4 places our scouts eat
Kailua-Kona
Da Poke Shack (Kailua-Kona) — the best poke in Kona and consistently rated among the best on the island. Small counter, limited daily batches — arrive before noon or it sells out; closed Saturday and Sunday. Ahi shoyu and spicy ahi are the moves. Take it to the seawall.
Kailua-Kona
Huggo's on the Rocks (Kailua-Kona, on Alii Dr) — toes in the lava, drinks in hand as the sun drops into the Pacific. Not the strongest menu but the location is the point: an open-air bar built directly on the volcanic rock above the water. The best sunset drink spot in Kona. Go for drinks, not dinner.
Kailua-Kona
Island Lava Java (Kailua-Kona, Ali'i Drive) — oceanfront cafe with local Kona coffee. Eggs Benedict with Portuguese sausage and macadamia nut pancakes are essential. Best breakfast in Kona with open-air ocean seating.
Captain Cook
The Coffee Shack (Captain Cook, on Hwy 11) — breakfast and lunch with one of the best views of any restaurant in Hawaii: a cliff-edge terrace looking directly down over Captain Cook Bay from 1,200 feet. Eggs, sandwiches, and genuinely good coffee from the farms below. Closed Wednesdays. ~15 min from Kealakekua Bay.