Island Lava Java
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Been coming to Kona now every month for about 2 years. Each morning starts with a swim with the pier swimmers followed by breakfast at the Java Lava. So far, I have yet to have any sort of negative experience whatsoever. The food is always good, the coffee is tasty, and the staff is always super friendly! Nothing beats an early morning swim and then a wonderful breakfast as you look out to the ocean and listen to the waves crash just across the street. It's one of my favorite parts of my business travel, and so far it's been great!
Great location and view of the ocean while dining. Plenty of options for breaks, lunch, and dinner. Expect a wait on the weekends if you're not there early. Overall worth checking out for a quick bite and drink along the ocean.
Pancakes were nice and fluffy. Bigger than I expected and the coconut syrup was a nice touch. Bacon could have been a little crispier but the taste was very nice. Vanilla latte was way too sweet (personally) but I did add vanilla syrup and cold foam so that's on me. Just didn't taste much of the coffee. Biscuits and gravy were delicious and the pork had amazing flavor. Waffle was a little dried out (we sent it back due to it not being crispy enough and we believe they just reheated the waffle). But the flavor was still good with the macadamia nuts and bananas The Bloody Mary was great, however, they could do with a little more spice and a little more tomato base. As far as bloody Mary's go, this was on the weaker side. Loved the Black Sea salt rim. Shoutout to our server, Terri, who was fabulous the whole time.
Had the Ube Bliss and Island Style Belgian Waffle. The Ube Bliss was very pretty! I'm not much of a coffee person, but this was relatively light and sweet, so it was enjoyable. A slight hint of ube and the coconut cream. The waffle was good as well! The coconut cream syrup was a nice island twist. It paired well with the mac nuts and banana slices. Great! Not to mention the views of the ocean right next to us. We saw a pod of 10-20 dolphins hanging out! Great staff. Mahalo!
Two years later so we figured we'd give it a try again, this time for lunch We had the fish sandwich and the smashburger The burger was fine. We ordered green salad as the sides and they were really good . Mixed greens, no iceberg, served with a tasty balsamic vinaigrette. The fish sandwich wasn't great. We' chose the seared ahi. It was cooked completely through, which was probably a good thing because it was FAR from fresh--extremely "fishy." We've had a lot of ahi that past two weeks and this was the worst. Service was friendly and prompt, although it was clear we arrived at the end of our server's shift. We' were handed the check when we were nowhere near finished with our sandwiches. This wasn't a huge issue for us, but some people might feel put off by that. Cleanliness was still an issue--the tables really be a good deep cleaning. You can't beat the view! There was construction right out front this time (not the restaurant's fault)) but at least it was interesting
We've been coming to Lava Java for years and it's our favorite spot for breakfast. It has a great view of Kona's oceanfront and it's relaxing to drink your mimosa or Mocha (or both as my wife does it) and watch the boats and para-sailors. The service is very good, especially if you are upstairs when Tawny is working. I used to get the Portuguese sausage, eggs, and rice. However, I tried the hollandaise a few visits back and I have been hooked ever since. Now I get the eggs Benedict with home fries and extra sauce for the potatoes. Make sure to visit this spot when you're looking for a tasty, easy going breakfast.
Very good service and a quality breakfast. The fresh fish Benedict and the island style waffles were very good and there is a great view. Coffees were decent but the highlight was definitely the food.
We had breakfast at Island Lava Java and the location alone makes it worth visiting. It's right across from the ocean, the views are beautiful, and we even got to see dolphins while we were eating, which made the experience extra special. I had the island style pancakes and they were delicious. The coconut syrup was the perfect addition, and the Portuguese sausage was also really good. My husband had the luau scramble, which was alright but felt like it was missing a little something. My brother in law ordered the loco moco and really enjoyed it. Overall, we had a nice breakfast and would definitely go back.
Stopped by for breakfast because it was across the street from our resort. Terri our server was so sweet and helpful. Never kept us waiting. We started with the French press Kona coffee which was complex and delicious. My wife loved her fresh catch Benedict I had the lava java breakfast and it was fantastic. Waffle was a little chewy was the only critique. Will definitely be coming back.
This morning was already a bit stressful because we couldn't decide where to eat, and in the end we chose this place because of the many reviews. Unfortunately, it ended up being disappointing. We ordered a vegetable omelet to share and two drinks, and the total was almost $70, which felt very overpriced for what we got. The portions were small and the food itself was nothing special. It definitely wasn't exquisite or memorable in any way. The view, however, was beautiful. We were seated on the second floor with an ocean view, and that part was truly lovely. But even with the scenery, the experience didn't feel worth the money. My husband's coffee also wasn't good at all. The waitress was polite, but the service was quite slow. Overall, the location and view are the best things about this place. Sadly, the food, drinks, and value didn't live up to the hype, and we left feeling frustrated.
We came here twice. Once for breakfast and once at lunchtime. The restaurant has a beautiful ocean view. If you are able to get a table up front, you will have an unobstructed view of the Pacific ocean. Sometimes you might even be able to see some whales or a school of dolphins if you go during the right season. Our first visit was during lunch. It was around the time they were turning over their menu from breakfast/brunch to lunch and we were told that menu items would be limited or we could wait 10 more minutes while they complete the transition in the kitchen. We decided to share a pizza which was one of the no waiting option and the ahi bites. The Kona combo pizza had pepperoni, Italian sausage, olives and onions. It was large enough for the two of us to get full. The ahi bites were excellent. We had to wait for 10 more minutes to get them but they were worth the wait. The house wasibi aoili and umagi glaze were so flavorful and definitely elevated the taste of the ahi nuggets. Service was quick and friendly. Our server checked on us often enough to make sure we had drinks and that the food were delivered to our table. Our breakfast visit was the following day. Unfortunately, service was slower and our waitress was not very attentive. My husband ordered the island bagel and lox and I had the drag it through the garden croissant breakfast sandwich. While the food was good, the overall visit was like night and day from our previous experience. I'm still glad we came for breakfast though as the place does have a lot of great options as far as food went.
Definitely wouldn't recommend. The food was average, not a lot of flavor at all. They sat us a table without an umbrella, we were the only ones without when there were others empty. Worst part about this place was the server eric did something shady with the tip amount. I pressed the total amount on the hand held payment and when I saw the charge it was more.
Wife liked her French toast, the pancakes were middling at best. The gripe I have is I had to sit and listen to two ladies yap in meetings while working remotely at the table beside us. I hear enough corporate double talk and have to sit through enough useless teams meetings every day. I didn't fly all the way to Hawaii to have breakfast in the middle of one. They hadn't even purchased meals and were sitting and drinking water and disturbing the whole space. Never again.
5 years ago
I have been meaning to go to this place for years, but never quite managed to make it in. Boy I'm glad that I went today! This is probably the best eggs Benedict I have ever had in my life. The mimosa was also on point! read more
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Jeff F.
We've sent you a private message as a personal thank you for this…
I don't know if you can beat the view! It's located right on Ali'i drive directly across the street from the ocean. You see the cars cruising by, the boats sailing on the water...relaxing for sure. They add to the ambience with a live local musician singing soft Hawaiian music. Started with the cinnamon "roll." It's huge, pancake size and very delicious! A steal for $4.95 if you ask me. Honestly, this alone sufficed for breakfast. Also got the iced mocha, blah! I didn't like that at all. The creamy the talk about in the menu, nah...it tasted like straight coffee with ice. It was oddly settled on the bottom too. I wouldn't order this again...water is fine. The "Island Style" breakfast is sliced bananas and Mac nuts on buttermilk pancakes, very yummy! It comes with a side of fruit and applewood bacon. The bacon was cooked perfectly with good taste. The fruit was fresh, perfect with the dish. Cost? $13.95, reasonable for the portion and...the view. :) The one thing (aside from the mocha) I could complain about was the service portion. Our waitress was nice but slow. We didn't get checked on once during our meal and we were done 15 minutes before we got our check. Honestly, we sat there so long I began to think we were supposed to go up to a counter and pay. Would I return, yes. I enjoyed the food and ambience. I feel that I may have better service the next round. read more
5 years ago
Best eggs Benedict and all day happy hour Thursday's. Parking in the back. Get here by 9:30 to ensure breakfast menu. They switch to lunch at 10:45. read more
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Jeff F.
Thanks so much, Natasha! We've sent you a more detailed response…
3 years ago
Overall the food was ok but the fact they handed me a dish with completely brown avocado is gross. read more
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Jeff F.
We want to personally connect with you regarding your recent…
Pretty standard breakfast, but still tasty and filling. Nothing super earth shattering about this place, but they did offer a good breakfast menu. I ordered their vegetarian omelette but with egg whites and it was very good! Came with fresh fruit on the side, which was fresh and delicious. The service was very good and we were able to sit outside, but our table was right by the hostess stand, so it was a little awkward having people stand right next to you while you're eating. But other than this, it was a good dining experience! read more
5 years ago
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Jeff F.
Mahalo, Lisa! Check your inbox for our personal message.
4 years ago
The best Bloody Mary I've had. The pricing is great and the breakfast food was delicious. View is also amazing. read more
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Jeff F.
Mahalo for this 5-star review, Kendra!…
4 years ago
Ok this place is the best!. I was told by a friend that we needed to go back and try the hula wings. Yes these were amazing. We also were told to try the fried fish and chips. They were out of the salmon, but we got grilled fish on top of grilled pineapple. Both dishes were not on the menu to order, but never fear that is what our waiter is there for. We also had the wedge salad and both times we had this we just like all the fixings with it. We had to fight over the bacon pieces they were very delicious. We topped of the evening with the mocha cheese cake and meringue passion fruit tart. Thank you for the wonderful meals and atmosphere. read more
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Jeff F.
Thanks, Robert! We sent you a private message so please check your…
4 years ago
i loved everything about this place! the service was excellent, the mimosas were delicious and the food was superb! it was a great brunch spot and i enjoyed celebrating my birthday there read more
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Jeff F.
Mahalo and Happy Birthday, Cece! We sent you a private message, so…
5 years ago
Great food, fast service and big portion sizes. Located right on the coast, the outdoor seating provides a great view while you eat on their patio. Make sure to try their breakfast cocktails too! read more
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Jeff F.
Mahalo for your review, Shane! Please check your inbox for a private…
-Free wifi -Opens late 9:30 (most places close around the same time if not earlier) -Eat outside -Kona coffee (a must) Papaya with vanilla yogurt and granola - 5stars Veggie omelette - 3stars (too many red onions) Beet salad - 3stars too much greens (not enough of the good stuff, i.e. more beets, cheese and nuts). Wait staff - 3stars (very very busy) **Food is a little pricey** read more
We came here for breakfast and it was delicious. We walked in and one of the servers told us that we could pick a seat anywhere and someone would be with us to take our order. It was a beautiful morning, so we picked a table outside, facing the water. Our server came and brought us waters and came to take our order on an iPad mini. So high tech. I ordered the Island Style pancakes which come with bananas and macadamia nuts. It's not a visit to Hawaii until you have mac-banana pancakes with coconut syrup! The pancakes were delicious. It came with Portuguese sausage (yum yum!) and a fruit cup. It also came with a pretty pink flower, which the server said was edible. The luau omelette was also really tasty - it had kalua pork and pineapple in it. The food here was really good and the service was really great. The only thing was that I really wanted guava juice to go with my breakfast, but they don't have that here. read more
3 years ago
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Jeff F.
We've reached out to you in a private message to thank you for taking…
6 years ago
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Jeff F.
Mahalo, Sandra! We're looking forward to seeing you again soon.
4 years ago
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Jeff F.
Glad to hear you had a good time during your visit! Check your inbox…
6 years ago
Overpriced decent food. Stopped here as a backup failed attempt at a nearby restaurant. QR code menu so no paper during COVID which I understand but makes things tricky when trying to view/order on one device. After viewing the menu and prices we opted to split a 10 inch pizza for $26 after tax. Definitely not worth it and a good example of why it pays to research in advance. read more
3 years ago
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Jeff F.
Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit, Paul! Check your inbox for a…
5 years ago
Had the pasta last night. The portion is huge. The price is little pricey but the service is good. The dish is too heavy for me especially the cream. I did not finish it but would go back try a different dish if Opportunity permits. read more
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Jeff F.
Great review! We sent you a private message, so check your inbox!
12 years ago
We were fortunate to get an outside table facing the water, arriving just about 30 minutes before they end their breakfast service. It was balmy and relaxing, with delicious breakfast options out on their street front patio. The egg white veggie omelette with fruit was a nice lighter option for me while my boyfriend splurged on the macademia waffles which came with fresh fruit, whipped cream and some type of coconut syrup. He said it was his favorite meal the entire time we stayed in Kona Service was friendly, food arrived promptly, but who's paying attention to all that while you're gazing out at the beautiful turquoise waters across the street. All around memorable experience and wish we had the chance to go back during our vacation. read more
11 years ago
For a quick breakfast we stopped by Island Lava Java since it was relatively close to where we were staying on our vacation. Ordered an omelette and the cinnamon bun. The omelette was cooked well with a good proportion of egg, potatoes and cheese. The cinnamon bun however was the start of the show as it was warm gooey and oh so delicious. Be prepared for a sugar rush however as this bun packed quite a bit of syrup (but when on vacation why not indulge right?) Overall, Island Lava Java did not disappoint and next time I'm in Kona I'll be sure to stop by again with my family. read more
3 years ago
We wanted to sit by the water so we choice this place. The fish tacos were kinda dry and not the best. The ribs were amazing and had such a strong flavor of guava. The veggie bowl was surprisingly sweet which made it taste bad. The drinks were very good and had a strong flavor. Our server was super sweet. read more
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Jeff F.
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Perfect place to end the evening. They are located on the main strip of Kona with a great ocean view. If you get there in time you will be able to see the gorgeous sunset. Went there for some late nite grub. Food is reasonable and service is exceptional. Being a sweet tooth I of course went for the dessert menu. Their mango pineapple cheesecake is to die for. Not sure what else they put in it but you do feel the need to order a second piece which you don't want to share. Their lattes are delicious as well and they have a great, reasonably priced wine selection. Looking at their menu their cocktails are very reasonable compared to other restaurant. If in the area I highly recommend this place. read more
Very popular place. There are people sitting here all day for a coffee and snack. We decided to try them for breakfast. Another hot and humid day so we decided on iced coffee drinks. I had the papaya with vanilla yogurt and homemade granola. It was great for a hot day. The granola was still warm. Hubby had one of the breakfast sandwiches. Service was a bit slow and took some time to order and get our check but the staff was nice. There is a shared bathroom with another restaurant so you have to ask for the key and walk around the corner. Would have breakfast again as it is in a great spot. read more
5 years ago
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Jeff F.
Mahalo for the short and sweet reveiw! We appreciate your kind words…
3 years ago
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Jeff F.
Glad to hear you had a good time during your visit, Patty! Check your…
3 years ago
Beautiful place. Great food. Great services. Definitely coming back here and highly recommend. read more
Great place to have breakfast or brunch. I did not come in for lunch or dinner so I can't speak to either. Location: The view is spectacular for breakfast. We arrived 30 minutes after they opened and I'm glad we got there early as we got to enjoy an amazing view of spinner dolphins playing in the water. There's a parking lot behind the plaza making it easy to get to. They're located right off the road so you can't miss it when you're driving. The restaurant has a lot of outdoor seating and it's worth sitting by the front of the restaurant as you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the water and dolphins playing in the mornings. Staff: The hostess that sat us let us know it was Mimosa Monday; they were having $5 Mimosas. Our waitress was really nice too. She came by to let us know that there were dolphins swimming out in the water and pointed out exactly where they were. She later explained to us that they were spinner dolphins when I asked how long the dolphins hung out. She said they're usually there for about an hour to hour and a half in the mornings and sometimes came back in early evening for about an hour before they go out to eat. We learned they were spinner dolphins and that they liked to frolic in the morning when they have energy from eating overnight. Our waitress also let me upgrade my Lava Java breakfast pancakes to Island Style. I was so excited! Food: The Island Style pancakes were yummy. It comes with a lot of macadamia nuts on top and about half a large banana (if not more). The coconut syrup went great with the pancakes; the coconut flavor wasn't too overpowering for the macadamia nuts. I normally don't prefer coconut but I enjoyed the syrup with the pancake combo. Hubs ordered the regular Eggs Benedict and the eggs were perfectly poached. They had the nice runny consistency when the yolk was cut open. Instead of an English muffin bread, they used a croissant which added a nice sweetness to the Benedict. Hubs also ordered the Lilikoi mimosa and he said it was yummy. Highlights: +dolphin watching in the mornings +beautiful view +yummy island style pancakes +perfectly cooked eggs for eggs Benedict +great service read more
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Jeff F.
Thank you for the 4-star review, Linda ! We've sent you a more…
5 years ago
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Jeff F.
Mahalo for your stellar review, Lindsey. When you have a moment,…
4 years ago
We chose lava Java to celebrate my father's 100th birthday. And what a joyful evening it was. Manager Ron allowed me to come early to select and decorate our table. When my parents arrived they were stunned first with a beautiful ring side table and then all of the decorations. Our meal was outrageous, appetizers entrées and desserts were outstanding. Nonstop flow of customers stopping by to celebrate the 100th birthday with us.All the extras the staff did for us added to a most outstanding evening. Many mahalos Lava Java read more
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Jeff F.
Mahalo, Patrice! We sent you a private message so please check your…
6 years ago
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Jeff F.
Thank you for your feedback, Brianna! We sent you a private message,…
3 years ago
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Jeff F.
Thank you so much! We sincerely appreciate the compliments and have…
7 years ago
Second trip to Kona and second time here. I ordered Island bagel with Loc off the light breakfast. Onions were a bit too much but the rest was SO delicious and fulfilling. Get it with the seeded bagel. The night before we had the New York strip steak and pork chops. Potato and veggies could've had a larger portion, but the taste was delicious for both. read more
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Jeff F.
Thank you for the great review! We're happy to know you enjoyed it,…
5 years ago
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Jeff F.
Aloha Deven. I sent you a private message, so check your inbox when…
3 years ago
We came on Mother's Day for breakfast. It was fully booked, so we sat at the bar. Seem like the bartender don't care for you if you don't order alcoholic drinks. The food was good, the views were what we came for. I love looking out at the ocean while I'm eating. Even though my hotel room is facing the ocean, it is nothing like eating and watching the ocean. read more
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Jeff F.
Aloha! We want to personally connect with you so check your inbox…
5 years ago
Great bar, great coffee, great views and yes, great food!! The bread they use for the French toast and eggs Benedict are awesome! Only bummer is the long wait but it's worth it. read more
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Jeff F.
Mahalo for your wonderful review, Sergio. We've sent you a more…
More info about Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali'i Dr
Bldg 1
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Directions
(808) 300-5672
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http://www.islandlavajava.com
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Ask the Community - Island Lava Java
What's good for lunch?
Fish and chips if you're on vacation. If you are leaning healthy, the Lava Java salad with the grilled shrimp. The goat cheese on that salad is fantastic!
Can you get lunch all day? For example, we would like to come for breakfast, but also pick up sandwiches to have at the beach later that day.
The entire lunch menu is NOT available all day. However, they do offer a brunch menu that includes some lunch items.
What are the Ube wraps or tortillas you use, please tell me?
Breakfast served all day?
No. Breakfast is served until 11:00 and then they switch to their lunch menu.
I am looking for a place to host a small wedding reception dinner in September. I would like it to be outside with an amazing view of the water. Ideas?
Try thesr In downtown Kona. https://www.daylightmind.com/…
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