Aloha De Nada Empanadas
About
A Pocket of Flavor in Kona Coffee Country
Stepping into Aloha De Nada Empanadas feels like discovering a local secret tucked away on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Far from the polished resort scenes, this Kealakekua spot focuses on the art of the portable meal. The air here carries the faint, comforting scent of flaky pastry dough meeting seasoned fillings, a welcome departure from the standard tourist fare found down by the shoreline.
The Hand-Pressed Difference
This is where tradition meets island-grown ingredients. You aren't getting mass-produced pockets; each empanada is hand-pressed, resulting in that distinctively crisp, golden crust that shatters perfectly upon the first bite. The menu shifts based on what is fresh, often highlighting local proteins and tropical produce. It is the type of lunch where you might find yourself sitting on a nearby bench, watching the mist roll down the hills while the heat of the savory beef or spicy chicken filling warms you up.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
The operation is intimate and unpretentious, reflecting the laid-back spirit of the South Kona district. It is an ideal stop for those heading out on a snorkeling excursion or driving back from the coffee farms looking for something substantial and quick. Be aware that because everything is made fresh to order, the space can get quite busy during the lunch rush, and seating is limited—most people treat this as a grab-and-go essential. Whether you are craving the classic chimichurri kick or curious about the day's special fusion filling, this corner of the Big Island offers a satisfying, flaky crunch that you won't find anywhere else.
Amenities & Features
Location
79-7491 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, Hawaii, 96750-7935
More to Explore
More cuisines in Kealakekua
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 2 community reviewsdondudGoogle Maps
Recently
Unique little space which i read they might be moving soon. Empanadas are a must try. Owner was super kind and nice.
Dan DillashawGoogle Maps
Recently
Super fun to meet Tony the owner, after watching a YouTube video about Aloha De Nada Empanadas. The empanadas are amazing, all of them! Tony is super cool, and Rossana (sp?) is an absolute sweetheart! We love supporting small local shops when we travel and this joint was an amazing stop. Don't miss out when one the Kona coast. A+++
Fallon LegaspiGoogle Maps
Recently
I'm a Big Island local and have been searching for empanadas like this for years. I've tried many places all over Island and haven't been satisfied until finding this place. My husband and fell on this place by chance while driving through, and are so excited to have found this gem. Best empanadas on island. Delicious, full of flavor, and fried to perfection. The owner was so kind and friendly. He serves his family's recipes with pride and heart and his food and restaurant are reflections of that. We will be back every time we pass though, for sure. Looking forward to trying other items on the men. Loved it.
Michele & RobertGoogle Maps
Recently
You just walk in, and the list of empanadas is on a chalkboard on your right, and the list of sides, sauces, and other fun stuff is on the left by and behind the counter. Right by the front door is a little screen where you order (but there’s a button on the counter to press if you need help). Pretty straightforward. In the middle of our on screen ordering, a very nice woman came out and helped us with a few decisions (describing the sides in more detail). We ordered 2 empanadas each (grandma’s and veg for him, chicken and veg for her), and the potatoes and cheese ‘side’ (although more like an appetizer). We went outside to wait for our food to be brought out, which was in a to-go container with all the empanada names written on the box so we knew which was which. It did take a little longer than we would have thought to get our order, but the signs clearly state to be patient as everything is made fresh. They were all hot, they were all fresh, they were not greasy at all, and they were all so good!! In fact, we both thought the vegetarian ones were the best (surprisingly), but the pork and chicken weren’t far behind. And, those little potatoes with the gooey, yummy cheese oozing out when you broke into them — oh my!!! These empanada gems stayed hot throughout the entire meal, which only added to the deliciousness. If we were staying on the Big Island longer, we would definitely hit this spot up again; it was that worth it. Our bill came to about $30 for 4 empanadas and one side. Very reasonable.
boboloboloboloboloboloGoogle Maps
Recently
Ube-Bae and Pollo Loco were my favorites! Tony did a fantastic job explaining the flavors and wait time for our order. Surprisingly filling! Too bad it won’t be open before we leave the island.
Rosemary HobsonGoogle Maps
Recently
Absolutely outstanding!! We tried almost all the different kinds of empanadas on the menu, and everything was so delicious. Truly the best food we had during our trip to Hawaii! The owner was also so kind, and the service was great! We were very impressed with Aloha De Nada and would love to come back the next time we are in Hawaii
Cody HenschkeGoogle Maps
Recently
These empanadas were delicious!! The owner was so kind as I avoid dairy and he actually had some leftover vegan dough, he made some up fresh for me which I really appreciated. The sweet potato chips are also fantastic!
Rob KamrowskiGoogle Maps
Recently
Amazing Empanadas and outstanding service. This is a must stop if you are on the Big Island. We tried every flavor but the vegetable and there is not a bad one on the menu. However, I highly recommend the Grandmas, the New York Chop, and the Ube one.
Natasha HavanurGoogle Maps
Recently
Cutest little empanada place in Kona! My boyfriend and I visited Aloha De Nada Empanadas while we were on vacation in Kona and it did not disappoint! Tony makes the best empanadas! Food: We ordered a bunch of different empanadas, we got Grandmas's Empanadas, New York Chopped Cheese Empanadas, Ube-Bae Empanadas, the vegetarian empanadas, and the oreo one as well. All of them were incredible- the vegetarian and oreo ones were our favorites. The flavors are so incredibly unique and go perfectly together. Service: Seems like it was very understaffed when we visited so the wait time was a bit long, but we didn't mind. Atmosphere: Very cute and inviting! I would love to visit this place again!
Jung HuhGoogle Maps
Recently
Spotted this place and got grandma, pollo, and, uber-bae. Delicious, crunchy, and juicy! The owner also went through the menu, which helped us what to decide. Might be one of the best empanadas we got. Great snack or meal before/ after snorkeling.
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