Island Ono Loa Grill
75-5799 Ali'i Dr,Ste A4A, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740
Island Ono Loa Grill Menu
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Address :
75-5799 Ali'i Dr,Ste A4A
Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740 - Phone (808) 339-3037
- Website https://www.islandonoloagrill.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : No
Categories
Burgers
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
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Gwen M.
Really loved this place plan on going back before we leave. Very friendly and Chris was so helpful about things to do on the island. My husband had apple wood bacon cheese burger and was very please! I had the plablano pepper burger and thought it was the best burger I have had.
(5)Erin B.
We have been watching this place get ready to open for a while, and were super stoked to go in and check it out. The burgers are AWESOME! You don't realize how much you miss a chargrilled burger until you have a delicious one. Had the South Point burger, which comes with Jack cheese and poblano peppers, along with a poblano mayo, and it was perfect! Onions rings were on point, nice and crispy without a ton of doughy breading. You can tell, chatting with the owner, that he is really excited, and proud, of this place, which is refreshing. Only 4 stars b/c of a few little kinks that I think will be worked out in time. But, I can't wait to go back and try the hot dogs and the Spicy Big Kahuna dog. Hopefully they don't add a chili dog, or I will be going there so often that I won't be able to squeeze through the door. To summarize... Get there now! So ono, like the name says!
(4)Wendy M.
They have great quality food, and you will get more value for your money at this restaurant than most others in Kona. While we stayed in Kona we went here twice. We ordered the problano and pepper cheese burger, BBQ Kalua pork sandwich, grilled cheese, and teriyaki chicken. The onion rings were also excellent. We watched the cook in the kitchen make our onion rings from scratch. He was actually dipping real onion pieces into a batter and then dropping them into a fryer. That seems to be a rare experience in a world full of frozen factory food. Highly recommended!
(5)Lupe G.
I was craving a cheeseburger and figured I'd give this place a try since the reviews were good. Now, I'm not someone who eats cheeseburgers all of the time, so when I do have them, I feel like they have to be out of this world (maybe I have high expectations). I had the bacon cheeseburger and french fries to go. The bacon was perfectly crispy and the burger bun was sweet. The patty, however, was bland and a bit rare for my taste. Also, the lettuce on the burger was a bit limp. The fries were super raw. Is that on purpose? I don't get it. It was weird. I felt like I was biting into a cold potato. I guess this place is new, so they're probably still getting used to the basics of what to provide someone for their to-go orders. I had to ask for napkins and I was handed the styrofoam box with no bag or ketchup packets for my fries.
(3)Brianna K.
We've only been here twice and so far we'll continue to come back. The husband is hooked on the pork sandwich while I've tried both the Paniolo Burger and the Goat Cheese Burger - YUM! Their onion rings are also how we like it, not too much batter. The best part is the owner, Chris, who is just so helpful and so HAPPY all the time!
(5)Monica C.
While staying in Waikoloa and in great need of GOOD food at a GOOD price, (every thing here is sub par and way over priced - but expected at a resort) I found Island ONo and read all the great reviews...the 30 minute drive south was so worth it....the highlight of our trip so far food-wise. Finally great flavor without breaking the bank! In the cute little town of Kona along Ali'i drive....look for Java Java and the sandal store...it's tucked behind there....not seen from the road. The owner is beyond helpful and friendly....the burgers are amazing...char-broiled to perfection on sweet hawaiian bun. Onion rings and pineapple cole slaw also a must. Nothing fancy...order at counter, food brought to you with a smile....little "burger joint" with more than burgers...hot dogs, ono burgers.....Great for families!
(5)Dave B.
Clean and crisp always. Great food! Best burger in town by far and the Island Chicken rocks!!!! Do yourself a favor and check it out
(5)Matthew S.
This place has an excellent BBQ burger. The owner is extremely friendly and the service is great. I will definitely be returning when I come back to the big island.
(4)Alexander M.
This place is nice with a friendly owner. I couldn't get my 10% yelp discount after we paid, so he brought out some fries. We had the fish special sandwich, which was cooked nicely and tasty. Maybe he's in a bad location at the back of the shopping area, because it was dead while everywhere else was packed! But it's a nice order and they bring your food out to you place.
(4)Yvonne T.
What a great little restaurant! My husband and I went to have a casual dinner for my birthday and after hearing good things about Island Ono Loa Grill we decided to try it. We both had the pork tenderloin sandwich with French fries and a side of the pineapple slaw. DELICIOUS!!!! The owner is fantastic and easy to talk to. He obviously has a lot of pride in the restaurant and we wish him tons of success. The location is a little tough but hopefully the word will get out that the location doesn't matter when the food tastes as good as it does.
(5)Chris M.
Had the poblano burger, very tasty. The prices here are very reasonable. So far the best value I've had on Kona side. Had the chance to speak with the owner as well, and he was a really cool and friendly guy. Highly suggest making your way here.
(5)Bob H.
A new candidate for best burger on Big Island. Gracious host/chef, food cooked to order with quick and super friendly service. Onion rings and coleslaw were both excellent. As a Kona resident, I will be back. Mahalo.
(5)Karen R.
Delicious!! It's a bit hard to find behind Lava Java but worth the look!! We'll be back again before going home!
(5)Brad R.
Great food and very friendly service!!! Ono sandwich and pork tenderloin sandwich both excellent.
(5)Laurie N.
Had the macnut pesto burger and it was so delicious! Everything was great, everyone in our party of six was happy.
(5)Emily F.
The macnut goat cheese burger is seriously amazing. The burger was cooked perfectly, juicy and flavorful. The macnut & goat cheese spread is completely genius. I will definitely be back. What a hidden gem! 2nd visit on the same trip: just as good. I got the onion rings this time and they are some of the best I've ever had. The owner is such a nice guy!
(5)Jan D.
Great service and good food that matches the price. I got the Hawaiian Dog, which i believe it is in a sweet bun with a chicago style hot dog which was dressed in all you need. The fries were also seasoned to perfection. I will def be back here for a quick lunch. Also, free parking and the establishment has air conditioning!! Double plus!!
(4)Melissa L.
This place is such a hidden treasure! Do not let the location and/or store front fool you. Thank goodness for yelp or we would have totally overlooked this place. Very casual and laid back type of place. Since it's not all fancy and hyped up on the front of the strip it articles you as a place more of the locals would come to. Very Americanized interior decor, do not let it fool you either because some of their Hawaiian specialities are the best I've ever had. Service: 5 stars: friendly at the front counter where you order the young man have great suggestions. The owner himself was there and was equally as friendly. He even went above and beyond to come to our table to check on us and asked how we liked our food, that's unusual for a place that you order up front. I want to support a business that takes pride in what they do, just like this one does. Food: 5 star: best Loco Moco I've ever had! Two flavorful hamburger patties over rice, with egg and some of the best gravy I've ever tasted. All with a yummy side salad for $10 how can you beat that when on vacation?. I'd highly recommend his spot for someone looking for a filling lunch, friendly service, and a good cheap price.
(5)Jonny the S.
Great Ono sandwich! The fries and pineapple slaw were the stars of the show though! I wish I had gotten the goat cheese pesto burger I saw someone devouring next to me!
(4)Kristi K.
We desperately wanted to eat hot dogs and accidentally found the best place to do so! The hot dogs were amazing, the fries to die for and all for a very reasonable price. Besides, the owner is the friendliest guy! Would totally recommend this place!
(5)Christa B.
In the small Midwestern town of Hartford city, Indiana, there's a gas station in the middle of nowhere that serves breaded fried pork tenderloin sandwiches. This is my husbands personal heaven. He swears there is no where in the world that comes close to this fried pummeled meat goodness...until Island Ono Loa Grill. Thank you Chef Chris for bringing my loves personal heaven to the islands. Food 5/5 It was probably one of the toughest decisions to choose amongst the Paniolo burger, the Kahuna dog, or the breaded fried tenderloin. Of course, I opted for all three! And not a one disappointed. The burger is all meat juiciness and no filler and definitely a noticeable difference from the Big Island beef as the menu so accurately describes. (The beef is actually grain fed beef from the mainland grilled on charcoal. ) The barbecue sauce is sweet and tangy and blends together nicely with the fat from the burger. The sweetness of the mustard and citrus pickled onions on the Kahuna dog don't take away from the sweetness of it's guava roll home, but enhance it. That secret marinade found in the pork tenderloin is somewhat of a tangy sweet that is perfect with pork. It had just the right amount of crunch that was enhanced by the fresh pickles. The texture of both the fries and onion rings were perfect. The taste of the onion rings was unlike anything I've ever had before. The coating is unlike the usual panko, cajun, or beer batter. The pineapple slaw has the right amount of sweetness from the pineapple and an added crunch from the pineapple. My only complaint was that it was soupy; possibly because it was a bit warm. Maybe being exposed from the heat on the grill? It was still delicious. Service 3.5/5 The place was slam busy on a Sunday afternoon and we waited for 30 minutes for our food. However, there were only 2 employees, both busting their butts to get orders filled. They were somewhat unorganized as the cashier was wandering around calling out food orders. They need to either utilize names or numbers with orders. The food was worth the wait. Still, the dining area was clean and the service was friendly. It's kind of hidden and found right behind Island Lava Java. Parking is free in the Ali'i Sunset parking lot. Everytime I'm on Big Island, I'm on a chase to find that perfect burger since Big Island is supposed to have the best beef. My search is over. The funny thing is, the burgers here aren't even made from Big Island beef! Not only can I come here for an amazing burger, but my better half can have his little taste of home with the elusive breaded fried pork tenderloin sandwich! I better watch myself though. If I keep eating here, I'll have no reason to pop into that cute bikini shop across the way!
(4)Stephanie T.
We ordered the fish of the day sandwich which was ono. Perfectly cooked and decently priced. We tried the onion rings freshly made and the french fries. Both were good, but I'd go for onion rings next time. Chris was super friendly and his positive energy was contagious.
(5)Mohamed N.
Top 3 restaurant I've been to on the big island (considering the fact I tried to eat at a different restaurant for every meal). Food was delicious and welled cooked. I got the kuanua dog, I think that's what it's called, and the palabo hamburger(I'm really bad with remembering the names lol) and both meals exceeded my expectations.
(5)Megan S.
This may be one of the best burger and fries meal I have ever eaten on the Big Island and on the main land. Island Ono Loa Grill is tucked away in the back of the Alii Sunset Plaza and absolutely worth the effort of looking for it. The owner Chris Colby provides some of the friendliest service on the Island. What comes of the grill is magically delicious. I had the Paniolo BBQ Cheeseburger with the fresh cut fries. The burger was flavorful and juicy topped with perfectly crispy onions. The fresh cut fries were AMAZING! And the whole meal for $10. Bottom line, Island Ono Loa Grill is perfect for lunch dinner or anytime in between! Side note.... They have the cleanest nicest bathrooms on the entire island!!!! This factor has destroyed many an eating out experience.
(5)Euge L.
the owner chris is awesome. such a nice friendly man. gave us some tips on what to see while were here and chatted with us about living the dream aka, leaving the mainland and moving to paradise. but we arent here to talk about chris, its really just about the food. i know my vienna beef. i even told chris about the time i complained to the vienna beef company how a vendor wasnt selling actual real vienna beef, about how disappointed i was and how this was a crime that needed to be dealt with..... guava bun. WTF where the hell have i been. nice nice touch. pairs perfectly with the vienna beef and fixings. this hot dog wasnt "good for hawaii", it was a damn good hot dog. something i would enter into competitions. this place is a bit hard to find as its towards the back of the plaza, but worth looking for.
(5)Della Lee G.
We did the kokua kailua stroll on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Saw a quiet business at mauka end of Alii Sunset Plaza. Hubby ordered fresh fish plate, daughter had kalua pork w/brown gravy, ïGot the loco moco. The hamburger init was sooo tasty n cooked the way ïlikê_medium rare. We ordered the season fries n onion rings also awesome food. Btw, there was 1 man taking orders, clearing tables and cooking. Hands putting together for this man. He also gathered up our condiments brought it to our table. Sweet n awesome.
(4)Ivette M.
Ono, ono, ono!!! Fantastic food and fantastic service! For the kids, a plain hot dog on a soft guava bun. So sweet and delicious my girls were in heaven! Hubby got the Applewood Smoked Bacon Burger with onion rings. The burger was perfectly cooked and the onion rings were the best we've ever had. I had the Macnut Pesto Goat Cheese Burger with onion rings. Quite possibly the best hamburger I've ever had! The pesto had macadamia nuts and the local goat cheese was smooth. If it wasn't out last day on the island we would come back in a heart beat!
(5)Ariana R.
Amazing food! Seriously you HAVE TO TRY THIS PLACE! everything is good! Plus the owner is so unbelievably nice and always ready with adventure advice! All the ingredients are fresh,flavorful and local! The grilled chicken is so juicy! My husband hates white meat chicken but he loved the Aloha Chicken peppercheese sandwich so much he wouldn't share! The Roasted Poblano Peppercheese burger is mouthwatering! And don't get me started on the fries fresh thick cut fried to perfection! This place is a must if you're in the area and if you're not MAKE THE DRIVE! haha!
(5)Yannick D.
In my opinion it would have really been No stars. First the owner took our money and put it in the till then he went back in the kitchen. He didn't wash his hands before he pulled a head of lettuce out of a case and starting pulling the leaves off without washing it. He then began skinning a filet of tuna without gloves, while wiping his hands on his shirt. He began cooking the fish and when other customers came in, the second employee came out from the fryer to wait on them. His appearance was not for the front of the house. (T-shirt drenched in sweat.). Again handling money and then serving the food without ever washing his hands. The cook in the back went from handling money, to cutting fish, to assembling food, answering phone all without ever washing his hands or wearing gloves. By the time we got out food we had lost our appetite due to the extreme lack of sanitation procedures, cross contamination, and personal hygiene we witnesses from the staff. We didn't report this to the owner as to not cause a scene in the small restaurant. This establishment needs Serve Safe Certification training or the health department could easily shut them down with the high number of violations we witnessed in 35 minutes. Restaurants like this can make people sick. This was the worst experience I have ever had dining out.
(1)Katharine B.
While visiting Kona we stumbled upon this amazing little restaurant just a little ways off Ali'i road. We were starving after a long morning of snorkeling in Honaunau and this place had great reviews and sounded like it was reasonably priced. Island Ono Loa Grill blew our expectations out of the water. My boyfriend and I came here a total of three times the week were visiting Kona. Yes, this place is that good! The first time we went we both got cheeseburgers and fries which were each less than $10. The meat was juicy, the buns were tasty, and the fries were OUTSTANDING. The owner (and chef), Chris, came out during our meal and asked how everything turned out, where we were from, etc. It was very genuine and not at all forced. When we returned the second time Chris recognized us and after we had finished our meal gave us a ton of recommendations to do while we were here on the island. He even pulled out a map and marked places for us to go check out. We went out and did everything he recommended (and more) and really appreciated the wonderful experiences we had because of he took the time to talk with us about his favorite things to do here. The second and third time we visited I got the Big Kahuna Spicy Dog which was AMAZING! It's a spicy polish sausage topped with citrus pickled red onions, pickles, sport peppers, and a special mustard. I have never had a hot dog this good. We will definitely miss this place when we return to the mainland. Thanks again Chris!
(5)Stephen S.
Stopped here for lunch on our last day in Kona. Burgers and fries were great! Onion rings were awesome! I had the fish sandwich, which had fresh grilled local Ono. All very good. I would definitely go back!
(4)Orreyo B.
Ono is right!!! I ordered a bacon cheeseburger with fries and it was cooked to perfection! The burger was so juicy and flavorful! It had the perfect combination of tomato, pickles, lettuce and onions. I knew from the first bite that it was a winner. I'm from NJ so I know something about great boardwalk fries and theirs reminded me of them. They were a perfect thickness, texture and were salted just right. Thank you Yelp because I wouldn't have found this hidden gem without it. The customer service was great and the owner is super nice and friendly. I can't wait to go back to try the hot dogs because I read great things. If you're in the mood for a fantastic burger and great fries in Kona, check this place out! Your taste buds will love you for it!
(5)Shen N.
I agree that the food is good..but also agree with the other review that said they should not have been touching the money n then making the food..which is the same thing that bothered me when I came in, I also saw the owner and another young man touch cash and not wash their hands before making food without gloves.They should definitely have a separate person to handle the front of house. I wound not come back on that alone.
(2)Rob N.
Our first day on the Big Island for our honeymoon, my wife and I decided to walk through Kona for lunch. Stumbled across that familiar Vienna Beef logo sign, and since we are both from Chicago originally we were drawn into the Island Ono Loa Grill. We are both very picky when it comes to our Chicago style hot dogs, so as expected we were very skeptical on how a random joint in Kona would fair. We then find out that Chris, the owner, is originally from the Chicago area, so our fears were put to rest. Then we had the actual dogs and were very happy with what we found. Not only that, but their double cooked fries are seasoned to perfection! But it wasn't over there. Chris found out that we were visiting on our honeymoon and he quickly sprung into action. He took a map of the Big Island from a stack by the door and proceeded to scribble all over it. 5 minutes later, he sat down with us and proceeded to walk through over 15 different places/restaurants/bakeries to visit all over the island. He spent over an hour talking with us! Incredible. And on top of it all, his recommendations were spot on. We went to everything he wrote down and were never disappointed. Chris went above and beyond making us feel welcome on the Big Island! So come to the Island Ono Loa Grill for some great food, but make sure you take some time to talk with Chris and learn a little about this great island!
(5)Max L.
Right in the heart of the action, Chris' thriving business met our every need in a Chicago hotdog, the handmade fries and onion rings were cooked to perfection, and Chris' love and passion to serve his customers is clearly evident by extending his opening hours beyond 8pm. Not only is Chris a great chef and entrepreneur, he is also a walking tourist information center. We arrived in Kona not knowing what to do, and Chris spent close to an hour helping us plan our time in the big island. My only regret is not being to revisit his store again to tell him what an awesome time we had. When I return to Kona I will be sure to drop by this fine establishment.
(5)Steve S.
The idiot who owns this place does not know what air conditioning is. it was to hot in there he doesn't have adequate help and I was greeted by some huge 300lb kid who claimed to be asst mgr and the cook he looks like he probably eats what he cooks.I can't eat greasy fatty food.But I tried a burger it was under cooked I was very disappointed,I'm a local here and never eating there again.
(1)Kennard Y.
Okay, this place is a little hard to find but its worth the finding. It's tucked back in the shopping plaza so let Google or Apple Maps get you close and its behind Island Java. I got the Kahuna Dog and fries and my wife got the fish (Ono) sandwich with pineapple slaw. Both were outstanding. The hotdog was a Hawaiian spin on the Chicago classic complete with a Hawaiian sweet bread bun. My wife says the sandwich was fresh and good and that the Pineapple slaw was super refreshing. I'd like to try making that at home. Give the place a try. I really liked it.
(4)Natalie B.
Excellent burgers! I have had the Paniolo and the Poblano and they are both excellent. The French fries are hand cut and very good. The onion rings are thin sliced and perfectly battered. The owner is great also! Please support this restaurant!!
(5)Gregg D.
Yay! Chris is doing an awesome job here in making some good burgers! For one, maps are a bit misleading. If you can find Lava Java on the front side of Ali'i... his place is in the same row of the buildings, straight back. Once you realize that, super easy. My experience here was SO much better than at Ultimate Burger. No contest in service or food - so if you're weighing this against other places, just try here first! The nice lady up front was very friendly and attentive, and made sure I had everything I needed right off the bat. Chris' choice in beef (grain fed) is superior in taste and texture, and was cooked to that perfect barely pink temperature. I had the fortune of trying the Mac Nut Goat Cheese burger. My word, that perfect cook on the patty went beautifully with the goat cheese. The goat cheese also wasn't over-seasoned, over-herbed, or anything which is hard to find. Beautiful and subtle, and a little tart... everything you want it to be. The flavor profile was beautifully balanced and everything worked together. Produce was super fresh as well, and the bun was toasted around the edges. Really, really a good burger. I almost contemplated getting a second but decided I didn't want to be in a coma. ***I would prefer a more substantial bun, but I realize Chris is trying to stay local and maybe the bread choices are limited due to that. However, it held up and did not fall apart. As others mention, the onion rings are KILLER!!! Not a ton of breading like other places, delicate and a perfect ratio, seasoned spot on. I think they must be my absolute favorite ones in the last couple years, no joke. I also got a side of fries in addition, just to see how they were. Not on the same level as the onion rings, but not bad either. They are thick and you're certainly given a substantial amount.... they just didn't seem to have their own character. Place is spotless, and I liked the open kitchen with nothing to hide. I will definitely come in again to try some more of the menu. Hope he does well, as today certainly proves he deserves it.
(5)Leslie D.
This place is DELICIOUS. We ate here with two starving kids under 4 and all of us left very satisfied. The food is so flavorful and fresh - everything we ordered was so so good! Not only that, but the owner is incredibly nice and fun to talk with. We got the Daily Catch Char-grilled Fish Sandwich, the Macnut Pesto Goat Cheese Burger and grilled cheese sandwiches, all with a side of fries. The first thing I noticed when getting our food was the the grilled cheese actually had REAL cheese instead of American - hallelujah! Then we tasted the food - it was all SO GOOD. The macnut burger was incredibly flavorful, and the fish sandwich was incredibly fresh tasting. The fries were thick cut and cooked to perfection. Basically it was a really delicious, filling meal that didn't break the bank.
(5)Bill N.
Excellent food and service! Gourmet burgers and sandwiches with local menu items. Nice atmosphere with location tucked away in the back! Plenty of parking in rear. Will definitely come back here again!
(5)Irene K.
So so so good!! Onion rings are to die for!! We re ordered and to it all home to do again!!
(5)Andrew K.
Stopped here and we loved it. All the food was great and everyone was super friendly. My personal favorite was the onion rings. Super light and crunchy. Loved everything that we had and would definitely go back.
(5)Susan D.
Yes, Chris is super friendly. He took the pictures that are on the walls. There's Beatles playing, which is a nice touch. I got the vegetarian goat cheese burger with onion rings, and BF got the fish burger with fries. The food was good, and the portion size was reasonable. Price for two meals and drinks was about $29 (w/o tip). Overall, good!
(4)Greg R.
Very pricey but that's Hawaii for you. Fish was very good. Desserts are great too, kids loved being able to pick a dessert from the tray. Great location with a view. Very nice, service. Overall, would be perfect except for the prices.
(3)Michael R.
Yum! We all enjoyed our food, can't believe how fast I got it. Everyone like their food, I had the Loco Moco - much better than Pancho and Lefty's (Bed of rice, hamburger patty, egg over easy, brown gravy). We are going to go here again before we leave.
(5)J S.
A hidden gem! With excellent food, great service and friendly owners, this place is definitely worth a stop. The prices are incredibly reasonable and the fresh, local food along with the chill atmosphere made it feel more like home. We even got a few pointers about sightseeing from the owner. We will be back.
(5)KaPua L.
Its a very nice clean establishment. I ordered the bbq burger and i must say its was yummie. My daughter ordered the teriyaki chicken plate I sampled some of hers and i also enjoyed that. i will definitely be back to try out the rest of the menu. Great customer service..
(5)Kevin R.
This place rocks. The owner is the nicest guy on the island. He is a personal tour guide for tourists! Food was awesome, If I lived here I would be a regular for sure!! Aloha and mahalo!!
(5)Victor C.
The windows look dark but they are open. Good food for a reasonable price. The loco moco was a generous size.
(5)Ian B.
Couldn't recommend more highly. My girlfriend and I had just finished snorkeling down the coast a ways and were absolutely famished when we stopped in here. The employees greeted us with a smile when we entered. The restaurant itself is super clean and simple and has a basic menu that you can make lots of additions to. Everything they serve here seems to be sourced from Hawai'i and is very fresh tasting. I got a double cheeseburger and a side of thick cut fries. The employee who helped us at the counter was sweet and friendly, and the food came out super fast. The burger was perfectly done, moist, THICK and delicious, and the fries were wonderful and had just a touch of garlic. After we had been eating for a few minutes the owner came out and asked us how things were tasting and was so warm, friendly and inviting. They also all wished us farewell as we left. Best of all? This place doesn't seem to charge a tourist dollar for awesome food. 10 bucks for a killer burger and fries?? We will be back for sure!!
(5)D K.
Really great place for some tasty food. The people behind the counter could not have been nicer. I highly recommend their fresh fish plate. It was really great. My wife thought her cheeseburger was excellent.
(5)Cassandra C.
This place is awesome!! Definitely deserves five stars. The owners kindness is much appreciated. The food is great! Such an amazing find
(5)robert b.
My wife and i ordered a takeout loco-moco and pineapple cole slaw to go eat on the beach while watching the sunset. (a nice little beach park at 75-5923 Ali'i Dr) Delicious beef and gravy, and big enough for both of us to share. Talked with the owner a bit about the island and about his pictures... very friendly and helpful. We plan to go back for a burger before heading to the airport.
(5)Jason R.
Such a great little find. Island Ono Koa Grill is tucked away behind a few businesses across from the ocean, but it's easy to spot and completely worth it. The food is delicious typical grill fair. They cook their meat over lava rocks instead of on a griddle. We ordered the peanut butter bacon burger and were not disappointed. It was juicy, cooked to perfection, and was served with a nice side of fries or a pineapple coleslaw all within about five minutes. The best part, however, was the owners/staff, who took lots of time out of their busy day to tell us (who were visiting the big island for the first time) about all the best parts of the island. They love their island and they love their business. It shows. Keep this little gem going for a long time to come.
(5)Dan M.
In all fairness to the restaurant and owner, we have been here twice. The first time it was a great experience but this last visit today did not go well. The first visit we both enjoyed our burgers, the staff was well prepped in the kitchen and there was an additional person out front taking orders with the owner helping in the kitchen to train the kitchen staff. The burgers were great! I had the Applewood smoked Bacon cheeseburger and my dining buddy had the Roasted Poblano pepper cheese burger. The meat was well seasoned, charbroiled and fresh, with the right fat content upon the first bite.The nice addition of the Punalu'u sweet buns to compliment the burger was well thought out. We both enjoyed the onion rings also, which were well prepared and seasoned. NOW THE BAD NEWS....today was our second visit as we had spoken to the owner the last time and he said he was going to try to expand the menu somewhat. My buddy had the Ono Loa Pork Tenderloin sandwich and the onion rings.(regular menu item) The pork unfortunately was extremely dry and overcooked, but the onion rings were great as before. I went out on a limb after the owner said the Loco Moco was the best on island so I chose that, once again the owner letting me know that the burgers were charbroiled.... and my next question should have been.....WHEN? They certainly were charbroiled but upon cutting into the burger below the egg, you could tell it wasn't freshly charbroiled as it would have exuded some level of fat. The burger was dense, meat was somewhat greyish and in about an hour and a half later....my stomach let me know that the porcelain goddess (not Pele) would be my best friend for the next several hours. Any restaurant that needs to make a decent run of it here in Hawaii needs to be judicious about cost of goods, margin, and food turnover. I really want this guy who is genuinely a great guy, waiting his own tables and handling the register to succeed especially because foot traffic can be challenging at times in the center that he is in. I'm hoping this was just a bad decision making process in the kitchen but will probably think a bit more before going back.
(2)Stu F.
The burgers were top notch. Juicy and well seasoned. We had the applewood bacon cheeseburger, and the poblano burger. The service was fast, the place was clean, and it has probably the cleanest bathroom in Kona. If you're in the area worth stopping in for lunch or dinner.
(5)L B.
So good! My whole family was extremely happy with their meals. Eat here, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Luke M.
Great new spot for Kona, family finally went and tried today and we all really loved our burgers and hotdogs. The chili dog was so yummy. Best onion rings in town and comfy "clean" setting in AC just off alii drive. Only thing missing was a homemade milkshake, maybe they add soon...
(5)Jeriann E.
Tastes as great as it smells! LOVED the pineapple slaw! Owner was a great resource for island info.
(5)Lydia H.
New transplant to Kona and I found I miss the Slaters 50/50 PB&J burger but now I can have it in paradise just ask for grape jelly on your PB burger. Perfecto
(5)Dean S.
Homemade buns, onion rings and coleslaw made with pineapple. They make a very tasty Burger
(4)Sheri L.
If you want some tasty food fast without paying resort prices, this is the place you're looking for. We tried the chicken sandwich, Ono sandwich, big kahuna hot dog, and goat cheese salad. All were fresh and very tasty. Oh, and don't forget the onion rings. Yummy! We will definitely be back.
(5)Kat S.
Really great grill! Fresh made burgers, dogs and onion rings! Owner, Chris is friendly. The place is fresh and right behind lava java. They have been open 8 weeks and are a great addition to the food venders on Ali'i drive.
(5)James T.
Unexpectedly awesome. Onion rings were probably the best I've ever had. Also the macadamia nut pesto goat cheese (wtf?) burger was really, really good!
(5)Dom L.
We just had to go back, and we were not disappointed. It was our wedding day, and we needed a late lunch on the go to ensure no mid-ceremony growls. I opted for the goat cheese salad and my groom was all about the Roasted Poblano Peppercheese Burger. Just the perfect meal once again. Oh, and I ran next door for a coffee drink to be met by the Island Ono Loa staff right outside with my order ready and packaged, and an offer to help me to my car... Service!
(5)Robert G.
Great little place!! Both my wife and I had very good charbroiled hamburgers. Mine with fries and hers with a salad and drinks . All under $ 20.The location is kind of hidden off Alii Drive. Well worth finding.
(5)Caitlin S.
We had the chicken sandwich here...it's a new restaurant so we were a little skeptical but the sandwich changed our minds! The meat was all white and extremely tasty! We will definitely go back to try more items on the menu!
(5)Richard K.
Very tasty! Great place to grind. Fries were awesome. Real beef hot dogs Chi town style, yum!
(5)Brian A.
This is a great find in Kona! I've been here twice, once for a burger with goat cheese and once for a tenderloin sandwich. I had the onion rings both times. The burger with goat cheese had a great taste. The cheese is creamy and full of flavor and the burger was cook nearly perfect, though next time I'll ask for it to be a bit more on the medium-rare side. The beef is very high quality and well-seasoned. I had a tenderloin today. It was lightly breaded, not too much, not too little. The pork was juicy and flavorful. The onion rings here are the best I've had in years. They are thin, lightly breaded and simply delicious. If you're an onion ring fan, these are a must. The other thing I like about this place is how clean everything was. It should go without saying that a restaurant is clean, but many aren't. The tables were wiped quickly after a customer left and the restroom was immaculate. Makes for a nice dinning experience. It is a bit off the beaten path, but well worth it. Highly recommend!
(5)Holly K.
This place is really good! Husband loves loco moco generally and says that this is the best he's had. I can't disagree. Great service from folks who clearly enjoy what they do. Very reasonable prices. No complaints.
(5)Becky P.
If you want a great burger this is the place in Kona! I love the Mac Nut Pesto Burger and the fish sandwich is my second favorite. The use fresh, local ingredients and even make the fries and onion rings fresh.
(5)Steven T.
Amazing food and the owner is super nice. Extremely reasonable price food in Hawaii. I had the kaluha pork and my kids devoured it too.
(5)Gene L.
After hearing about this place. We decided to give this place a try. Was not disappointed. Wife had the teriyaki chicken plate. The sauce is homemade and so good. Chicken was grilled perfect. I had the Kailua pork plate. Cooked perfect. Just the right amount of smoky flavor. Did I mention the gravy and Mac salad. The best!!! Great food!! Great prices!! Great service!! Looking forward to come back to try there hamburgers and dogs.
(5)Lori H.
We had the Paniolo burger and the bacon cheeseburger and fries. The burgers were deeeelicious and cooked to perfection, and the bun was fresh and yummy! The fries were thick cut -- excellent! Very friendly owner. The establishment was very clean, so was the restroom. We will go again, for sure!
(5)Eri H.
Pretty tasty food and really friendly service! Only thing is I wish I'd thought to ask if the burger could have been cooked medium rare, but definitely coming back here.
(4)krystal p.
Terrific burgers, wonderful Chicago hotdogs and a pork sandwich to die for. We read about it in the paper and have visited twice in the past week. Nice clean modern ambiance. Friendly service. This will be our go-to place for a quick meal.
(5)Cynthia A.
Almost missed this little gem behind Lava Java - the sign in the window says "it's dark but we are open". The ono sandwich was incredible: a large piece of fish grilled to perfection and served on a toasted Hawaiian sweet bread roll. My hubby had the pork sandwich and it was awesome as well. The owner shared the story of how he got here and we wish him the best. Give this place a try - best fish sandwich in Kona and definitely a bargain. You won't even miss the sunset with food this good!
(5)Laurie M.
We read the article in West Hawaii Today on this new sandwich place & when trying to think of a place to go for dinner, we remembered the article & decided to give it a try. The sandwiches are one of those foods you try & have a craving for...that good. The seasoning is spot on, the flavors dance on your tongue & the beef is mouth watering. The service was awesome & friendly. The Island One Loa Grill is tucked away but worth the time to find this hidden gem.
(5)Josh M.
What a wonderful experience. Not only was the food delicious, but the owner, Chris was an absolute delight. I had the catch of the day fish sandwich and my wife had the macnut goat cheese burger, amazing! aloha
(5)Zachary Z.
The food was great. We had burgers and a fish sandwich. The portions were a little small especially for 8-12 dollars a sandwich. It has a nice burger place atmosphere along with extremely friendly service. The man that took our order was extremely nice and dedicated to his work, he seemed like the owner because he cared so much, which he may have been. Overall I would recommend this burger joint to a friend in the future.
(4)Lisa L L.
Excellent Real Food! Very Clean & friendly. The burgers are island grass fed beef. Onion rings fresh hand dipped. Kona pork plate was yummy too.
(5)J. A. S.
Everything we read in other reviews & more. From the welcoming feeling of the owner to the delicious food, we'll be back! Huge bang for your buck
(5)Lesley L.
The people here are super friendly, and the food is very tasty. Great place to stop for lunch and hang out for a bit to get out of the sun!
(5)Cindy S.
The grilled bacon burger was great but now I've got to go back and try the tenderloin sandwich. A few people have mentioned how good it is. Looks like they still are adding some decor but it's bright, super clean and the owner is very friendly. It seemed pretty slow when we were there. If I were the owner I'd cut up a few burgers and walk out side and pass samples around. He be filled up in no time!
(4)Penny N.
Yummmm! had friends that tried this place and said the bacon cheeseburger was quite possibly the best they had ever had. I was craving a burger today, and we had been trying to get to this place, so today was the day. So good!! the onion rings were fantastic, I had a regular hamburger for $6.99, more than a I need to eat but somehow it all ended up in my belly anyway because it was juicy and delicious. My friend had the pork tenderloin, it was a pounded, breaded pork, apparently a mid-West thing, but I'm not from there, but it was pretty good too. The owner is really jazzed about his place, very conscientious and nice, and was serving us. Next trip, I'm predicting it will be next week, the Chicago dog will be mine to try. Give it a while, it's back of Lava Java off Alii Drive.
(5)Kim D.
Really enjoyed the meals we had here. I had the chicken pepper jack sandwich. Moist, grilled perfectly, good seasoning, fresh veggies, on a yummy bun. Cheeseburger was delish too. Onion rings and fries are so good.
(5)Candice C.
Ive been craving a good grilled hotdog, the Chicago dog hit the spot. Definetly coming back!
(4)Fiddler C.
i feel bad about a bad review bc the service was so friendly and attentive. that being said, we didn't even finish our food. we ordered a fish sandwich and a pork sandwich. both were very bland. fish wasn't cooked well. fries and onion rings were meh. we did have this chili rice appetizer thing, which was really good but didn't salvage the meal. it was a meal we regretted.
(2)Rich H.
Very nice owner. Killer onion rings. Fresh cut fries were a tad undercooked. The bad news is they don't use fresh grass fed big island beef. Not only that, but the meat patty on the burger is from frozen pre-formed meat. With all the joints serving fresh beef hamburgers, these guys need to up their game big time. The burger was over cooked and had that frozen meat bland taste. In other words, almost no taste at all and dry.
(3)Darrell T.
Went there for lunch the burgers were awesome I had the PB and bacon burger. Great onion rings and fries also Highly recommend we're going back again this week
(5)Rob L.
I had the BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwich which was delicious, the prices were great and the owner was very friendly. I like this place!
(5)John B.
Great local fish and de lish burgers n dogs right on Alii drive.. Thanks for the friendly Aloha service and great food! Mahalos!
(5)Shawnee G.
I've been craving a good burger for months now and this place definitely hit the spot. Hubby had the Aloha Peppercheese Chicken Sandwich which got rave reviews from him. We shared a Kahuna Dog (to die for, I could eat this everyday), and I had the Applewood Smoked Bacon Cheeseburger, delicious. Loved the pineapple slaw and onion rings were fresh and super crispy. Loved that the owner came out from the back to talk stories with us, very friendly, and personable. They made sure our table was cleaned, we had enough napkins, and condiments, and he even gave my baby girl some pickles to snack on. We were very impressed with the food and the service, we will be returning again and again! Thanks, Chris for an awesome dining experience.
(5)Nilene F.
WOW!!!! This tiny restaurant is big on fresh, excellent food. My husband had a cheeseburger with slaw and I had the fresh catch sandwich with fries. Both were fantastic. The owner, Chris, also chatted with us about other local restaurants to try. The fresh brewed iced tea was excellent too. Highly recommend this great little restaurant!
(5)Josh P.
This was our last meal before leaving the Big Island, and I'm happy to say we made the right choice! The mac nut pesto goat cheese burger would go on my top 3 favorite burgers of all time and that list includes much fancier establishments than this little burger joint tucked away in the coconut grove shopping center. The fries and onion rings were delicious as well. You know it will be good when the owner is on the line in the back personally crafting every meal served and delivering it personally to our table. Definitely a hidden gem that I would recommend to anyone staying in Kona.
(5)Sue R.
Great location, great food, and very friendly service. Try one of the local plates if you like good brown gravy. The Chicago Dog was spectacular and the mac salad side was the perfect consistency. Fresh onion rings and fresh French fries paired perfectly with their variety of burgers. The outdoor seating gave a nice view of the water, and it was tucked away just enough so that the noise of the road was not bothersome. I will definitely go again to try more menu items!
(4)Gerard N.
So, I had heard that this place had opened, and finally had a chance to drop in for a late lunch. Glad I did - great burger, friendly staff, reasonable prices. The location won't get it much walk-by traffic, but it's worth the (slight) detour. Don't let the fact that it looks dark deter you either. I need to go back - there are other things on the menu that I need to try. This time I had the poblano pepper burger which hit the spot. Best burger I've had in quite a while.
(5)Alma S.
We decided to give this little place a try. Kind of hidden but what a great find! First off, the owner, Chris, is super friendly! We ordered the Applewood Smoked Bacon Cheeseburger and the Pork sandwich. Both were great tasting and the fries and onion rings were Ono too!! We will definitely be back!!!
(5)Jodi L.
Stumbled across this restaurant and after days of Island fare, a Chicago hotdog was calling my name. Not only was the hotdog delicious, in every way, but the homemade French fries and brewed iced tea (yes, brewed black iced tea!!) made the meal even more satisfying....Chris, the owner is friendly, informative and welcoming....a great meal and experience and all for under $10.
(5)Brandon C.
I couldn't even begin to describe to you how delicious this place is. I wish there were more than five stars. I went in expecting some pretty decent burgers, but BOY was I proven wrong. I chose the Macnut Pesto Goat Cheese Burger. This was, without a doubt, the best burger I have EVER had. Bar none. It was cooked to perfection and everything about it, from its delicious Island-made Sweet Bun to the perfectly prepared pesto sauce, made me tear from sheer overwhelming flavor. I literally shed a tear during my meal. My girlfriend thought something was wrong. I told her there is, because there isn't one of these restaurants where I live. I had to put my vacation on hold and go back there the next day, it was so delicious. So the next day, I'm chatting with Chris, the wonderfully charming and friendly owner, for a little while and he recommends the Big Kahuna Dog, after he recognizes me from the day before and insists I try something new. Now I, being from L.A. and having eaten at the world famous Pink's many a time, have to try this dog. It was so much tastier than any Pink's hot dog I had ever had, I was absolutely astonished. The combination of the pickles, peppers, onions and mustard sauce was truly a revelation. And the perfectly battered onion rings were such a perfect compliment, I honestly considered not leaving the restaurant until my trip was over. Sadly, the other person in my party wanted to go "peruse paradise," or else I would not have left. But before I left, I told Chris that I would be 100% willing to stand on Ali'i Drive and tell every passerby of the wonderful hidden gem that is Island One Loa Grill, seeing that it is slightly tucked away behind Lava Java. I just wish my vacation lasted another year or two, so I could've really gotten my fill of this place. So, I beg of you, fellow Yelp-ers. Keep eating here for me, and let's keep this restaurant open for years to come. I can't wait for my next Big Island vacation, and it's all thanks to Island One Loa Grill.
(5)Brandon B.
We were 2 seconds away from not going because as you walk behind Island Lava Java it just seems a little dark and empty. Don't let this deter you like it almost did to us, had we not gone an hour before our plane left we would have returned every day during our stay. I can't recall what the rest of my party had, but they had similar feelings about it as I did. I had the goat cheese burger and it was everything Chris described it as. The onion rings were fantastic too. This place is a gem in Kona. It tasted of authentic Hawaiian, and the owner, Chris, is a standup guy. He stayed open late just for our party of 3. It's worth noting that I really felt good supporting his business. He's just a local dude trying to make a living so he can stay in Kona, and his food and service is fantastic.
(5)Deana K.
Fantastic everything. I live next to Kansas, so I eat a lot of burgers, and this place would put those places out of business. The seasoning and flavor of everything was outstanding on the 4 dishes we had here. We were surprised there weren't more people. Staff was awesome, and recommended a lot of tourist sights that weren't on the map too. A must try, especially if you have kids that don't eat fish.
(5)Dusty R.
Food is always so fresh and delicious. Efficient wait and good music playing every time!!
(4)Amanda A.
We were looking for something quick and easy but still unique and delicious. This was the perfect place! The gentleman (the owner) that helped us was amazing. He got a rush right after my group but he was still hustling to get us our food when it was fresh. I had the macnut pesto goat cheese burger. I was a little nervous but you can't get this anywhere else and the goat cheese (along with many other ingredients) is local. This burger was DELICIOUS. The goat cheese added a creamy hint of sweetness and bun was super fresh. The fries were also amazing. Everyone I was with loved their food. If I lived here, this would be my go to spot. Nice work.
(5)Ottis M.
One of our favorite places during our island visit. Great burger, friendly owner and killer onion rings. Great value. Found it through my fellow yelpers!
(5)Regina P.
If there were more stars, I would give them to Chris and Island Ono Loa Grill!! What a cool little place. It's on the backside of Lava Java. GO!! We had cheeseburgers and the pineapple slaw and can't say enough about how delicious they were!! Chris is so personable and awesome to talk to. You can tell he loves what he does. He shared some tid-bits and we talked food and had a great lunch experience! Simply the best burger on the Islands.
(5)P J.
Another wonderful dinner...tenderloin & Kahuna dog with hand cut fries & handmade onion rings! So happy we only live 2 miles away.
(5)Joel R.
Delicious, friendly and good prices - I love this place! We had the burger w/ blue cheese and their standard burger. Both were delicious. The manager was there and threaded us so well. I'm definitely going back soon!
(5)Janelle M.
We found this place on Yelp our last night in Hawaii. We made it in just before closing, and the owner, Chris, waited on us. He was extremely friendly and shared his love of Hawaii with us by telling us about interesting places to go visit and things not to miss. The food was great - we each ordered Kailua pork (sandwich, plate). Prices are very reasonable, and the restaurant is very clean. Loved that he had traditional black iced tea available. The only drawback was we didn't find this grill until our last night in town. We will definitely be back next time to try the pork tenderloin sandwich and maybe a Chicago style hot dog. Definitely give this place a try if you are in Kona!
(4)Joanne R.
Pineapple Coleslaw very good. Best Burgers on the big island. Owner is friendly.
(5)Michelle G.
Fabulous food!! Great service!! Chris, the owner, is so nice and knows the area well. Very reasonably priced!! Don't hesitate...just eat here!!
(5)Rosie C.
It's been hot minute since I've written a review but I'm on vacay and have some time:) plus this place deserves a review! I wanted to eat somewhere that wasn't on Oahu (because what's the point) so I yelped it! Good reviews so I figured why not. A little hard to find since they are in the little shopping center on the side of coconut marketplace (is that what it's called? The one with outback) behind Lava Java Cafe. We just parked in coconut marketplace because we wanted to go to the coffee place over there. I got the chicken pepper cheese sandwich and the boyfriend got the hamburger steak...both were super yummy! The chicken is chicken breast which is the only kind of chicken I like but it wasn't dry at all, super moist! My boyfriend really like the gravy with his hamburger steak. I got a small side salad as well which had their own dressing, a bit vinegary so be prepared for that. Lastly, the customer service was top notch! There was this nice haole guy at the counter that brought us our food and also let us know about their free wifi! Check it out if your looking for a yummy, inexpensive place to eat!
(5)H J.
I called ahead to see if they were open as it was Super bowl Sunday and I found a lot of places were closed. They were open but planning on closing for the game but said they would wait for me. I was there ten minutes later and as promised they were still open. I had the catch of the day fish burger with onion rings. It was delicious. Great food! Friendly service! Prices can't be beat! A little off the beaten path, not really but you have to look a bit, but so worth it.
(4)Tovah S.
So far everything my family and I have eaten here is delicious & fresh!! I loved my mac nut pesto goat cheese burger, which I was able to substitute a Gardenburger instead since I'm vegetarian which is nice they have that option! New Local favorite
(5)Jonathan M.
Awesome place for a good burger! The cook is super friendly and the prices are great for the portions.
(5)Tristan R.
Amazing food and great people. Everyone working was so nice and full of tourist information. I had the peanut butter and bacon burger and it was amazing!
(5)Marty K.
Best burger and fries in Kona Hawaii and you can't beat the price. They also have great fish, chicken and onion rings. Not the easiest place to find but worth the effort. It is located behind Lava Java. Lots of parking in the back.
(5)Richard R.
Had the goat cheese burger and pork tenderloin sandwich withdraws and onion rings with a Cole slaw side.slaw had fresh pineapple. Both sandwich es were perfectly done.Excellent food. We'll be back.
(5)Julie Z.
Chris, the owner, is beyond friendly...he is thrilled to be there. He created a menu that offers burgers and hot dogs, but these are NOT your usual dogs and burgers..lots of fun ingredients..I had the goat cheese burger and enjoyed it. The fries and onion rings were ONO. Chris keeps his menu to what he knows and has added yummy things like local Hawaiian sweet bread buns. If you love a good Chicago style hot dog, you can't find another one like in on the Big Island.
(5)Emily F.
The macnut goat cheese burger is seriously amazing. The burger was cooked perfectly, juicy and flavorful. The macnut & goat cheese spread is completely genius. I will definitely be back. What a hidden gem! 2nd visit on the same trip: just as good. I got the onion rings this time and they are some of the best I've ever had. The owner is such a nice guy!
(5)Lisa L.
We ordered the catch-of-the-day fish sandwich which was Mahi Mahi and Kahuna dogs. Especially enjoyed the hand-cut French fries, guava buns, and pineapple slaw! These guys work hard and everything is freshest of fresh!
(4)Jan D.
Great service and good food that matches the price. I got the Hawaiian Dog, which i believe it is in a sweet bun with a chicago style hot dog which was dressed in all you need. The fries were also seasoned to perfection. I will def be back here for a quick lunch. Also, free parking and the establishment has air conditioning!! Double plus!!
(4)Melissa L.
This place is such a hidden treasure! Do not let the location and/or store front fool you. Thank goodness for yelp or we would have totally overlooked this place. Very casual and laid back type of place. Since it's not all fancy and hyped up on the front of the strip it articles you as a place more of the locals would come to. Very Americanized interior decor, do not let it fool you either because some of their Hawaiian specialities are the best I've ever had. Service: 5 stars: friendly at the front counter where you order the young man have great suggestions. The owner himself was there and was equally as friendly. He even went above and beyond to come to our table to check on us and asked how we liked our food, that's unusual for a place that you order up front. I want to support a business that takes pride in what they do, just like this one does. Food: 5 star: best Loco Moco I've ever had! Two flavorful hamburger patties over rice, with egg and some of the best gravy I've ever tasted. All with a yummy side salad for $10 how can you beat that when on vacation?. I'd highly recommend his spot for someone looking for a filling lunch, friendly service, and a good cheap price.
(5)Jonny the S.
Great Ono sandwich! The fries and pineapple slaw were the stars of the show though! I wish I had gotten the goat cheese pesto burger I saw someone devouring next to me!
(4)Kristi K.
We desperately wanted to eat hot dogs and accidentally found the best place to do so! The hot dogs were amazing, the fries to die for and all for a very reasonable price. Besides, the owner is the friendliest guy! Would totally recommend this place!
(5)Mohamed N.
Top 3 restaurant I've been to on the big island (considering the fact I tried to eat at a different restaurant for every meal). Food was delicious and welled cooked. I got the kuanua dog, I think that's what it's called, and the palabo hamburger(I'm really bad with remembering the names lol) and both meals exceeded my expectations.
(5)Christa B.
In the small Midwestern town of Hartford city, Indiana, there's a gas station in the middle of nowhere that serves breaded fried pork tenderloin sandwiches. This is my husbands personal heaven. He swears there is no where in the world that comes close to this fried pummeled meat goodness...until Island Ono Loa Grill. Thank you Chef Chris for bringing my loves personal heaven to the islands. Food 5/5 It was probably one of the toughest decisions to choose amongst the Paniolo burger, the Kahuna dog, or the breaded fried tenderloin. Of course, I opted for all three! And not a one disappointed. The burger is all meat juiciness and no filler and definitely a noticeable difference from the Big Island beef as the menu so accurately describes. (The beef is actually grain fed beef from the mainland grilled on charcoal. ) The barbecue sauce is sweet and tangy and blends together nicely with the fat from the burger. The sweetness of the mustard and citrus pickled onions on the Kahuna dog don't take away from the sweetness of it's guava roll home, but enhance it. That secret marinade found in the pork tenderloin is somewhat of a tangy sweet that is perfect with pork. It had just the right amount of crunch that was enhanced by the fresh pickles. The texture of both the fries and onion rings were perfect. The taste of the onion rings was unlike anything I've ever had before. The coating is unlike the usual panko, cajun, or beer batter. The pineapple slaw has the right amount of sweetness from the pineapple and an added crunch from the pineapple. My only complaint was that it was soupy; possibly because it was a bit warm. Maybe being exposed from the heat on the grill? It was still delicious. Service 3.5/5 The place was slam busy on a Sunday afternoon and we waited for 30 minutes for our food. However, there were only 2 employees, both busting their butts to get orders filled. They were somewhat unorganized as the cashier was wandering around calling out food orders. They need to either utilize names or numbers with orders. The food was worth the wait. Still, the dining area was clean and the service was friendly. It's kind of hidden and found right behind Island Lava Java. Parking is free in the Ali'i Sunset parking lot. Everytime I'm on Big Island, I'm on a chase to find that perfect burger since Big Island is supposed to have the best beef. My search is over. The funny thing is, the burgers here aren't even made from Big Island beef! Not only can I come here for an amazing burger, but my better half can have his little taste of home with the elusive breaded fried pork tenderloin sandwich! I better watch myself though. If I keep eating here, I'll have no reason to pop into that cute bikini shop across the way!
(4)Max L.
Right in the heart of the action, Chris' thriving business met our every need in a Chicago hotdog, the handmade fries and onion rings were cooked to perfection, and Chris' love and passion to serve his customers is clearly evident by extending his opening hours beyond 8pm. Not only is Chris a great chef and entrepreneur, he is also a walking tourist information center. We arrived in Kona not knowing what to do, and Chris spent close to an hour helping us plan our time in the big island. My only regret is not being to revisit his store again to tell him what an awesome time we had. When I return to Kona I will be sure to drop by this fine establishment.
(5)Megan S.
This may be one of the best burger and fries meal I have ever eaten on the Big Island and on the main land. Island Ono Loa Grill is tucked away in the back of the Alii Sunset Plaza and absolutely worth the effort of looking for it. The owner Chris Colby provides some of the friendliest service on the Island. What comes of the grill is magically delicious. I had the Paniolo BBQ Cheeseburger with the fresh cut fries. The burger was flavorful and juicy topped with perfectly crispy onions. The fresh cut fries were AMAZING! And the whole meal for $10. Bottom line, Island Ono Loa Grill is perfect for lunch dinner or anytime in between! Side note.... They have the cleanest nicest bathrooms on the entire island!!!! This factor has destroyed many an eating out experience.
(5)Euge L.
the owner chris is awesome. such a nice friendly man. gave us some tips on what to see while were here and chatted with us about living the dream aka, leaving the mainland and moving to paradise. but we arent here to talk about chris, its really just about the food. i know my vienna beef. i even told chris about the time i complained to the vienna beef company how a vendor wasnt selling actual real vienna beef, about how disappointed i was and how this was a crime that needed to be dealt with..... guava bun. WTF where the hell have i been. nice nice touch. pairs perfectly with the vienna beef and fixings. this hot dog wasnt "good for hawaii", it was a damn good hot dog. something i would enter into competitions. this place is a bit hard to find as its towards the back of the plaza, but worth looking for.
(5)Ivette M.
Ono, ono, ono!!! Fantastic food and fantastic service! For the kids, a plain hot dog on a soft guava bun. So sweet and delicious my girls were in heaven! Hubby got the Applewood Smoked Bacon Burger with onion rings. The burger was perfectly cooked and the onion rings were the best we've ever had. I had the Macnut Pesto Goat Cheese Burger with onion rings. Quite possibly the best hamburger I've ever had! The pesto had macadamia nuts and the local goat cheese was smooth. If it wasn't out last day on the island we would come back in a heart beat!
(5)Stephanie T.
We ordered the fish of the day sandwich which was ono. Perfectly cooked and decently priced. We tried the onion rings freshly made and the french fries. Both were good, but I'd go for onion rings next time. Chris was super friendly and his positive energy was contagious.
(5)Della Lee G.
We did the kokua kailua stroll on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Saw a quiet business at mauka end of Alii Sunset Plaza. Hubby ordered fresh fish plate, daughter had kalua pork w/brown gravy, ïGot the loco moco. The hamburger init was sooo tasty n cooked the way ïlikê_medium rare. We ordered the season fries n onion rings also awesome food. Btw, there was 1 man taking orders, clearing tables and cooking. Hands putting together for this man. He also gathered up our condiments brought it to our table. Sweet n awesome.
(4)Yannick D.
In my opinion it would have really been No stars. First the owner took our money and put it in the till then he went back in the kitchen. He didn't wash his hands before he pulled a head of lettuce out of a case and starting pulling the leaves off without washing it. He then began skinning a filet of tuna without gloves, while wiping his hands on his shirt. He began cooking the fish and when other customers came in, the second employee came out from the fryer to wait on them. His appearance was not for the front of the house. (T-shirt drenched in sweat.). Again handling money and then serving the food without ever washing his hands. The cook in the back went from handling money, to cutting fish, to assembling food, answering phone all without ever washing his hands or wearing gloves. By the time we got out food we had lost our appetite due to the extreme lack of sanitation procedures, cross contamination, and personal hygiene we witnesses from the staff. We didn't report this to the owner as to not cause a scene in the small restaurant. This establishment needs Serve Safe Certification training or the health department could easily shut them down with the high number of violations we witnessed in 35 minutes. Restaurants like this can make people sick. This was the worst experience I have ever had dining out.
(1)Katharine B.
While visiting Kona we stumbled upon this amazing little restaurant just a little ways off Ali'i road. We were starving after a long morning of snorkeling in Honaunau and this place had great reviews and sounded like it was reasonably priced. Island Ono Loa Grill blew our expectations out of the water. My boyfriend and I came here a total of three times the week were visiting Kona. Yes, this place is that good! The first time we went we both got cheeseburgers and fries which were each less than $10. The meat was juicy, the buns were tasty, and the fries were OUTSTANDING. The owner (and chef), Chris, came out during our meal and asked how everything turned out, where we were from, etc. It was very genuine and not at all forced. When we returned the second time Chris recognized us and after we had finished our meal gave us a ton of recommendations to do while we were here on the island. He even pulled out a map and marked places for us to go check out. We went out and did everything he recommended (and more) and really appreciated the wonderful experiences we had because of he took the time to talk with us about his favorite things to do here. The second and third time we visited I got the Big Kahuna Spicy Dog which was AMAZING! It's a spicy polish sausage topped with citrus pickled red onions, pickles, sport peppers, and a special mustard. I have never had a hot dog this good. We will definitely miss this place when we return to the mainland. Thanks again Chris!
(5)Stephen S.
Stopped here for lunch on our last day in Kona. Burgers and fries were great! Onion rings were awesome! I had the fish sandwich, which had fresh grilled local Ono. All very good. I would definitely go back!
(4)Orreyo B.
Ono is right!!! I ordered a bacon cheeseburger with fries and it was cooked to perfection! The burger was so juicy and flavorful! It had the perfect combination of tomato, pickles, lettuce and onions. I knew from the first bite that it was a winner. I'm from NJ so I know something about great boardwalk fries and theirs reminded me of them. They were a perfect thickness, texture and were salted just right. Thank you Yelp because I wouldn't have found this hidden gem without it. The customer service was great and the owner is super nice and friendly. I can't wait to go back to try the hot dogs because I read great things. If you're in the mood for a fantastic burger and great fries in Kona, check this place out! Your taste buds will love you for it!
(5)Rob N.
Our first day on the Big Island for our honeymoon, my wife and I decided to walk through Kona for lunch. Stumbled across that familiar Vienna Beef logo sign, and since we are both from Chicago originally we were drawn into the Island Ono Loa Grill. We are both very picky when it comes to our Chicago style hot dogs, so as expected we were very skeptical on how a random joint in Kona would fair. We then find out that Chris, the owner, is originally from the Chicago area, so our fears were put to rest. Then we had the actual dogs and were very happy with what we found. Not only that, but their double cooked fries are seasoned to perfection! But it wasn't over there. Chris found out that we were visiting on our honeymoon and he quickly sprung into action. He took a map of the Big Island from a stack by the door and proceeded to scribble all over it. 5 minutes later, he sat down with us and proceeded to walk through over 15 different places/restaurants/bakeries to visit all over the island. He spent over an hour talking with us! Incredible. And on top of it all, his recommendations were spot on. We went to everything he wrote down and were never disappointed. Chris went above and beyond making us feel welcome on the Big Island! So come to the Island Ono Loa Grill for some great food, but make sure you take some time to talk with Chris and learn a little about this great island!
(5)Shen N.
I agree that the food is good..but also agree with the other review that said they should not have been touching the money n then making the food..which is the same thing that bothered me when I came in, I also saw the owner and another young man touch cash and not wash their hands before making food without gloves.They should definitely have a separate person to handle the front of house. I wound not come back on that alone.
(2)Steve S.
The idiot who owns this place does not know what air conditioning is. it was to hot in there he doesn't have adequate help and I was greeted by some huge 300lb kid who claimed to be asst mgr and the cook he looks like he probably eats what he cooks.I can't eat greasy fatty food.But I tried a burger it was under cooked I was very disappointed,I'm a local here and never eating there again.
(1)Ariana R.
Amazing food! Seriously you HAVE TO TRY THIS PLACE! everything is good! Plus the owner is so unbelievably nice and always ready with adventure advice! All the ingredients are fresh,flavorful and local! The grilled chicken is so juicy! My husband hates white meat chicken but he loved the Aloha Chicken peppercheese sandwich so much he wouldn't share! The Roasted Poblano Peppercheese burger is mouthwatering! And don't get me started on the fries fresh thick cut fried to perfection! This place is a must if you're in the area and if you're not MAKE THE DRIVE! haha!
(5)Kennard Y.
Okay, this place is a little hard to find but its worth the finding. It's tucked back in the shopping plaza so let Google or Apple Maps get you close and its behind Island Java. I got the Kahuna Dog and fries and my wife got the fish (Ono) sandwich with pineapple slaw. Both were outstanding. The hotdog was a Hawaiian spin on the Chicago classic complete with a Hawaiian sweet bread bun. My wife says the sandwich was fresh and good and that the Pineapple slaw was super refreshing. I'd like to try making that at home. Give the place a try. I really liked it.
(4)Natalie B.
Excellent burgers! I have had the Paniolo and the Poblano and they are both excellent. The French fries are hand cut and very good. The onion rings are thin sliced and perfectly battered. The owner is great also! Please support this restaurant!!
(5)Gregg D.
Yay! Chris is doing an awesome job here in making some good burgers! For one, maps are a bit misleading. If you can find Lava Java on the front side of Ali'i... his place is in the same row of the buildings, straight back. Once you realize that, super easy. My experience here was SO much better than at Ultimate Burger. No contest in service or food - so if you're weighing this against other places, just try here first! The nice lady up front was very friendly and attentive, and made sure I had everything I needed right off the bat. Chris' choice in beef (grain fed) is superior in taste and texture, and was cooked to that perfect barely pink temperature. I had the fortune of trying the Mac Nut Goat Cheese burger. My word, that perfect cook on the patty went beautifully with the goat cheese. The goat cheese also wasn't over-seasoned, over-herbed, or anything which is hard to find. Beautiful and subtle, and a little tart... everything you want it to be. The flavor profile was beautifully balanced and everything worked together. Produce was super fresh as well, and the bun was toasted around the edges. Really, really a good burger. I almost contemplated getting a second but decided I didn't want to be in a coma. ***I would prefer a more substantial bun, but I realize Chris is trying to stay local and maybe the bread choices are limited due to that. However, it held up and did not fall apart. As others mention, the onion rings are KILLER!!! Not a ton of breading like other places, delicate and a perfect ratio, seasoned spot on. I think they must be my absolute favorite ones in the last couple years, no joke. I also got a side of fries in addition, just to see how they were. Not on the same level as the onion rings, but not bad either. They are thick and you're certainly given a substantial amount.... they just didn't seem to have their own character. Place is spotless, and I liked the open kitchen with nothing to hide. I will definitely come in again to try some more of the menu. Hope he does well, as today certainly proves he deserves it.
(5)Leslie D.
This place is DELICIOUS. We ate here with two starving kids under 4 and all of us left very satisfied. The food is so flavorful and fresh - everything we ordered was so so good! Not only that, but the owner is incredibly nice and fun to talk with. We got the Daily Catch Char-grilled Fish Sandwich, the Macnut Pesto Goat Cheese Burger and grilled cheese sandwiches, all with a side of fries. The first thing I noticed when getting our food was the the grilled cheese actually had REAL cheese instead of American - hallelujah! Then we tasted the food - it was all SO GOOD. The macnut burger was incredibly flavorful, and the fish sandwich was incredibly fresh tasting. The fries were thick cut and cooked to perfection. Basically it was a really delicious, filling meal that didn't break the bank.
(5)Irene K.
So so so good!! Onion rings are to die for!! We re ordered and to it all home to do again!!
(5)Andrew K.
Stopped here and we loved it. All the food was great and everyone was super friendly. My personal favorite was the onion rings. Super light and crunchy. Loved everything that we had and would definitely go back.
(5)Susan D.
Yes, Chris is super friendly. He took the pictures that are on the walls. There's Beatles playing, which is a nice touch. I got the vegetarian goat cheese burger with onion rings, and BF got the fish burger with fries. The food was good, and the portion size was reasonable. Price for two meals and drinks was about $29 (w/o tip). Overall, good!
(4)Greg R.
Very pricey but that's Hawaii for you. Fish was very good. Desserts are great too, kids loved being able to pick a dessert from the tray. Great location with a view. Very nice, service. Overall, would be perfect except for the prices.
(3)Michael R.
Yum! We all enjoyed our food, can't believe how fast I got it. Everyone like their food, I had the Loco Moco - much better than Pancho and Lefty's (Bed of rice, hamburger patty, egg over easy, brown gravy). We are going to go here again before we leave.
(5)J S.
A hidden gem! With excellent food, great service and friendly owners, this place is definitely worth a stop. The prices are incredibly reasonable and the fresh, local food along with the chill atmosphere made it feel more like home. We even got a few pointers about sightseeing from the owner. We will be back.
(5)KaPua L.
Its a very nice clean establishment. I ordered the bbq burger and i must say its was yummie. My daughter ordered the teriyaki chicken plate I sampled some of hers and i also enjoyed that. i will definitely be back to try out the rest of the menu. Great customer service..
(5)Kevin R.
This place rocks. The owner is the nicest guy on the island. He is a personal tour guide for tourists! Food was awesome, If I lived here I would be a regular for sure!! Aloha and mahalo!!
(5)Victor C.
The windows look dark but they are open. Good food for a reasonable price. The loco moco was a generous size.
(5)Ian B.
Couldn't recommend more highly. My girlfriend and I had just finished snorkeling down the coast a ways and were absolutely famished when we stopped in here. The employees greeted us with a smile when we entered. The restaurant itself is super clean and simple and has a basic menu that you can make lots of additions to. Everything they serve here seems to be sourced from Hawai'i and is very fresh tasting. I got a double cheeseburger and a side of thick cut fries. The employee who helped us at the counter was sweet and friendly, and the food came out super fast. The burger was perfectly done, moist, THICK and delicious, and the fries were wonderful and had just a touch of garlic. After we had been eating for a few minutes the owner came out and asked us how things were tasting and was so warm, friendly and inviting. They also all wished us farewell as we left. Best of all? This place doesn't seem to charge a tourist dollar for awesome food. 10 bucks for a killer burger and fries?? We will be back for sure!!
(5)D K.
Really great place for some tasty food. The people behind the counter could not have been nicer. I highly recommend their fresh fish plate. It was really great. My wife thought her cheeseburger was excellent.
(5)Cassandra C.
This place is awesome!! Definitely deserves five stars. The owners kindness is much appreciated. The food is great! Such an amazing find
(5)robert b.
My wife and i ordered a takeout loco-moco and pineapple cole slaw to go eat on the beach while watching the sunset. (a nice little beach park at 75-5923 Ali'i Dr) Delicious beef and gravy, and big enough for both of us to share. Talked with the owner a bit about the island and about his pictures... very friendly and helpful. We plan to go back for a burger before heading to the airport.
(5)Jason R.
Such a great little find. Island Ono Koa Grill is tucked away behind a few businesses across from the ocean, but it's easy to spot and completely worth it. The food is delicious typical grill fair. They cook their meat over lava rocks instead of on a griddle. We ordered the peanut butter bacon burger and were not disappointed. It was juicy, cooked to perfection, and was served with a nice side of fries or a pineapple coleslaw all within about five minutes. The best part, however, was the owners/staff, who took lots of time out of their busy day to tell us (who were visiting the big island for the first time) about all the best parts of the island. They love their island and they love their business. It shows. Keep this little gem going for a long time to come.
(5)Darrell T.
Went there for lunch the burgers were awesome I had the PB and bacon burger. Great onion rings and fries also Highly recommend we're going back again this week
(5)John B.
Great local fish and de lish burgers n dogs right on Alii drive.. Thanks for the friendly Aloha service and great food! Mahalos!
(5)Rob L.
I had the BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwich which was delicious, the prices were great and the owner was very friendly. I like this place!
(5)Shawnee G.
I've been craving a good burger for months now and this place definitely hit the spot. Hubby had the Aloha Peppercheese Chicken Sandwich which got rave reviews from him. We shared a Kahuna Dog (to die for, I could eat this everyday), and I had the Applewood Smoked Bacon Cheeseburger, delicious. Loved the pineapple slaw and onion rings were fresh and super crispy. Loved that the owner came out from the back to talk stories with us, very friendly, and personable. They made sure our table was cleaned, we had enough napkins, and condiments, and he even gave my baby girl some pickles to snack on. We were very impressed with the food and the service, we will be returning again and again! Thanks, Chris for an awesome dining experience.
(5)Nilene F.
WOW!!!! This tiny restaurant is big on fresh, excellent food. My husband had a cheeseburger with slaw and I had the fresh catch sandwich with fries. Both were fantastic. The owner, Chris, also chatted with us about other local restaurants to try. The fresh brewed iced tea was excellent too. Highly recommend this great little restaurant!
(5)Josh P.
This was our last meal before leaving the Big Island, and I'm happy to say we made the right choice! The mac nut pesto goat cheese burger would go on my top 3 favorite burgers of all time and that list includes much fancier establishments than this little burger joint tucked away in the coconut grove shopping center. The fries and onion rings were delicious as well. You know it will be good when the owner is on the line in the back personally crafting every meal served and delivering it personally to our table. Definitely a hidden gem that I would recommend to anyone staying in Kona.
(5)Sue R.
Great location, great food, and very friendly service. Try one of the local plates if you like good brown gravy. The Chicago Dog was spectacular and the mac salad side was the perfect consistency. Fresh onion rings and fresh French fries paired perfectly with their variety of burgers. The outdoor seating gave a nice view of the water, and it was tucked away just enough so that the noise of the road was not bothersome. I will definitely go again to try more menu items!
(4)Gerard N.
So, I had heard that this place had opened, and finally had a chance to drop in for a late lunch. Glad I did - great burger, friendly staff, reasonable prices. The location won't get it much walk-by traffic, but it's worth the (slight) detour. Don't let the fact that it looks dark deter you either. I need to go back - there are other things on the menu that I need to try. This time I had the poblano pepper burger which hit the spot. Best burger I've had in quite a while.
(5)Alma S.
We decided to give this little place a try. Kind of hidden but what a great find! First off, the owner, Chris, is super friendly! We ordered the Applewood Smoked Bacon Cheeseburger and the Pork sandwich. Both were great tasting and the fries and onion rings were Ono too!! We will definitely be back!!!
(5)Brandon C.
I couldn't even begin to describe to you how delicious this place is. I wish there were more than five stars. I went in expecting some pretty decent burgers, but BOY was I proven wrong. I chose the Macnut Pesto Goat Cheese Burger. This was, without a doubt, the best burger I have EVER had. Bar none. It was cooked to perfection and everything about it, from its delicious Island-made Sweet Bun to the perfectly prepared pesto sauce, made me tear from sheer overwhelming flavor. I literally shed a tear during my meal. My girlfriend thought something was wrong. I told her there is, because there isn't one of these restaurants where I live. I had to put my vacation on hold and go back there the next day, it was so delicious. So the next day, I'm chatting with Chris, the wonderfully charming and friendly owner, for a little while and he recommends the Big Kahuna Dog, after he recognizes me from the day before and insists I try something new. Now I, being from L.A. and having eaten at the world famous Pink's many a time, have to try this dog. It was so much tastier than any Pink's hot dog I had ever had, I was absolutely astonished. The combination of the pickles, peppers, onions and mustard sauce was truly a revelation. And the perfectly battered onion rings were such a perfect compliment, I honestly considered not leaving the restaurant until my trip was over. Sadly, the other person in my party wanted to go "peruse paradise," or else I would not have left. But before I left, I told Chris that I would be 100% willing to stand on Ali'i Drive and tell every passerby of the wonderful hidden gem that is Island One Loa Grill, seeing that it is slightly tucked away behind Lava Java. I just wish my vacation lasted another year or two, so I could've really gotten my fill of this place. So, I beg of you, fellow Yelp-ers. Keep eating here for me, and let's keep this restaurant open for years to come. I can't wait for my next Big Island vacation, and it's all thanks to Island One Loa Grill.
(5)Brandon B.
We were 2 seconds away from not going because as you walk behind Island Lava Java it just seems a little dark and empty. Don't let this deter you like it almost did to us, had we not gone an hour before our plane left we would have returned every day during our stay. I can't recall what the rest of my party had, but they had similar feelings about it as I did. I had the goat cheese burger and it was everything Chris described it as. The onion rings were fantastic too. This place is a gem in Kona. It tasted of authentic Hawaiian, and the owner, Chris, is a standup guy. He stayed open late just for our party of 3. It's worth noting that I really felt good supporting his business. He's just a local dude trying to make a living so he can stay in Kona, and his food and service is fantastic.
(5)Jodi L.
Stumbled across this restaurant and after days of Island fare, a Chicago hotdog was calling my name. Not only was the hotdog delicious, in every way, but the homemade French fries and brewed iced tea (yes, brewed black iced tea!!) made the meal even more satisfying....Chris, the owner is friendly, informative and welcoming....a great meal and experience and all for under $10.
(5)Deana K.
Fantastic everything. I live next to Kansas, so I eat a lot of burgers, and this place would put those places out of business. The seasoning and flavor of everything was outstanding on the 4 dishes we had here. We were surprised there weren't more people. Staff was awesome, and recommended a lot of tourist sights that weren't on the map too. A must try, especially if you have kids that don't eat fish.
(5)Dusty R.
Food is always so fresh and delicious. Efficient wait and good music playing every time!!
(4)Amanda A.
We were looking for something quick and easy but still unique and delicious. This was the perfect place! The gentleman (the owner) that helped us was amazing. He got a rush right after my group but he was still hustling to get us our food when it was fresh. I had the macnut pesto goat cheese burger. I was a little nervous but you can't get this anywhere else and the goat cheese (along with many other ingredients) is local. This burger was DELICIOUS. The goat cheese added a creamy hint of sweetness and bun was super fresh. The fries were also amazing. Everyone I was with loved their food. If I lived here, this would be my go to spot. Nice work.
(5)Ottis M.
One of our favorite places during our island visit. Great burger, friendly owner and killer onion rings. Great value. Found it through my fellow yelpers!
(5)Regina P.
If there were more stars, I would give them to Chris and Island Ono Loa Grill!! What a cool little place. It's on the backside of Lava Java. GO!! We had cheeseburgers and the pineapple slaw and can't say enough about how delicious they were!! Chris is so personable and awesome to talk to. You can tell he loves what he does. He shared some tid-bits and we talked food and had a great lunch experience! Simply the best burger on the Islands.
(5)P J.
Another wonderful dinner...tenderloin & Kahuna dog with hand cut fries & handmade onion rings! So happy we only live 2 miles away.
(5)Joel R.
Delicious, friendly and good prices - I love this place! We had the burger w/ blue cheese and their standard burger. Both were delicious. The manager was there and threaded us so well. I'm definitely going back soon!
(5)Janelle M.
We found this place on Yelp our last night in Hawaii. We made it in just before closing, and the owner, Chris, waited on us. He was extremely friendly and shared his love of Hawaii with us by telling us about interesting places to go visit and things not to miss. The food was great - we each ordered Kailua pork (sandwich, plate). Prices are very reasonable, and the restaurant is very clean. Loved that he had traditional black iced tea available. The only drawback was we didn't find this grill until our last night in town. We will definitely be back next time to try the pork tenderloin sandwich and maybe a Chicago style hot dog. Definitely give this place a try if you are in Kona!
(4)Joanne R.
Pineapple Coleslaw very good. Best Burgers on the big island. Owner is friendly.
(5)Michelle G.
Fabulous food!! Great service!! Chris, the owner, is so nice and knows the area well. Very reasonably priced!! Don't hesitate...just eat here!!
(5)Rosie C.
It's been hot minute since I've written a review but I'm on vacay and have some time:) plus this place deserves a review! I wanted to eat somewhere that wasn't on Oahu (because what's the point) so I yelped it! Good reviews so I figured why not. A little hard to find since they are in the little shopping center on the side of coconut marketplace (is that what it's called? The one with outback) behind Lava Java Cafe. We just parked in coconut marketplace because we wanted to go to the coffee place over there. I got the chicken pepper cheese sandwich and the boyfriend got the hamburger steak...both were super yummy! The chicken is chicken breast which is the only kind of chicken I like but it wasn't dry at all, super moist! My boyfriend really like the gravy with his hamburger steak. I got a small side salad as well which had their own dressing, a bit vinegary so be prepared for that. Lastly, the customer service was top notch! There was this nice haole guy at the counter that brought us our food and also let us know about their free wifi! Check it out if your looking for a yummy, inexpensive place to eat!
(5)Tovah S.
So far everything my family and I have eaten here is delicious & fresh!! I loved my mac nut pesto goat cheese burger, which I was able to substitute a Gardenburger instead since I'm vegetarian which is nice they have that option! New Local favorite
(5)H J.
I called ahead to see if they were open as it was Super bowl Sunday and I found a lot of places were closed. They were open but planning on closing for the game but said they would wait for me. I was there ten minutes later and as promised they were still open. I had the catch of the day fish burger with onion rings. It was delicious. Great food! Friendly service! Prices can't be beat! A little off the beaten path, not really but you have to look a bit, but so worth it.
(4)Jonathan M.
Awesome place for a good burger! The cook is super friendly and the prices are great for the portions.
(5)Tristan R.
Amazing food and great people. Everyone working was so nice and full of tourist information. I had the peanut butter and bacon burger and it was amazing!
(5)Marty K.
Best burger and fries in Kona Hawaii and you can't beat the price. They also have great fish, chicken and onion rings. Not the easiest place to find but worth the effort. It is located behind Lava Java. Lots of parking in the back.
(5)Richard R.
Had the goat cheese burger and pork tenderloin sandwich withdraws and onion rings with a Cole slaw side.slaw had fresh pineapple. Both sandwich es were perfectly done.Excellent food. We'll be back.
(5)Julie Z.
Chris, the owner, is beyond friendly...he is thrilled to be there. He created a menu that offers burgers and hot dogs, but these are NOT your usual dogs and burgers..lots of fun ingredients..I had the goat cheese burger and enjoyed it. The fries and onion rings were ONO. Chris keeps his menu to what he knows and has added yummy things like local Hawaiian sweet bread buns. If you love a good Chicago style hot dog, you can't find another one like in on the Big Island.
(5)Gwen M.
Really loved this place plan on going back before we leave. Very friendly and Chris was so helpful about things to do on the island. My husband had apple wood bacon cheese burger and was very please! I had the plablano pepper burger and thought it was the best burger I have had.
(5)Erin B.
We have been watching this place get ready to open for a while, and were super stoked to go in and check it out. The burgers are AWESOME! You don't realize how much you miss a chargrilled burger until you have a delicious one. Had the South Point burger, which comes with Jack cheese and poblano peppers, along with a poblano mayo, and it was perfect! Onions rings were on point, nice and crispy without a ton of doughy breading. You can tell, chatting with the owner, that he is really excited, and proud, of this place, which is refreshing. Only 4 stars b/c of a few little kinks that I think will be worked out in time. But, I can't wait to go back and try the hot dogs and the Spicy Big Kahuna dog. Hopefully they don't add a chili dog, or I will be going there so often that I won't be able to squeeze through the door. To summarize... Get there now! So ono, like the name says!
(4)Lupe G.
I was craving a cheeseburger and figured I'd give this place a try since the reviews were good. Now, I'm not someone who eats cheeseburgers all of the time, so when I do have them, I feel like they have to be out of this world (maybe I have high expectations). I had the bacon cheeseburger and french fries to go. The bacon was perfectly crispy and the burger bun was sweet. The patty, however, was bland and a bit rare for my taste. Also, the lettuce on the burger was a bit limp. The fries were super raw. Is that on purpose? I don't get it. It was weird. I felt like I was biting into a cold potato. I guess this place is new, so they're probably still getting used to the basics of what to provide someone for their to-go orders. I had to ask for napkins and I was handed the styrofoam box with no bag or ketchup packets for my fries.
(3)Wendy M.
They have great quality food, and you will get more value for your money at this restaurant than most others in Kona. While we stayed in Kona we went here twice. We ordered the problano and pepper cheese burger, BBQ Kalua pork sandwich, grilled cheese, and teriyaki chicken. The onion rings were also excellent. We watched the cook in the kitchen make our onion rings from scratch. He was actually dipping real onion pieces into a batter and then dropping them into a fryer. That seems to be a rare experience in a world full of frozen factory food. Highly recommended!
(5)Brianna K.
We've only been here twice and so far we'll continue to come back. The husband is hooked on the pork sandwich while I've tried both the Paniolo Burger and the Goat Cheese Burger - YUM! Their onion rings are also how we like it, not too much batter. The best part is the owner, Chris, who is just so helpful and so HAPPY all the time!
(5)Monica C.
While staying in Waikoloa and in great need of GOOD food at a GOOD price, (every thing here is sub par and way over priced - but expected at a resort) I found Island ONo and read all the great reviews...the 30 minute drive south was so worth it....the highlight of our trip so far food-wise. Finally great flavor without breaking the bank! In the cute little town of Kona along Ali'i drive....look for Java Java and the sandal store...it's tucked behind there....not seen from the road. The owner is beyond helpful and friendly....the burgers are amazing...char-broiled to perfection on sweet hawaiian bun. Onion rings and pineapple cole slaw also a must. Nothing fancy...order at counter, food brought to you with a smile....little "burger joint" with more than burgers...hot dogs, ono burgers.....Great for families!
(5)Dave B.
Clean and crisp always. Great food! Best burger in town by far and the Island Chicken rocks!!!! Do yourself a favor and check it out
(5)Matthew S.
This place has an excellent BBQ burger. The owner is extremely friendly and the service is great. I will definitely be returning when I come back to the big island.
(4)Alexander M.
This place is nice with a friendly owner. I couldn't get my 10% yelp discount after we paid, so he brought out some fries. We had the fish special sandwich, which was cooked nicely and tasty. Maybe he's in a bad location at the back of the shopping area, because it was dead while everywhere else was packed! But it's a nice order and they bring your food out to you place.
(4)Yvonne T.
What a great little restaurant! My husband and I went to have a casual dinner for my birthday and after hearing good things about Island Ono Loa Grill we decided to try it. We both had the pork tenderloin sandwich with French fries and a side of the pineapple slaw. DELICIOUS!!!! The owner is fantastic and easy to talk to. He obviously has a lot of pride in the restaurant and we wish him tons of success. The location is a little tough but hopefully the word will get out that the location doesn't matter when the food tastes as good as it does.
(5)Chris M.
Had the poblano burger, very tasty. The prices here are very reasonable. So far the best value I've had on Kona side. Had the chance to speak with the owner as well, and he was a really cool and friendly guy. Highly suggest making your way here.
(5)Bob H.
A new candidate for best burger on Big Island. Gracious host/chef, food cooked to order with quick and super friendly service. Onion rings and coleslaw were both excellent. As a Kona resident, I will be back. Mahalo.
(5)Karen R.
Delicious!! It's a bit hard to find behind Lava Java but worth the look!! We'll be back again before going home!
(5)Laurie N.
Had the macnut pesto burger and it was so delicious! Everything was great, everyone in our party of six was happy.
(5)Brad R.
Great food and very friendly service!!! Ono sandwich and pork tenderloin sandwich both excellent.
(5)Dan M.
In all fairness to the restaurant and owner, we have been here twice. The first time it was a great experience but this last visit today did not go well. The first visit we both enjoyed our burgers, the staff was well prepped in the kitchen and there was an additional person out front taking orders with the owner helping in the kitchen to train the kitchen staff. The burgers were great! I had the Applewood smoked Bacon cheeseburger and my dining buddy had the Roasted Poblano pepper cheese burger. The meat was well seasoned, charbroiled and fresh, with the right fat content upon the first bite.The nice addition of the Punalu'u sweet buns to compliment the burger was well thought out. We both enjoyed the onion rings also, which were well prepared and seasoned. NOW THE BAD NEWS....today was our second visit as we had spoken to the owner the last time and he said he was going to try to expand the menu somewhat. My buddy had the Ono Loa Pork Tenderloin sandwich and the onion rings.(regular menu item) The pork unfortunately was extremely dry and overcooked, but the onion rings were great as before. I went out on a limb after the owner said the Loco Moco was the best on island so I chose that, once again the owner letting me know that the burgers were charbroiled.... and my next question should have been.....WHEN? They certainly were charbroiled but upon cutting into the burger below the egg, you could tell it wasn't freshly charbroiled as it would have exuded some level of fat. The burger was dense, meat was somewhat greyish and in about an hour and a half later....my stomach let me know that the porcelain goddess (not Pele) would be my best friend for the next several hours. Any restaurant that needs to make a decent run of it here in Hawaii needs to be judicious about cost of goods, margin, and food turnover. I really want this guy who is genuinely a great guy, waiting his own tables and handling the register to succeed especially because foot traffic can be challenging at times in the center that he is in. I'm hoping this was just a bad decision making process in the kitchen but will probably think a bit more before going back.
(2)Stu F.
The burgers were top notch. Juicy and well seasoned. We had the applewood bacon cheeseburger, and the poblano burger. The service was fast, the place was clean, and it has probably the cleanest bathroom in Kona. If you're in the area worth stopping in for lunch or dinner.
(5)Luke M.
Great new spot for Kona, family finally went and tried today and we all really loved our burgers and hotdogs. The chili dog was so yummy. Best onion rings in town and comfy "clean" setting in AC just off alii drive. Only thing missing was a homemade milkshake, maybe they add soon...
(5)L B.
So good! My whole family was extremely happy with their meals. Eat here, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Jeriann E.
Tastes as great as it smells! LOVED the pineapple slaw! Owner was a great resource for island info.
(5)Lydia H.
New transplant to Kona and I found I miss the Slaters 50/50 PB&J burger but now I can have it in paradise just ask for grape jelly on your PB burger. Perfecto
(5)Dean S.
Homemade buns, onion rings and coleslaw made with pineapple. They make a very tasty Burger
(4)Sheri L.
If you want some tasty food fast without paying resort prices, this is the place you're looking for. We tried the chicken sandwich, Ono sandwich, big kahuna hot dog, and goat cheese salad. All were fresh and very tasty. Oh, and don't forget the onion rings. Yummy! We will definitely be back.
(5)Kat S.
Really great grill! Fresh made burgers, dogs and onion rings! Owner, Chris is friendly. The place is fresh and right behind lava java. They have been open 8 weeks and are a great addition to the food venders on Ali'i drive.
(5)James T.
Unexpectedly awesome. Onion rings were probably the best I've ever had. Also the macadamia nut pesto goat cheese (wtf?) burger was really, really good!
(5)Robert G.
Great little place!! Both my wife and I had very good charbroiled hamburgers. Mine with fries and hers with a salad and drinks . All under $ 20.The location is kind of hidden off Alii Drive. Well worth finding.
(5)Dom L.
We just had to go back, and we were not disappointed. It was our wedding day, and we needed a late lunch on the go to ensure no mid-ceremony growls. I opted for the goat cheese salad and my groom was all about the Roasted Poblano Peppercheese Burger. Just the perfect meal once again. Oh, and I ran next door for a coffee drink to be met by the Island Ono Loa staff right outside with my order ready and packaged, and an offer to help me to my car... Service!
(5)Caitlin S.
We had the chicken sandwich here...it's a new restaurant so we were a little skeptical but the sandwich changed our minds! The meat was all white and extremely tasty! We will definitely go back to try more items on the menu!
(5)Richard K.
Very tasty! Great place to grind. Fries were awesome. Real beef hot dogs Chi town style, yum!
(5)Brian A.
This is a great find in Kona! I've been here twice, once for a burger with goat cheese and once for a tenderloin sandwich. I had the onion rings both times. The burger with goat cheese had a great taste. The cheese is creamy and full of flavor and the burger was cook nearly perfect, though next time I'll ask for it to be a bit more on the medium-rare side. The beef is very high quality and well-seasoned. I had a tenderloin today. It was lightly breaded, not too much, not too little. The pork was juicy and flavorful. The onion rings here are the best I've had in years. They are thin, lightly breaded and simply delicious. If you're an onion ring fan, these are a must. The other thing I like about this place is how clean everything was. It should go without saying that a restaurant is clean, but many aren't. The tables were wiped quickly after a customer left and the restroom was immaculate. Makes for a nice dinning experience. It is a bit off the beaten path, but well worth it. Highly recommend!
(5)Holly K.
This place is really good! Husband loves loco moco generally and says that this is the best he's had. I can't disagree. Great service from folks who clearly enjoy what they do. Very reasonable prices. No complaints.
(5)Becky P.
If you want a great burger this is the place in Kona! I love the Mac Nut Pesto Burger and the fish sandwich is my second favorite. The use fresh, local ingredients and even make the fries and onion rings fresh.
(5)Steven T.
Amazing food and the owner is super nice. Extremely reasonable price food in Hawaii. I had the kaluha pork and my kids devoured it too.
(5)Gene L.
After hearing about this place. We decided to give this place a try. Was not disappointed. Wife had the teriyaki chicken plate. The sauce is homemade and so good. Chicken was grilled perfect. I had the Kailua pork plate. Cooked perfect. Just the right amount of smoky flavor. Did I mention the gravy and Mac salad. The best!!! Great food!! Great prices!! Great service!! Looking forward to come back to try there hamburgers and dogs.
(5)Lori H.
We had the Paniolo burger and the bacon cheeseburger and fries. The burgers were deeeelicious and cooked to perfection, and the bun was fresh and yummy! The fries were thick cut -- excellent! Very friendly owner. The establishment was very clean, so was the restroom. We will go again, for sure!
(5)Eri H.
Pretty tasty food and really friendly service! Only thing is I wish I'd thought to ask if the burger could have been cooked medium rare, but definitely coming back here.
(4)krystal p.
Terrific burgers, wonderful Chicago hotdogs and a pork sandwich to die for. We read about it in the paper and have visited twice in the past week. Nice clean modern ambiance. Friendly service. This will be our go-to place for a quick meal.
(5)Cynthia A.
Almost missed this little gem behind Lava Java - the sign in the window says "it's dark but we are open". The ono sandwich was incredible: a large piece of fish grilled to perfection and served on a toasted Hawaiian sweet bread roll. My hubby had the pork sandwich and it was awesome as well. The owner shared the story of how he got here and we wish him the best. Give this place a try - best fish sandwich in Kona and definitely a bargain. You won't even miss the sunset with food this good!
(5)Laurie M.
We read the article in West Hawaii Today on this new sandwich place & when trying to think of a place to go for dinner, we remembered the article & decided to give it a try. The sandwiches are one of those foods you try & have a craving for...that good. The seasoning is spot on, the flavors dance on your tongue & the beef is mouth watering. The service was awesome & friendly. The Island One Loa Grill is tucked away but worth the time to find this hidden gem.
(5)Josh M.
What a wonderful experience. Not only was the food delicious, but the owner, Chris was an absolute delight. I had the catch of the day fish sandwich and my wife had the macnut goat cheese burger, amazing! aloha
(5)Zachary Z.
The food was great. We had burgers and a fish sandwich. The portions were a little small especially for 8-12 dollars a sandwich. It has a nice burger place atmosphere along with extremely friendly service. The man that took our order was extremely nice and dedicated to his work, he seemed like the owner because he cared so much, which he may have been. Overall I would recommend this burger joint to a friend in the future.
(4)Lisa L L.
Excellent Real Food! Very Clean & friendly. The burgers are island grass fed beef. Onion rings fresh hand dipped. Kona pork plate was yummy too.
(5)J. A. S.
Everything we read in other reviews & more. From the welcoming feeling of the owner to the delicious food, we'll be back! Huge bang for your buck
(5)Lesley L.
The people here are super friendly, and the food is very tasty. Great place to stop for lunch and hang out for a bit to get out of the sun!
(5)Cindy S.
The grilled bacon burger was great but now I've got to go back and try the tenderloin sandwich. A few people have mentioned how good it is. Looks like they still are adding some decor but it's bright, super clean and the owner is very friendly. It seemed pretty slow when we were there. If I were the owner I'd cut up a few burgers and walk out side and pass samples around. He be filled up in no time!
(4)Penny N.
Yummmm! had friends that tried this place and said the bacon cheeseburger was quite possibly the best they had ever had. I was craving a burger today, and we had been trying to get to this place, so today was the day. So good!! the onion rings were fantastic, I had a regular hamburger for $6.99, more than a I need to eat but somehow it all ended up in my belly anyway because it was juicy and delicious. My friend had the pork tenderloin, it was a pounded, breaded pork, apparently a mid-West thing, but I'm not from there, but it was pretty good too. The owner is really jazzed about his place, very conscientious and nice, and was serving us. Next trip, I'm predicting it will be next week, the Chicago dog will be mine to try. Give it a while, it's back of Lava Java off Alii Drive.
(5)Kim D.
Really enjoyed the meals we had here. I had the chicken pepper jack sandwich. Moist, grilled perfectly, good seasoning, fresh veggies, on a yummy bun. Cheeseburger was delish too. Onion rings and fries are so good.
(5)Candice C.
Ive been craving a good grilled hotdog, the Chicago dog hit the spot. Definetly coming back!
(4)Fiddler C.
i feel bad about a bad review bc the service was so friendly and attentive. that being said, we didn't even finish our food. we ordered a fish sandwich and a pork sandwich. both were very bland. fish wasn't cooked well. fries and onion rings were meh. we did have this chili rice appetizer thing, which was really good but didn't salvage the meal. it was a meal we regretted.
(2)Rich H.
Very nice owner. Killer onion rings. Fresh cut fries were a tad undercooked. The bad news is they don't use fresh grass fed big island beef. Not only that, but the meat patty on the burger is from frozen pre-formed meat. With all the joints serving fresh beef hamburgers, these guys need to up their game big time. The burger was over cooked and had that frozen meat bland taste. In other words, almost no taste at all and dry.
(3)Chris B.
Great new grill just a few steps off Alii Drive's main area in Kailua Kona. Super chargrilled burgers, pork tenderloin & real Chicago hot dogs! The hand cut/thick cut fries and onion rings are amazing! All made to order, but quickly served. Owner & staff are very welcoming. The entire facility is brand new & very well designed. Plenty of very close parking in north end of Alii Sunset Plaza (just behind Lava Java & Sandal Stop). Will definitely be back & recommend to friends & family!
(5)Ben D.
Great burger, friendly service. They use lots of local ingredients and buy buns from local bakeries.
(5)Luana A.
sooo happy to have found this place! like the rest of the reviews say the onion rings are a MUST!! we got a cheeseburger & a bacon cheeseburger (both really good) & an order of onion rings. the onion rings were so good we ended up getting another order before we left. the owner and cook were super friendly and very nice to talk to and restaurant is totally clean. if your hesitant about trying this place its definitely worth a shot!!!
(5)Gordon D.
The cheeseburger was great, like the charbroiled flavor. Proper "doneness" of meat kept it juicy, fresh veggies, great rendition of onion rings. Quick service. Nice and clean interior. Beautiful bathroom too!
(5)Mary C.
If you are on island looking for a plain old good burger, this is the place. Best hamburger on island. Try the onion rings too. Also has specialty hamburgers. Trying the hot dogs next time.
(5)Susan K.
Wow after reading the other reviews I wonder what happen in the month they have been open. Burger had no flavor. The French fries were drenched in oil and were under cook. And for the price definitely not worth going back and trying anything else.
(1)Bill S.
Great place!!! Wonderful placece for a quick lunch in downtown Kailua. The hot dogs are Vienna all beef and GRILLED not boiled, sort of like a BBQ fpr lunch w/o the mess. The Chicago Dog is fantastic! Being from Chicago, this was better than the "iconic" (?) Portillos, it had more flavor and did not taste meely. The oinion rings were the best I have had in years. Everything there is pretty much homemade. Celery salt is ground and mixed there, the onion rings are hand cut and hand dipped there. Light and not greasy this was great. We also had the opportunity to try the Fish Sticks. If on the menu try them!! Fresh fish. YES FRESH FISH. Caught locally prepared there in their own batter and spices. He is trying to keep this as local and organic as possible. Last night the fish was Tombo, tomorrow it might be Ono. Not greasy and extremely flavorful. The burger my wife had was perfect Could not ask for more. The price is beyond reasonable and for a spot just behind Lava Java that says something. Great for families with kids. It is clean and well lit and very easy on a lunch budget. WE will be going back there again!
(5)