best places to eat in kailua

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Let’s face it. When someone thinks of Kailua, they think of fantastic beaches and their favorite island shaved ice. But to spend the entire day on a beach or eating shave ice there are other tasty choices when it comes to eating out in Kailua. Some may say they do not want to leave their hotel room and just want to order room service all day long. Others want fresh air and enjoy walking around the small town of Kailua. We’ll talk about both options in this list. Kailua is a census-designated place (CDP) in Honolulu County, Hawai‘i, United States. It lies in the Koolaupoko District of the island of O‘ahu on the windward coast at Kailua Bay. In the Hawaiian language Kailua means “Two seas”. The population was 37,754 at the 2010 census.

[restaurant name]

This restaurant is best known for its unique sushi rolls and fusion dishes that combine traditional Hawaiian ingredients with more exotic ones. The restaurant has an open-air design, so you can enjoy the fresh air while you dine. It’s also located on the beach, so you can see the waves crashing in as you eat!

[restaurant name]

If you’re looking for a restaurant with a more traditional Hawaiian feel, this is the place for you! The food here is made from locally grown ingredients and prepared by hand—it’s one of those restaurants that still feels like it would be right at home back when Hawaii was first settled by Polynesians centuries ago. They even have live Hawaiian music during dinner hours!

[restaurant name]

This restaurant is known for its fusion cuisine—it combines flavors from around the world into dishes that are inspired by both Japanese and Hawaiian traditions but still feel like something new and exciting! You’ll love their classic dishes like sushi rolls and teriyaki chicken as well as their creative creations like Thai tacos or a Korean-inspired burger topped with kimchi slaw

If you’re looking for a delicious and memorable meal in Kailua, look no further than [place name]. This restaurant serves authentic Hawaiian cuisine, as well as some of the best Chinese food on the island. The owners are from China, but they’ve been living in Hawaii for over 40 years and know their stuff. The menu is huge and features everything from dim sum to sushi to hand-rolled dumplings. And if you don’t like what’s on offer that day? Just ask—they’ll make it for you.

[place name] is also known for its live music. Depending on who’s playing that night, you might enjoy an intimate acoustic set or a full-on rock concert!

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, try [place name]. It serves authentic Hawaiian food, using recipes handed down through generations of locals. They specialize in seafood dishes like poke (pronounced “po-kay”) and saimin noodle soup with pork or chicken broth.

No matter what kind of food you want to eat while visiting Kailua—or whether you want a quiet dinner or something more lively—you’ll find it at one of these three restaurants: [restaurant 1],

best lunch in kailua

NICO PIER

Recently opened in Kailua, Nico’s Pier 38 incorporates a lot of the same food that’s offered at its original location in Honolulu, offering a different set of daily specials each night and some of the popular original menu items. Customer favorites include the fish sandwich on a taro roll, with a kimchi aioli and mango salsa, and fried ahi bites served with a sriracha aioli and lomi (worked with the fingers and mixed with the onions and seasoned) tomato. Two locations on Oahu, 970 N. Kalaheo Ave., Kailua, (808) 263-3787

PANIOLO

Mexican food in Hawaii has always gotten a bad rap, and that’s why Sara Lufrano and her husband decided to open Paniolo’s with their friends, Oscar and Tamara Valdivia from Mexico. Located in Kailua Shopping Center, Paniolo’s is the best place for Mexican food or anything remotely Chipotle-esque. The owners are committed to using only local grass-fed beef from the Big Island with local produce in order to honor the revered paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) lifestyle it’s named after. You can choose to build your own monstrous burrito, bowl or set of three tacos with delicious vegan, vegetarian and organic ingredients available. 600 Kailua Rd., Kailua, Oahu, (808) 261-4291,

KONO

Attention all pork lovers! Specializing in 12-hour slow-roasted kalua pig, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant in the heart of Kailua has everything from Breakfast Bombers (burritos) to sandwiches and plate lunches. Its Triple Crown sandwich has kalua pulled pork, ham, bacon, guava barbecue sauce, cheese, and slaw on a toasted French roll with Maui onion potato chips. Some honorable mentions include the kalua pig plate and Chuns’ Breakfast Bomber, which are both customer favorites

UAHI ISLAND GRILL

Open since 2007, this local favorite was featured on The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” back in 2014, and has since moved into a larger location with a full bar. One popular dish is the beef tomato, which is based off the popular Chinese restaurant classic, but with its own flair. There’s also a seared, sashimi grade ahi salad, with arare crunchies (Japanese rice crackers) and a ponzu (tangy citrus soy sauce) dressing. Enjoy with a lilikoi (passion fruit) iced tea and a slice of sweet potato haupia (coconut pudding)

Rai Rai Ramen

If you’re looking for the best ramen on the island, then Rai Rai Ramen might be the winner. This cozy family-owned restaurant on Oneawa Street is a hidden gem—find it by looking for the noren (Japanese divider curtains) right outside. The restaurant has been Kailua residents’ go-to spot for a satisfying bowl of ramen for over a decade. The spicy kimchi ramen and the chicken katsu curry ramen, both garnished with crispy garlic and scallions, are customer favorites. Note: It’s closed on Tuesdays, and parking is limited to just five stalls, so street parking is sometimes necessary.

takeout restaurants in kailua

1. Nalu Health Bar | 131 Hekili St #109, Kailua, HI 96734

Juice blends, acai bowls, sandwiches and wraps incorporating local ingredients in a cheery, counter-serve space. The Turkey Kale Pesto Croissant, Rainbow Salad, Nalu Bowl and Mango Colada are faves! Nalu has quickly become a cult classic in terms of restaurants in Kailua, due largely in part to having the best acai bowl in Hawaii. Don’t leave without one!

2. Lanikai Juice | 600 Kailua Road, Kailua, HI 96734

This Kailua fave is a breezy spot with outdoor tables featuring smoothies and juices with locally sourced ingredients. The Kailua Monkey is our smoothie of choice every time.

3. The Beet Box Cafe | 46 Hoolai Street, Kailua, HI 96734

The selections at this Kailua cafe are vegetarian and delicious, mostly organic and locally sourced with many gluten free options. The best Avocado Toast and Banana Oat Pancakes…and we can never decide between the Green Blend Bowl or the Cacao Bowl. Be on the lookout for freshly baked goodies every day.

4. Over Easy Cafe | 418 Ku`ulei Road, Unit 103, Kailua, HI 96734

Many will drive over the Pali to dine at this popular Kailua breakfast spot. Pair the Kalua Pig Hash or the Over Easy Plate with a Lilikoi Mimosa for a Hawaiian brunch with cocktails. (You can also check out their sister restaurant down the street called Easy `Que for some aloha-infused BBQ in the evenings!)

5. Farmer’s Market Sunday | Pali Lanes, 120 Hekili Street, Kailua, HI 96734

Enjoy a lazy Kailua Sunday morning wandering the aisles for the freshest island fruits and vegetables, delicious prepared foods and artist treats. Sundays from 8 am to noon.