Great little spot tucked in off the Main Street (Ali'i Drive). The kalua pork plate, accompanied by rice, purple sweet potato, and obviously the pork, were delicious and filling! We also tried the kava, and my wife said it reminded her of jicama, if it were a made into a drink. The employee working at the counter/bar was super helpful in helping us understand about kava and its traditions. read more

We came here looking for authentic Hawaiian food and while it's not the largest spot - more of a cafe with patio-style seating the food was solid. When we arrived it was a bit awkwards as it wasn't clear where to order and I have to say the service wasn't great and our server didn't really explain what kava is when we asked. Nevertheless we got a small mug of kava to try along with the lau lau which is pork wrapper in taro leaves. Loved the pork which was soft, tender and full of flavors. The poi and kava were a bit strange for my taste but overall interesting meal and it was a nice casual spot near downtown Kona. read more

Kanaka Kava - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Jumped on the "my boyfriend wanted to try this place" train and came in the late afternoon. This place was ok. Weird vibes and they were out of most things, but was a great spot to try some poi. The poi was great, a lot like yogurt actually. I had the garlic bread which was plentiful and had lots of fresh garlic. We also tried the 'awa (which is a lot like kava) and another taro root dish that I forget the name of. A fine place to try some hawaiian food if your boyfriend wants to, but not sure I'd go back. read more

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amazing‼ Cool place with nice atmosphere. The food is incredibly good and very authentic read more

My friend really wanted to get traditional Hawaiian food, so we stopped by this place! It's essentially a shack with a few bench tables. It wasn't really that busy either. We ordered a plate, which had garlic bread, salmon/tomato (I forgot the name), the pork wrapped in leaves, and the squid luau? So I never had traditional Hawaiian food, so this is my first time judgment. Honestly, I only really liked the garlic bread and the salmon/tomato the best LOL the garlic bread was crispy, nice and fragrant. The tomato with salmon was quite refreshing! Although the pork was kinda dry and the squid luau was very... interesting. I think the texture of the squid luau throws me off, which it was kinda too mushy for my taste. My friend, who had tried traditional Hawaiian food, did mention that this meal overall was just okay, she had better ones at other places. So this may not be my cup of tea, but she enjoys it haha. The vibe here is pretty great nevertheless! Located right by the ocean too. read more

Kanaka Kava - Garlic bread, pork, squid luau, and the salmon/tomato dish. - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

If you are looking for an authentic local experience, this spot is a highly recommended. it features a patio-style design with live music and limited seating. Food was great and it was quite an interesting experience! It's unclear there was only one or two persons who run the restaurant, I saw only one person who's talking to all customers, bringing out foods and also preparing in the back. He was cool! read more

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3.5/5 We didn't know what kava was upon coming to this restaurant and had just stopped by looking for local Hawaiian eats open past 8pm (surprisingly harder to find than expected). But apparently this little restaurant is known for its kava (also known as 'awa), a traditional relaxant drink categorized as a depressant with relaxing and europhic properties, which is what most patrons were enjoying. The kitchen in fact closed at 9pm that night and had already run out of poke and fish so our choices were more limited. Service was also unremarkable, perhaps because the night was wrapping up soon? While we weren't here for the kava, it was interesting to have a sampler of more traditional Hawaiian dishes from what was available. We tried a little of everything - taro, salad, garlic bread, kalua pork, and lau lau. I guess they also had lomi-lomi salmon and coconut cream stewed breadfruit sides that day so we tried some of that too. Overall, the flavors were okay. The salad dressing was definitely salty (as other reviews have mentioned), and we personally found the coconut cream taro and breadfruit to be a little too rich. But the garlic bread and kalua pork made for a yummy bite so we filled up on that for dinner. Note that Kanaka Kava doesn't validate parking, but you can buy a trinket at the ABC store in the plaza for validation. read more

Kanaka Kava - Food menu November 2024 - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

The ambiance is open seating bar vibes, but a little more laid back and relaxed. The service is top notch. I dont know what others have complained for, but we had a great experience and even helped us understand some of the menu items. They were out of a few things I really wanted to try, but can't blame them for being popular and selling out. Everything I had was great and if you are looking for a Hawaiian based food place, this is a must stop! The Kava will make you feel great and I highly recommend you try it once. The Poi is interesting and maybe not for everyone. The Ulu is very delicious. read more

Kanaka Kava - Uala (top left), Poi (bottom left), Lau Lau (middle top), Ulu (bottom middle) - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Came here for a late dinner and ordered a few mixed plates to split with my party. The kalua pork was quite good, it had a really strong smoky flavor and was our party's favorite item! As a side we also had garlic bread, which was quite tasty too. Some of the more exotic options that we tried were a bit dissapointing though. We tried a bunch of things in an assorted plate, the Kalo (taro), Ulu (breadfruit), Lomi salmon, and tofu poke. They were all a bit weird for our tastes, and we're overall not as popular for our table. Overall, I enjoyed coming here to try a bunch of new things, but I don't think I'm craving to come back. read more

Continuing with our Hawaiian fix that day, after overeating at Kaaloa Super J's, only needed a light dinner. Stopped by here since it wasn't too far from where we were staying as I had my heart set on that squid luau. However, after seeing someone else's order of the uala (purple sweet potato), I added that on as well. Squid luau may not look the most appetizing but that combination of tender chopped squid pieces stewed with taro leaves and coconut milk, it is a sweet, savory, and creamy concoction that I just can never stop eating. Without access to taro leaves on the Mainland, it is a must have whenever I'm on island. That steamed uala is the perfect compliment to that squid luau as it also has a creamy coconutty flavor to it. Since this is a kava bar, it did seem to lower the inhibitions of some "guests" as an argument did break out between two separate groups of diners while I was waiting for my take out. read more

Kanaka Kava - Uala - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Great service and food. Small, unassuming hole in the wall that's packed with good Hawaiian food (real stuff) and just a nice setting to hang out. read more

Kanaka Kava - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Cool place. Got a chance to try some fresh kava. Never had it before. Taste is earthy, grassy and interesting. Not my cup of tea for regular drinking but I enjoyed the experience. The guy at the counter was very chill and friendly. I also had the lau lau... Delicious! Tender, most meat wrapped in bitter, tasty taro leaves. It's not a combo I expected much from and was pleasantly surprised. Price is a bit higher than average, so I remove one star for the value. Otherwise, no complaints. Mellow place to go try kava and a simple, tasty meal. read more

This was my fave spot that I ate at during my week in Kona! It's a small outdoor stand with a little bit of seating. The guy who helped us was super chill and friendly which made the experience even better. Was definitely really solid, authentic Hawaiian food! We got the Lau Lau, kalua pig, poi, and kalo. I never had kalo like that before and it was SO good. Highly recommend coming here! read more

Kanaka Kava - a variety of food items on a table - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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It's been a while since I've been in a restaurant with a character and what better place to find it than on this paradise of an island! We arrived for a late dinner and so a lot of options were already off the table. I ordered the laulau with poi and garlic bread but I have to say we've had better laulau in the past. The stuffing was super fatty and they skimmed on the fish but the poi was pretty good. However, as we learned, if you were spotted here, you're probably not interested in any of those items - most regulars actually stop by for the ava. Either way, the dude working the counter was super friendly and we had a very interesting conversation about the origin of the kava plant. read more

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Great spot that seems to attract the locals despite being in a more high traffic tourist area. The food was authentic and delicious. I didn't know what Kava was so I didn't get any but it seems like everyone else got it. It's supposed to make you feel relaxed and I don't think there's alcohol in it? Come for the food, you won't be disappointed. Maybe next time, I'll order the Kava too. read more

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Returned to Kanaka Kava this past week on our most recent trip to the island. The menu had changed slightly from the plates, where you chose your sides, to fixed bowls. The food was just as enjoyable as the first time and we received great service here. Love the relaxed beach shack vibe also. read more

Kanaka Kava - Hawaiian poke, spicy poke, lomi lomi, kimchi, sweet potato, Kava, pork & butterfish wrapped in taro leaves. - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Traditional kava , potent one was super tasty , worked fast I was relaxed and my back pain was pretty much gone after one bowl. They had live music which was nice.. unfortunately there was no where to sit. It's a small place about 4/5 tables.. so we just had one bowl and left. Definitely would have ordered more if we had somewhere to sit and enjoy it. They do offer to go as well. read more

Food is decent & the place is chill. The staff is friendly. I was hoping to try their squid luau, but they ran out. read more

Kanaka Kava - Big servings. I shared it with my friend. - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

I went here at nine. And the girl bartender and the man at the car were not very welcoming. Shortly after us a girl came in and they were so chipper. Can't say I'd recommend this place, the energy was burnt. read more

I'm not sure if most people come here for the drinks, but our food and service wasn't the best. They were also out of all the poke bowls. The salad dressing was pretty salty, and all the other food on the plate lacked flavor which was a little disappointing. In terms of service, it didn't look like the lady cared and didn't really make any eye contact or friendly conversations with us which is very different from all other Hawaiian establishments we visited. There were just a few tables outside by the bar/place you order. There weren't that many people, but it looked like most people got drinks instead of getting food. read more

Kanaka Kava - Kalua pork plate and fish plate - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

This place is legit. I was worried that since it is on the edge of the touristy part of Kona that it would be geared towards that crowd, but the vibe felt like a place that locals go to when they are in the touristy part of town. The seating is minimal, the menu is small and intentional, the staff is friendly and the vibe was perfect for late night adventures. We swung by, enjoyed a bowl of Kava, laulau, poi and sweet potatoes. What I loved is that this felt right. The Poi was just in it's raw form, nothing added, nothing fancy, nothing to dress it up for a palate that might not like the earthy flavor of taro. The same went for all the dishes and the Kava, no frills, nothing fancy just well prepared and on point. If you're in town I highly recommend swinging by. Be prepared for deep earthy flavors and keep an open mind with all the food (leave the sweet tooth at home :D) read more

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Traditional island eats in the touristy heart of Kona! This is an interesting place that focuses its menu on traditional island cuisine. Got the lau lau filled with pork and butterfish, squid luau with coconut milk, and squid. Sort of like filipino Laing but a little sweeter. Also got the purple sweet potato which was a ferocious shade of purple! Garlic bread looked too good to pass up so got that as well. Everything was delicious! They have a communal cauldron of kava or awa at the bar which I actually didn't try this time around. The place is pretty small with pretty some tables available for outdoor seating only. Friendly vibe with various locals coming by to chat with restaurant staff and partaking in the communal kava. Definitely worth checking out if you want to explore th local cuisine! read more

Kanaka Kava - Lau lau, squid luau, garlic bread and side of purple sweet potato - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

I don't know why my experience is so different from others. We were trying to avoid the strip, but we went specifically for Kanaka Kava because we wanted 'opihi, lau lau, and fish. They didn't have ANY of those things. The guy working said they never have 'opihi for 5 years. I was so confused. The kava was good, but maybe call ahead to see what menu items they actually have available. read more

Very authentic place. You can get a fresh coconut (including the white inside yummy) and kawa. You should definitely try it. It has earthy taste and at the beginning it feels weird - like you drink water with earth. But after couple minutes you get used to it. But you'll get your mind calm for several hours after that. Your mind doesn't change, but you just feel so calm. Can't give 5 stars since they were out of poke :( read more

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Amazing vibe, great Kava (or 'Awa as we learned!) And the two vegetarian root vegetables we tried were perfectly cooked. The workers here were so friendly, and the regulars were too. We came two nights ago around 8 and they were out of food since there were not expecting so many tourists but tonight we were so happy to get to try the food. read more

Cute little stand in the midst of their downtown ish area. The food was decent and they had a lot of interesting, unique sides. But the kava is where they really stand out! It's supposed to be a natural anti anxiety (?) drink that helps mellow you out. It has a interesting taste that takes some getting used to. It's not legal everywhere so might as well try it! read more

Kanaka Kava - kava and pork - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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It would have had 5 stars if judging the Kava Kava alone, but the service was atrocious which pulls it down to 1 star. After a long flight on 12/15 I entered the empty shop and was greeted by a scowling face. I asked questions with minimum response and then asked for 1/2 gallon. She couldn't find the caps for the plastic so came out with a glass growler. Some dude found one a cap. She asked which one I wanted glass or plastic. I asked if there was a price difference and what it was. She scowled and answered "yes". Same way with any question like she hated I was there and was stupid to ask about Kava Kava. Turns out i unwittingly picked what ended up being the more expensive one lol I'm a POC, I smiled and was quiet, I was patient as they searched for the lid. I saved up my money for this trip and spent quite a bit on the goods. If you don't want my money I won't spend it here. I will NEVER go there again and I will warn every traveler the same. What a miserable start to the trip. read more

Got into the island late last night. My family and I were looking for a quick meal. We got to Kanaka Kava at 9:55pm. A gentleman that looked like a cook came out of the cooking area and I asked him if we could eat there. He said they close at 10pm. That's fine, I understand. It's late. But what I don't understand is your restaurant has a sign outside that says you're open until 11pm? Maybe, if you don't want any more customers or money for the day take down the false advertisement. read more

This place was pretty neat. My boyfriend and I came here twice during our stay in Kona because we were curious about Kava. The staff was really cool and happy to educate us about Kava so it was a great experience. The The Kava ws served in cute coconut bowls, but did not taste great... But wasn't terrible. Ultimately it didn't do anything for us except give us stomach aches after 2 days of trying it but hey we gave it a shot. The traditional hawaiian food was pretty good here. On our first visit we got the pupu plater. From that dish we loved the squid stew and the purple potatoes, like the pork, could not find any salmon in the diced tomatoes dish, and in my opinion pretty terrible poi. The second time we got the Lau Lau and the Ulu, which were both very delicious and tasty. If in kona definitely check this place out of you want to experience kava, or try traditional Hawaii food. read more

Kanaka Kava - Lau Lau (butterfish wrapped in taro leaves) and Ulu (breadfruit in a sweet sauce) - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Best pork plate we had the whole trip. Poi was a great side and complimented the dish well, but if you have not tried it before maybe ask about the taste. The employees were very nice and helpful when we were deciding what to get. Definitely recommend giving this place a try as it was the more interesting food selections on our trip to the Big Island. Wish we could've tried their poke, but it was always sold out later in the day. Located in the middle of a shopping area, it's a great stop with plenty to do or explore in the area. read more

Kanaka Kava - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Old fashioned Hawaiian food. Hard to find a plate lunch with the classics. So good! So much aloha

People come for the kava and we certainly came back the next night for kava to go. However the food was legit as well. There's limited seating out front and it'd be tough for any party bigger than 4-6. read more

Kanaka Kava - This is the front. It's basically a bar that serves food. - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Was surprised how tiny this place is. Its hidden on one side of a building and it consists of just a bar and a few small tables. It is all outside but covered. The bartender was pretty nice but I did feel a little rushed to order, as I ended up changing my order as she was pouring the kava. We tried the classic kava and POG juice kava. Our first time having it, and the juice kava is definitely more palatable. We decided to get the kava to go since we still had activities that day and didn't know how it would make us feel. I didn't drink a lot at a time and the numbing effect was definitely noticeable. We also bought a whole coconut to drink the water, dried kava to take home, and an apu (coconut cup). Great coconut water. Kitchen hours vary, so we did not order food. read more

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Fun place to grab some Hawaiian food and Kava. It has a small bar to sit at and a few tables. It's a tiny place that seems to always be busy. read more

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Pros: cool spot! I see many locals as well as tourists hanging out here. Food is great. Kava is a cool drink. Cons: this is a pretty cool place, at times I feel a little bit out of place by the demeanor of the bartender. No big deal but I feel a little bit uncomfortable. read more

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If you can't find parking, park near the back which has a parking lot. It can tend to get busy because it took awhile for my friends to find parking and they had to walk a little. They only had a few outdoor tables and a few seats in their outdoor bar. I wish I knew who took our order because he was very helpful and gave us the history of Kanaka Kava, which introduced us to the Kava drink. I can't really explain the Kava drink, but it is a medicinal drink that also acts as a laxative. Make sure you stir the drink before actually drinking it because all the sediments from the root will fall at the bottom and won't be a pleasant taste towards the end. SO KEEP STIRRING! lol Stir with your finger or spoon. Before drinking, make sure you thank your ancestors and throw some liquid over your shoulder and say (Ka-mahw!) and DRINK LIKE YOU'VE NEVER DRANK WATER IN A LONG TIME. Basically, as fast as you can haha because we had the original flavor and it tasted like you're drinking dirty water. You'll then feel as if you just smoked a little weed and your mouth is a little numb. Definitely, not for everyone but if you're adventurous just give it a try. When we tried to order they definitely didn't have most things that were posted on yelp due to COVID. We were able to try the Lau lau pork plate which comes with 2 a la carte items. We ended up picking poi and lomi lomi salmon to stay traditional. Poi is a very acquired taste, whose sole ingredient is the root of the taro plant. Definitely, get a small bowl if it's your first time. Lomi lomi salmon is shredded salmon with tomatoes, sweet maui onions and maybe some scallions? We didn't know that we were suppose to mix the poi and lomi together until mid way through. OMG, IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE and balances each other out. You can tell the lau lau pork was made with lots of love. It was nice and juicy, melted in your mouth, packed with flavor type of love. We never had taro leaves before but it tasted SOOO GOOD! Also, complimented the pork so well. This whole plate compliments each other so well. The last thing we ordered is their garlic bread. If you love garlic bread, this is the place to get it! We ordered 2 and they gave us another plate because it was my boyfriends bday haha. It's the perfect crispiness with HELLA garlic and butter. OOOWEEEE so good. If you're adventurous definitely give this place a try! read more

After dinner, we had decided to try out what kava was. Very earthy & herbal drink that makes you very relaxed. They put on a little show with history of kava. Very interesting & entertaining. This is basically an alternative to alcohol & definitely healthier. Staff was very friendly & informative. The place felt small but it is lively. read more

Kanaka Kava - First timer kava experience - Hawaiian Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Stopped here for some late night eats .... it was here or something obnoxious like Outback Steakhouse so the decision was easy. A few outside tables that you might need to share and a few seats at the counter make up this cozy little spot. We tried the fresh 'awa which wasn't what I was expecting, but I rather enjoyed b/c it tasted so earthy and the opposite of artificial flavors. We shared 1 plate of the kahlua pork and they had run out of a bunch of stuff but it was perfect to share for the two of us and didn't leave us stuffed. Sure did sleep well that night. read more

The laulau and kalua pork were tender and juicy. The kalo and ʻuala were well-seasoned and nicely prepared. The ʻawa was just a bonus. It may be completely unassuming, but the mea ʻai was outstanding. read more

The service is really friendly and informative. The food was amazing. None of us had complaints about anything we ordered. We fed the kava to our kids and they were mellowed out for good two hours instead of their usual bickering that we usually hear! This place probably has the closest authentic hawaiin food we were able to find on the island. read more

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