Pine Tree Cafe

4.1 (1.4k reviews)

ModerateBreakfast & Brunch, Burgers, Sandwiches

Open • 6:00 am - 7:00 pm

Updated over 3 months ago

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Pine Tree Cafe - 1/2 Fried ahi poke plate ($14.95) - requested no aioli, with Mac salad. The 1/2 plate is already a really big portion. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Dining area - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Ahi tuna poke bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Pine Tree Cafe - Large loco moco ($19.95) - with medium eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Teriyaki beef and Spicy Garlic Chicken. Sides: fries, rice, house salad, Mac salad

Nate S.

This has been my go to spot for years in Kona! I always go here after landing at the airport, it's close and convenient. Personal favorite for me is the spicy garlic chicken, which of course I ordered and is in the picture below. It's crispy and juicy, but what really completes it is the sauce the drizzle on top. I'm pretty sure it's sriracha mayonnaise or some variation of it, and it's super addicting. The chicken comes as a plate lunch, which includes two sides. All of the sides are good, but I definitely would recommend getting the French fries and white rice. The teriyaki beef is definitely an underrated pick. It's super flavor, and tender throughout. Huge portions, you will for sure get your money worth. Just note that wait times can be pretty long. Pine tree cafe often gets crowded and orders pile up. When I go it takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes, which can feel like an eternity when you're hungry.

Ariel C.

Nice casual place with a decently sized parking lot, so it wasn't hard to get a spot even though it was pretty busy during the lunch rush. We ordered at the counter and were able to nab a table, but it was pretty busy since there were so many people. There are some outdoor tables nearby though in case it's really full. Food was pretty quick and simple, and there are lots of options. Only complaint is that the mahi-mahi was kind of dry and tough so it was hard to chew. Otherwise flavors are good, portions are not bad and seems like a nice easy place to grab a quick bite.

Jennifer G.

The misoyaki butter fish was fabulous. It was cooked perfectly and the sauce that came with it was great - perfect with the rice. My husband and friend said the fried chicken and spicy garlic chicken were both bland. I would go back for the fish.

Bryan W.

Warning! The portions are so huge. I should have shared a plate with my wife. Cost about $20 but equivalent to two meals! The macaroni salad was so good! Teri pork was great. They took a while to prepare the food, but it was really busy. A lot of other menu items I want to try next time. I was walking around looking at everyone else's plates.

Mang Y.

Ordered Tempura Ono Fish and Chips and wasn't disappointed. There were 5 pieces of fish: fresh and not tough. The tempura crust was crisp and quite good. Tartar sauce fresh. A superb value.

Spicy garlic chicken mini plate (left) & chicken katsu reg plate (right)

Dianna C.

Food here is always good & great portions. I got the mini plate this time and it was a good amount for me! There was a long line when we got there at about 11:30 am but it moved quickly. I recommend the spicy garlic chicken there's a lot of indoor tables and some outdoor as well.

Marcus S.

(4/5) Pulled up to Pine Tree Cafe ready to eat like a champion... and the food absolutely delivered. Local plates were solid, flavorful, and hit that "I need a nap after this" level of satisfaction. No complaints there. Now the service... let's just say the vibe at the register felt like I personally offended someone by existing Not the warmest welcome, but hey, I came for the food, not a TED Talk on hospitality. Would I come back? 100%. I'll just emotionally prepare myself at the register and then reward myself immediately with some bomb food.

This place was delicious!!! I ordered the Roast Pork open sandwich; it's called open sandwhich because the bread is at the bottom. This dish comes with Mac salad on the side and mashed potatoes with gravy. The parking lot can get really packed so be prepared for that.

Carlie H.

Stopped by Pine Tree Cafe after a nearby coffee tour and it was a solid pick for lunch. The menu has a good amount of variety, which worked well for our group of 6 adults and 1 toddler. Seating was a bit tight, but we were able to squeeze everyone at one table. I ordered the pork adobo and it was the standout: tender, flavorful pork with two scoops of rice and a side salad. Everything felt satisfying and quick, and at $20 it was a good value. Great spot for a fast and delicious lunch.

Keizzel C.

Nice local spot near the airport to grab a quick bite. Pine Tree was our first meal on the Big Island and it was a great taste for what was to come! It's in a plaza and we came around lunch time all the tables were taken but people are pretty quick around eating or grabbing on of the tables outside. We tried a loco moco (small so just one patty) and then the fried calamari. The loco moco was solid - rice was cooked well and the patty had a nice char taste to it. We were sharing a meal so the small was devoured quickly but if you're hungry I would recommend getting the large with extra gravy. The shrimp dish was a little underwhelming with the 6 pieces and the size in comparison to the pricing. Would probably skip it and get the chicken next time after reading reviews. Their menu is massive and even some specials so be sure to read it ahead of time if you are unsure what you want to try. They also have some combos so you can mix and match under $15. As we were waiting we noticed a case with desserts and drinks but we didn't get to try them this time. They looked decadent though!

Pine tree bento: teriyaki beef, hot dog, spam, fried chicken and fried calamari

Jennifer N.

FOOD - Pine Tree Bento: teriyaki beef, hot dog, spam, fried chicken and fried calamari over rice. Everything was very good. 4.5/5 SERVICE: Fast and friendly mom and pops restaurant. 4/5 FINAL THOUGHTS: I would come back. The food was good and there's tons of options. I like that they have half portions too.

Spicy pork on the left and katsu dip on the right

Annie S.

Got the spicy pork and katsu dip. My husband thought the spicy pork was too fatty, I liked it though. The katsu dip was unbelievable. I thought it was going to come with sauce on top, but instead it's dipped in sauce before being cooked. I've never had a katsu with this much flavor!! Highly recommend. For sides, you choose white or brown rice and can get Mac salad. Seating Tons of tables inside for small and large groups. There are also some tables outside for groups of 4. When we were there for lunch on a weekday it was pretty busy and all the tables inside were full. Bathrooms These are located outside around the corner as part of the shopping center. Parking Easy parking, there is a shared lot. Vibes Super chill inside. No need to look nice.

One of the best lunch fast casual restaurants in Kona. Can order ahead and pickup. The bacon breakfast burrito (also has veggies in it) is the best I've probably ever had. It comes with sour cream and salsa and you can grab whatever other condiment and hot sauces from the side station. BUT PLEASE PINE TREES IF YOU'RE LISTENING- figure out your salsa recipe. It's inconsistent and goes bad quickly, too tangy. That's all I ask, pretty please. Mahalo and much love, sincerely every Kona resident pine trees burrito lover

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Sherri P.

45

17

4

2 months ago

Highly recommend! I had a cheeseburger. It had fantastic flavor and their sauce is great! My hubby had the Turkey Club. It was huge! But the very best was the French fries. So crunchy. Again, I'd highly recommend! read more

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Joanne K.

Elite 24

259

288

525

6 months ago

This was my first food stop upon arriving in Kona as it's only about 6 minutes from the airport. It's a very casual establishment where you order at a counter and seat yourself. I got the two plate special with the spicy garlic chicken and boneless Korean short ribs. The spicy garlic chicken is not spicy at all--literally a 1/10 spice--but, it was delicious! The chicken was moist and juicy, and the "spicy" sauce was sweet and buttery. The short ribs were also very tender and flavorful. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Spicy garlic chicken and Korean short ribs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Isaiah O.

0

9

0

2 months ago

Great food. Large portions. Clean tables. The poke was great. Rice was on point. Would go again. read more

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Julia K.

Elite 26

2207

256

1514

1 year ago

For the amount of food, this is quite the affordable location, especially for a restaurant in Hawaii. I got the spicy garlic chicken bowl for about $10. The chicken is fried and pretty tasty. The bowl was just the right amount as it was pretty filling for me. The Mac salad here is phenomenal. Definitely get that. There's plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors. After you place your order, you wait for your name to be called and you go pick it up at the counter. It's a nice, casual environment here. Lots of people! read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Stacy F.

Elite 26

21

143

326

1 year ago

The Katsu chicken is really good! We also had the grilled Mahi Mahi. Nice large portions of food and really fresh. The restaurant is nice and big, which is good because they seem to be busy all the time. The only downside is the service isn't very friendly. Other than that I highly recommend this place. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Mahi Mahi grilled with rice - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Katsu chicken with fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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mark y.

Elite 26

49

812

1023

2 years ago

Not as good as I remembered or recalled. Tried it twice and both times chicken was slightly overcooked so it was tough to chew. The katsu dip itself has a nice crunch but beyond that... I wish for the old days. See old pictures. Happened to have two other plate lunches that day and even comparing the rice, all of which aren't the highest quality, the rice here was lacking. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Katsu dip and spicy garlic - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Liz V.

Elite 26

4

62

94

1 year ago

Wow I looooove the classic Hawai'i homestyle foods and wish I could've tried them all! I got the chili dog and it brought me back to memories of high school football games :) Must try and check 'em out! read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Chili dog! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Millena P.

Elite 26 All-Star

232

418

3330

2 years ago

DAY 1 of Vacation - officially landed in Hawaii! We were hangry after a 5 hour flight, and this location was otw to our hotel. Parking: They're located in a big lot, so parking is easy to find. Free parking lot. Ambiance/Environment: This is a local dining spot. Plenty of indoor seating. No outdoor seating. Service: Quick and efficient. The cashier was nice and knowledgeable about the menu items. Throughput was less than 5 minutes. Food: I ordered the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl. Wow .. poke hits different on the islands. The fish was fresh, and its sauce had so much flavor. The rice was cooked well and not too mushy. I really enjoyed my dish. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Oxtail Curry and Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Sharon L.

Elite 26

24

412

667

1 year ago

Not quite living up to the great reviews, very disappointed as our first meal on the island. $50 for two people... Yes, the portions are big but this is a counter service restaurant, very casual seating, served in to-go containers. Spicy garlic chicken with white rice and mac sad: Huge pieces of fried chicken, chicken is pretty juicy. Sauce is good but not spicy at all. White rice is good and fluffy. The "mac potato" salad is very "interesting" (I didn't like it as much as regular mac). It comes with peas and some sort of fish (tuna?) salad mixed in. Chicken katsu with fries and green salad: Chicken is average, fries are average (looks generic/frozen), green salad is a good change up. Overall the meal is fine, but just not great as expected from the reviews. read more

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Heidi H.

Elite 26

124

458

7369

2 years ago

A group of us were in Kona for a day and stopped for dinner. The menu was lengthy and breakfast was no longer served. I ordered I think second or third in the group. I ordered the mahi mahi sandwich tempura style with crispy fries and a cup of water. Everyone in the group before and after got their order. The 10 or more people behind me got their order. I went up to the counter to check. They could not find my order ticket. They saw it then did not see it. I guess one cannot ask for crispy fries. Even a phone in order with a sandwich and fries left the counter. They kept saying my order will come out even if they lost my order ticket. They found it on the floor and it seemed they would not make it. So they said order was not ready and the fries were not done. While waiting a sandwich was taken out of a big plate lunch box and the fries were taken out by hand back into the fries tray. The sandwich moved around to different locations and the fries were put in some of the orders. I was waiting over 15 minutes and the rest of the group was finishing their plate luch orders. The 5 to 6 military men who were after us received their orders and left before I received my order. Too bad I paid cash. The woman with small eyes gave a very soft "sorry" with accent when the two paper bags with my order was put in my hand. It was a bit suspicious aka fishy. Why they would not make my order until they found my order ticket on the floor. When I went to the counter to inquire about the sandwich they were silent. No one asked the cooks about my order. When I ordered she asked my name and took my money and said they would call me. I could not get a receipt. The fish was tasty but looked like beer battered fish - kind of like the frozen ones you fry - almost burnt. The fries were crispy. I did not see onion rings on the menu and 3 trays came out while I was waiting and 1 tray of fries came out. Order onion rings they cook them faster. One of the male workers said he saw my order ticket when she said my ticket was not there. She was flipping the stack of orders. She said my ticket was not there. Later it was found on the ground. Disappointing experience for a kamaaina customer. Customer beware. I guess they do not want my business. Maybe asking questions ticks them off. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - mahi mahi tempura sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - inside - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - display case - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - special of the day - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - outside and sign - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Ashley S.

Elite 26 All-Star

2129

3394

40398

1 year ago

I thought this place was a great lunch spot. It's near the historic park, airport and beaches. There is also a market here. It makes for a great pit stop. We stopped here for lunch after a charter. I got a lunch plate with the Korean fried chicken and the garlic chicken. Both were really good. They give you a ridiculous amount of food and I could not finish it. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Plate lunch with Korean fried chicken and garlic chicken - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Mac salad - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Wesley W.

Elite 26

1416

1243

119

10 months ago

For some reason, the food always tastes better when I'm in Hawaii. Maybe it's the vacation that makes my taste buds enjoy every meal. In any case, Pine Tree didn't disappoint. Our first meal after a 5 hour flight, we came here and ordered at the counter. Service was great and we had no problem finding a table. Food was quick to be served and the portions were ginormous. I had the spicy garlic chicken and the chicken katsu. Both were delish. Ambiance is airy and simple and bustling. Parking was easy. Definitely worth a stop on your visit.. read more

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Tatum W.

0

2

1

5 months ago

This place was so good! We were island hopping from home on Oahu and my wife wanted Willie's hot chicken but they were closed so we searched for something nearby and this had an extensive menu I figured we could try. Let's just say I am so glad we visited!!! We both got a sandwich, I got a Rueben with fries and she got pastrami with onion rings.the place was packed but our food was hot and delicious even though there was a bit of a wait. I also got us some snacks for the road a delicious brownie after our food was so good since we had a drive back to Hilo that night. So glad we stopped in, if we visit again I am coming back just for that sandwich. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Rueben Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Lore I.

0

2

0

28 days ago

Love this place! Always come here on our way off the island! Quick service. Huge menu. Lots of tourists and locals.

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Douglas Y.

0

12

3

3 months ago

Good little place quick lunch, food got out quick. Decent prices. It's not a sit down eat dinner spot for me but a quick easy lunch with a huge menu. read more

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Darlene M.

Elite 26

46

593

3145

2 years ago

HIGHLY RECOMMEND this local hotspot. We tried the spicy garlic chicken bowl, then came back for more a few days later. Chicken was crispy and flavorful with just the right amount of sauce. We ate it with the Daikon Kimchi - sooo good! Service was good. They were friendly and accommodating knowing we were first timers at Pine Tree Cafe. We appreciated their aloha spirit. We will definitely come back for again. Bathrooms are located outside. As you go out the door, take a left to the public strip mall bathroom. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Spicy Garlic Chicken bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Daikon Kim Chi was very good! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Daikon Kimchee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Fried Poke Bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Loco Moco - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Melody P.

Elite 26 All-Star

28

388

2111

1 year ago

Reasonable eats and large amounts! Got the chicken teriyaki sandwich it was huge! The fries were so nice and crispy too! My husband got a double cheeseburger so much meat on that burger. I highly recommend this place read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Double cheeseburger - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Teriyaki chicken sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Sarah S.

Elite 26

8

44

71

1 year ago

Came here at about 12 pm from the airport and the place wasn't crowded at all. The cashiers were super friendly and helpful as their menu has many items. I ordered a teriyaki chicken bowl, and my friends ordered the spicy garlic chicken bowl and mini teriyaki beef plate. I thought I had good teriyaki chicken in California, but wow was I wrong. This is some of the best teriyaki chicken I've had. My friends said their meals were perfect too. Everything came out fresh and hot! I also appreciated how the place was clean and spacious. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Teriyaki chicken bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Mini teriyaki beef plate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Spicy chicken garlic bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Mo C.

Elite 26

1

51

114

1 year ago

Ordered Fresh fried poke omelett w furikake and aioli sauce. So ono! They also had Orange bang on their soda fountain. Wait was not long for 6 people. Indoor and outdoor seating. read more

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Toma C.

0

1832

10964

1 year ago

The food here is amazing and I love coming here. Today I got the Kalbi and garlic chicken. With a side of salad. I loved the both the garlic chicken was so crispy an d not too garlicky. The Kalbi was tender and season so well! We also got the boneless Kalbi it is like flank steak not sure. Was kind of sad since we didn't get our Mac salad .. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Chicken katsu and garlic chicken - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Boneless Kalbi plate they forgotten Mac salad... - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - This is what I ate from the combo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Garlic chicken and Kalbi - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Heath W.

0

124

34

1 year ago

Out exploring the area, and the family wanted breakfast! Great spot. Tons of options. Kids got the pancakes...so good and big portions! I got the Loco Moco! Very happy with my choice! Awesome cafe, highly recommend! read more

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Sydni K.

Elite 26

41

583

1368

2 years ago

Pine Tree is my go to stop before heading to the airport. It's one of the few spots with decent food near the airport, and it's convenient with lots of parking. I got the Caesar salad with grilled ahi. The fish was juicy and seasoned well, and the salad was made with good ingredients. The salad was over $20, and for the amount of fish we got, it was rather overpriced. There's a decent amount of seating inside and the workers are friendly. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Mini grilled salmon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Caesar salad with grilled ahi - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Den E.

14

49

102

8 months ago

Not sure what the hype is but the food we ordered was not good. The fried chicken was over breaded and dried out. So over cooked our fork broke trying to get to it. The kalua pork and cabbage was more cabbage swimming in oil w a sprinkling of shredded pork. The price was not reflective of the food quality and the lady that took out order was borderline rude. Save your $$ and calories and go somewhere else. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Kalua pork w cabbage swimming in oil. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Akemi O.

Elite 26

40

631

847

2 years ago

Met up with friends there before hubs, baby and I had to head to airport to come back Oahu. I love their Pulehu ribs...little fatty just b/c of the cut, but not terrible. We all ate some of that and then brought the rest of the ribs home. Baby liked the peas in the mac salad, some rice and meat. Hubs just ate some meat since he also had saimin. Saimin was tiny tho. Probably good size for me, but way too small for any local guy. I'll still go back...and I know what I'm always getting. read more

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Kami H.

Elite 26

12

110

256

2 years ago

Quick and simple - the Loco Moco here is the BOMB! The fried rice, gravy and perfectly cooked beef is just how we remembered it from 8 years ago!!! So glad it was still open and busier than ever!! We LOVE this place and made sure to make it our breakfast of choice 3 x while here on the Bi for 14 days. The last time I just got their fried rice and brown gravy on the side - YUMMY!!!!!! The inside is roomy with tables and the staff is friendly and quick to get you in/out if it's a quick order to go. Until our next visit Pine Tree Cafe! Mahalo! read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Loco Moco with Beef and Fried Rice - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Niyanina R.

0

10

1

3 months ago

It's a buffet style restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Very casual ambience. It is more like a cafeteria style counter service. You have to wait a bit in line if it is peak hour, like dinner. The price is reasonable and the portions are generous. All good! read more

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Gary R.

8

19

13

5 months ago

I am addicted to the spicy garlic chicken. Love Pine Tree. Super friendly people, order ahead or plan to wait awhile for your food during busy times. read more

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Nicole B.

Elite 26

0

71

21

11 months ago

Came back on our way to the airport to order some musubis to go. Each one was $4 for mostly rice (very thin slices of spam and Portuguese sausage that didn't even fill the length of the musubi) and took so long to receive that we ended up having to rush at the airport. Come only if you've got plenty of time to spare! read more

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Lance H.

23

519

44

10 months ago

Stopped in here for lunch while on the Big Island. Felt like a locals place but in a good way. The place was packed for good reason. The service was friendly and efficient. You order at the counter and wait. There is a lot going on in the back. There wasn't much to the inside. It really isn't their thing. Tidy with tables and chair all being used. I had a cheeseburger and fries. The burger was is a good sized portion with all of the fixings. Perfectly cooked. The fries were lackluster cringle cut fries, possibly frozen. Definitely more than enough food. They had more traditional plate lunch type stuff and breakfast was well. I just missed breakfast. The price was soild. Overall, a straight forward place with hearty portions. May not be my first choice but definitely a place to consider. read more

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Alexis B.

0

1

0

2 months ago

No tuna in my tuna melt, was basically just a grilled cheese brought it back in then proceeded to return my sandwich a few minutes later with cold tuna and cold cheese. read more

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Miranda D.

Elite 26

12

203

320

1 year ago

The perfect joint to visit after landing into Kona! You're about an 8 minute drive away from rejuvenation. Many, many food options starting with Hawaiian classics all the way to burgers, I promise you will leave happy and satisfied. My partner and I ordered the mini plates and it filled us up enough to hold us over until dinner time (we landed at around 1:30pm). We unfortunately did not have the opportunity to try their desserts, but I'll def try it once I'm back in the area. Food can take a while to come out (about 20 minutes plus) but that is because everything is cooked to order and made extremely fresh, so be patient! read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Chicken Katsu and Kalbi Short Rib mini plates - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Nanea W.

Elite 26

20

131

325

1 year ago

The perfect meal before heading to the airport. Delicious and filling. First time trying the katsu dip and it was tasty. Prices increased since the last time I came and the place is even more packed. I'd call ahead if you can because the line can get long. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Spicy Garlic Chicken - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Hot Pastrami - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Fried Pork Belly - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Eli C.

Elite 26

45

272

644

1 year ago

The reviews here were mixed, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Unfortunately it was miss when I went yesterday. Maybe if you are a local and eat there a lot you know what's good. Based off others reviews we ordered the shrimp burger, Korean chicken bowl, and spicy garlic chicken bowl. My dad said the shrimp burger was about as expected and wasn't bad. The Korean chicken was three chicken wings that were just ok and a lot of rice without sauce and some pickled cucumbers. The garlic chicken was three smaller pieces of chicken, a lot of rice, not a lot of sauce, and pickled cucumbers. Some of the chicken was good and once piece was overcooked. I haven't had a meal in a while that I felt like I was wasting my calories. Maybe we went on a bad day, but based off this experience I would not go back. Nice that it's right next to the airport, but that's about it. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Korean chicken bowl - three chicken wings and a lot of rice without sauce. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - One of three pieces of chicken in the spicy garlic chicken. Not a lot of sauce and chicken was unevenly cooked. Lots of rice. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Jennifer L.

Elite 26

31

530

1699

1 year ago

Yummy, tasty food, with pretty decent sized portions. Their burgers are huge! We ordered a bunch of stuff to share, like a double cheeseburger with fries, cheeseburger, chicken strips, Caesar salad, pork chops, lilikoi cheesecake, and a tiramisu. The burger Patty is pretty massive so if you want a burger either share or have a hearty appetite lol. The pork chops come with an onion gravy and three thin cut chops. The chicken tenders and fries were awesome and breaded in panko, so it's nice and crunchy. The salad was very green and good. For dessert, I only tried the tiramisu and it was great! read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Lilikoi cheesecake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Tiramisu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Cheeseburger - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Pork chops - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Chicken tenders and fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Melissa H.

Elite 26

153

366

2102

2 years ago

So good you have to bring with you on the plane ride back home!!! Yes, we definitely got looks from others but it was WELL worth it. Luckily was able to try Pine Tree twice in one trip! First time I had their Sonia Omelet which I feel is the most bang for your buck in terms of meat! I didnt even get to finish it! Second time I got the spicy garlic fried chicken, which is the one we took on the plane ride home -- 100/10 would do it again. I also recommend the country omelet. This seemed to be a crowd fave in the group. My bf cleaned his plate when he got it...safe to say its good! Once again, always support local when visiting the island! read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Country Omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Katsu Dip - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Pine Tree Breakfast (2 eggs, portuguese sausage, etc$ - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Sonia Omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Garlic Fried Chicken - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Yegee L.

Elite 26

315

119

264

2 years ago

I was looking for a place near the airport to grab a quick bite before our flight. But there's almost nothing around this area. So imagine my delight when I found this gem of a restaurant. Don't be fooled by its name cafe, it's got a gigantic menu of hearty food and huge portions. I ordered two things. The small size loco moco and the spicy fried chicken w/ brown rice. The loco moco was quite standard but so addicting. Rice topped with/ a patty and egg, covered in a warm gravy sauce. It's a very comforting dish. The spicy garlic chicken plate was sooooo good. The chicken was fried to perfection, crispy outside, tender inside. The slightly sweet and garlicky glaze over the chicken really worked well w/ the spicy aioli that topped it. I'd definitely order this again. The service was quick and there were plenty of seats to dine in even though they were quite busy. read more

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Renata R.

Elite 26

49

600

1170

2 years ago

Heaven on Earth! This foodie could eat here everyday. The beef rib or teriyaki beef is outstanding. We ate here 17 years ago we always came in for teriyaki meatloaf but I didn't see it in the menu. We came to vacation and I love good food so I refuse to eat crap at the Alii Drive restaurants. Here everything is savory and portions are generous. I enjoy my food. Not to mention no fuss, because you place your order, they'll call your name and you can eat inside, outside or take it to the beach or your room. I am getting a plate to go for the plane. Ohh yes I am. I highly recommend this spot, and don't forget to get a nice cold one next door at Matsuyamas to wash this goodness down. Cheers! read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Inside. The food is fire! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Beef rib - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Teriyaki Beef - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Teriyaki beef-so good - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Ariana J.

Elite 26

296

293

450

2 years ago

Pros: close to airport so it's a great plane to get lunch after you arrive super hungry or wanna fuel up before you depart. Good portions. Freshly made food. Yummy mac and cheese. The hot sauce collection was great. Ambiance is clean. OK's: My hubby and I are not a big fan of sweet/sugary inspired savory items and to our shock both the dishes we ordered are sweet. The star dish and the one I was most looking forward to try Loco Moco had Sweetish brown sauce. Beef hamburger patty which my hubs said is fine, runny egg as we requested. We picked white rice. Garlicky spicy chicken: an entree, Korean fried chicken with again a sweet infused garlicky sauce and topped with scallions. The French fries that we picked were crispy and yummy as usual. Not sure if that's how Hawaiian dishes are supposed to taste but we weren't fully impressed with it. Bad: no restroom. read more

Pine Tree Cafe - Garlicky chicken with french fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pine Tree Cafe - Loco moco white rice mac and cheese - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Carina V.

Elite 26

8

112

207

1 year ago

Busy, unassuming spot with solid food. Line was long when we went but moved quickly. I ordered the spicy garlic chicken mini plate and was pleased with how much food I got. Side mac salad was delicious, and the tuna and potato was an unexpected -- but welcome -- addition. The chicken was lukewarm and not super crispy, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt because it was packed on Memorial Day and the flavor was there. We also came back here a second time for breakfast before heading to the airport and ordered a loco moco. Nicely seasoned patty and gravy and very filling. Great spot. read more

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Allene A.

Elite 26

20

154

315

2 years ago

Plenty of parking but it gets very busy! Menu is vast and pricing is similar to most tourist places. Their drink menu is more limited for a cafe but the food was fresh! Service was very quick considering the line. Wish the katsu had a dip but they offered sauces on the side read more

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Back

Page 2 of 35

73-4040 Hulikoa Dr
Ste 2
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Directions
(808) 327-1234
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.pinetreecafehi.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Pine Tree Cafe open?

Pine Tree Cafe opens at 6:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Pine Tree Cafe close?

Pine Tree Cafe closes at 7:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Pine Tree Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Pine Tree Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Pine Tree Cafe have catering options?

Yes, Pine Tree Cafe does have catering options.

Does Pine Tree Cafe have a happy hour?

No, Pine Tree Cafe does not have a happy hour.

Does Pine Tree Cafe serve alcohol?

No, Pine Tree Cafe does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Pine Tree Cafe allow dogs?

Yes, Pine Tree Cafe allows dogs.

Does Pine Tree Cafe have TVs?

No, Pine Tree Cafe does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Pine Tree Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Pine Tree Cafe has bike parking.

Does Pine Tree Cafe have parking?

Yes, Pine Tree Cafe has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Does Pine Tree Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Pine Tree Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

local plate lunch restaurant

More Info

Health Score

Pine Tree Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

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Ultimate Burger

Locally sourced ingredients

Family-owned & operated

We liked this place so much, we ate here twice in less than a week!…read more We are always on the hunt for epic veggie burgers. I mean, we have literally had a veggie burger all over the country and Caribbean. You can say it's our thing...except we really didn't plan for it to become our sole mission in life. Alas, here we are, and veggie burgers are tasty, so there are worse missions to have. In any case, Google steared us to this restaurant, and we were happy with the suggestion! The restaurant is very small inside; there are probably 8 tables inside. Just something to keep in mind right at the beginning. You order at the counter, then take a seat should you want to dine-in, and they bring your food to you. My husband and I both did a veggie burger with fries. Service was very quick, which is great when you're so hungry you threaten to eat a chair whilst chewing on your hat. I mean, we've all been there, I'm sure! The fries come with a garlic aioli, and it was very good! The fries themselves were equally good and served nice and hot. The burgers were really good! They weren't super tiny, and the bread choice was a great one. The flavor of the patty was fantastic and didn't taste generic, but it also wasn't full of massive chunks of vegetables like some places do. My husband is super picky at times, and he enjoyed everything...even the garlic aioli, which was super surprising! They have a pretty decent menu for regular burgers too!

As usual, a fantastic burger! Cooked to order (med-rare), nice thick, tender, and juicy patties…read more You can only have two patties on the bun because it's too big to fit in your mouth. Had to eat the third by itself. Can't say it enough. Best burger, best value in town!

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Mahalo for voting us1st Place 3rd year in a row !!!

Island Ono Loa Grill

Family-owned & operated

Had my favorite Volcano Burger and it never disappoints. With a side of their delectable and…read moreunique tasting macaroni salad that could almost be placed in the burger at your discretion. Mighty tasty, mighty good. Flavor is powering, rich in spice and heat. May require some facial adjustment, as first introduction can feel intense. Pepsi in a bottle as Dr. Pepper was unavailable. A satisfying and welcoming revisit. Thank you : )

The place is in a strip shopping center, and a little bit buried. However, there was a sign out…read morefront saying it had great yelp reviews. I can see why! I'm not a hamburger connoisseur, and frankly, feel like most burgers, all taste the same. However, this may be the best hamburger I've ever had, ever! It came with a choice of size, I picked onion rings, and they were outstanding! I was planning on ordering the hotdog, however, they were out. My wife had the char grilled fish tacos, which were also excellent. Served with Hawaiian chili peppers and aioli sauce. She also picked onion rings for her side. An important note, the shopping center offers validated parking. We didn't know that before hand, and ended up paying over $40 to park for three hours, a few blocks down the road. It's a great place, I highly recommend it! We're definitely coming back however, it's not an inexpensive, but it's Hawaii!

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Ola Brew

Super good vibe even on a mid day Wednesday! Island vibe…read moremusic was good and loud. Beer and hard juice flight was excellent. Bao Bun special was on point. Phil's steak was our favorite. Locals Kept coming in the later it got. It's clear this is a hangout for the hard working and retired of the big island. As vacationers We felt comfy and stayed quiet a while. All they need is a dance floor cause we were feeling the jams.

My wife and I stopped by Ola Brew on a Monday afternoon for some beers and the brewery was not too…read morebusy, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. Ordering is at the bar and you find seating wherever you can. Ola Brew has it all covered in terms of your typical bar amenities: they had two large TVs setup broadcasting hockey and an NBA game, board games, outlets for charging your devices, and I even saw somebody with their laptop out getting some work done. I ordered their Kiawe vanilla porter and really enjoyed the subtle vanilla notes and that the beer was not sweet. Having just done a vanilla tour earlier in the day on the north side of the island, I had a new appreciation for how vanilla is used across different food products. Far too often vanilla is associated only with sweet items, so I liked its application here in beer as an after-note on the palette. Definitely a beer I would get again!

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Kona Brewing

If you are looking for an exceptional brewery experience on the islands, the Kona Brewing tour is…read morean absolute must. For $25, it is easily some of the best money you can spend. The tour itself is fantastic and educational if you want to learn the actual science and craft behind beer brewing. A major highlight of the experience is discovering that this specific brewery brews exclusively for the islands, keeping production local rather than shipping it out for mainland distribution. It gives the entire visit a truly authentic, exclusive feel. What truly elevated the entire experience from great to unforgettable, though, was our tour guide, Dave. Whether you know him as "Dave the coffee man," "the man," "Dave the heavy pour guy," or "the Costco rotisserie 4.99," he is hands-down the best tour guide ever. His knowledge, energy, and humor made the educational breakdown incredibly engaging and fun. Great beer, fascinating local insights, and world-class guiding. Don't skip this one!

I think this is the first time I've actually been to Kona Brewery. I've had their drinks from the…read moreSupermarket and Costco and the last time I visited, there was only enough time to visit the merch store and grab a souvenir for myself. As far as the food and drinks, I actually enjoy Kona Brewery's beer more than Maui Brewing Co. I lean towards IPAs and Hazy IPAs but tried a flight which included a double IPA and a blonde and all were enjoyable. The food and service was just okay. I think we wanted something along the idea of French fries but was told that there is no fryer here so that threw us off a little. Especially when we thought we saw portobello fries online as an option from perhaps a different Kona Brewery restaurant menu. Our food orders included Kohala pizza, poke bowl, fish taco, and a cheeseburger. We wanted to grab a can of one of the IPAs to-go at the Growler Shack outside but they don't sell singles.

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Servers at the kitchen station

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Flight time!

Kai Eats + Drinks

I love the views, the pizzas, the drinks (especially the Gilligan's Girl) and the staff (Dylan is…read moregreat!), but I can't ignore the fact that the managers get to wear their own cool Hawaiian shirts and the rest of the staff have to wear the most unbecoming, hideous yellow pollo shirts that show every body roll

Kai Eats + Drinks serves up ambiance, great service, and good food and drink as well as any…read morerestaurant in a beach front location that I've ever been to...and I've been to a lot! I only visited twice on a recent trip to Kona yet I had a positive and friendly interaction with every employee I encountered. The beer selection is great and the cocktails spot on. The menu isn't large but everything we ordered was good to excellent. While I showed up too late for happy hour, 2 locals told me it's the best in town. Eating at the bar is almost as good as at a table when you consider the great view and service. This place gets it when it comes to running a restaurant/bar that you want to return to. Check it out!

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The view

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Outside seating by the beach

The Burger Den

2.6

(5 reviews)

4.5 mi

Hidden online menu of Dennys good stuff for a quick online order of amazing burgers must online…read moreorder as Denny's doesn't serve these directly

There are times you're just in the mood for a delivery burger and I think The Burger Den fits the…read morebill, esp. here in Kona where the options for delivery at odd hours is very slim. Sure, this may be close to a virtual brand (like Mr. Beast Burgers), and have the disadvantage of a Denny's lineage. But if you set expectations correctly, you'll be fine. On the quality side, the bun and fries were good, and so was the produce (lettuce and tomatoes). The beef was slightly odd in terms of being perfectly cooked, juicy, great texture and mouth-feel - but disproportionately lacking in beef flavor. It's 2-3 steps above that loss of taste sensation with mild cases of Covid, but only for the beef patty.

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Big Kahuna Beach Grill

Locally owned & operated

Happy hour specials

Walked across the street from our hotel for a late lunch and ended up at Big Kahuna Beach Grill…read more The place was packed, but we still snagged a table for four without too much trouble -- always a win when you're hungry and don't want to wait. Service was on the slower side, but honestly, it was hard to hold it against them. The place was slammed, and they were working with only a couple of wait staff, so you could tell they were doing their best. I ordered the Breakers BLAT -- essentially their version of a BLT. I don't eat bacon, and without a fuss, they were happy to leave it off, which I appreciated. The fries were a highlight -- extra crispy and not even a little soggy, exactly how fries should be. Big Kahuna isn't going to blow you away, but it's solid, convenient, and gets the job done. Sometimes that's all you need. Would pop in again if I'm staying nearby and need a quick, reliable bite on a work trip, but probably not if I'm on vacation.

Such a disappointing meal on our last night. Starting with a…read morepositive, the hostess was very friendly and accommodating. The location is fine (although you cannot see the ocean at night) and the stairs leading up to the restaurant are very well lit. However, our waiter - Jonah C, who was TRAINING someone, was less than stellar. He didn't introduce himself or tell us he had a trainee, I just gathered that from the girl standing with him. They took our order, brought the drinks, and then disappeared until I had to go looking for them to ask for the check when we were done eating and sat there for 10 minutes or so. They never came by to ask how we were doing after other people delivered the food. We were also confused by the apparent lack of alcohol in our cocktails. Two of us ordered non-alcoholic beverages, and the other 4 had fancy drinks that tasted like they were NA, but we paid the full $12-$15...? Lastly, the cars driving by were really loud at times with the booming music (which is not the restaurant's fault, just an extra observation). I would not recommend this restaurant for dinner.

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Chubby's Diner

The food was amazing, I had my family from Maui visit me. They wanted me to pick somewhere for…read morelunch. In total there were 5 of us . They are all picky eaters but I knew Cubby's would not disappoint. All of our dishes came out in a timely manner . Staff very efficient and kind. Portions were huge . Everything was good . Something for everyone. Menu is huge Ambiance is great very comfortable With large tables to fit everyone Thank you great experience

Service was terrible. We came in around 9:50p. It was busy, which is fine. Girls working register…read moreweren't very friendly. They gave everyone before us a number to claim their food, but not us. They said we would get a text when it was ready and it would take 45 min to an hour. Food was ordered at 10:10 We sat at a table the whole time waiting. 11:12 pm - still no food. I go to the cashier to inquire about our order. "You need a box?" No, I wanted to check on my food, it's been More than an hour. "Oh it's here." Hands me a bag. You never texted us. "We were calling your name." I was at that table waiting the whole time, you never called my name. How long has it been done? "20 minutes" Are you serious? Why didn't you text us? You said you would text. "We don't text, the system does. If it doesn't text we don't know what to tell you." This kind of service is unacceptable. My food was cold. I had a cheeseburger, the fries were rock hard. I complained. "Do you not want your food?" I waited more than an hour and no where else is open, I paid plus I tipped (I wish I didn't) I'm too nice. She gave me new fries bc I complained they were rock hard. The new fries were also shit. This is my second time here. It will be my last. Learn better customer service. Food was mediocre. Burger was gross - maybe bc it was cold. We also ordered a hamburger / Korean chicken plate: cashier got our order wrong and gave us just hamburger with gravy. So disappointed.

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Bowling lanes

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Menu on 1-13-2023

Willie’s Hot Chicken

The service here is ALWAYS great whether a regular or a visitor! Bartenders are fun and friendly…read moreand the food is great! My favorite are the tenders in Nashville heat with mac and cheese (which is AMAZING) or their mash potatoes and gravy! Therefore, I don't understand what Michael L. is complaining and regarding his bartender and her personal beliefs that she's ABSOLUTELY is entitled to; as are you! Unless you believe that freedom of speech is just good for a select few? And while your political views differ, it doesn't give you or anyone else the right to push your own OPINION and BELIEFS on others given actual FACTS and TRUTH about the actual state of things! And I find it ABSOLUTELY ironic that you call her anti-Amercan given that supposedly America is supposed to stand for I higher moral compass and protection of humanity, yet, at the moment let's reassess how things are going right now. Furthermore, learn your history bc I also think it's super F****n ironic that you're in Hawai'i talking about being anti-American. Why yes, of course we are anti-America since they have been illegally occupying our Kingdom for over a 100 years! And of course, like everything else America does it's all for FINANCIAL gain. They don't care about who they hurt! #doyourresearch #hawaiididnotwamttobethe50thState Leave my cool people at Willie's alone! They are professionals and they treat all people the same, UNLESS, you want to push your opinions on them and trash them for their beliefs. #constitutiom #freedomofspeech

I'd like this restaurant because I like the style of chicken in the upbeat snappy feel of the place…read moreas well as the general idea of various levels of hot chicken using chicken tenders having things like macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets on the menu. These are all positives however!! I am a retired restaurant owner and I know something about food, both myself, and my friends have gotten food poisoning and quite sick from that restaurant twice. The first time I called the owner he was extremely nice about the situation offered to leave a tab for me to buy $100 worth of food (which I never did use) and after about two months, I went back and tried the restaurant and nothing went wrong. I continued to eat there with my friends over the next year and a half or two years until a few days ago and both myself and another chef who works at a high-end restaurant here in Kona went there for lunch and within an hour or two both of us were quite sick with what we considered to be food poisoning ---- so although I do like this place I offer a word of advice in warning to people considering going there you can't get sick from the food. They're serving chicken after all which requires intense scrutiny in terms of getting bacteria into the chicken.

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Bar area

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Outdoor seating area. Live music!

Broke Da Mouth Grindz KONA

Sadly missed out on trying this the last time I was visiting Hawaii but glad we made it out this…read moretrip. Excellent food. We did the 3 meat combo: Garlic Chicken, Short Rib, and Panko Fish w/ adobo fried rice + sesame corn on the side. I typically would order a mac salad and garlic shrimp but wanted to switch it up randomly for this occasion. Also grabbed two of the Hawaiian Sun drinks for $3.50 per drink which was expensive, but convenient, as we were driving out to catch the sunset and star gazing immediately after picking up our food. If I were to reorder, I'd do the same 3 piece combo, highlighting that the panko fish was surprisingly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside so this was a great option. I'd probably go with mac salad and give the kimchi fried rice a try. A friend did let us try the purple sweet potato salad side. This was a nice change of pace similar to the traditional mac salad.

If you're looking for a quick bite that hits the spot, Broke Da Mouth is a super convenient option,…read moreespecially for a fast lunch break or grabbing takeout for a beach day. Plus prices are also set at a fair setting. The vibe inside is cozy but definitely on the smaller side with limited seating, so it tends to get pretty crowded, and you might experience a bit of a wait. While the staff was incredibly kind and welcoming, the food itself left a little to be desired. I ordered the Animal Burger expecting something a bit more flavorful, but it ended up tasting pretty ordinary. Some might disagree and absolutely love it, and while it wasn't anything too special for me, it's still a solid, friendly spot. I'd still recommend it if you need a quick, convenient stop for a casual meal!

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Worth the wait

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Garlic shrimp braised short ribs and Korean chicken.

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill

PARKING: Free in the large lot or on the street…read more VIBE: Various table sizes throughout the restaurant, spread out, not squished, which is nice. I came with a group of 8 SERVICE: Full restaurant service, plates, silverware MENU: Updated pictures are attached. Their shirts that say "F*ck Frozen Fish" should tell you how fresh things are! If you go to the small market side, the current market price for fresh poke is $28/pound PRICE: Fair, but a little pricey. It's the price of small businesses in Hawaii!

My husband was craving for some delicious fresh fish so we decided to check out this restaurant…read more They had a parking lot with free parking, this definitely made things easy because it is usually hard to find free parking in this area. I got the veggie poke bowl and my husband got the catch of the day. They had both indoor and outdoor seating. We decided to sit in the patio area. They had mist blowing fans in the patio area to help cool off. Our food arrived pretty quickly. The presentation was good. The food looked appetizing! My veggie poke bowl was packed with sesame ginger flavor and tastes delicious. The side of salad was a good add on. My husband's dish looked great. The fish was soft and the flavor was nice. He liked the side of mac salad as well. I was a bit skeptical initially about the veggie bowl. However, it was great and I'm glad I tried something authentic food. We also got the chocolate lava cake for dessert. It came out pretty quickly. It was coated with strawberry syrup. The menu did say that it was going to come with whipped cream but I believe they ran out. However, the dessert was spectacular! All in all, loved the food! Highly recommend it, especially for those looking to try authentic veggie food.

Photos

Interior with sports bar on the side

Kona Mixed Plate with Korean Chicken, Boneless Kalbi Short Ribs, White Rice, and Mac Salad.

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Fresh catch (grilled ahi)

Island Ono Loa Grill

Family-owned & operated

Had my favorite Volcano Burger and it never disappoints. With a side of their delectable and…read moreunique tasting macaroni salad that could almost be placed in the burger at your discretion. Mighty tasty, mighty good. Flavor is powering, rich in spice and heat. May require some facial adjustment, as first introduction can feel intense. Pepsi in a bottle as Dr. Pepper was unavailable. A satisfying and welcoming revisit. Thank you : )

The place is in a strip shopping center, and a little bit buried. However, there was a sign out…read morefront saying it had great yelp reviews. I can see why! I'm not a hamburger connoisseur, and frankly, feel like most burgers, all taste the same. However, this may be the best hamburger I've ever had, ever! It came with a choice of size, I picked onion rings, and they were outstanding! I was planning on ordering the hotdog, however, they were out. My wife had the char grilled fish tacos, which were also excellent. Served with Hawaiian chili peppers and aioli sauce. She also picked onion rings for her side. An important note, the shopping center offers validated parking. We didn't know that before hand, and ended up paying over $40 to park for three hours, a few blocks down the road. It's a great place, I highly recommend it! We're definitely coming back however, it's not an inexpensive, but it's Hawaii!

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Kona Brewing

If you are looking for an exceptional brewery experience on the islands, the Kona Brewing tour is…read morean absolute must. For $25, it is easily some of the best money you can spend. The tour itself is fantastic and educational if you want to learn the actual science and craft behind beer brewing. A major highlight of the experience is discovering that this specific brewery brews exclusively for the islands, keeping production local rather than shipping it out for mainland distribution. It gives the entire visit a truly authentic, exclusive feel. What truly elevated the entire experience from great to unforgettable, though, was our tour guide, Dave. Whether you know him as "Dave the coffee man," "the man," "Dave the heavy pour guy," or "the Costco rotisserie 4.99," he is hands-down the best tour guide ever. His knowledge, energy, and humor made the educational breakdown incredibly engaging and fun. Great beer, fascinating local insights, and world-class guiding. Don't skip this one!

I think this is the first time I've actually been to Kona Brewery. I've had their drinks from the…read moreSupermarket and Costco and the last time I visited, there was only enough time to visit the merch store and grab a souvenir for myself. As far as the food and drinks, I actually enjoy Kona Brewery's beer more than Maui Brewing Co. I lean towards IPAs and Hazy IPAs but tried a flight which included a double IPA and a blonde and all were enjoyable. The food and service was just okay. I think we wanted something along the idea of French fries but was told that there is no fryer here so that threw us off a little. Especially when we thought we saw portobello fries online as an option from perhaps a different Kona Brewery restaurant menu. Our food orders included Kohala pizza, poke bowl, fish taco, and a cheeseburger. We wanted to grab a can of one of the IPAs to-go at the Growler Shack outside but they don't sell singles.

Photos

Servers at the kitchen station

Ahi tar tar - 8.5/10 avocado overpowered the fish a little but the rice, teriyaki sauce avocado work really well together.

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Flight time!

Kai Eats + Drinks

I love the views, the pizzas, the drinks (especially the Gilligan's Girl) and the staff (Dylan is…read moregreat!), but I can't ignore the fact that the managers get to wear their own cool Hawaiian shirts and the rest of the staff have to wear the most unbecoming, hideous yellow pollo shirts that show every body roll

Kai Eats + Drinks serves up ambiance, great service, and good food and drink as well as any…read morerestaurant in a beach front location that I've ever been to...and I've been to a lot! I only visited twice on a recent trip to Kona yet I had a positive and friendly interaction with every employee I encountered. The beer selection is great and the cocktails spot on. The menu isn't large but everything we ordered was good to excellent. While I showed up too late for happy hour, 2 locals told me it's the best in town. Eating at the bar is almost as good as at a table when you consider the great view and service. This place gets it when it comes to running a restaurant/bar that you want to return to. Check it out!

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The view

Haupia cake (from broke da mouth)

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Outside seating by the beach

Beach Tree Restaurant Bar and Lounge

Beach Tree getting refreshed, so very limited seating currently. So Surf Shack does a Sunset Lounge…read more4pm-8pm (no reservations needed). They have the partial menu from Beach Tree. It was great eating right on beach! Food/service was so good, we went twice. Mascarpone and Mushroom pizzas are delicious. Their crust is great! Burger is big (double patty), cooked perfectly. Fries and onion ring are cooked perfectly. Sooo good! Lemon meringue ice cream pie is sooo good. Great combination of flavors. Awesome service. Multiple staff came around to check on us. Special Mahalo to Precious (awesome, friendly service)!

Beach Tree is hands down my favorite restaurant in all of Hawaii. It's located at the Four Seasons…read moreResort Hualalai, and I make it a point to come here every single trip, even the ones where I'm not staying at the property. I'm in Hawaii about twice a year, and this spot is always locked in. The sunsets here are unreal. Depending on the time of year and when your reservation is, you can catch some of the best sunsets in all of Hawaii right from your table. It's one of those places where the view alone makes the night. Food is consistently great. The pizzas are always a safe bet, the chicken parmigiana is a must, and honestly any of the pastas don't miss. Everything is just solid across the board. Drinks are on point, cocktails are strong in a good way, well made, and they've got a great wine list plus plenty of beer options. Service is exactly what you'd expect from Four Seasons, top tier, attentive, and smooth without being over the top. Also a great spot if you're vegetarian or dining with someone who is. They actually have real options, not just afterthoughts. They'll occasionally have a show with fire dancers which adds to the experience. Great food, great service, great drinks, and one of the best views you'll get anywhere. Easily my favorite restaurant in Hawaii and it's not even close. Parking: Visitor Parking is free!

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Grounds spectacular

Tagliatelle Bolognese

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Beach Tree right on the ocean

Miyazaki

4.6

(64 reviews)

4.8 mi

Made reservations here on our last night on Big Island. Very quaint place for a nice dinner out…read more The vibe is warm and you're met with a great smile by the staff when arriving. The food we got were also really good. Didn't take a picture but we also got the pork bun, shishito peppers and VIP roll. All were pretty fire, I can see myself ordering it again. Overall, this place is a really good stop for sushi amongst all the restaurants here in Kona. They're pretty new and only been in business for a few months but I can tell they're here to stay!

This is a hidden gem, easy to find, easy parking right in the front. You have a choice of outdoor…read moreor indoor dining. Indoors there are about 6 tables that seat a party of four, one booth for six people, and counter space - about six seats for a total of about 35+ seats inside the restuarant. We ordered a tofu salad, sashimi sampler, unagi don, and a yummy sparkling peach drink. The other customers in the restaurant mostly ordered sushi - all of the rolls looked great! Soft tofu salad was excellent with a creamy dressing that was light, citrusy and flavorful. Perfect for a hot day or if you want something refreshing. Sashimi sampler was superb! For $30, you get three slices: one each of salmon, hamachi, and maguro sashimi x 4 in a chef choice of flavors and sauce. Flavor 1: dill aioli - creamy, a little heavy and drowned out the flavor of the fish. My least fav. Flavor 2: sweet chili sauce with shreds of chili pepper - it was good, but nothing special. Flavor 3: garlic sauce - light and flavorful, delicious and tasty Flavor 4- yuzu and truffle oil!!!! Wow!! That was my fav! I wouldn't let the staff remove the dish even when I finished the fish as I ate the other slices of sashimi in that sauce! Winner! Unagi don was ok, and the sparkling peach was spot on for a drink at the end of the day. Service was great, attentive and cheerfully greeted when we entered. We'll be back the next time we're in Kona!

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Scallops

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Da Poke Shack

Arrived here around noon, but noticed a handwritten sign on their door stating they were running…read morelate. The boat arrived a bit later than anticipated. They have 2 long picnic tables right outside to sit, but other than that it'll likely be takeout. The parking lot is very compact with a 15min time limit. Not sure how strict they are about the 15min limit, but just be courteous so others can also park and enjoy the food! There was already a line when we arrived, so I recommend getting there early. Their poké also tasted so fresh! Their portions are smaller and prices are higher for the amount you get compared to other poké places... but for sure it is quality over quantity here. I'm OK with that. I'm not a huge ahi poké gal, but they didn't have salmon so I just got it with the garlic shrimp. But everything was so delicious! The seaweed salad, imitation crab salad, kimchi, and kimchi mussels were all good. Fairly simple to order: bowl vs plate (1 side for bowl and 2 sides for plate, 2 servings of poké). Brown vs white rice. Top shelf: sides. Bottom shelf: poké. They also offer a variety of sauces for your poké. They are all pretty good, but my favorite was the avocado aioli. The wet Hawaiian and Pele's kiss were also good per family. Definitely worth trying and repeating. Personally, I prefer this poké place over Pau Hana Poké. Service was nothing spectacular, just efficient and busy. No small talks here.

Portion is too small for $26 bowl food is ok nothing special ! They were cleaning the sewer line…read moreyou smell really bad when we arrived almost walk out but decided give it a try ! The plate is $50 decision Big Joke !

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Wall decor

Our "breakfast"... poke bowl and poke plate

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Kalua Pork

The Temple Kitchen + Bar

4.5

(163 reviews)

5.1 mi

Amazing food! Jennifer was patient, informative, and incredibly kind, which made the experience…read moreeven better. The food overall was awesome. The tri-tip tacos were just okay for me -- next time I'd probably try them with chicken instead. The ʻulu was absolutely delicious and definitely a standout dish. Sat looking at the ocean !! Nice

Loved the Temple Kichen and Bar. The star of the show here is their Flatbreads and Meat. That is…read morewhat they are known for. Came in on a 4 PM Saturday afternoon after 7 hours of travel. Ravenous and throat parched, the pictures for The Temple drew us in. Restaurant was empty save a family of 6 sitting in the corner. To summarize the experience the food tasted as delicious as it looked. Service was spot on. Skip the barbecue chicken tacos they were overrated. Our server warned against it but we were feeling chicken. It was a mid dish. The star of the show was the Calabrese Flatbread. It was phenomenal. Really tasty, ample cheese, marinara sauce, with large chunks of sausage that were so flavorful. The potatoes we got were supposed to be island potatoes and tasted okay with lots of Chimmichuri Sauce. Ask for more on the side to dip the potatoes in. Kona beer on tap, Michelob in bottles, and some nice house drinks to round it off. Their dessert selection looked tasty, but so full that stomach was hurting after the meal. Will be back again if I'm in the area!

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Through the Looking Glass Specialty Cocktail

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Old Forester Prohibition Style Damn Good Old Fashion

Daiichi Ramen - Kailua Kona

Locally owned & operated

Established in 1999

Great choices on good tasting ramen plus I like their delicious fried rice and curry dishes. I like…read moreordering on their app also for pick up. It's nice that they also provide different seasonings on the table so you can suit taste. Service is fast and friendly.

This is a smaller place in Kona but it taste great!! You can shop and get lunch or dinner in the…read moresame area. Nice for the rainy days or just feeling like a hot meal. Parking is plenty and staff is super friendly. Very helpful and food comes out super quick.

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Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen

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Tan Tan Ramen with extra veggies

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49 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

David J.

Elite 26

112

189

279

1 year ago

I honestly don't think I've traveled this much in my life as I have in 2025, but let me tell you--this local plate lunch spot never disappoints, no matter how many places I try. If you're looking for an authentic, hearty plate lunch, this place is the spot. Personally, I always go for the Shoyu Chicken, and it never fails to hit the spot. It's just as good as any plate lunch I've had on Oahu. The chicken is always tender, flavorful, and perfectly glazed with that signature shoyu sauce that makes it so addictive. Every time I take a bite, I'm reminded of how much I miss the local food in Hawaii--and this place does it justice every time. What really sets this spot apart, though, is the staff. They're not just friendly--they're genuinely local. You can tell they take pride in the food they serve and are eager to share a little piece of local culture with every customer. That welcoming, laid-back vibe makes it feel like you're getting food from someone who actually cares about the experience, which is always a plus. The menu here is massive, with so many options that you could probably try something new every visit and never get bored. Whether you're in the mood for something traditional like Loco Moco or something a little more adventurous, there's something for everyone. But, fair warning: if you don't already have a favorite, you're going to need some time to decide because the choices are plentiful. Good luck narrowing it down! Another bonus is the location--it's conveniently right next to the airport on the main road, which makes it perfect if you're in the area either coming or going. Whether you're catching a flight or just passing through, this is a great spot to stop for a solid, satisfying meal before heading out or after you land. Overall, this local plate lunch place continues to be one of my go-tos. The food is consistently good, the staff is top-notch, and the atmosphere has that local, cozy charm that you won't find at bigger chain spots. If you're looking for a taste of Hawaii, this place won't let you down! read more

Ashton J.

68

133

156

1 year ago

We had such a fantastic experience at Pine Tree Café that we actually went twice during our trip. The first time was for breakfast, which we chose after reading reviews about their affordable and delicious options. It did not disappoint -- I had two fried eggs with Portuguese sausage on toast, along with hashbrowns, all at a pretty inexpensive price. The breakfast was simple, but packed with flavor. On our last day, we returned for lunch and honestly wish I had discovered their lunch menu sooner! The location is perfect, especially if you're near the airport, making it a great spot for a quick, satisfying meal. I tried their poke bowl special for under $10, which came with a generous portion of poke and a side of their tuna Mac salad -- absolutely delicious! My husband enjoyed a club sandwich, which he said was one of the best he's had. The staff are friendly and welcoming, creating a relaxed atmosphere. While seating inside is limited, there's plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the lovely Kona weather. Plus, it's a great place to grab a quick bite and either take it back to your hotel or enjoy it on the beach. I also loved their massive condiment station filled with all kinds of hot sauces -- I wish I had taken a photo of it! Overall, Pine Tree Café is a must-visit for great food, friendly service, and a convenient location. We'll definitely be back! read more

Stephen D.

Elite 24

15

256

279

2 years ago

Eager to try some Loco Moco on the Big Island, I decided to give this place a shot. They offered a variety of options, but my heart was on Loco Moco. Opted for the large size, and I was pleasantly surprised- they're generous with their portions, especially for takeout. The establishment was not only clean but also spacious, creating a comfortable atmosphere. The staff proved to be very helpful. Despite the quick wait for my food, I can imagine on a busy day it might take a bit longer, but their efficiency is commendable. The Loco Moco was delicious, and I couldn't finish it one sitting. Even later for dinner, it retained its great taste. A fantastic spot to indulge in Loco Moco or other varieties, and conveniently close to the airport. read more

Diana P.

Elite 19

487

462

1714

10 years ago

Super disappointed. Rrad all the Yelp reviews and was excited to try. Got 3 plate lunches. Fried fish and fries which was bland and uneventful. Kirean chicken plate with tossed salad. Mixed plate with korean chicken and beef stew. The korean chicken is on bones and needs way more sauce. Potato mac salad is good. Sides of kimchi are tiny and have no clue what they charge for them but all of the above with 3 fountain drinks was $48. Good size portion but mostly rice. Diner take out feel. Walk up counter. Maybe we ordered the wrong things but we didnt feel this is a place to come back to. In a small plaza close to the airport. Swing and a miss...sorry. read more

Bob A.

0

4

2

5 years ago

I hate writing these reviews..... however, this place is actually awful. My family ordered our food and waited about half an hour. We watched countless people who ordered after us get their food first. The poke bowl had the most foul tasting seafood I've ever consumed. I threw up. My companion ordered the philly and he said the meat wasn't chopped up enough and tasted bad. Another companion of mine ordered the grilled chicken sandwich and also said the meat tasted bad. This place ain't it read more

Willy G.

0

16

31

9 years ago

We decided to go to the Pine Tree Cafe on the way to the airport leaving Hawaii after reading the reviews. It was totally worth it. The food was very good, with large servings and great value compared to other places we ate at during our vacation. You order your meal at a counter and can either have it as takeout or eat in. They have all types of food. I totally recommend them. read more

Andrew M.

0

1

0

5 years ago

Bruh we just got off the plane from Denver, CO and this place took a frigging hour and a half to make two cheese burgers and some chicken I would not recommend this place to anyone. We ordered and like like three people after us got there food first. I think you can make a great business just get your shit together. read more

Melani N.

0

3

0

7 years ago

Good foods , services and reasonable price. My family and I went there and they pleased us with the spam musubi and the salad. I would recommend it for anyone who would like to enjoy Hawaiian food. read more

Rian T.

112

8

4

13 years ago

One of the best plate lunch places around. What more can you ask for from a plate lunch spot. They have variety, quality, and consistency. Restaurant was clean and so were the bathrooms! read more

Christyana L.

41

7

6

2 years ago

Quick bites and saw lots of locals which was a good sign. Food was quick but nothing that was amazing. Just a standard of what you'd expect. Good option to to go before/after the airport. read more

Anna S.

0

3

5 years ago

They always have something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Busy during lunch hours but you can call ahead to order. Still have to wait in line to pay though when you arrive. read more

Daniel M.

0

2

6

11 years ago

A very good SPONSOR of Kona Table Tennis Club (KTTC). Pine Tree Cafe (PTC) is my favorite KITCHEN with Aloha, because of its proximity to where I live! KTTC LOVES PTC! Mahalo. read more

T H.

103

3

0

9 years ago

Going to the airport or up to Hapuna beach??? Great place to grab some food and take with you. Huge menu and great choices. Worth paying a couple bucks more. read more

David H.

283

33

39

6 years ago

Good people good food very convenient location plenty of parking, come to Kona about four times a year and I find myself at the café just about every trip read more

Dan R.

0

8

0

11 years ago

I like many other stopped by here from the airport. Boy am I glad I did. Highly recommended: the Hawaiian Slam ~$13, and the Korean mix (also $13). read more