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    Island Lava Java

    4.0 (3.1k reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 8:30 pm

    Order Island Lava Java Takeout or Delivery

    Island Lava Java Photos

    ISLAND LAVA JAVA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Island Lava Java

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    Reviews With Photos

    Photo from the upper deck
    David C.

    Had a great breakfast experience at the Island Lava Java. We walked up to see what the wait time was like and we got lucky that a group had just cancelled their reservation so they took us right in. The service was excellent. Our waitress took care of us and was very friendly and funny. We sat in the upper balcony so we had good views of the ocean and surroundings. There is plenty of space for big groups upstairs. The food we ordered all looked great and tasted even better. I got the loco moco and it was very filling and delectable. We also ordered the ham and cheese croissant, and the burger with sweet potato fries. All excellent choices.

    Loco moco
    Taylor W.

    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.

    Mel A.

    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.

    LAVA JAVA BREAKFAST "island style"
    Mike T.

    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.

    Polina L.

    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.

    View across the street from Island Lava Java
    Kimberly R.

    We have been coming to Island Lava Java for many years now . We had a server Named Eileen who was so so sweet and attentive! Greeted us with a smile , even offered us to sign up on the app for rewards, which we had been 3 x already this visit and nobody else offered sadly ! Bagel & Lox are delicious, nice portions of Salmon , bloody Mary's are so good! Kalua pork, pineapple and eggs good also . We have never had a bad experience here , Tany is another server who is so nice and always smiling. We will miss the ocean waves and sunshine ! See you next year !

    Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes
    Yarrow H.

    This place was recommended to us by locals so we knew we had to check it out. The view was stunning, you could see the ocean and people swimming. It was also fun to people watch as lots of shops are nearby so there are a lot of people walking around. We got the omelette, pancakes, and the eggs Benedict. The food was delicious, would order all of it again. Great ingredients, everything immaculately cooked, and generous portions. My favorite dish was the pancakes. They had a creamy sauce on top that really complimented the macadamia nuts and the bananas. It was sweet, ward, cozy and crunchy. My husband really liked his omelette, it was flavorful and perfectly cooked. The eggs Benedict was amazing because it came on a croissant which was just so extra in the nest way. The service was excellent. Servers were kind, attentive and knowledgable. I would definitely recommend this spot for a solid breakfast with a stunning view.

    Emily A.

    We had an amazing time Makamae was such a character and made our dinner so memorable. She really did a great balance of lightly offering things that helped me make a decision throughout the evening to keep the experience progressing without coming off as pushy. I felt like I could take as much time as I needed, but that she had good insight into the menu. So much fun so much good food highly highly recommend the poki and beet salad and the pono mai tais!!!

    GO "ISLAND-STYLE" PANCAKES
    Kela G.

    I love this place! Everyone is friendly. Reservations are good because it can get busy quickly. The atmosphere is nice. It's right across from the water. The food - oh my goodness!!! Everything that I've had has been delicious.

    LUAU SCRAMBLE
    Kevin J.

    Love the outdoor porch vibe by the shore. Had a relaxing time enjoying an amazing meal with the views and sea breeze. Got to try the luau scramble and the pineapple upside down French toast. Both were unique fusion dishes that made for a fun brunch. The luau scramble uses a fried, crispy pork belly instead of bacon for protein. It's a nice thick cut with good flavor to it paired with rice and scrambled eggs. Worth trying! The pineapple upside down french toast was decadent! It really fuses the pineapple flavors into the french toast really well for a good excuse to do dessert for brunch!

    Room with a view
    Barry H.

    So we got to Kona and I have been trying to eat healthy. That meant I needed my coffee fix. Luckily, Island Lava Java was right down the street from the condo. After working out at Planet Fitness, stopped in for a Cafe Mocha (organic espresso, chocolate syrup, steamed milk & house whipped cream). Definitely worth the visit and can't beat the views.

    GO "ISLAND-STYLE" PANCAKE
    Agnes P.

    Huge portions! Tasted great! Tried a pancake island style which meant macadamia nuts, banana, and their unique coconut syrup. I loved it, it was so filling and delicious. Also tried their garden omelette which was fresh and packed with veggies. The potatoes were a hit, perfectly seasoned and crispy!

    Sunset during dinner
    Kelly H.

    We've had breakfast and dinner here on our vacation. I only got a good picture of the French toast but we also had pancakes. For dinner fish and chips and burger were delicious. Friendly service and great location. Oh and had the Kona tini. Also delish.

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    The food and drinks were great and we enjoyed happy hour. The views were amazing and service was also fantastic.

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    Page 3 of 79

    Island Lava Java Reviews in Other Languages

    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!

    Are dogs allowed?

    Yes

    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.

    Do they serve breakfast all day?

    Breakfast ends at 11:30

    What time is happy hour?

    Everyday 3-5:30

    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/… Read more

    View All 12 Questions

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    808 Grindz Cafe - Short rib Moco

    808 Grindz Cafe

    4.3(1.8k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    We landed in Kona mid-morning and the wife wanted breakfast, namely pancakes. Again not familiar…read morewith too many places in Kona. Of course Google saved the day. Found this place was open till 1 pm and they served pancakes. Nice, because the alternative would have been Denny's...no thanks! Nice little hole in the wall where you order at the window and they serve you your food at the table. I ordered the Seafood omelet and a side of Macadamia Nut Pancakes, wife ordered the Boneless Short Rib plate. My only gripe was the pancakes only came with maple syrup and not a macadamia sauce, which we had to buy separate. I was used to having the sauce come with the pancakes at a certain restaurant in Kailua, Oahu, so this was a bit unexpected. But the food was well prepared and tasty. It was really good! So good we came back the next day to have breakfast again. Only this time it was Adobo Fried Rice. We brought two plates for me and the wife which we soon regretted because my wife could not finish hers since the portions were really big. Should've have shared just one. Another place to add to our go to list to eat when we come back to visit Kona.

    We went in on a Saturday morning @ 8 am. It was empty…read more Parking- There is plenty of parking because it is on a strip mall. There are tables inside and outside. When you go in, you order at the cashier and they give you the food in To Go Containers whether you are going to eat in or out. I ordered the 808 Grindz Moco and it was delicious. 10/10 The Gravy was good and the rice too. They have soda cans for $2.50 each. I would return.

    Photos
    808 Grindz Cafe - Cozy dining area

    Cozy dining area

    808 Grindz Cafe - Spam moco

    Spam moco

    808 Grindz Cafe - Drinks

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    Drinks

    Kalikala Cuisine - The French toast with their special sauce made from lilykoi, it was really good. Came also with eggs and bacon.

    Kalikala Cuisine

    4.2(692 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Okay. Sometimes you stumble on a restaurant that ticks every single box. Kalikala Cuisine is that…read moreplace. To begin, the greeting from Richard was welcoming, informative, and made us feel like we were visiting long-missed family friends. Once seated, the ambiance was open and comfortable, and of course, the view is beautiful. Our server, CC, was genuinely friendly and efficient despite being the only server on the floor AND shadow training a new server as well. She is skilled managing the floor! Now, as to the food.....I cannot praise it enough. The Brunch menu had a variety of options that made our choices difficult. We opted for the Lilikoi French Toast and it was fabulous. Truly memorable. We also tried the Banana Bread and it was heavenly. We were told that the everything on menu is house made, and I can say that this level of care shows. While we didn't get the chance to try any other menu items, we did watch the Salmon Eggs Benedict being served to several diners near us - it was a beautifully plated dish and we overheard rave reviews. Adding to the comfort was a musician playing guitar and singing beautifully. Frequently, he shared interesting local tidbits and stories about the songs he chose. Our party agreed that returning to Kalikala Cuisine is an absolute MUST when we get back to Kona. A big Hell Ya!

    This spot absolutely delivers on island vibes--if you're seated overlooking the busy street and…read moreocean, the view is beautiful and makes for a great breakfast setting. The overall experience felt lively and relaxed, and even the little geckos running along the railing trying to sneak a sip of syrup added a fun, memorable touch. That said, the food didn't live up to the setting. While everything tasted fresh and the presentation (especially the avocado toast) was beautiful, it was surprisingly lacking in flavor. It honestly felt like the island ran out of salt and seasoning--very bland for how fresh it was. Overall, a great place to sit, relax, and soak in the view, but unfortunately the food was the weak point.

    Photos
    Kalikala Cuisine - Antique carved horse.

    Antique carved horse.

    Kalikala Cuisine - French toast is indeed best you've ever had!!

    French toast is indeed best you've ever had!!

    Kalikala Cuisine - The flavors and freshness of eggs rancheros are perfection!

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    The flavors and freshness of eggs rancheros are perfection!

    Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar - Loco Moco

    Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar

    3.9(845 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    We recently came across Papa Kona and found it to be an amazing location with good food. The open…read moreair restaurant has a nice bar and two story seating. They specialize in fresh fish and the day we went they had marlin. The service was prompt and friendly. The menu offers both fish and non-fish options such as pulled pork and burgers. I had the macadamia-nut crusted marlin and it was spectacular. The kids had fish and chips and seemed very happy too. Overall, this is a great place to have a meal and enjoy the ocean breeze. I bet the happy hour would be amazing as well.

    Food by sunset ask for seat by the ocean…read more Came by on a weekday around 5 PM, and by coming a little early, we were able to ask for an ocean side table to be able to watch the sunset as well. This was a fantastic idea and would recommend this to other visitors! Definitely some of the best views of the sunset on the island while enjoying great food. The spot felt less like a local spot serving traditional Hawaiian food, and more like a "cheesecake factory" style spot. You can kind of tell based on it's a location in downtown Kona. However, still enjoyable food, and great service while appreciating a fantastic sunset. Poke Nachos (7/10) - pretty good, fish is fresh and seasoned well, and the chips are crispy - the poke nachos at Umeke's was 100% better, and would recommend getting it there as they also have wonton chips that are out of this world Vodka Sauce Pasta (5/10) - nothing very special, chicken was mildly dry, and felt like something you can get on the mainland at a "cheesecake factory" that probably actually makes it better. Vodka sauce itself was unimpressive and flavor was not particularly rich or with much depth. Good item if you're sick of eating fish though. Sesame Seared Ahi (7/10) - this was pretty good! The tuna is seared on the outside, and minimally cooked on the inside. Unsure if it was raw or not, but anyways, it was tender and juicy fish. - Side of macaroni salad was by far not the best on the island, and definitely left something to be desired regarding macaroni salad flavor. Overall, the spot is located in downtown Kona in probably the most ideal location for tourists. They have a fantastic views (fantastic sunset if you come early enough to be seated by the water), and fine service throughout the meal. This being said though, the food is extremely mediocre. Did not feel or taste like authentic Hawaiian food that we were able to experience in many of the local restaurants on the rest of the island. We really did enjoy the views and the sound of the ocean while eating, so overall we had a great dinner here.

    Photos
    Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar - Mine Apple the best pineapple drink around!

    Mine Apple the best pineapple drink around!

    Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar - Poke nachos

    Poke nachos

    Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar - This is what the outside looks like

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    This is what the outside looks like

    Happiness Kona

    Happiness Kona

    4.8(25 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    Where do you go in Kona when you want something casual with a great view? happiness Kona is the…read moreanswer! we went at about 6:00 pm on a Friday. things were starting to get busy. Band starts to play at 7:00. we didn't stay for the band this time but have heard them from the street and will plan to go and enjoy the band our next visit to the restaurant. The food was GREAT and plentiful. I had the smash burger which was huge and came with some of the best fries I have ever had. my husband had the caesar salad which was also huge and came with bacon. The view was terrific, the service attentive and helpful. it's a family run business. I can't wait to go back!

    Okay food, and good drinks and service. Visited on a Saturday night. Earlier in the evening it was…read moresemi-packed with everyone seated in the back by the balcony to watch the live music. There is seating in the back behind the stage but people were more interested in the live music. The band sounded phenomenal. During break, they went to greet customers. It seems they are friends with the owners here which was lovely to see. People came and go but it was always the back area that was packed rather than the front, which is closer to the stage. For food, we just ordered sweet potato fries for us to munch on since we were bar hopping that day. Taste was okay. For drinks, I enjoyed the Vietnamese Coffee while my husband the Old Fashioned. Both were good. Overall, we recommend for some great dinner with entertainment!

    Photos
    Happiness Kona - Loco moco

    Loco moco

    Happiness Kona - Avocado hipster toast

    Avocado hipster toast

    Happiness Kona - Nice views

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    Nice views

    Island Lava Java - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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