Arrived earlier this morning, was told there was a wait. So we waited about 10 minutes and we're seated. After we were seated, we sat there for 15 minutes and no one even looked at us or came to take a drink order. So we left. We weren't in a huge rush, but we didn't have time to sit around and wait all day. They probably have delicious breakfast, but we will not be back. read more

My experience here was pretty underwhelming. It's my first time in Hawaii with my family and I really wanted to like this place; I was excited to dine here after reading positive reviews from fellow Yelpers. Check-in: Checking in was straightforward--I came with my family (party of 5) and were quoted a 20 minute wait during prime time for dinner. Our hostess was friendly and the call-back was prompt. Food: We decided to make it an easy dinner to share by ordering 2 pizzas (Big Island and Seaside Shrimp) along with calamari fritti and a beet salad. Honestly, the food was begging for more. The Big Island pizza was pretty tasty and the pork was tender and flavorful. It was a little on the greasy side but it was still good and my family ate it all up. I made note of the pizza crust because I liked the chewy texture it had. The Seaside Shrimp Pizza was good as well as it was very light and full of veggies, though I felt it would've had benefitted from more shrimp. The calamari was disappointing though. It was cold, very rubbery (from overcooking) and lacked crunch and flavor...and you know what? I STILL ate it because I was hungry. Unfortunately, I've had much better calamari from other eateries and was pretty disappointed about the lackluster calamari we received. The beet salad was a welcome respite from the greasiness/heaviness of the food but it was nothing spectacular or worth noting. -1 star Drinks: I ordered the guava lemonade and specifically asked for an alcoholic version. I was brought the non-alcoholic version so naturally I asked for that to be corrected. A server who wasn't assigned to our table was kind enough to correct the order. - 1 star Service: This was the reason I'm writing this review. It really does take one person to inspire someone to voice one's opinion. Hopefully, he will take note and save himself further trouble. Our server was a young man whom--from the very beginning--I felt did not feel genuinely interested in serving us, let alone be there to work. After we placed our orders and got the food, we realized there weren't any utensils and asked for him to bring some silverware for us. He scoffed and asked "really? You guys don't have any?" and walked away with a slight chuckle. Yes, really....unless you had wanted us to eat salad with our hands? No apology. At the end of our meal, we asked for the check and our server handed us the check and disappeared. No "thank you's" or "hope you have a great trip" or common niceties were exchanged between us lol, just dropped off the check and left without saying a word. - 1 star Summary: It's all right. Kind of a tourist trap, but that's to be expected given its location along the beach and strip malls in the surrounding area. read more

Not as good as it used to be. Food ok but pricey as is everything now. Service good but coffee average. Wouldn't rush back but ok.

Yummmmmyyy is the word that best describes my food! Most of my family got the sunset burger with sweet potato fries and it was delicious. Another family member got the fish tacos and she said they were equally amazing! read more

What a nice spot in Kona to start the day! I gathered from other reviews that it is a new location for the restaurant, down the street from its old location. It is much bigger with a bar and sit down table area. It is an open area so customers can be coming from different directions and may get lost to find the hostess. To clarify, the small hostess stand is located on the street side right underneath the store sign. Once we were situated, we found ourselves in a relaxing area with crashing waves and live music. The musician was great putting on some very relaxing tunes suiting the ambiance. Bloody mary was on point and breakfast (the Waipio Stack) was delicious. One star is taken away for witnessing couple messed up orders from our neighboring bar friends. She also accidentally voided our orders so our waiting time for the food was extra long. I forgave her because I was on vacation and not in a rush while enjoying the live music and ocean sound. Overall, I would come back to this spot when I am in Kona for vacation! read more

Island Lava Java - Waipio stack and side potatoes - American Near Me - Kailua Kona, Hawaii

My husband and I came to breakfast here recently and didn't enjoy the meal. My eggs were greasy, and the whole meal was warm, at best. My husband asked for well cooked bacon, and it was limp, like it had barely been on the stove. He felt his waffle was undercooked. After about ten minutes, a new plate came back for him: the bacon was electrocuted, the new waffle was still undercooked, and the potatoes that were on the original plate had been thrown out. No potatoes on the plate. The serve comped his meal, and she had attitude. How freaking hard is it to make breakfast? I would try this chain again, but would see how the Waikoloa Village place is. I feel that eating at the restaurants along Ali'i Drive is a crapshoot, and this place landed on the NO list. read more

had the ribs.. guava sauce was ok.. ribs wefr bland and dry. the coleslaw was also bland. service was good

We've been coming here for years, every time we are in town. Love the new location, good ocean views. Food & service is always good. Glad to see they survived COVID! Breakfast, lunch or dinner is highly recommended. read more

The food is amazing but the customer service is questionable. I've been here twice so far and my first server was amazing (woman with burgundy/red hair) But those who worked the guest stand the past few days need more training in customer service. I insert things can get busy and overwhelming but it should not be taken out on the guests. Also, the bartender on Monday morning was terribly rude. If you can definitely make a reservation and don't expect the best service, I highly recommend the Eggs Benedict with shrimp. read more

We stopped by here for breakfast. After eating out everyday I needed something relatively healthy with veggies. I got the garden scramble. It had good flavor and was satisfying for what I was looking for. The iced macchiato was also delicious, comparable to Starbucks. Pancakes were nice and fluffy and had good flavor. read more

We had delicious food here! We ordered short ribs, fish and chips, and grilled chicken sandwich. All was great! The only reason for four stars was the service. Apparently they were slow and sent staff home only to pick up later in the day. Our waitress was doing her best, but stopped mid sentence three times to leave our table and help someone else. I wouldn't let the service deter you though, the good was good! read more

The other customers must have low standards. Our Caesar salad, soup, and ribs were gross. The red pepper soup was gelatinous and lukewarm. The salad had no flavor. The ribs were low quality. I was really disappointed. I didn't eat my food. I left hungry . Wish I could get a refund on my $50. read more

First time to this restaurant. Fish tacos and burgers were delicious. Mai tai was one of the best I've had on the island. Prices are very reasonable. Definitely would come back. read more

People come here for the view,but the eats are good too. Sunday brunch with banana topping pancakes and kids menus make the experience nice for a family too read more

I have been coming to Kona since '93. Lava Java used to be a favorite that I shared with friends. Since they moved a few doors down to a bigger place it's gone downhill. Service was slow and not friendly, food was 'meh'...fries cold, fish bland. Sad to see - loved the old location and vibe read more

Compared to the other restaurants on Alii Drive this place is awesome! Espresso is excellent; they have their own bakery with a nice assortment of breakfast and dessert options; and the food quality at breakfast, lunch and dinner is excellent. The only thing we haven't tried yet is their cocktail list, but I'm betting it's good! Just be prepared for a wait at the door or make a reservation in advance! read more

We had reservations for New Year's eve, for upstairs. The setting was nice, with good music, but the service was very slow and the food was mis-prepared - a pizza that looked like evidence after a house fire; and a medium-well done grilled fish that was sashimi-like. We've had better here. Maybe a bad night, but we won't be back for a while. read more

I had higher hopes for this place based on checking out the menu when we walked by. But it didn't live up to my expectations. For one thing we came on a Sunday after noon expecting lunch but all they had until later in the day was a brunch menu that consisted mostly of breakfast style offerings. I might have been fine with that if it was still the AM but this was well into lunch time. The explanation we got from the waitress about this seemed to make the case that they really want to do brunch on Sunday, so to switch over to a more complete lunch menu at noon was too hard. The few non-breakfast offerings included fish tacos which wasn't what I was looking for but we decided to stay. The fish itself on the 2 tacos I got was good. but there was very little in the way of anything else on the taco except for some aioli for dressing and a side salad that consisted entirely of lettuce with a few cherry tomatoes. For $23 I expect a bit more. read more

Very nice place with a beautiful ocean view. Tried the Lava Java Breakfast with waffle. The coconut syrup is super delicious. Probably the best syrup I had in a while! read more

Island Lava Java - Lava Java Breakfast - American Near Me - Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Very underwhelming food. Snooty service. Not sure what the long waits are about. SKIP.

LOVED this place! We had a wonderful waitress with an excellent view of the ocean. It was a group of 7, 3 kids and 4 adults. They made our drinks fast and they were yummy. Each one of us were very satisfied with our meals and really thought that it was worth every penny. Definitely going back! read more

We made a reservation for 1pm Sunday because their website shows Sunday brunch menu. After being seated and given time to review their full menu, we were informed that from 1-1:30pm daily they "transition" their kitchen and only serve pizza and salad. We left and found more variety at a restaurant next door. read more

Had lunch there today - black bean tacos and Turkey sandwich. Both excellent, fresh and full of flavor. I chose a glass of J Vineyard Pinot Noir and it came at exactly the right temperature. So delicious. Definitely recommend. read more

Hard to find. Food was mediocre at best. Told server (wish I got her name) that we wouldn't recommend our two lunches (guava BBQ ribs and fish & chips). Fish was heavily dry battered and over cooked. Looked like fish sticks. Ribs were fatty and not easy to get off bone. Not done well. Instead of finding out why our experience wasn't great or what she could do about it, she snarked back with "Really? Hmm Guy Fieri loved our ribs." Service was not her priority or expertise. read more

Great pizza during happy hour at the bar! Bartender friendly. Nice setting overlooking ocean.

I have been going here for years. I love the Nicoise Salad is killer. They make some of the best soup I have ever had. Fish dishes are great! Breakfast is a winner. Love the Benedicts. It has always been a BYOB restaurant- no liquor license. They are wonderful about supplying glasses and a wine ice bucket when you bring your own wine. They will be moving shortly to a new location just a few doors down. A full bar with a wine list will be added. It is worth the visit! read more

Perfect way to escape the belligerency of this Kona strip. Island Java offers impeccable service and extremely well balanced and tasty food. We had breakfast here, lox bagel with capers and a breakfast croissant called "dragged through the garden". Both were fresh tasting and satisfying. As we ate, we had a great ocean view that offered live music from a local and excellent people watching as a cruise ship was in the process of dumping its passengers on the shore. Great food, coffee and service- pretty much what your looking for! We plan to eat here again. Come early, as the wait increases quickly around 9. read more

Service was fast, view is beautiful but the food was mediocre. Drink specials seemed alright. Wouldn't come back.

I frequent this very good restaurant often. Great recipes, prompt service, great view, and live music often. I am a concierge and recommend this place to everybody, especially vegetarians and gluten -free guests. I have no dietary needs, but my guest who do return with great reports. The restaurant have never let me down for recommending this place! Tip: It's BYOB, so pick a great bottle of wine before hand read more

Friendly bartender and good drinks. The banana Mac nut waffle with coconut syrup is a must have. Eggs Benny great too!

Breakfast was fantastic! Loved the breeze and views! Coffee and drinks were great. Loved it so much we returned to eat lunch here on another day! read more

Walked down for breakfast while on vacation. Seated upstairs with a great view. Rose was very attentive during our visit - I ordered the breakfast sandwich and husband had the banana macadamia pancakes. Man! I wish I had ordered some for myself - my sandwich was delicious and hot but those pancakes hit the spot! We skipped the coffee shake but may have to head back before our flight for one. read more

Ordered the fish tacos and the passion fruit dessert. The food was excellent but we did not get waited on very well. read more

Island Lava Java - American Near Me - Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Delicious fish, potato, egg breakfast! Kona coffee with almond milk, papaya yogurt with granola :-) read more

Island Lava Java - Papaya, vanilla yogurt and coconut granola...yumm! - American Near Me - Kailua Kona, Hawaii

They cater to tourist. Expensive For cold food. Sometimes wait STAFF are grouchy. Will never go there again. Expensive. My poke plate had 5 pieces Of fish. Tastyed like it was left out on rhe counter not refrigerated. read more

worst drinks, worst food, worst service. Waitress was grumpy from the get go. Sugary mai tais with no substance. Shrimp Carbonara was absolutely horrible. Take it off the menu because no one should pay for that. worst experience i've had at a restaurant. Can i give less than 1 star?? read more

well. this is my third time here and never been impressed. the fish tacos and Ahi bites are pretty good but many other things are unbelievably plane and flavorless . A few nights ago i got the ribs which had a nice mango salsa/sauce but the meat itself no flavor at all and you could very easy mistake it for Rubber. Then last nite i had it , i got the macadamia crusted fresh catch of the day , wow it came over a pound of plain rice without any flavor or sauce to make it edible , now when i am talking about the fish it was worst than the rice , overcooked , flavorless , not even the crust/ batter had any flavour and let me make it clear , i did not lost my taste as a result of covid . i am not only disappointed but pissed because the charge 50$ for 3 oz of fish and the catfish at a all you can eat restaurant in Alabama or you name other state tastes much better read more

Amazing Sunday brunch!!! I tried the Island basic with poached eggs which was simply perfect. With a view of dolphins in the open ocean and a crisp kona coffee this is a perfect Hawaii experience. Not to mention the great service. read more

Island Lava Java - American Near Me - Kailua Kona, Hawaii

The famous French toast is only severs on Sunday's.. so don't walk.. RUN! This stuff is out of this world good. So good that we are going to attempt to recreate it ourselves. You really can't go wrong with this place. Now that they have moved into a larger space they have ample seating and way less of a wait time. But you will probably still have to wait on Sunday as the French toast is that good.. read more

Went to lava Java for breakfast and for a sunset view with appetizers and drinks. Both times the view and the food was awesome. The service is exceptionally friendly and good. We actually had a waiter who is a second generation server for the restaurant. The food is amazing and my son said the ribs were the best he ever had. read more