The view of the ocean from here is beautiful and you can hear the waves crashing against the shore at night. Since this restaurant is ocean side would suggest making prior reservations. For drinks, we got the Mai Tai and Mango Mai Tai. I was expecting the Mango Mai Tai to be slightly sweet and couldn't smell or taste the mango in it. The portion for the sweet fries was large, tasted ok. There weren't a lot of options for vegetarian food and hence we went with the veggie pizza. I liked that it had a crunchy crust and the taste was good. Restrooms were clean and require a passcode to enter. Staff was friendly. read more

Friendly waiter and great items to choose from. Had the nachos and loved the crispy chips they served it on.

We ordered the mac nut pancakes with coconut syrup and the papaya yoghurt granola. The pancakes were thick and dense instead of light and fluffy. The papaya yoghurt granola was good, only wished that it was bigger! Service was slow and the ambience was alright considering it is located on a busy street in Kona. read more

Great food, fast service and big portion sizes. Located right on the coast, the outdoor seating provides a great view while you eat on their patio. Make sure to try their breakfast cocktails too! read more

Island Lava Java - Belgian Waffle Island Style w/ Potatoes - American Near Me - Kailua Kona, Hawaii

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Not bad for a big place with a great view on a busy street. The soup was good, but the macadamia encrusted mahi was very tasty. Service was I rushed, but could have used a bit more attention. Still, not bad, just a bit slow. Only big negative was the mixed drink. Not good at all on the guava lemonade. Four other drinks were fine. read more

No cocktails today but we had a very nice experience. We arrived without reservation but was seated within 15 mins. They were really busy. We added 2 more seats to our party and they were very helpful in setting another table. Service was great except our waitress was a little slower because she was trying to get familiar with her lunch menu. She normally works during bkfst hours. The crowd died down and the ambiance of the restaurant turned out being very relaxed with a beautiful view of the open ocean. I'm thinking sunset hour would be beautiful. Everything looked great. The food delivered on time. Huge portions. The seared fish salad tasted a little bland. Not enough seasoning. Guava ribs very tasty and meat soft and easy to chew. Desserts was huge and filling. Delicious. Definitely coming back to try breakfast and dinner w/sunset. read more

Came here for breakfast and ordered eggs Benedict with the fish catch of the day and a mimosa. Great meal with a nice view of the ocean. Service was great and getting a table was no problem. Stayed at a nearby hotel and the walk was less than 5 minutes. If your on the west side of the big island this is a good place for breakfast. read more

Food, service and ambiance was top notch! We always come to Island Lava Java when visiting Kona!

The food just doesn't taste good! Has great views of the ocean and the street. Came here because guy fieri came here. This is just for tourists. Not like tourists will come back again... read more

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

I don't know if you can beat the view! It's located right on Ali'i drive directly across the street from the ocean. You see the cars cruising by, the boats sailing on the water...relaxing for sure. They add to the ambience with a live local musician singing soft Hawaiian music. Started with the cinnamon "roll." It's huge, pancake size and very delicious! A steal for $4.95 if you ask me. Honestly, this alone sufficed for breakfast. Also got the iced mocha, blah! I didn't like that at all. The creamy the talk about in the menu, nah...it tasted like straight coffee with ice. It was oddly settled on the bottom too. I wouldn't order this again...water is fine. The "Island Style" breakfast is sliced bananas and Mac nuts on buttermilk pancakes, very yummy! It comes with a side of fruit and applewood bacon. The bacon was cooked perfectly with good taste. The fruit was fresh, perfect with the dish. Cost? $13.95, reasonable for the portion and...the view. :) The one thing (aside from the mocha) I could complain about was the service portion. Our waitress was nice but slow. We didn't get checked on once during our meal and we were done 15 minutes before we got our check. Honestly, we sat there so long I began to think we were supposed to go up to a counter and pay. Would I return, yes. I enjoyed the food and ambience. I feel that I may have better service the next round. read more

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Overpriced decent food. Stopped here as a backup failed attempt at a nearby restaurant. QR code menu so no paper during COVID which I understand but makes things tricky when trying to view/order on one device. After viewing the menu and prices we opted to split a 10 inch pizza for $26 after tax. Definitely not worth it and a good example of why it pays to research in advance. read more

Island Lava Java - Ocean front seating. - American Near Me - Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Had the pasta last night. The portion is huge. The price is little pricey but the service is good. The dish is too heavy for me especially the cream. I did not finish it but would go back try a different dish if Opportunity permits. read more

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

Was at the restaurant yesterday with my friends on the second floor. The sever was a senior lady. She was impatient with us when ordering and ignored our table several times. However she was chatting with people on the other tables right besides us and she was chatting with them all the time (while ignoring my friend's hand)We had to stand up and ask her for services and the bill. I don't know why she treat us differently maybe because we were the only Asians there. Owner should screen their employees twice before hiring!! DO NOT RECOMMEND. Plus the food isn't good. read more

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

Excellent food, great pool great portions, and wonderful atmosphere next to the ocean.

Portions are small. No local food. Very overpriced. Waiter only came by once to check on us during the entire meal.

Loved this place. Great food and atmosphere right across the street from the beach great views definitely will go back.

Perfect place to end the evening. They are located on the main strip of Kona with a great ocean view. If you get there in time you will be able to see the gorgeous sunset. Went there for some late nite grub. Food is reasonable and service is exceptional. Being a sweet tooth I of course went for the dessert menu. Their mango pineapple cheesecake is to die for. Not sure what else they put in it but you do feel the need to order a second piece which you don't want to share. Their lattes are delicious as well and they have a great, reasonably priced wine selection. Looking at their menu their cocktails are very reasonable compared to other restaurant. If in the area I highly recommend this place. read more

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

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Best eggs Benedict and all day happy hour Thursday's. Parking in the back. Get here by 9:30 to ensure breakfast menu. They switch to lunch at 10:45. read more

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

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Chocolate dipped waffles! Everything they serve here is amazing. If your staying at a resort, head down to this area for better food and prices. read more

We LOVE island lava java!! We went on a Friday night, and... oh my god. The DJ was ON POINT. He played music that would appeal to any age group, which could be relatively difficult to do, but he did the damn thing. When my boyfriend and I walked in, he was actually playing my FAVORITE SONG (beggin - Chris lake) so the mood/tone was already set for the night, I was so happy that he was playing house music. But he also played some oldies and classics... anyways. BRING! HIM! BACK! Additionally, our server Autumn was so helpful, sweet and laidback. She made good recommendations concerning the late night bites, and we were very happy with what we ordered and left feeling satisfied. We even came back the next night, because we we enjoyed the first night so much, and Autumn was back and even remembered our drink order! AUTUMN NEEDS A RAISE, PROTECT AUTUMN AT ALL COSTS!!! And finally, the ambiance is amazing. We sat upstairs and we had an ocean view. It's such a beautiful place to eat and just relax, plus the food and drinks are what keep us coming back. HIGHLY recommend island lava Java!!! read more

Glad I took the advice from comment posted. Breakfast was good. Definitely make reservations bc they are busy. I request a view of the ocean and got it. read more

Walked to this place for breakfast from the hotel. Had to wait 30 minutes at 8:45am for a table for 2. Got seated upstairs, with a wonderful ocean view!!! It was amazing. They have an option where you can ordered from a QR code for safe covid. But a waitress also comes and helps you. I ordered the veggie omelette, and wow it was incredible. Loved the goat cheese, the vegetable medley, and the hefty portion of avocado in top, YUM! Also came with a side of fruit. Good place for any type of meal. read more

Great place to have breakfast or brunch. I did not come in for lunch or dinner so I can't speak to either. Location: The view is spectacular for breakfast. We arrived 30 minutes after they opened and I'm glad we got there early as we got to enjoy an amazing view of spinner dolphins playing in the water. There's a parking lot behind the plaza making it easy to get to. They're located right off the road so you can't miss it when you're driving. The restaurant has a lot of outdoor seating and it's worth sitting by the front of the restaurant as you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the water and dolphins playing in the mornings. Staff: The hostess that sat us let us know it was Mimosa Monday; they were having $5 Mimosas. Our waitress was really nice too. She came by to let us know that there were dolphins swimming out in the water and pointed out exactly where they were. She later explained to us that they were spinner dolphins when I asked how long the dolphins hung out. She said they're usually there for about an hour to hour and a half in the mornings and sometimes came back in early evening for about an hour before they go out to eat. We learned they were spinner dolphins and that they liked to frolic in the morning when they have energy from eating overnight. Our waitress also let me upgrade my Lava Java breakfast pancakes to Island Style. I was so excited! Food: The Island Style pancakes were yummy. It comes with a lot of macadamia nuts on top and about half a large banana (if not more). The coconut syrup went great with the pancakes; the coconut flavor wasn't too overpowering for the macadamia nuts. I normally don't prefer coconut but I enjoyed the syrup with the pancake combo. Hubs ordered the regular Eggs Benedict and the eggs were perfectly poached. They had the nice runny consistency when the yolk was cut open. Instead of an English muffin bread, they used a croissant which added a nice sweetness to the Benedict. Hubs also ordered the Lilikoi mimosa and he said it was yummy. Highlights: +dolphin watching in the mornings +beautiful view +yummy island style pancakes +perfectly cooked eggs for eggs Benedict +great service read more

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Perfect spot over looking the beach. They got $5 mimosas on mimosa Monday Hawaiian style macadamia nut pancakes were delish. It gets busy, so try to get their early before a day of exploring the island. read more

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

Very strange the way they work things, you don't get. Personal server. You have to order through your own phone. And it was just crazy there, didn't seem like they had it together at all... read more

We did brunch; the wait was reasonable, service friendly and quick (Thank you, Tawnie), the meal was delicious, but the views were outstanding! We were lucky to be seated on the second-floor deck overlooking Ali'i Drive and the bay, and it didn't feel crowded at all at the time we were there. We stared at the water as long as we could. The Kona coffee was quite tasty for coffee, and I'm not a big coffee person. I ate the garden scramble with macadamia pesto and fresh fruit; it was all tasty. The starfruit was sweet but not too sweet--really refreshing! I recommend the ginger tea as well; it has a great zing but isn't too strong and is also refreshing! I would love to come back. read more

Island Lava Java - Drag It Thru the Garden scramble, ginger iced tea - American Near Me - Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Nice to have the front row seat to the ocean. A nice variety of food and it is tasty. The hostess was not welcoming and the rest of our party referred to her as "passive aggressive". It was not only us, as others got the same treatment and were observed rolling their eyes. She is more well suited for the kitchen. read more

The service was awesome The food was great and the ocean views were even better Must try we went 3 times best breakfast in Kona

Second trip to Kona and second time here. I ordered Island bagel with Loc off the light breakfast. Onions were a bit too much but the rest was SO delicious and fulfilling. Get it with the seeded bagel. The night before we had the New York strip steak and pork chops. Potato and veggies could've had a larger portion, but the taste was delicious for both. read more

Island Lava Java - Island Bagel & Lox - American Near Me - Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Waited 30 minutes for a table and then another 2 hours for average food with garbage service. Never coming here again. read more

This place has a beautiful view and a really cool set up. If you can, sit on the top deck. The food, drinks and service were great.

We had a nice breakfast. Good, well prepared food. Great, quick service, even though we sat upstairs. Nice views.

This is our very first time in the big island/Kailua-Kona. I love that it is near the ocean. My family & I like this place. We would go back here next. read more

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

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Excellent breakfast! I thought it was a coffee place by the name, but they have much much more and are a full service restaurant and bar and open for BLD. The freshly squeezed juices and Cocktails are done with care and taste amazing!! We avoided the wait by sitting at the bar, the service, drinks, and stories by Nate made for a great experience. We went back a few times and found it to be consistent, friendly and all wrapped in the amazing water view. We will be back! read more

When I say I am a pancake lover, I'm not exaggerating. I had this place on my list to visit since we first booked our trip for their macadamia nut pancakes! We came looking for a table around 9:45am on a Sunday. We were told there was a 40 minute wait if we didn't have a reservation, which we totally understand because of COVID restrictions. We gave our number and decided to wait. No less than 5 minutes later we got a text saying our table was ready! We were sat on their top deck. What a beautiful view!! The waitress was so kind and polite! (I forgot her name! I was so focused on getting pancakes!) Our food came and I had a deep interpersonal relationship with my food. The macadamia nuts are diced small. With bananas and coconut syrup? Yes please. I opted for the Portuguese sausage. (Go out of your comfort zone. It's well worth it.) The meal was amazing, the view was amazing, and we will gladly be back again! read more

I really want to like this place more than we did. It's lovely, local, and the staff were all so great. It's just that it was pretty pricy for food that I really wouldn't hurry back for. It's Kona, so the coffee needs to be on point, and their lattes were oh so weak. The pancakes were ok, large and fluffy, and the bacon was quite good. The 'drag me through the garden' was a nice serving of veggies on a pretty decent croissant (they toast it and it was a bit burnt). The biggest disappointment was the eggs Benny because it's not real hollandaise - it's very rich (cloyingly so) but tastes like they must make it by whipping mayonnaise or something. We make hollandaise from scratch all the time, and this ain't it. I had a Lilikoi mimosa, which could have used more Lilikoi but was pretty. All in $70 for a family of 4 (yes 2 coffees and a mimosa, but also only 3 entrees) and none of the items really hit it out of the park for us. read more

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After a whirlwind weekend of wedding fun with a small group of friends, we decided to go to one last breakfast together before everyone flew home for Monday. We arrived at Island Lava Java at 10am on a sunday, and I was surprised to see that they had a good amount of seating still open. We had a party of 7, and they sat us outside between their kitchen and the shoe store next door which looked cozy and quiet. While we were walking through the restaurant to our seats, I perused the baked goods counter, and spied an amazing looking cinnamon pull-apart that I announced we needed. They brought us two for our large group, and it was absolutely not enough. Hands down the best thing we ate there, this was perfectly chewy, still warm, fresh, and lounging in a bowl of warm caramel sauce. BLISS. If this was the whole review it would have been 5 stars, but alas, it is not. A few minutes after diving into the pull aparts, we noticed collectively that we had an ant problem. These ants were SUPER small, and on the tablecloth mostly, so we were all squishing them and hoping they'd leave. They did not, and then were on our phones, feet, hands, and eventually our plates. We noted this to the staff and by that time the place was full with a wait list so we just had to lump it. The beverages were a hit, with giant mugs of coffee for them and Mate for me, which was a nice change of pace. Breakfast selections were interesting including fresh fish, omelettes, and such, but was a resulting flop with us being unimpressed with the quality of their dishes. Potatoes were well-seasoned and fruit was fresh, but the turkey in my sando was dry, the avocado was musty, and the fish was mushy, which is the pinnacle of unappealing. Prices are pretty high, although they do state they try to locally source as much as possible, but this place is a pretty break-neck hit and miss. read more

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One of my first stops during my recent April trip to Kona. I heard great things about Island Lava Java, and that it was a must-do! This is the best place for a casual and relaxed breakfast or brunch. There are lots of pastries to choose from (on display inside) http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/akg7B2mkNiZbCyE1RgP05Q?select=HLUaWuULrTKhZtpksrvb6w http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/akg7B2mkNiZbCyE1RgP05Q?select=K9rhlPD7dITHZSmBiYbllA, as well as a nice variety of other breakfast and lunch items on the menu to for the dining in experience. I highly recommend sitting outside for the ocean views and people watching. Of course, I had to order the ginormous cinnamon roll and just look at the size of this thing http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/akg7B2mkNiZbCyE1RgP05Q?select=1OOaR-YkZa7KzpRuamrn9w It was super duper gooey and sinfully sweet. What's there not to love? Unfortunately, I could not finish it and took the rest back with me to consume later. The cup of Kona coffee was the perfect accompaniment to the cinnamon roll! Oh mylanta! Oh, I did also order vanilla yogurt served on top of half of a sliced papaya with homemade granola. That was definitely healthy deliciousness at its best. The papaya was sweet and granola was crunchy and fresh! I'd prefer that the yogurt was served on a mango half instead of a papaya. (Once a mango freak, always one, eh?) Prices are decent, and service is friendly. Easy street parking, too! I will be back upon my next Kona trip. Mahalo! read more

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Brunch for three generations including grandson, daughter and me. The food was excellent. I don't think you can go wrong with anything you order. The only thing keeping me from wanting to return is the modern mall music that interfered with enjoying the whole oceanfront ambiance. As a long time resident of Hawaii, I long for the days when both tourists and kamaaina could enjoy beautiful Hawaiin music while dining. read more

The veggie omelet we got had bacon pieces throughout and the omelet itself had soggy vegetables. The breakfast sandwich had a hair on it. The service wasn't service, you order on an app. The table wasn't checked on enough. They did comp our omelette after we explained we are vegetarian and this isn't okay, which was nice! Overall, 2/5. I don't really understand how it has the rating it does. read more