




Tropics
About
Sun-Drenched Flavors on Ali'i Drive
Perched right along the rocky shoreline of Kailua-Kona, Tropics offers a quintessential Big Island dining experience that prioritizes the horizon over everything else. The salt air hits you the moment you step onto the open-air deck, where the sound of the Pacific crashing against the lava rocks provides the soundtrack to your lunch. It is the kind of place where locals stop in after a morning surf for a quick bite or where visitors linger long after the sun has dipped below the water.
Island Classics with a View
The menu leans heavily into casual Hawaiian comfort food. You will find staples like fresh poke bowls featuring locally sourced ahi, as well as traditional kalua pork platters that carry a distinct, smoky flavor. If you are looking for something lighter, their fish tacos utilize the catch of the day, dressed with crisp cabbage slaw and a tangy lime crema that cuts through the Kona humidity. The drink menu is dominated by tropical heavy-hitters—expect rum-forward mai tais garnished with a heavy hand of pineapple and maraschino cherries.
The Local Rhythm
Be prepared for a relaxed pace that reflects the island lifestyle; service here moves at the speed of the tide, not the clock. Parking along the main strip can be a competitive sport, especially during sunset hours, so arriving a few minutes early is a smart play. The open-wall architecture ensures that every table has a claim to an ocean breeze, though keep an eye on your napkins if the trade winds are picking up. Tropics isn't about white-tablecloth pretense; it is a straightforward, salt-of-the-earth spot to grab a drink and watch the Kona coastline turn from bright turquoise to a deep, bruised purple.
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Amenities & Features
Location
75-5852 Alii Dr Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740-1310
More to Explore
More cuisines in Kailua-Kona
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Reviews
Showing 8 of 30 community reviewsWalter WanGoogle Maps
Recently
Good service. Good food. Story time... My wife had a bad time because she cannot get water out of her ear for the whole morning after snorkeling. After she finally got the water out we went to this place to have lunch. She had a burger and I had a chicken sandwich. She started crying after the first bite. I thought well the burger must be real good then. 5 star and will come again. Or maybe it is just the onion 🧅🧅?
Modern-Day DebateGoogle Maps
Recently
Great burgers and kind staff. The only thing I didn't like was that when we asked if we could switch out french fries to instead have caesar's salad, we weren't told that doing the switch would have an extra $5 charge for each (and also didn't mention an extra charge for extra dressing - which I've never seen at any restaurant). So the total bill of $85 for 2 burgers was a lot.
Michael KneznekoffGoogle Maps
Recently
Burgers, fries, bulgogi beef and kalua pork were very good. Drinks were good but not great. Come as you are, friendly sports bar. Easy parking.
VIIGoogle Maps
Recently
I cannot say enough good things about this place, the service, and the food! My fiancé and I have came to this place every night since we found it.. drinks are 11/10, the service is amazing— special shoutout to Aaron! Someone give that man a raise! The food is incredible. Our family and us will forever be repeating customers!
Tricia JacobsGoogle Maps
Recently
We stopped into Tropics Restaurant in Kona for an early dinner and it was fantastic! I had their special — a 6 oz ribeye with veggies (I swapped mine for fries) — and everything was hot, fresh, and cooked perfectly. The portion size was generous, and the staff was prompt and friendly. I think we may have ordered off the lunch menu since we came in early, but it didn’t matter — everything was great. We’ll definitely be back! Hubby had the fish and chips!
PrecisionSurfacesLLCGoogle Maps
Recently
The view was great Service was phenomenal Kona beer was really good The family had burgers which were huge and terrific I had the pork chop and it was amazing. Great work Team Tropics
Myron LamGoogle Maps
Recently
I went for happy hour for drinks and tapas. Great service and friendly staff, but ok food and drinks. Skip the cocktails and go for beer or wine instead since there is no taste of liquor in the mixed drinks. The Margarita and Mai Tai didn’t have any liquor taste in them. The Tapas menu was a nice variety with good presentation.
Bobbie BGoogle Maps
Recently
Happy hour 2pm-5pm! Great menu with steak options. Didn’t grab a photo of the volcanic fries they were too bomb to not devour right away. Service was very aloha. Beautiful ocean view or you can watch 1 of the many tvs that offer the sports games. Kid friendly with mocktail options. I’m surprised that there are so many reviews that state the food is flavorless! The food was very satisfying, totally recommend. Just a walk away from the Kona coast resort 😉
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Frequently Asked Questions about Tropics
Common questions from diners about Tropics in Kailua-Kona.
