Kanaka Kava

75-5803 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona
(808) 327-1660

Recent Reviews

Lisa von Rabenau

Best food we’ve had in Hawaii. Recommend the lau lau with bread fruit side. Once we discovered the place we kept coming back to only eat here!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Michael

As the name suggests-this stuff is bitter but it made me feel nice after I drank it! As DD it was nice to have a special something for myself

Atmosphere: 5

S

Every time my husband and I fly out from Seattle, we have to stop here immediately after landing. This is the ONLY place that has effective kava, let alone authentic Hawiian food. But the kava here really does deliver, unlike some kavas I have tried (they might taste like kava, but they don't work like kava). And I am obsessed with poi. I love poi. Sometimes I walk here just for that. Unless you go to some luau, I haven't found any other eatery that actually keeps poi on the menu. Anyway, if someone asks me if I have a favorite place to eat, I tell them Kanaka Kava. I have been to Paris. I have been to England. I have been to India, Netherlands, all over the USA, etc, etc. This is the only place that has truly left an impression on me. I hope they never leave!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Daniel Dimov

Thank you very

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lomi Salmon, Kalua Pork and Squid Luau, Pupu Platter, POG Juice, Taro, Garlic Bread, Kalua Pork Plate, Squid Luau, Haupia Sweet Potato Pie

Jake Martin

Very touristy, I don't think there's any difference in the potent and regular but it's decent for what it is.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 5

JoC (JoC)

03.17.3024 celebrated our St Patty's anniversary with the idea of eating traditional Hawaiian food. The hostess was very nice and knowledgeable. We ordered and love the Pupu with a side order of Jasmine rice with furikake and drinks of gingerade for me and kava for my hubby. The Pupu came in a beautiful dish and enough for two to share. The gentleman who delivered our food was great as he patiently explained each dish. The open outdoor eating area was wonderful. Will definitely be back to try other dishes.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pupu Platter

Bill Stansell

The server was rude and seriously offended by any sarcasm due to the fact they were out of 3 or 4 sides … when they had just opened … no atmosphere … not worth dealing with people without a sense of humor …Too many other great places to eat and people to have a good time with mahalo

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

Daniel C.

I can't recommend this place to anyone. The service was extremely rude. I asked for the lau lau plate which comes with two sides. When I said I wanted the poi, the person at the counter immediately asked me if I was going to eat all of it. He gives me some lecture about how poi needs to be respected since it has sustained the people on the island for thousands of years. He tells me if I'm not going to eat all of it then I should try something else. I said I wanted to try the poi because I've never had it before and didn't change my order. My wife ordered a poke bowl but they were sold out (common theme in these reviews). After placing the order he doubles down and looks at me and says "I was serious about that poi. I tell that to everyone. You better eat all of it, our ancestors are watching. Don't be disrespectful." Please...if you don't want tourists eating your food then maybe don't open your little food stand in one the biggest tourist areas on the island. Also, while preparing the food he comes out and tells me that: surprise! They are out of the Lau Lau plate as well so I get the other plate meal instead. Seriously, just do yourself a favor and steer clear of this place. Nothing about it is worth your time. They obviously don't want your business here anyway.

David M.

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.

Soma C.

Food was delicious and local. The owner was so nice that he brought the food to us as we were waiting for it next to the playground. Service was very good too.

Lori Sutherland

Probably my favorite meal. The Hawaiian Sweet Potatoes were wonderful and purple! ☺️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cameron C

It was nice to try something typically Hawaiian. Food could’ve been hotter (it was lukewarm)

Senthil C.

Great atmosphere to hang out. Kava, Poi and Yam was good! Wish I had appetite to try Lua Lua. Next time!

Mike M.

These guys are great! Really nice fresh Kava. The food is killer, all Hawaiian. The squid luau is my favorite, they have good poi too

allen nelly

Very good hawaiian kava experience. Kava was great, food even better! Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Kalua Pork and Squid Luau, Root

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