. Recommend getting dropped off if mobility is an issue. We sat near the water and got a lovely view. The chairs were comfortable and the server was kind. We did not dress the part for this restaurant but we were still treated kindly. All dishes at this restaurant were very pricey. The garlic bread was phenomenal. The ono fish was buttery and liked by all the crew. The Caesar salad with steak with decent but the steak was overcooked. Good flavor but asked for medium and got well, little to no pink at all. The tomato dish with plant based meat was enjoyed as well as the tomato pasta dish. I would not go back to this restaurant in particular. Sounds like Huggos on the rocks might be more our speed. We did tell them we were celebrating my mom's 55 birthday, but they didn't do anything special for that. Bummer..
Soji JonesGoogle Maps
Recently
I was really disappointed with our experience at Huggo’s. My husband and I both ordered the 30-day aged ribeye, medium rare. Unfortunately, both steaks were significantly overcooked. Mine came out well done, and my husband’s was closer to medium-well. For a restaurant charging premium prices and promoting a quality dining experience, that’s simply unacceptable. The view is absolutely beautiful, and our waitress was friendly, attentive, and did a great job. The manager also came over to speak with us, which we appreciated. However, after we explained that we didn’t have time to wait for another steak to be cooked and that my husband’s steak was overcooked but still edible, nothing was done to make the situation right. That was disappointing. The sides didn’t help matters either. The mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts were both very under-seasoned and lacked flavor. Overall, the food did not come close to matching the prices or reputation of the restaurant. There are many places on the island serving much better food for significantly less money. With the prices Huggo’s charges, I expected much higher quality and attention to detail. The oceanfront view is fantastic, but unfortunately the food was not. Honestly, if you’re looking for a good steak, you’d be better off going to Texas Roadhouse. ⭐ 2/5 — One star for the view and one for our waitress. The food and management response left a lot to be desired.
Teena MalicsiGoogle Maps
Recently
Sunset, Sips, and Great Vibes at Huggo’s on the Rocks! If you’re looking for the ultimate Kona vibe, look no further. We had an incredible time at Huggo’s on the Rocks, and it easily became a highlight of our trip. The setting is unbeatable. Putting your toes in the sand while sipping a cold drink is the only way to experience Hawaii. It is a fun, high-energy spot that manages to feel relaxed at the same time. If you’re looking for a place to watch the sunset, this is the front-row seat you’ve been dreaming of. The menu did not disappoint! Both the food and drinks were fantastic—everything tasted fresh, tropical, and exactly what you want for a beachside meal. Their Happy Hour is a must-do; the value and the views make it one of the best deals in town. What really made our visit stand out was the service. Our server, Grace, was absolutely wonderful! She was: Friendly and welcoming from the moment we sat down. Accommodating to o our needs, making sure everything was just right. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, stop by for the sunset, stay for the drinks, and ask for Grace! We will definitely be back.
Mia VossGoogle Maps
Recently
A wonderful spot located right at the beach! Tons of parking and not too crowded at 6pm on a Sunday. We sat out on the lower covered deck close to the water which is a perfect spot for sunset! Our server Kristi took great care of us and offered complimentary rosemary bread with butter and also yummy bean paste. I had a craft cocktail "E ku'u Aloha" ('My Love') which was so tasteful and not too sweet. I had the Ahi Tuna tower and my husband had the cappellini with shrimp. Both were great! Highly recommend and the prices were not too high
Mandy JarrellGoogle Maps
Recently
Cynthia was our server and she was absolutely wonderful! She was so nice, explained the menu well, and was incredibly kind to our 8 year old. She made the experience top notch! The food was great, I will say mine, the swordfish, was a tad under seasoned but was still fresh and delicious. The kanpachi, teriyaki steak and porkchop were amazing. My oldest said it was the best pork chop he's ever had! The Mauna Kea pie was huge and the kids loved it! Thanks for a great dinner!
Caitlin KestellGoogle Maps
Recently
Beautiful view of the sunset on the ocean. Great professional service from experienced staff. Ambiance is perfect. Drinks were good. We loved the virgin lava flow. Unfortunately the food is pretty terrible. The garlic Parmesan bread was soggy, undercooked, and just awful. Brussel sprouts were undercooked and swimming in a buttery sauce. We got the special fish dinner of the day which was pretty good. Kona coffee cheesecake was really yummy but really didn’t taste like coffee at all. It’s a beautiful restaurant for special occasions but the food really sucks.
Jared HerndonGoogle Maps
Recently
Excellent customer service! We had a slight change of plans and needed to adjust our reservation. The staff was very accommodating and did an excellent job finding a way to make things work for us. We were struck by how friendly everyone we encountered was. The cocktails were unique and flavorful. We enjoyed the beautiful views. All of our food was perfectly prepared.
Richard GajdaGoogle Maps
Recently
We waited 30 minutes without reservations as they need to be done a day in advance. Excellent and friendly service from Katie and others including their resident cat. My shasimi and sizzling mushrooms were excellent as was the drink special. My son's steak was very tasty. Very nice atmosphere and views on the bay. We will add this place to our annual trips to Kona.
Tim KealamakiaGoogle Maps
Recently
Wow, absolutely fantastic restaurant. I'll admit that I was hesitant on how nice it would be walking up to it. But once we arrived inside and to our table, the experience was spectacular. We ended up eating there twice on our stay in Kona. The dishes are top notch and felt 100% like fine dining. We were fortunate both times to get tables that gave a view of the ocean. Unbelievable views. I highly recommend the teriyaki beef. But also tried the lamb shank, it fell right off the bone. The second time , I tried the swordfish special, the flavors were spot on and extremely delicious. I will definitely be back when we return to Kona!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Huggo's Restaurant
Common questions from diners about Huggo's Restaurant in Kailua-Kona.
