A Kailua-Kona classic since 1969, built right over the water just off Aliʻi Drive. Dinner focuses on just-caught fish and the signature teriyaki steak, and lunch is served next door at its sister spot, On The Rocks.
Why we love it
Book a sunset table, order the catch of the day, and watch the light go. This is the Kona dinner people come back for.
What to expect
Huggo’s is open-air dining at the water’s edge on Kahakai Road, with tables a few feet from the surf and the dining room seeming to hover over the Pacific. Arrive around 4pm and you can start with a cocktail at hBAR, the oceanfront lounge, during the 4 to 5pm happy hour, then sit down when dinner begins at 5. The menu is Hawaiian Regional Cuisine built on the day’s catch, Big Island farms, and nightly chef’s specials. Hugo and Shirley von Platen Luder opened it in 1969 and even ran a charter fishing boat, the Chiripa, to keep the kitchen supplied. It’s employee-owned today.
Know before you go
- Reservations
- Book online, and request a sunset table well ahead. Ticketed wine dinners and holiday prix fixe menus are reserved separately, and you can call or text (808) 329-1493 with questions.
- Parking
- Dining guests get two hours of validated parking in the 27-stall Makai lot beside the restaurant or the 20-stall Mauka lot across Aliʻi Drive. Scan the lot’s QR sign, then give your plate number to the host. The paved lot isn’t validated.
- Accessibility
- The two ADA stalls are in the Makai lot, by the On The Rocks entrance.
- What to order
- Go with the just-caught fish of the day or the teriyaki steak, a house signature since the founders introduced it.
- Lunch
- Huggo’s serves dinner only, 5 to 9pm daily. For a daytime meal on the same waterfront, go next door to sister restaurant On The Rocks.
Illustrative photo — not taken at Huggos.
Photo: benmacaskill via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
