Nice bartender.. She thought I was under 21! That's a nice compliment if I didn't say so myself. The bartender recommended the lilikoi and coconut mojito. Im grateful she was trustworthy. It was absolutely delicious. Not too sweet and just a perfect amount of fruitiness. They close their kitchen early so if you're looking for food you might want to order it early on in the night.
(5)
Pierson L.
Seeing the four star rating on here, my wife and I were excited to enjoy some food and live music with a beach feel. When we show up, we are told seating was about 30-45 minutes but we could find seating in the bar and get food there. We found a covered seat in the bar and enjoyed the music, planning on ordering dinner there. We sat there for a good 10-15 minutes (4-5 songs sung by the musicians) and were not able to get any service. My wife put our names back on the list for a regular table and we continued to wait. During our wait 2 more groups sat by U.S. And also waited. We also heard 2 couples tell the hostess that they were going to go and turn in their pagers. After another 10 minutes or so, a waiter comes over and apologizes and takes our order and those of the three tables around us. He was very helpful and seemed like he knew we had waited a while so he took our order. About 5 minutes after we order our pager goes off and so does the pager of the group behind us. My wife finds out that our table would be right by the beach and the live music so we choose to move. The manager comes over and tells us we need to close out our tab to move, even though the group behind us got their tab transferred to their new table. The manager had been just walking around all night and didn't seem to be helping his crew out. We said ok and paid our tab and then moved our own drinks over to our table. We were greeted soon by our new server and told him what was going on with our food. About 15 minutes later we get our food and I look around to try and get another drink. I finally get the attention of our waiter and it takes him 10-15 minutes to bring me a beer. I noticed later all the reviews on yelp commenting on bad service. These seem to be the experience we received and the food was average. The two stars are for the location and the live music which we enjoyed.
(2)
Sanford J.
One of the best places in old town Kona. You can't beat the location, it's on the water. Great entertainment while you eat. We had Hula dancing, and live guitar. The hamburgers are made from Angus Beef, and so are very flavorful.
(5)
Liz O.
What a memory this place left us with! OTR locked a good location down for travelers, nestled on the rocks of the coast (who would have thought?!). What I wasn't expecting was phenomenal food, incredible libations served by a personable bartender (thanks Dylan!), live music by two soulful guys, and just overall good vibrations. Had the cajun-seared ahi at Dylan's request, along with the blue-cheese burger that was an instant hit according to my tastebuds.
(5)
Tori B.
Really enjoyed an impromptu dinner at Huggos on the Rocks during a recent trip to the Big Island. We actually had book a reservation at another restaurant, but after scoping out the view from Huggos, we decided to give it a try instead of the other place (with no view). Sitting on the sand offered some challenges at six months pregnant, but it was a fun experience non-the-less. We found the service to be attentive and helpful... all that you could ask for. The food was good. The Hubs and I shared the pork nachos, which were great, and a fish plate. The fish was just ok... nothing great there, but the nachos were fabulous. We had some drinks (virgin for me) and I really enjoyed mine, as did the Hubs. The best part of all was the Kona Coffee Cheesecake. I'm still dreaming of this baby. It was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I want a piece now. In addition to the good view, we witnessed the most beautiful sunset of our entire stay on the island. It was gorgeous and completed the meal perfectly. The restaurant also had live music and a Hula Dancer, which was an even better touch. Highly recommend Huggos on the Rocks to anyone in the area - get the cheesecake!
(4)
Jennifer R.
Definitely a spot to mark off when you're at the big island! My bf and I walked in to grab some drinks and some pupu. There was a live cover band that was awesome!! They covered songs with a Hawaiian twist and it was done so well. It was great because it was an outdoor patio feel with a beautiful ocean front and sunset. There is sand on the patio so you can take off your flip flops and sink your toes into the sand. We ordered a pupu platter with Asian lettuce wraps, quesadillas, poke, and bbq. The wraps were light yet satisfying with the perfect amount of sauce and my bf said they were generous with meat in the quesadillas! The poke had just the right amount of shoyu sauce and it didn't mix with bbq, everything was great on that platter, definitely recommended! So delish! Loved spending some time here watching the sunset.
(5)
Sergei N.
I hate to write this but the food was basic bar food. I ordered a burger and it was very plain. For a grass fed, local beef I expected so much more. Their home made potato chips were pretty flavorless. Someone in our party ordered fish tacos and thought they were good. On the upside, the live music and the view totally fix all the food issues. You can get tables closer to the beach and eat with your feet in the sand. The parking seemed limited so I would try to walk here if at all possible. Personally I wouldn't come back here. It just seemed like generic food with a different name on the front of the building.
(3)
Heather R.
This place is a perfect big island spot. Drinks were great. Food was good. Music was great. Service was great and really friendly. Awesome place to relax enjoy a beer or a cocktail and listen to the music and the waves. We will be back in our next trip.
(4)
Jin M.
MEH. All right, so the setting is super cool. The restaurant floor is SAND. All of it! It's like you're eating on the beach. Cool, right? If only the food was just as awesome. I ordered the fish tacos, which came in corn tortilla... I wish there were choices! Flour tortilla is so much better. The fish was ok, the seasoning was bland, mac salad was average. But, my friend ordered the Ahi burger, which was super delish! So definitely order that instead. My other friend ordered this BBQ pork dish which was a bit disappointing. It's super crowded, especially on weekends and holidays since it's located right in the touristy neighborhood so be prepared for the long wait & slow service. On the plus side- there's live music and sometimes hula dancing!
(3)
Britt B.
Excellent choice for lunch on the beach in Kona! Order the Ahi Burger for $12.95. It's not a filet of fish, but rather ground tuna pressed into a patty after they add whatever magic they do. Simply served on warm and fresh Focaccia with aioli, tomato, white onion and lettuce with your choice of side. I had a very nice green salad with shredded carrot, beets, cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Outstanding meal all the way around. Great view. Great, friendly staff. Clean highchairs for your Keiki.
(5)
Laura C.
1st night in Kailua and we were pretty pooped! On The Rocks was only a few steps away from our condo. Seemed to have lots of seating but we chose to dine at the bar. Very friendly bartender and nice live music. I opted for the fish tacos. Standard, didn't wow me. Loved the potato-mac salad tho! Hubby had the Wanna Manapua buger. Don't even hesitate about ordering this one! Pork and grass-fed beef patty, baked bao bun and asian pickles. Unique and perfectly balanced. Our beers were flat. Minus 1 star!
(3)
Mindi N.
Fantastic. Thank you Woody for an awesome dinner. Acknowledging our anniversary was so special. Terrific food (abalone) and service. Can't wait to come back!!!
(5)
Mousa H.
Great little spot within walking distance of our hotel... The service was great, Dylan behind the bar was phenomenal with suggestions and mixing of drinks... the live music during the sunset was incredible... TV's were in a good spot and bar was a great place to meet and talk to other folks which is always a plus... The Cajun seared Ahi was delicious and wasn't something I would have picked normally (Thanks, Dylan!)... the burger was good, but over done for a medium... The board listing the beers was a little out of date as they no longer serve Longboard products but they were listed... Overall a great spot if you're on vacation in Kona!
(4)
Grace E.
If there is one place I miss in Hawaii, it is sipping a drink at this little gem. My friend who lives in Kona brought me here and I fell in love with everything about it. Everything from the drinks, the scenery, the environment, the service, is perfect. Feeling the sand in between your toes while sipping on an icy drink, nothing can beat that. Definitely a place to wine down at the end of the day.
(5)
Christine K.
I really want to like it,but i cant. Totally saw this place on yelp, and also drove by. Wanted to give it a shot so i stopped by. of course, in the evenings, its packed. i get that. front person told us that it would be 15 minute wait, with one of the buzzers. so we waited at the bar, hoping to get a drink, 10 minute passes by, impossible to order drinks. seats opened up, so we walk over, but the bartender says its reserved and reserves it for their friends. (who wasnt there to take the seats right away). another 15 minutes passes by, still no one takes our drink orders. at a corner of my eyes, i see all these other people who came in after us, being seated right away, while we were still waiting at the bar for the past 30 minutes. total of 45 minutes, no table, no one takes the drink orders. left the place immediately after that. honestly, i really wanted to like this place with all the reviews and such, but i cant. it was honestly one of the most horrible experience ever.
(1)
Donna S.
Locals sent us here for bar snacks with a great view. It sits right on the lapping water. The floor is half cement and sand Great sliders. Cheapest drinks we have had in the area all week
(3)
Josh K.
The location can't compete with anywhere else. You sit in tables placed in the sand where you overlook the bay and have the opportunity to bask in the regular "wow" sunsets. The food was outstanding. The burger was real tasty, their potato and Mac salad was great, the Korean bbq ribs were rich and the coconut shrimp was my personal favorite. Save room for the Mauna Kea ice cream - soooo good!!! Good for 6 people. And our waiter was so sweet. She was extremely personable and lovely. And we loved our entertainment. The singer was absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend making this stop for dinner one night.
(5)
Benjie K.
Horrible service! Actually beyond horrible. I asked politely 5 times over 45 minutes for a glass of water to drink between the 3 beers I had. Never got any water. They were not slammed when I was there. Just horrible service. No excuse for this in my opinion.
(1)
John M.
The service killed the experience. We were here for almost 2 hours total. The wait after ordering the food to the point of receiving the food was a solid hour. We asked the hostess if this was normal and she said yes. The food was cold even though we were literally 5 feet from the kitchen. We've had some good food and good service in Kona, but this definitely was not where we got it.
(1)
Donald A.
Great location friendly staff and amazing view. Tables are in the sand so wear flip flops sandals or slippers for best experience.
(4)
Tasha H.
I had a mixed experience here. Food was average and we didn't feel well treated by the manager. It was raining when we came here (As it does in Hawaii. All the time.) but for some reason it seemed like this OUTDOOR restaurant was caught completely by surprise. They did not have enough umbrellas to cover each table (what?) and the manager was extremely unhelpful in finding a solution. Nachos were very standard. I am always disappointed when nachos ordered at a restaurant use the bright orange "cheese" goo instead of real cheese. The Kahlua pork was very delicious though! Sashimi was fresh and good quality. It was not cut very professionally, however, and I wish the portion was bigger. Fresh Catch of the Day (Mahi mahi) was a very small portion of fish. The sides were generous, but I would rather have a larger piece of fish! Also, I asked for it as rare as possible, but the edges were still dry. Ahi Burger was interesting; I've never had a ground fish burger. It was pretty average, nothing special. Overall - would not return here.
(2)
Matthew B.
This was not my kind of place at all. If you're going just to drink and listen to live music... it might work. However, if you plan to have dinner, you'll likely find it very loud and hard to talk at all. The waitress asked us if we minded the sand. She forgot to ask if it was also ok to be next to a children's birthday party with 15+ children on one side (seriously... at a bar?), a band on another side, and a noisy bar rounding out the mix. The food and drinks were just ok, and not worth the price paid. We won't be going back.
(2)
Jen L.
This is really difficult to rate! Outdoor bar is great. Live music is great. View is also amazing. Happy hour cocktail drinks were way too sweet and we had to water them down. The happy hour nachos included a small paper tray with stale chips with cheese whiz and canned jalapeños. Gross. We didn't touch it. Happy hour tacos were also disgusting. Bathroom was also disgusting. We left immediately to find a new place. The real restaurant next to the bar looked decent but I can't say how the food is.
(2)
Jackie M.
I came here for Happy Hour. The oceanfront and sandy floor ambiance was a 5 stars. However, the food was not enjoyable. The fish taco was dry. The cocktail was presented in a shade of rainbow, but it looked better then it taste (watered down). Thank goodness it was happy hour price, otherwise you are really there to hang out in front of the oceanfront.
(3)
Ted W.
Caught the sunset here after a long day at the beach. Food was decent and beers were cold. Sunset was absolutely out of this world. Getting seated was a little disorganized. We put our name in and waited patiently but it seemed like people were just walking in and sitting at the (many) empty tables. But the sunsets though..
(4)
Ann B.
A mostly typical touristy spot, this place will hit the spot for most people looking for a huge selection of Hawaiian drinks, live music and ocean views. I cannot fully judge it on food, as I only went here for happy hour, but the happy hour food was pretty laughable. Granted, it was only $4 for *a* slider, mini nacho, or a taco. I second another's review of the nachos - stale chips, cheese whiz and a few canned jalapenos, it tasted like something you would receive at a not even semi-pro baseball field's snack shack. Yech. I did indulge in a couple Hawaiian style drinks and found them to be yummy, though not at all stiff. The live music is always great, but the sneaky .50 "entertainment" charge in small print on the menu is just tacky. I wish I had the chance to try the lunch/dinner fare, but I was being pretty selective on where to spend my money. Hawaii is expensive and you really want to make your restaurant choices carefully. I think I made the right choice by sticking mostly to the drinks and view here.
(2)
Keegan B.
Warm beer, soggy chips and awful service. The beer was nasty, the chips took 30 minutes and were soggy and the service was nonexistent. This place blows!
(1)
M S.
Decent happy hour deals - food portions are quite small, but drinks are tasty :-). Sitting in the sandy section while listening to the entertainment (LT Smooth) was the best part.
(4)
Shant H.
Came to On The Rocks right before sunset as others have recommended. It was definitely a beautiful location and they had live Hawaiian music. Those were the only two things that I liked about this place.
(2)
Millard Z.
Another fantastic place in Kona. Kona is really a great little town and if you are staying towards Waikola it would be a mistake to blow off this town while you're here. We went for lunch and the fish tacos and Korean BBQ steak platter are both great options while sitting in the sand watching the turtles. Like mostly all, this is a very casual place and perfect for lunch or sunset dining with friends. The prices are very good, the drinks are good and the service is very good as well. We just thought, why not go again before we hit the airport? Mahalo...
(4)
Fred D.
Typically touristy waterside bar and restaurant. We had Mai Tai's which were pricey and shared really bad nachos which were soggy and covered in Velveeta like cheese and lacking in beans (we had opted for a veggie version). The music was too loud and we were happy when it finished. Our waiter was friendly and outgoing and didn't really hassle us for staying long enough to watch the sunset. Great view but I wouldn't go back again.
(2)
Jen F.
Nice view, good food & drinks, live entertainment, and people watching... We went here on our first night in town for dinner per the recommendation of friends and it didn't disappoint. It probably has one of the nicer settings in Kona, right on the ocean, and probably one of the better mai tais that I had on the trip. It also had one of the best kona ice cream pies that I've tasted in years. And the poke app with a side of rice made for a delicious dinner.
(4)
Mary H.
Great location, you can eat on the patio or on tables in the sand, pretty cool, and you can't beat the view. I was there for happy hour and had the sliders. Unfortunately the food was marginal at best, condiments on the burger were sparse (onion rings, dressing) drink was good and servers were super. Go for the drinks and the view. Desserts sounded great but the prices were crazy high $14.00 for a PIECE of ice cream pie!
(3)
Michael M.
How is there no one here? Great seating all along the coast line. Plenty of seats. Get here for a great view. Ordered two lava flows they were awesome - lilikoi and guava. I saw there was live music at some pt....that's the only thing that could make it better. Buddy got caesar salad he loved it. Other drinks the group got they loved - Was also a big fan of the Gillilan's girl.
(5)
Silke M.
Great view, good Happy Hour Snacks (Fish Taco-Hummus) Bulgogi plate for lunch was very good but husbands Pork sandwich mediocre & little dry and minus 2 stars for absolute horrific music , like bad Kareoke tunes, ranging all over the place from Hawaiian bad chinese opera sounds to sleepy home recording songs...would have ordered another drink but the music cant get us out of here fast enough...CHANGE it! How about Hawaiian Reggae:)
(3)
Lissa W.
Service was a little slow at first but once you get that first drink in the party is on! The Chee-Hoo Tini is wonderful x3 hehehe! They have sand near the wall of the water so after dinner we let the kids play for a little. Between 4 people we shared one of the appetizers and it was more than enough. I did read the that service was slow or she had another place that be. But she was wonderful and we talk a lot since we are from Texas. I highly recommend this place! I did notice drinks go up after a certain time.
(4)
Diane K.
Go here for the view, music, and atmosphere, but not the cocktails or food. Next time I will definitely opt for beer, since their cocktails are typically small. Service was okay. We were a party of five and needed split checks. We got a face (disgusted) from the waitress when she learned this, but accommodated us. I ordered the rice bowl with beef, which sounded interesting. It wasn't bad, but certainly not a culinary highlight of the trip. There was enough for leftovers in the morning, which I did finish. Beautiful sunset, but you can get the same at Daylight Mind with better drinks, sans music.
(3)
Paul S.
Had a great couple nights here till last night when the blonde female bartender spent 5 minutes fishing out something black from a happy hour drink then topped it off and sent back to the customer. This alone made us leave but the other nights we would rate 8 stars.
(4)
LuLu M.
I had heard this was the place to go to when on the Big Island, but I hate to say it, but I was not impressed, other than the location on the water and the friendly customer service by the bartender Jeff. We came for happy around 4pm and the deals were not that great, I think only $1 or $2 off the regular price and the happy hour food choices and prices were not spectacular either. Overall, compared to other bar/restaurants we experienced, this was near the bottom of the list.
(3)
Jeff W.
Funky bar on the water in Kona. No problems getting seated on a Wednesday afternoon. Fish tacos and pork nachos were great. Drinks were tropical and fruity as should be. Highly recommended.
The view and location is fantastic. The food and service is OK. Been there, done it, will not go back.
(3)
Marielle H.
Good food and good place to see the sunset. Nice staff but a bit hard to get seating since it can get pretty full around sunset time
(4)
Jaimie B.
This is what I call "a happy place" it doesn't get much better than this. Sand in between your toes, Mai Tai in hand, sunset, Jimmy Buffet style music, good service....AHHH I'm tearing up just thinking about Huggos on the Rocks. Happy hour prices make this place over the top. If you on the big island, this is a must at sunset, preferably with someone special, family or friends. It's the quintessential tropical bar, perfect escape from the grind that most of us are stuck in. Sit back, relax and pretend for just a moment that you could have a mai tai at sunset everynight for the rest of your life. Side note....the food is decent but there's better in Kona (Humpy's has better food) otherwise I'd go all out and give 'em 5 stars.
(4)
Kelli H.
We came here after driving around the island. The service was pretty terrible. Our lunch came out before our drinks, which is just bad... The food was okay. Drinks were decent though and priced pretty well. They also had a pretty good happy hour. If you come here, you're coming for the view, because everything else is lacking.
(3)
Mishmish L.
Average. Casual, pretty fresh, great view, standard food. Hubby loved the fish tacos. Went once, it was enough. Nice spot to grab a drink, though. Especially during happy hour.
(3)
Liz T.
Food was ok, service was pretty good, though clearly overwhelmed. Food is expensive, portions are small and drinks were low in alcohol. You sit on a mock-beach, in low chairs that I found uncomfortable. The sand is none-to sanitary, with lots of cigarette butts (and who knows what else) it it. I was creeped out in sandals. Music was too loud. I imagine the view everyone keeps going on about would be great, had we arrived at sunset or during the day. For a late dinner though, its just dark. . .so who cares? I don't see how a place can get by on view alone. Huggo's on the rocks feels like a tourist trap, no matter how much they advertise, their food is fine, but nothing spectacular. I am glad I got out-voted, and we didn't go to the more expensive Huggo's
(2)
Michael S.
If you're looking for that oceanfront, laid back beach bar that serves some great dishes too... Huggo's is that place. And the kicker: the floor is sand that you can bury your toes in while those happy hour drinks keep comin'! We had a blast every time we came out to Huggo's on our vacation. Live music, great happy hour specials and some of the best food (honestly) on the strip. It's attached to it's sister restaurant Huggo's but we never ventured to go inside when the outside area was too awesome to leave and had all the amenities we could ask for. Ask for Hannah; if she hasn't been appointed by Prince Kamehameha to be the island's official server. She's that great and made our experience that much more enjoyable! So grab a Mai Tai and some onion rings (WOW!) and have a chill at Huggo's on the Rocks.
(5)
Patti P.
Four of us went for happy hour drinks and appetizers and everyone was disappointed. Warm beer, watery Mai Tai's and the appetizer nacho's were a joke. Tiny paper tray with a few chips, fake cheese and horrible guacamole. It does have a great location but there are lots of other nice spots. None of us would go back.
(1)
Fiona S.
Lovely view, decent food, nice wait staff, but be warned, if you come here as a woman with a child you will be given a second tier table even if there are lots of tables by the rail with a view. Evidently the host discriminates.
(3)
Donna E.
The view and sunset is amazing. We saw whales in the distance along with dolphins jumping out of the water. Huggo's has a relaxed ambiance and awesome food. I recommend the ahi tuna burger.
(5)
Marc W.
Food is average and beer selection is limited. Atmosphere is among the best anywhere though. Right on the beach, happy little bar/grill with a sand floor and umbrellas over the tables. Expensive and has a very limited Kids' menu. Excellent service and the cocktail list was amazing. (We didn't try them but we saw a couple if impressive examples.) But really, you're sitting in a pub in Kona. On the water. With beer and burgers. And five kids. It doesn't get much better.
(4)
Tanya F.
Decent food for a bar, I had the fish tacos. The view is nice as well as the entertainment. The night we were there they had a ukelele player and hula dancer. Good service. We had a huge party and they were generally accommodating and our server was very nice and on top of her game. Would return for a bar on the beach atmosphere.
(4)
Julie B.
This restaurant has an amazing view over looking the water. A large group of us went here for dinner and drinks. We went on a Thursday night and there was live Hawaiian music! I got the fish & chips & it was delicious! A few other people in our party enjoyed sampler platters, tacos, tostadas, ahi, & burgers with no complaints!! The server was very nice & kept the drinks flowing! I loved the "mango mango" which had captain Morgan & mango...yumm!! I will definitely come back here if I ever come back to the big island!!
(4)
C. W.
Great "Happy Hour" here!!! This was the best "happy hour" we had in Kona. Amazing view of the sunset, good drinks and the nachos (large size, NOT the small happy hour size) was so yummy with shredded pork and guacamole and it was enough for the 5 of us! Sliders were basic, but nothing special. The ladies ordered the rainbow happy our special drink...pretty and tasty, but on the sweet side. Outdoor seating with sand on your feet, great music and what a good time! Service was really good, too. If we stayed longer in Kona, we would definitely have gone back for another one of their "Happy Hours"...or two...or three. So fun!!!
(5)
Rachel C.
There's always something going on at Huggo's. First class dining, unmatched view of the ocean, and live music. Don't miss this Kona gem! The seafood chowder is some of the best I've ever tasted and the portions are generous, making the meal well worth the price.
(5)
Caitlin C.
Our group went here for happy hour today and everything was EXCELLENT!! 3$ drinks, 6$ appetizers. The rainbow is the best thing to get!!! Our waiters was a tall thin blonde girl, she was GREAT!!!!
(5)
Jody M.
This is a MUST go to place in Kona. Simply perfect! It is right in front of the water, with a Hawaiian singer, tropical setting oh so relaxing, you could watch your fave team while enjoying mai tais and burgers, the breathtaking sunset, wonderful warm weather and the waves crushing. A GREAT Hawaiian experience. I LOVE this place.
(5)
Curtis V.
This is a must go to place on the Big Island. Be sure to check out their live entertainment calendar to know who will be performing or just pop in and ask. View is amazing, you can even spot some dolphins swimming on a good day! Remarkable views, very nice staff. When I think about eating at a restaurant in hawaii Huggos on the Rocks is it. Feet in the sand, cold beer, great view. Check it out.
(5)
Vee V.
Beautiful view for a quick cocktail...saw this pretty set up in the downtown-strip and had to stop. Took a few very nice photos of the beach. I like the huge billboard of a hula girl right outside the bar, couldn't resist and jumped on it =). There's not a whole lot of parking available so be prepare to circle several times. The bartender is great. Come on and grab an ice cold beer!!
(4)
Crystal W.
If seats are available, you are practically sitting on the ocean and able to put your feet in the sand while eating a fabulous meal and enjoying cocktails. Vacation heaven, as far as I'm concerned. I was with a party of four and not one of us had a complaint about anything. I drank a delicious, kick-you-in-the-pants Mai Tai and ate flavorful fish tacos, both of which happened to be on special. Happy holidays to me! Service was efficient and friendly. My spouse calls me the "bathroom inspector" because I have to use it everywhere I go (out of necessity, not nosiness, thank-you!). I was very happy to see that thought was put into the restrooms here in that they are decorated well and kept up despite the fact that they are single patron restrooms basically off of the beach. Not all establishments care about this but in my opinion, it says a lot about them. If the weather is nice, Huggo's is a no-fail situation. If I ever were to return, I'd hope the experience would be the same.
(5)
Danielle M.
Huggos on the Rocks...where do I begin?? This place is an absolute gem. The food is delicious, cocktails are awesome (Rainbows especially), Happy Hour can't be beat and the atmosphere is heaven. The Korean Beef Tacos and Onion Rings are to die for. Our group ate here at least 6 times during our 10 day stay...it's everything you could hope for and more. Hannah was our server and she deserved a gold star every single time...she's the best! We cannot wait to come back to the islands and hit up Huggos again.
(5)
Shawn C.
This place gets a solid 5 stars for their incredible service. We misread the menu and thought we were ordering one thing when it was really part of something else. The something else had goat cheese, which my wife can't eat. When the waitress brought out a new one, we discovered it also had pancetta, which my wife can't eat either. The waitress brought ANOTHER new one without those ingredients. While the food is certainly very good (4-5 stars for that, my mahi mahi with pumpkin risotto was exceptional as was the final dish for my wife), service like we received tonight is far more memorable and appreciated. We will be talking about Huggos for a long time.
(5)
Will C.
Visited on a lark because we got the Sheraton Luau date wrong. Awesome mistake on our part...Huggos is the bomb! Live music, Hula lessons, nice people, good drinks, etc. great cap to my week long vacation! Go there! Talk to the Dude who runs the show there, Nakies Constantinou, he was really friendly and cool, making sure our experience was superior. Photos of food and drinks don't do much for me. It's all about the reality of the atmosphere, service, eating and drinking to render the experience, and reviews. Take pleasure in Hawaii and make sure you visit Huggos when you are in Kona.
(4)
Tracy R.
Food was good and the view is amazing! Loved sitting in the sand and watching the sun set while enjoying dinner. I had the fish tacos which were a little spicy and hubby had the ahi tuna burger which was more like a crab cake burger.
(4)
Linda D.
Waterside is what this place is about. Maybe the 5,00 Hawaiian rainbows at happy hour too. Food was average and entertainment terrible tonight.
(3)
Chuck D.
This is first one star I've ever given a eatery. Poor service, food was cold, tasteless and the drinks were just watered down hype. The only place I would never return too while in Kona. Many other places locally to find better food and better service. Enjoy the sunset somewhere else and save your stomach and wallet. Applebees with a view...pass
(1)
Jeff N.
To start. Great view and a live music area is pretty cool. The Mai ties are good and the beer is cold. Now the food...ranges from forgettable/regrettable to uneatable. The sweet potato fries are the best sides and if you like sweet potato fries then these will be the lowest on your list of places for good fries. I've tried the blackened "fresh caught" fish. I am not a celebrity chef but even I know that was frozen badly. Seriously tastes like Gordens from the freezer section. Another time I tried the Hawaiian BBQ sandwich. Being an airline pilot, I eat dinner at restaurants 300 day or more a year. I probably return food to the kitchen once every other year. This was one of those cases. It tasted like there was an accident in the kitchen where the top of the salt shaker fell off while cooking. It was uneatable. The bar isn't located in a regular building. Really it is more just a hut exposed on most sides to the open air. With that....the unexpected visiting cockroach was not cool and had to be neutralized inches from my food. I get that many people may have had good experiences here but this is my third time I've given this place a chance and there won't be any more chances.
(1)
Aleta G.
Great view, strong drinks and great food. We went on a Friday night at sunset and had to wait 15 minutes for a table. Not too bad considering. They had live music and a hula dancer. We enjoyed our time here.
(5)
Michael M.
This was our go-to Happy Hour joint, 3-6pm 7 days a week. $3 beer and well pours, $4 house wine and coctail specials, $3 dollar nachos and one or two other snacks. Comforatble patio seating right on the ocean, just a perfect spot. Kick off your flip-flops and wiggle your toes in the sand! I also recommend their view at sunset, it's lovely, but regular drink prices apply. And you need to know that after 8pm, there is a 50 cent per drink surcharge for entertainment. This place gets very busy at night with live music and dancing; one of the few hot-spots in sleepy Kailua-town. We always stop here for a drink right after the plane lands and before we check in. This time I was hungry, so I ordered the Bulgogi sandwich: Korean spiced beef on a roll topped with kim chee. The beef was delicious, although the bread was a bit spongy (not easy to find really good bread in Hawaii, maybe it's the humidity). Her Majesty usually gets a gin Martini, which she says is strong and cold the way it should be. She also likes the iced tea here when she desires an alcohol free choice. Someone below complained about the plastic glassware. Hello....we are in the sand barefooted! I don't want to risk cutting my foot on a shard of glass. Huggo's OTR, please stick with plastic. Someone else below complained about the cheese sauce on the pork nachos---read the menu and you won't be surprised, they plainly tell you about the cheese sauce. A few below clearly intended to review Huggo's rather than Huggo's OTR. These are two separate establishments providing two separate experiences, don't be confused.
(4)
Melinda P.
Perfect end to a day of hiking. Super casual, eat with your feet in the sand while you listen to ukulele music. Good selection of beers. Fish tacos and ahi burger are fantastic!
(5)
Nabil A.
Lovely site with consistently good music. Salad with fresh catch of the day used island crisp lettuce, beets, cucumbers, beets and carrots. Healthy food along with great fries and burgers. Drinks are so so but who cares when you're at a restaurant that has one of the best Kona views and a feel good vibe.
(4)
Steven B.
Enjoyed a happy hour at Huggo's, in the bar, and got fast and friendly service, great ale on tap, plus yummy fish tacos. Great view too and a live music, so what's not to love?!
(5)
Mike M.
Now to save everyone time, I'll get right to the point... For party time: If you want the best party spot on the big island, go to Huggo's.. Disclaimer, it closes early (by 12am), and Saturday night is the main night to go, the rest of the week is just dead so find something else to do to waste your time (keep in mind we went here around the end of September, supposedly the slow sense, so it may very other times throughout the year). Dress was very casual (t-shirt and shorts), although the locals were in dresses and tshirt/jeans (hello people its 75 degrees and 100% humidity - crazy). The music is basically a local band playing various popular songs (which most drunk cougars are dancing too, lol) but it isn't anything to write home about, although it does make you feel like your in Hawaii. The ratios were the same as most places (30:70 - girls to guys), more locals than tourist. Drinks were moderate in price (about $6-7 for a bud light) and bartenders were a little slow, some are more receptive and attentive than others. For getting your grub on: The food is good and pretty pricey, although keep in mind your paying for the view and the luxury of being right on the beach. Also, it has one of the best views in Kailua. If you don't care about the view and want a little cheaper meal, then go across the street to LuLu's. Overall, I'll return to Huggo's next time I'm on the big island on a Satruday night :)
(4)
Albert H.
It's a bar on the beach and it definitely gets the job done. Happy hour is pretty happening ( though it was an older crowd the afternoon we stopped in ). We elected to avoid the sand seating and found a couple stools at the bar. Service was fast and friendly. And the happy hour fish taco was really pretty decent. Drinks - especially on happy hour - are cheaper here than at the sit-down restaurant next door ( which also happens to have a bar with an overlapping cocktail list ) - and the view is just as good ( if not better from the bar ). Be aware that they tack on a small charge when there's live entertainment after 8pm. We had live entertainment at happy hour for free, though. :) Parking can be had - no need to risk it in the lot across the street - their lot extends randomly down toward the Sheraton for quite some distance.
(4)
Chuck N.
Tuesday, 6:30PM. **Repeat review on other listing Crew was ready for a nicer dinner. Huggo's was also close to our condo. Wooden cut-out of a hula dancer welcomes patrons. Venue sits over the ocean. They've got the location on lock! Quickie: *Mediocre food (potential of using fresh seafood was lost, bland) - Service was overly slow and unresponsive +Live music (Bula Akamu rocked it on the mic/guitar) +Literally over the water, crashing of waves = melodic +View of sunset is EPIC And then...? Good for novelty. Second chance when I'm in the area again. ********** Stuffed my face in: 1. Catch of the day - ono *Fish was fresh, firm, and juicy, but no flavor *Macaroni and sauce = soggy
(3)
Lo P.
This has long been one of my favorite places in Kona. Huggos on the Beach has a great happy hour -- specials include $4 Mai Tais and $3 beers, $2 fish tacos, and live music. It's a relaxing place to sit and eat and/or drink -- it's right on the water, and you can watch the sunset. The food is pretty good for happy hour/bar standards. We enjoyed everything we had, but it's not exactly a "foodie destination." Nachoes, burgers, etc...all satisfying, especially with a few Mai Tais. Service is quick and friendly, too. Even if you're not there to drink, it's a great place to stop by for food if you want to avoid the screaming children found often at the more crowded restaurants across the street.
(5)
Paul S.
Wonderful location, that the family loves. Great for a sunset drink. Good music. Food is ok. Staff is inconsistent. But this is all about the ambience, and it delivers.
(5)
Drew M.
Love this place, regular stop for us in Kona. Great HH and some unique dishes (try the bugolgi and rice.....phenomenal!
(5)
Chauffeur Mom S.
We really liked this restaurant, but the food wasn't that great. Pros: - Fabulous setting, nice view of sunset right on the beach, sand on your feet. - Parking easy, across the street, along the road. - Fun music (had a band when we went, and I think they always have music). - Waitress was good and efficient. - Happy Hour with $3 beer. Cons - The food. Mediocre at best. We recommend going for drinks at sunset because it's very Hawaiian... then you don't have to eat much of the food.
(3)
Erin G.
Despite no reservations and no waiting list - you have to hawk your table first come first serve - it was worth the wait. We went at 6:00 with a party of 10 and were able to grab a few tables in the bar, then when some opened up, moved down to two tables in the sand right on the waterfront. The place isn't very big, but so fun and RIGHT on the water. AMAZING for sunset views, good drinks (the mai tai's were very good) and fun live entertainment. The band played contemporary music and Hawaiian music and had a hula dancer for several numbers... even invited audience participation which our daughter loved. The dinners come in bamboo steamer boxes and were quite good. I enjoyed the mahi mahi tacos (very good) and we also tried the korean short ribs (a little salty), meatloaf and panko crusted catch of the day (must have been excellent - my husband ate it all before I could even try a bite!) Overall excellent ambience if you are patient enough to wait for a perfect table.
(5)
Magnus S.
[06.16.2012] **Currently the Duke of Huggo's** BOW TO YOUR SENSEI! I went to Huggo's on the Rocks several times during my stay in Kona back in May (how am I still the Duke?!?!), and I must say, this is the BEST beachfront dive bar in town! A little tip of advice, show up no later than 7 if you want to catch the sunset (happy hour is from 3-6). It fills up quickly. Clearly the best part of Huggo's is the location. One of the nights I was there, my server was TERRIBLE (well I had the bad waitress twice actually). I had to ask several times for a glass of water, and I never knew there were happy hour specials until another visit. Aside from the one lousy waitress I had, the experience was great. The food comes in generous portions, and is generally quick to be served. The drinks are stiff, and reasonably priced. Some nights they have live music, and if you stay for the music show, expect a charge on your bill (a cover basically). I don't mind paying a cover for live music, but just beware if you're cheap. SERVICE: 2/10 AMBIANCE: 10/10 FOOD: 8/10 PRICE: 7/10 UNIQUENESS: 9/10 OVERALL SCORE: 72 Service: Graded by the "Keep my cup full principle". Ambiance: Pretty self-explanatory Food: A high food score does not always indicate it is a place for foodies. It is weighted based upon the establishment - thus bar food can receive a high score Price: Price is graded based upon what I believe is fair value for the food you are receiving. A high score does not necessarily indicate the establishment is cheap. Uniqueness: Higher scores indicate desire to return.
(3)
Dave M.
Went here on our first night on Big Island and it was a good place to grab a bite to eat, have a beer or two, and watch some really nice hula while listening to music. This is not a locals hang out by any means, but the atmosphere is fantastic since it right on the water, the drinks are cold and the food is decent. We had the fish tacos and the mahi mahi is blackened, not fried, which was nice and the portion was well worth the $15 (ish) price tag. About 5 different local beers from Kona Brewing Company was on tap and service was good as well.
(3)
V R.
The food is good, they even have gluten free options! And their Lava Flow is delish! The only downer was seating. The sign says, "seat yourself" and if there aren't any spots you usually hover until one opens up. But, one night, the rules had suddenly changed. Some guy working there had a line of people, and he was finding them seats. So, when another young couple offered me their table because they were leaving, I took it. And then this "host/bouncer" ousted me from the fairly won table (according to their usual rules) and seated another family there. That family didn't want it. So, then another couple ahead of us in "line" (by that time we had given up and joined the line of people waiting to "seat themselves") was given the table. THEN, that couple was kind enough to offer for us to join them. So, we ended up having a good night, but it was off to a confusing, frustrating start!
(3)
Chris G.
Had a nice lunch here on a recent trip to the Big Island. The cool ocean breeze was great after walking around Kailua-Kona and even better were the cold mai tais. We came at the tail end of the lunch rush and service was slow even though the crowd was thinning out. The server was apologetic at least. Tried the kailua pork sandwich and loved it. The rib special (only available on certain days I think) was also pretty good - the ribs were huge! The taco salad was just ok - nothing special. Would have gone with 4 stars if the service had of been more prompt - but I wouldn't hesitate to visit Huggos again on my next visit to Kona.
(3)
Ken M.
We spent at least part of 8 of our 10 days in Hawaii at Huggo's on the Rocks. I am so glad that the Expedia Local Expert at our resort recommended Huggo's and we decided the wait was too long and came next door to On The Rocks. The bar and seating are all open air, with either thatch roof or canopies over much of it. The "floor" is mostly sand except for directly adjacent to the bar. The view is killer. Perfect sunsets nearly every day. It can be noisy and some of the patrons can get a little trashy, but it is a bar. The food is served in steam baskets, which is kind of interesting, but does make some of the dishes hard to eat. The staff were generally really friendly and nice, but sometimes a little slow to come to the table. I thought the food was pretty good and the drinks are good and reasonably priced for the area.
(5)
Cynthia M.
First time in Kona (6/15), got hungry and spotted Huggo's. Saw the chalk board menu (Clam Chowder) and we were in. Wonderful atmosphere, over looking the ocean. Prices were terrific and the portions on spot. Tried the Rainbow Happy Hour drink, sweet, colorful delish. My daughters had virgin Pina Colada's that they loved. Husband said, Chowder was the best. I had the Ahi Tuna Burger, nice size portion, wonderfully season and drizzled with wasabi/mayo spread on foccacia roll. Of course had fries that were just the right amount of crisp and seasoning. Girls had sliders and pasta with clams - both enjoyed their food. Saved room for dessert, Coffee Mud Pie - enough for all four of us to share! The whole meal was made perfect by the setting, excellent music and hula dancer. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful. Manager came by to ask if everything was okay. Would definitely go back!
(5)
Summer B.
This is the place to be on a warm Kona night! Nothing says Aloha more than watching the sunset, with a Mai tai in your hand and your toes in the sand. The food was good (not the best on the Big Island, but still good). The drinks were exceptional. The live entertainment was enjoyable. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Barry Z.
Huggo's is one of a kine. Live local music on the water. Grab a table (good luck!) and order one of the 17 dollar Mia Tia's and chill........ soon you will forget about everything.
(4)
Rick B.
Best happy hour on the strip by a long shot. When you think about what an island bar serving Mai Tai's should look like, you probably picture a place like Huggo's on the Rocks. $3 drinks and $3 fish tacos during happy hour. Nice! And the servers we had each time were really friendly. That's why we went back twice.
(4)
Tony Y.
This place has this wonderful sitting area on the sand, and 151 for 11 bucks. The 151 drink deceptively did NOT taste at all like 151. Very cool, very dangerous. The bartenders here were younger, but I guess after being hit on by tourists constantly they're pretty icy. I asked my bartender where she got her necklace, a puka shell variation because I wanted to get one and she hurriedly responded "my boyfriend made it for me", so i called back "can he make me one too?" which was typical drunk banter for me, but i was pretty annoyed by that response. overall this place is fairly reasonable with nice entertainment every night, again an older crowd.
(4)
Martha B.
Went here one night for dinner--kind of fun that the floor is sand and the tiki torches and view are nice, but the food was just ok and the band was TERRIBLE! We obviously didn't see the one with the hula dancer that others describe. We saw a sorry Supremes wanna-be group who had bad harmonies, corny moves and kept forgetting the lyrics to their songs. We left shortly after they came on because they sort of ruined the atmosphere. Our server was nice.
(2)
Missy F.
Great food, music, atmosphere, and service! I also got to keep my novelty coconut cup ;)
(5)
Flash Z.
Love this place! Bartender hooked me up. When the sun sets the people watching is amazing. I think this might be a local gay bar too but don't quote me on that cuz I'm an out of towner. Live music and watching thw dancing was a fun night! A lot of older people which was even better for people watching! Good times!
(5)
Nhung H.
This place is located inside Huggo's On The Rocks, but they actually only rent out the place in the mornings from 7am (or 6am) till 11:30am. It's actually called "Java On The Rocks". It's a bit pricey for just okay breakfast. A small plate of fruits is $10 and a decent "American' breakfast is $11 bucks....there's definitely other breakfast places near by that is wayyyy better. Cheaper and you get more for what you pay for. I think we went here a couple of times in the morning just because it was so close to our hotel. The coffee was just kona coffee that you can pretty much get anywhere on the island. Of course, the staffs were friendly and pretty funny.
(3)
Gloria B.
I came here a couple of weeks ago and was on a mission for a great mai tai. Found it! Oh yeah, there was food too. The veggie panini was an expected disappointment. Fish tacos, score! Live music and optional sandy dining were big pluses. Service was a little slow, but like everyone else who was there, I kind of just didn't care. Still, keyword: MAI TAI
(4)
Christopher B.
This place failed me. I didn't have high expectations coming in and it barely reached those I had. For beginners, I will saw that the views and atmosphere are unmatched in Kona- just a great setting to be right on the ocean. The entertainment was good as well so another plus. The beer selection was very weak not to mention the few beers I did want were those they didn't have on tap! The fresh fish was an absolute joke- I would never order that again. Save your money and go somewhere else. The ahi option, however, was quite good so I can't knock it there. Finally, the service was average at best. Our waitress was running around with her head cut off and it took quite a while to get what we ordered. Just know what you're getting here- overpriced food and bad service for great views of the sunset/ocean.
(3)
Jesse P.
I only give it 3 stars because I don't really think the food is that good, but the view and happy hour are a different story. Happy hour from 3-6 offers some pretty good deals on drinks and with the ocean right there it can't be beat. Come here and have a few pre-dinner drinks on the ocean and then move on. Food 3 stars, view 5 stars, happy hour 4 star.
(3)
Paul B.
Great open air place on the water. Good food , drinks, and music. Drink prices are great for being on the beach in Kona.
(5)
Rick B.
A delightful place right on the water. The ribs and sizzling mushrooms were good and reasonable. Waitress Diana is charming and friendly and will take good care of you. I just wish they had some draft beer on tap, but all they had were bottles.
(4)
Some G.
Awesome happy hours. $5 for real cocktails in a pint+ size container. Both their Mai Tai and Hawaiian Rainbow cocktails were great. Beef or Fish Tacos are $3 a piece and it was tasty and filling. Best part is you get to enjoy live music while you sip on cocktails with your feet in the sand. Best bang for the buck so far. Happy hour is from 4-6pm I think.
(4)
Dia C.
The live music and location were amazing! The beat boxer entertained us for a long while.. He was amazing! The name was Logan Martin i think. The mai tais rock too and the staff is very friendly!
(4)
Ed E.
The self seating system sucks,the waitress don't know if your coming or going.so that makes the wait really long for service!!!
(3)
Robert R.
This place is to be enjoyed, have Billy make ya a strong mai tai put your feet in the sand and enjoy the music in paradise
(5)
Tina S.
We had a wonderful time at Huggo's On The Rocks...The music was great. Good vibes and what an awesome view...The food was good....No complaints!!! Put your feet in the sand an enjoy the ride...
(5)
Terry W.
The music is too loud, the restaraunt is too close to the Ocean, and the people were having way too much fun.... Huggos was a great way to end our vacation. I took the reccomendation of a friend of mine, and Kharma was on my side. (I just had a bad experience at the Boss Frog Snorkel place, and this restaraunt experience saved the day) Even though the place was packed on a Sunday afternoon, it felt like you could basically share tables, sit where you needed and enjoy yourself. We luckily found a table right on the water and listened to some great music. Even though it was very much a bar like atmosphere, my two daughters were very comfortable. (So much so, they wound up doing the Hula on stage) Food was good (best on the Island? no, but reasonable and pretty fair for the price) Mai Tai's were good. And the letting sand run through your toes as you watch the water, and listen to the music is a great way to spend the night. I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Mascha B.
Both times we stayed in Kailua-Kona we have enjoyed a lunch and dinner at Huggo's OTR. Feet in the sand, beautiful view, great staff and delicious food. What more do you want when you're on holiday. Our 4year old son also loves it for the food playing in the sand and dancing to the live music at night. Food is realy great and served in the cool and giant steaming baskets. We'll be back next time on the Island.
(4)
Michelle S.
We've been here for a week and this quickly became one of our favorite happy hour spots. Great sunset and fast friendly bar service. Go in and say hi to Denis - he pours a mean mai tai. We walked here almost every night not only for the drinks but the music is fantastic! Happy hour is until 6pm with food and drink specials. Huggo's is worth a visit!
(5)
Earlene C.
What a lovely restaurant on the beautiful Kona Coast Shore. Total tiki bar with good ol' American eats and tropical cocktails. The Chicken Nachos are the bomb and so is the Hawaiian Rainbow Cocktail! We just arrived today and we're probably coming back one more time before leaving. There's something refreshing eating next to the water with your toes in the sand!
(4)
Liv H.
We came here for drinks and appetizers. The drinks were a little weak, but they were still good, and the appetizers were delicious. The reason I gave this place 5 stars though is for its location and atmosphere...it is located on the rocks right above the beach and there is sand under all of the tables so it is as if you are sitting on the beach enjoying your drinks, listening to music and just relaxing. Cant wait to go back :)
(5)
Meredith R.
Great spot on the water - super fun in the evenings and a chill lunch spot for the day should you find yourself roaming the streets of Kona town. The menu is huge and has something for everybody - the portions are equally huge so you definitely won't leave hungry. I had the Reuben for lunch and it was surprisingly excellent! My friends enjoyed their fish and chicken sandwiches and their cocktails as well. At night we came back once and the place was hoppin' with people of all ages - pretty cool. Live music was playin' and people were throwing back cocktails having a grand ole time. But beware: the place shuts down at 11pm - yup - even on the weekend.
(4)
Crissy K.
I have to admit, after experiencing a pretty mediocre meal the day before at Bongo Ben's across the street, I wasn't expecting much from Huggo's on the Rocks. But the two places couldn't be more different! Whereas the service and ambience need more than a little work at Bongo, they couldn't have been better at Huggo's. You can't ask for much more in Kailua Kona than to have your chair and your feet literally IN the sand, the sound of the waves crashing into the rocks just a yard away, as you savor the best-selling (for a reason!) blackened mahi tacos. (Get 'em with the potato chips -- they're Kona style and also rock.) The servers cater to your every need without being overbearing. It's open air, Kona-style relaxation at its best.
(4)
Jason H.
Delicious fries and turkey panini!!! Awesome service!!! And I HIGHLY recommend the local brews as well as the Lilikoi Margaritas and the Lilikoi Martinis! The entire staff was friendly and the views were great! Also, the live entertainment was actually pretty awesome!!
(5)
Mike S.
My wife and I had a great evening, good local food and an amazing view from our table.
(4)
Sara P.
We came to Huggo's for lunch. It was easy to find seating and the view is fantastic! My mango bbq pork sandwich was great and a huge portion. Manfriend really enjoyed his burger, I didn't even get a chance to taste it. He was already finished by the time I asked. However, my favorite part of this lunch was the alcohol. It was greatly needed after losing my luggage. Good thing they make their mai tais extra strong.
(4)
Sherry S.
You put your feet right in the sand. Love that! Had the fish tacos and they were good. I cannot remember which hawaiian fish I had but it was truly yummy. Ambience wonderful as you are right out there by the water. Waiter was easy going and so was the drink.
(4)
Charles G.
Quintessential tourist bar. Entertainment with added surcharge for drinks. Very good burgers. Stick with the beer and definitely avoid the coconut martini! Overpriced and not much booze. Always hate to have a drink come and the glass 1/3 full.
(4)
Kristin D.
Went for lunch. Great view and friendly service. Had a grass-fed Hawaiian beef burger that was really good. I would eat there if the food was bad (which it is not!), the location is that great.
(4)
Andy G.
Bulgogi Tacos were delicious, as were the drinks. Great place to watch the sunset. I want to write a long review, but why bother? The food, drinks, and view are top notch, and our server was friendly.
(5)
Gary G.
Great place to watch the waves and enjoy happy hour. Good prices on happy hour drinks and snacks. Waitresses were very friendly and helpful, would definitely go back!
(4)
Peg H.
Really enjoyed the ambiance next to the water, Mai Tais, and kalbi ribs. Great ending to our vacation before heading to the airport
(5)
Joanne H.
Huggo's is a great place to grab a beer, watch the sunset and listen to the live music. I went here twice during our visit to meet up with friends. The tables are all in this sandy area and the food is tasty and casual.
(4)
Julie L.
Looks a bit like a beachy dive bar, but the food was surprisingly good and reasonably priced. I had the bulgogi and fried rice alongside a mango mojito, and it was all downright tasty. We got a table in the sand, and the views are great. The service was a little shaky - we had food brought to our table that wasn't ours (this happened twice during our lunch), and one person's order was completely lost, but they were apologetic and tried to get it taken care of quickly.
(4)
Janet O.
Breakfast cooked college style in a microwave (Like eggs and bacon) Went back for for dinner and sat by the water. There was a band and a singer/dancer. Funny thing: Seated next to us by the water was a mother/daughter roach :( FYI the place looks prettier at night than during the day. Save your day for hiking and come here for somewhat a romantic night if you're a couple of lovebirds. Lastly, this is a good place to get wasted at night. there is a bar and it looks inviting :)
(3)
Paula G.
If you want to feel like you're In the mainland come to Huggos on the rocks. Asked about the menu, owner couldn't be bothered and answered In a rude condescending way. Skip this spot. Menu looked mediocre. We walked right out after we felt disrespected. Not a good idea to be hostile towards tourists visiting your restaurant.
(1)
Sassy So Cal S.
Awesome entertainment with The Tiki Dolls on Monday 8/19/12! Fantastic variety of songs. The ahi poke was super yummy and drinks were great! Wish the Kahlua pork nachos had real cheese but it was still good.
(5)
Korbett C.
This place is all about the happy hour Mai Tai's, but not the happy hour food menu. The Mai Tai's are strong and tasty, and the sandy beachfront bar is a great place to have a few while watching the sun set and listen to live music. We saw LT Smooth here, -uhmazing! Unfortunately, the happy hour food is not very good. I recommend you don't come hungry, and if you do eat here, order off the full menu. Fish and chips were generous and great ballast for two. Don't forget another Mai Tai...
(4)
Ron W.
Great food, good service and a great location. Poke wrap was excellent. Wife did not like the reuben but the burger two days later was great.
(4)
Jujulik A.
I really liked the set up of the place. This is the type of local hang out that I was looking for. I am very surprised that others on the island are not the same. Yes, I took my sandals off and buried my toes into the sand while I ate my dinner. What a better way to exfoliate your feet while eating... LOL The food is pretty good but I think the portions are a tad bit small. I had the Potato Mac salad and I loved it but it was only a small portion. I think for the price they charge, they should give more of the 1 side they offer or provide 2 sides. The sandwhich I had was incredible and the bread was fresh. There was a guitar playing man and a dancing girl. It was a nice relaxing dinner with some great music. If you go to the Big Island, you must go here. TIP: Go at night. It's much more fun!
(4)
Naomi H.
Good price for happy hour drinks - $4 mai-tai's. And they went to the trouble of making mine without pineapple (since I am most unfortunately allergic). Wings were pretty tasty. Poke was fantastic. We also ordered the $3 slider and $3 fish taco...really tiny for that much money. And apparently it was supposed to be a happy hour deal? It was the worst deal of everything we ordered. Service was pretty shabby - our guy seemed to have our table and one other and he spent a long time chatting up the other table while we still hadn't even gotten to order. Little birds all over the place, under my chair, around my feet, looking for crumbs. Startling at first, but they grew on me. :)
(3)
Bruce N.
Great Happy Hour and sunsets
(4)
Tony A.
Do not mistake this for Huggo's Restaurant. This restaurant is next door. I have to say, the view is fantastic! Literally right on the ocean. You smell the ocean scent and feel the breeze pass through in spite of the humidity. We read the reviews and thought we would try this place out. We decided to try it for breakfast and let me say that aside for the views, this place was a MISS for us. The food and the service....lacking. I had the American omelet which was microwaved. My partner had the lox and bagel. You picked your own bagel, you sliced it and toasted it yourself. They brought us our food on paper plates. I got a cup of coffee that was luke warm. We had to get our own water. The lady that brought our food seemed annoyed that we asked her to wipe down our table. To top it off, they ask that you bus your own table. Come on, I'm on vacation. I don't want to clean my table before I eat and then bus my table after it. I certainly didn't want to toast my bagel and refill my own water. This is not what I expected! What got me is they expected a tip. I understand the spirit of Ohana but that's pushing the concept. The American omelet (which came with bagel, cream cheese and 'tropical fruit" which was really just a slice of papaya with 2 grapes), the bagel and lox (which came with cream cheese and a slice of papaya with 2 grapes), and a large coffee: $30.45. Come on. We had lunch at Lava Java down the street with the same great views with a burger, a sandwich and two ice teas for less than $30. Here's a tip: for the amount of money they charged, go to Lava Java or some other restaurant on Ali'i Drive. They all have great ocean views and provide great food with the service you would expect and are more likely less expensive.
(2)
Victoria T.
Poor service waitress couldnt even get our main entree correct dont order the poke tower or the guava ribs unlesd u like to eat burnt chips and over cooked ribs. Drinks are watered down with too much cream. Only the sauces tasted good.
(1)
Sarah B.
Huggo's is tasty and entertaining option, right on the beach. The view is fantastic, and there is live music nearly every day! The service is good, and very receptive to food allergies (gluten-free and vegan options already listed on the menu!) Their drinks are fantastic, and even the locals make a point to come here! I loved their quesadillas as our pupu, and then the sliders and fries for dinner. It was all totally fantastic! This joint is great for friends and family, and parties of any size!
(5)
Kim P.
Great atmosphere, great view for watching the sunset. However, I advise to stay away from their $14.00 nachos appetizer for the following reasons: 1: the cheese is not real cheese and we were told by our server that it's stadium cheese. My rely was we are not at a stadium. 2: we told our server we were allergic to pork and asked to substitute chicken. Well those nachos ended up costing us $17.00 for cheese wiz. If you want real nachos for a reasonable price and same size go to happy hour at the marriot courtyard down the street.
(2)
Michelle P.
I came here with a friend for their happy hour (3-6pm). I got the Hawaiian Rainbow and my friend got the Mai Tai. Both were good, but the Mai Tai was definitely much stronger. They also had some small dishes for half price, and I think this menu changes everyday. We just got drinks though, and enjoyed the ocean view. Huggo's main strength is the atmosphere. They are situated right on the coast of Kona, the whole place is outdoors with some straw roofed sections, and they brought in sand to cover what would have been the floor so it's like you're sitting at tables on a sandy beach. Good view of the ocean, and they have live music at night. Can't say anything for the food since we didn't have any but it's a bit pricey... I think the cheapest item I saw on the menu was $15. So ask for the happy hour deals for food if you come between 3-6pm!
(4)
Jim R.
This is a must to get the real island feel in a casual dining experience. Good food and drinks with music and hula dancing in the evening hours.
(4)
Jenn G.
LOVE this restaurant!! We were only in Kona 4 days and ended up eating here 2x for breakfast and 2x for dinner! AWESOME location...right on the water. At night they have live music and a hula dancer. Great views, great atmosphere, great food.
(5)
Jay D.
It's been many a year since I visited the Big Island and still cannot believe that yesterday was the first time I supped at Huggo's On The Rocks. It was a wonderful, relaxing experience made even better by friendly staff, fresh fish and what a view! As my dear readers will note from other of my reviews, I am always in search of a great taco and fish tacos are particularly prized. As mentioned above, Huggo's fish is lovely and additional additives are rather nice. My one and only lament and, at same time, suggestion to Huggo's is to please and kindly consider using a hard-shell tortilla to lovingly cradle your brilliant fish and then wrap a soft tortilla around the hard shell. I was 2 bites into what started out to be a beautiful fish taco when the bottom fell out, the brilliant fish and condiments laid on my plate and I was left holding the two halves of 2 soggy tortillas in either hand. NOT ON! I did not order 2 bites of a delicious fish taco that without much effort transforms into fish taco goulash. Yes, I admit it. I am going on a bit about my taco experience but Huggo's is so close to fish taco perfection that a simple, non-descriptive review would not suffice. If you're not into tacos, try the deliciously fresh fish, soup of the day and take in the relaxing atmosphere offered by Huggo's On The Rocks.
(3)
Lina P.
I had an oriental chicken salad (?), and it was surprisingly good. It stood out to me more so than any other salads I've had recently. The fried chicken strips has an almost sweet orange glaze and is served with cold noodles (in addition to the salad). I have to have it again sometime. We sat in the bar area. The bartender didn't seem particularly slammed but was busy setting up perhaps? It was awkward to ask him for anything, but when we asked another server, the bartender promptly came over and told him we should ask 'him' if we needed anything. He seemed alittle burned out, never smiled, and had a queer expression on his face I cant put my finger on.
(4)
Arthur H.
Using TripAdvisor and Yelp, we decided on this place and taking the volumes of advice, chose to go really early to dinner to try to get a good seat near the water. We nearly achieved that by going in just before 5:00 pm. We ended up sitting near the bar at a tall table just next to the sand seating area with the great water view. We could see very well from the elevated table, and although not in the "preferred" area, it was quite sufficient for us. But, the seats at the tall table were really uncomfortable and two of the four chairs were wobbly. Other than that, the menu choices are quite decent and we can recommend the burgers and the fish and beef tacos. The food was served hot and tasty, but I would say it was nothing particularly special. The band that played that evening was very good. It was a two-man show, and later a hula dancer also joined to help the entertainment, but we left just as she was arriving. Overall, if you can get a seat-with-a-view at this place, we would recommend it. It gets really busy (it is a small-ish joint), and I would try to go early for the best options.
(4)
Shawn A.
The ambiance was great- cant beat the view. Nice piano standards player creating a nice vibe. Service was horrid. Very slow and inexperienced staff. I thought the ribs and flatbread pizza were average.
(3)
Josh D.
The view from this place during the sunset is amazing. The food was decent. I had an ahi burger, but it wasn't that memorable. 5 stars for the ambiance, 3 stars for the food. Averaged at 4. This place is much more fun to just sit at the bar and relax.
(4)
Stacey B.
Location is nice with feet in the sand looking at the ocean, but the food and service were mediocre at best. Fish tacos were cold and soggy from sitting too long in the kitchen with salsa on them. Service was exceedingly slow, in fact the waiter is ignoring my credit card sitting on the table as I write this. Meh. Won't be back on this trip. Spent $100 on 4 orders of fish tacos and 2 top shelf Mai Tais.
(2)
A. L.
Getting decent gluten free food in the Big Island has been less challenging than I expected. Huggo's was the first place we had dinner. I was pleasantly surprised to see gluten free hamburger buns available for their delicious burgers. The waitress seemed readily able to answer my GF-related questions. The sunset was beautiful, and I enjoyed the live music. This is a great, chill spot for a meal.
(4)
Mistress E.
Great drinks and right on the water. A bar where you can put your toes in the sand? awesome. We went a few times for drinks and desserts and were not disappointed. They also had a pretty sweet girl group cover band that was really fun.
(4)
Laura S.
Bartenders are great. The Onolisious Pupi platter is outstanding.
(4)
Kim Z.
Great place. Went for dinner just before sunset. What a view! Food was terrific! Everyone in our group enjoyed their meal from prime rib to fresh tuna... Terrific waiter, Woody! Would really recommend!
(4)
Melanie B.
Back from our vacation now for more than a month, I still find myself thinking fondly of our sunset happy hour at Huggo's. Toes in the sand, inexpensive drinks on the table, live music, ocean right there...we couldn't have picked a more picturesque place to enjoy the sunset. And the food wasn't bad, though perhaps not great; the onion rings weren't anything special, but the fish taco was really tasty. We found ourselves comparing each new bar to this one, and I'm not sure anything else lived up.
(4)
Kelton J.
Yeah I know. Us residents aren't supposed to be hanging out at the tourist spots. Let alone enjoying them. But dammit, I can't help it. I love Huggo's. I love their food. I love their service. I love going to watch my musician friends play there. All of the above. Plus, you're right there on the water. Come on, what's not to love?
(5)
Mark S.
Over many vacations to Kona, have walked past this place many times. Never been in before. Have dined at Huggo's, and enjoyed the music coming from the adjacent On the Beach, but you don't hear well due to the distance and the surrounding noise. Pros: -Nightly entertainment. -Sunset on the beach. -Interesting food preparations. The spicy popcorn shrimp salad with saimin noodles was spicy (not hot) with a slightly sweet dressing that worked well. The vegan panini was also nicely seasoned, and the fries were fine. -Drinks, if you like sweet fruit juice types. Cons: -No assigned seating; you fend for yourself. They call it "stalking." -Oily onion rings. -Lawn furniture on the sandy beach part of the establishment, or bar stools on the concrete patio. This is one of just a few places that has nightly Hawaiian music, usually from 6 pm to 9 pm. For a total experience of music, cocktails, and good food, Huggo's on the Rocks will deliver.
(4)
Jan C.
I have never been here for dinner. I have never been here for dancing. I have never been here for a drink. The only thing I have EVER been to Huggo's for, and the only thing that will forever keep me coming back to Huggo's whenever I'm in Kona, is the KONA MUDD PIE. A humongous, heaping, hunk of lightly-flavored coffee ice cream, soft, smushed Oreo crust, and the perfect amount of fudge drizzled atop a fluffy mountain of whipped cream. Everything just comes together perfectly to create the most amazing dessert known to mankind. Do I have a tendency to exaggerate? Yes. Am I exaggerating about this mudd pie? Hell no. Try for yourself (preferably with one or two other people to help) and send me a compliment promising me your firstborn child later. Come during sunset and enjoy one of the finest moments of your entire life.
(5)
SacBelle S.
Enjoyed a sunset cocktail there. Margarita on the rocks was great. Also ate at On the Rocks earlier in the week. I had the fresh catch and enjoyed it. The main draw is the great setting sitting on the rocks looking into the bay. Both had live music which was very nice.
(4)
Dorothy B.
Huggo's has a lively, good energy. The music was fun and tons of people were dancing. The location on the water can't be beat. Favorite drinks: Jungle Juice (comes in your very own take-away coconut), Hawaiian Rainbow (tastes *just* like a rainbow), and Mango Mango.
(4)
Greg F.
Wow! I"m not a burger expert, but when I have my mind set to a good burger, that's what I want. Huggo's delivered on this. This place is located right on the water and ambiance in the evening was friendly, calm and quite inviting. I was in the mood for a good burger this night and after sitting at the bar and having an ice cold draft beer, I ordered the Classic Burger, based on the bartenders recommendation. I have to say it was one of the best burgers I have had and though somewhat pricey, I was very satisfied. I also spoke to one of the hotel desk travel service people and they highly recommend Huggo's for all of their food. I would certainly give Huggo's a first try at any menu item.
(4)
Robin N.
This is a great beach bar. Much better than the exceedingly snobby Huggo's next door. Considering you get the same view as the restaurant with the addition of live music and sand I would probably come here over the more expensive option. We had the fish tacos and they were hot and fresh. The service was slow, but friendly. Considering the place was packed out, we felt the wait was justified.
(4)
Kimberly M.
Pay for a drink.. grab a happy hour fish taco or two. Enjoy the music and view. Get there early before happy hour starts to grab a ocean front table in the sand. This place is basic. Paper plates, plastic chairs..but good basic food. Bummed that we (airline crew) no longer receives the discount.. but that is okay..when your in Hawaii one must pay. Happy hour begins at 3p.. goes to 6.. I've had the nachos here.. they are very 'Taco Bell' in taste..nothing special. The fish tacos are okay..but better up the street. The pulled pork sandwiche..yummy.. The drinks are strong.. service is great..
(3)
David S.
Only went there for drinks in the bar and lunch. Can not beat the view, so pretty. Food was very good too so what is not to like? prices very reasonable and the drinks were good. Had a nice duo that plays in the evenings so had nice Mai-Tai's eating good food, watching beautiful sunsets, listening to great music. in three words, "Fun, Fun, Fun" wishing I were there now, instead of dreary Seattle.
(4)
tiffany l.
4 stars for the location. 3 stars for the food. Our friend ordered the special which was recommended by the waitress and later was told they ran out the special. Our food was average.
(4)
Jiajia C.
I am ok with sitting outside with feet in the sand, next to crashing waves and torches around my table, with live Hawaiian music in the background, any night. It's a bit campy, but at times that's the best of the island's charms--- taking silly, overly atmospheric decors to the max. And I ate it all up, happily. Then I ate it all up, literally, my delicious dinner. In addition to carding me for ordering a Mai Tai... (excellent customer service, haha!), I cleaned my plate of poke and Korean BBQ dinner to the last grain of rice. And the price is super friendly as well. By all means, if you're in Kona, check this place out!
(5)
Aubrey G.
In my personal opinion any place that puts cheese sauce on nachos is pretty lame :( Especially on kalua pork nachos?? It was just wrong. Other than that happy hour was pretty good. $3 drafts (including Stella!) Beautiful view of the Kona sunset with a live band that started out good with some Hawaiian classics but quickly turned to corny tourist music ( lots of jimmy buffet :Q) I'd come back for the beer and the view.
(2)
Trish R.
We had dinner there tonight. The setting was absolutely beautiful. We sat a table over looking the ocean. Dinner was very good and the service was exceptional! Wonderful. Would definitely go again.
(4)
Brenda B.
The view is unbeatable and the sand under feet so great. The Guava pulled pork sandwich is so delicious. The Lilikio Mojito is awesome. Make sure to order one of the ice cream desserts-we ordered the Macadamia Nut ice cream pie, yummy! We could have eaten here everyday! Definitely, a place to eat while on the Big Island.
(5)
D K.
Excellent inexpensive food option with a beautiful view, and laid back yet attentive staff. One of the best meals we had in Kauai!
(5)
Marina S.
I was here 3 times during my week in Hawai'i and it has not disappointed me. Great view of the water, relaxing live music and good vibes. Their mahi mahi tacos are excellent!
(5)
Layla A.
Quite an experience. We sat on the ocean front with our feet in the sand. Food was above average but the band and atmosphere are awesome. I even got to hula . Fun times!
(4)
Andrea H.
Atmosphere was wonderful -- on the ocean (which is even lit up some at night so you can enjoy it in the dark and watch the eels in the rocks), feet in the sand, a great hula show, and both times we went the live music was enjoyable and not overdone. The menu is somewhat limited, but everything we ate was delicious. The virgin pina colada was light years beyond what we got at Kona Inn, and the Kahlua-ice cream-drink was amazing!
(5)
Chris K.
This place is fantastic. But don't come here because you may take the last seat and I hate waiting.
(5)
Sandra R.
We missed our flight home and needed to drink. We ended up having a great time! Met a couple from Seattle, chatted away and had many many MaiTais!! Sometime throughout the night I remember ordering a burger and salad. I obviously needed food and it was a good tasty burger. We sat at the bar and the bartender was great. Fun music and dancing. A great place to have fun and unwind for whatever reason!
(5)
Gary W.
What should have been a romantic 37th anniversary dinner ended up a disappointment when our double lobster dinners were fired prematurely. Apparently it was more important to get off than to prepare a properly cooked meal. We had been to Huggos years earlier and it was fine... We will never return even though the wait staff was excellent, gave us a free dessert and they took an appetizer off the bill. The point is that this place has no sense of timing or flat out don't care that they are rushing diners out of the door.
(2)
Derek S.
Great view - beach seating. Food - blah.
(3)
Kimber W.
Best part of this place is it is on the water.. awesome and they have live music. I cannot comment on the food but the pina colada I had was really nothing great.. and I really like pina coladas it just tastedmore like mooshy cocoa that was white:( I think when your an island hotspot you should make mixed drinks people will remember and want to write poetry about. The ladies on stage had a great sound but the stage was to small and they did not have enough light or sound system to show off their talents. Go here but get some draft beer.
(3)
Del S.
Out of all the places at Big Island that I found through great Yelp reviews, Huggo's On The Rocks was the only one that I was disappointed about. First of all, at $36 per entree, this is definitely not a $$ place. It should be at least $$$. And for $36, I did expect that the food should be somewhat impressive but it's not. We had the fish special. They have fish on the top of the purple sweet mash potato in coconut sauce. The fish was good, the potato was good, the coconut sauce was good, but they just didn't work well together. The coconut sauce and the potato were so overpowering that you can't really taste and appreciate the fish. It was a shame because it was a good fish. The potion was overall kind of small and I felt that everything was kind of overpriced. The view was nice but that's about it. Overall the experience wasn't that impressive for the money we spent, just didn't seem worth it.
(2)
Debbie M.
Stopped in to listen to the music & have a drink. The service was good, the drinks were good & the music was good. Didn't have any food so I cannot comment on that. All in all a fun evening.
(5)
Catherine C.
Heading to Kona? Don't skip Huggos! While the view can't be beat, the service is even better! If you're a very lucky duck, you will be sat where you can be served by KIM- he is a total gem, and I guarantee you will be walking out with a smile on your face! Kim is super friendly, super funny, and won't steer you wrong with your food and beverage choices! Always ask for Kim if heading to Huggo's- he will make your day/vacation/life! If you're there to imbibe some of the nectar of life (i.e. boozing it up) don't skip the Ali'i Mai Tai- it packs quite the punch, and is tasty to boot! If you're staying in a nearby hotel, be sure to check out the live music and dancing in the evenings! We stopped in on a Friday night and enjoyed wonderful music and hula dancing, and later on the dance floor was PACKED! A great time had by all!
(5)
Nathanael G.
Love Huggo's on the Rocks. Have been here everyday, sometimes twice! Killer 151 Mai Tai!! However, don't expect to hit the 151's for lunch and feel very active for the day :) this is a comfortable place to hang and have a drink and eat some good food!
(5)
Larry L.
Went to Huggo's on the Rocks a couple years ago and had to come back. However, it was very disappointing this time. The location and entertainment were excellent but the food and service were not. It is worth going for a drink but I would not do dinner again with so many other quality restaurants around.
(3)
Carter F.
Dinner: Food was ok, price didn't really match up with what we expected to get. I expect that you are paying for the view and not the quality of the food. However it was late when we visited and couldn't see a view. Drinks were good as was the music. Breakfast: Should be avoided at all cost.
(2)
Dawn O.
Loved it. Great atmosphere, food was delicious. Had music and hula which we didn't expect. Great place.
(5)
Keisha A.
There IS a nightlife in Kona! Granted, this place closed at 11pm on a Friday night, but while they were open it was tons of fun. Boyfriend and I sat at the bar overlooking the ocean at sunset - it was a fantastic view. The bar reminds of a typical beach bar with a Hawaiian flavor, very laid back, upbeat atmosphere, and a good mix of regulars and tourists (me being one of them) and there are tables in the sand which is nice to wiggle your toes in. Our waitress was incredibly friendly and accommodating. We ordered the pupu platter which included a mix of 3 different items from their appetizer menu and several tropical mixed drinks. The Rocks Jungle Juice was very tasty and comes in a coconut cup that you get to keep - a great souvenir for visitors. The best part of the evening was the live entertainment. An all girl singing group, Hot Lava 808 performed. They sang and danced to hit songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s including Tina Turner, The Doobie Brothers and The Supremes. The crowd loved it. I saw people moved to dance who probably would be better off saving their dance moves for the privacy of their own homes. All in all, a fun place to go for happy hour, appetizers and some impromptu dancing.
(4)
X X.
I wanted to give this place a higher score really! The coffee ice cream cake (only reason I came here) was a huge disappointment. The cookie crust was really, really hard, the ice cream had no taste, and the size was much smaller than I anticipated. I saw another table order the same thing when I was about to go and it was much bigger, came with more chocolate, and they got a cherry! I spent $15 on a not very good ice cream cake. :( The positives: 1. great view. I got a table right away outside and it was very, very relaxing 2. nice servers 3. cute vacationers come and go in here I would go back to Huggo's, but not for dessert.
(3)
Olga C.
Sheer fun, if you can get a table. The place seems to be very popular in the evenings and if you come here, you know why. Just dip your toes into the sand, order one of those tropical drinks and enjoy great live music Oceanside. If you wish, you can even show off your dance moves, seems like no one's judging here. This place was recommended to us by our friends, and since we could not get reservations at the Huggo's (different place, they take reservations for dinner and have different menu), we came over here after dinner for drinks and tunes. We did try one of their desserts, a brownie with some ice cream on top; it was just ok. With the exception of some drunken 20-somethings in front of us who kept on trying to smoke at the table regardless of numerous comments from the wait staff, noting that they should step outside for smoking, we had an amazing evening.
(5)
Linda M.
The view is spectacular you can forgive a lot just by the location . The Server had very little food or alcohol knowledge I asked about oysters on the half shell which I had had previously in Huggos Restaurant she said they did not serve them on that side I'm good with that but she also told me they came frozen which is absolutely not true . I asked her the drink specials she said the Chi Chi is good I asked if it was almost the same as a Pina Colada she said no so I'm game for something new it is and was a Pina Colada with vodka after all . We Had sliders that were overcooked dry, the Portuguese bean soup was excellent though and the Long Island Ice tea was great . I recommend it for the view and the music and try the local brews .
(3)
Miicha G.
Great place with a great view if you're going for some drinks around sunset. Friendly service, but you better be on the bar if you expect your second drink to be there quickly. The night we were there the live music was great.
(4)
Natasha P.
Great bar, live music, skip their fancy restaurant and go straight to the "On the Rocks" bar next door.
(4)
H T.
great place to get 100% Kona coffee in the morning with great beach views! I got my coffee here in the mornings and enjoyed the views. At night there is a live band and it's all outdoor seating.
(4)
Robert E.
Right on the beach, and not so expensive that it's not fun! Good food, friendly staff and reasonable prices. Always make at least one trip to Huggo's when I am in Kona.
(4)
Douglas O.
Eric (the owner) is awesome! This has been in their family for years and the food is still very tasty. As mentioned, the place is a bit "fancy" and expensive but always nice for a break from island food. I enjoyed the Teriyaki Beef with rice/vegetables. The Mud Pie Ice Cream for Dessert is ONE-of a KIND!!! I highly recommend it! The view of the sunset is one of the best, and they feed the stingrays at night.
(4)
Eric U.
Good food and nice ambiance with great music . Too bad the drinks are served in plastic glasses. Wine is so-so. They have a good selection of local beers.
(3)
Amelia A.
funky beach ambience and live music with hula dancing. great food and fun vibe. fish tacos, bulgogi fried rice and kids grilled cheese sandwich were hits. good service too. definitely stop at huggos on the rocks!
(5)
Kai T.
How could you not love a place where you can sit with your feet in the sand with the sunset and live music...oh and of course great drinks! My girls and i had such a great time at this place and it was exactly what we needed in Kona. love the ambiance if you want something fun but not crazy atmosphere. I got the sampler which came with short ribs and poke which was huge and soo good.
(5)
KRock S.
Excellent food, great service and great entertainment from the band LT Smooth. We went with our three kids and they had a great time. Eating dinner on the sand and listening to the great music. Wonderful evening. Go at sunset to sit outside and see the gorgeous views.
(5)
Crystal D.
Great view but you pay for it. Poke is awesome. Drinks are light which is disappointment considering you pay more for them then for other places.
(3)
Meagan O.
Amazing happy hour - $3 Mai Tais, delicious sliders and 1 pound of fries makes Meago a happy camper. We watched the sunset while enjoying live music and burying our toes in the sand. It really is as simple and as wonderful as that. Regular menu prices are a bit steep so we'll just stick to HH.
(4)
Jodie P.
We had just arrived into Kona and Huggo's was the only place still open. The live music was really nice, the drinks were great and the service was fine. The fish tacos were really dry and the calamari was just ok. But this could be due to the fact we were ordering so late. Might be better if you came earlier.
(3)
Kimberly Q.
I loved Huggo's On The Rocks! Sadly, my hubby and I didn't discover this gem until our last night in Hawai'i, but I'm happy we were at least able to try it once. The location is awesome, set right--you guessed it--on the rocks. With the ocean only feet away from you, you find yourself with your feet in the warm sand as you browse the menu. If you go after 5pm, a live band or a musician plays and it's REALLY relaxing and provides an awesome atmosphere. The menu is pretty diverse. They have fish dishes, burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of unique main courses. My fiance had the roast beef melt and said it was delicious. We shared the kalua pig nachos (AMAZING!) and I had the Korean short ribs (to die for). I'm not much of a drinker but I did have a mango margarita that was alright...definitely not the best I've ever had and it was kind of small for the price. We loved this place because of the setting and the food, and the service was friendly and quick. Definitely a place I'd revisit!
(4)
Ryan W.
This is a nice little bar in town with a view (waterfront). The location is good, but you are paying for the location. The bar service was average. The bartender serving us was a bit short. The food looked terrible, so we opted to pay for our drinks and head down the road for food. I am glad we did. This is definitely a place to come for happy hour and a sunset view. Other than that, I wouldn't recommend it based on my experience.
(3)
Erin O.
Great Happy Hour! Delicious Mai Tai and tasty Sliders was a great ending to a day at the beach! It was also great to make the stuffy people at the table next to us uncomfortable by our "off the beach" attire! (we were all perfectly presentable to be in a barefoot bar, trust me!) Loved the live music and the amazing sunset view! I want to go back every night!
(5)
Jay D.
Arrived for dinner on Wednesday night. Our server was polite and friendly. Food was so so. Def not worth the price. Def would not recommend this place.
(2)
Brian L.
Nasty ahi . Not fresh and looks old. Tasted worst. I would only come here for drinks and view.
(1)
Laura R.
I give this place a three only because the view and the service. Both were great. The food...I wouldn't go back for. It was just okay. Although typically I prefer a more local eats joint. The mushrooms small plate was delicious.
(3)
Shane A.
The service was extremely slow. I ordered a mojito, but I would've called it mint water even after I asked for more rum to be added - and I'm not a huge drinker. The potato soup lacked taste, the pork sandwich was too salty, and did I mention the service was extremely slow? The sunset was the best part of the meal.
(2)
Malia H.
I have the fondest memory from about 25 years ago... (I know, you're thinking how could she have memories from before she was born?!)... Watching the eels writhe up on the rocks to eat a bite of the lobster carcass I had been working on for dinner, which was DELICIOUS by the way. It all happened just as the sun was setting over the ocean. Huggo's has a special place in my heart and they didn't blow it when I went there a couple years ago with my hubby. I suggest making a reservation to make sure you get as close to the ocean as possible and watch the sunset!
(4)
Anthony E.
Absolutely loved this place, was on vacation there and just happen to walk past and looked fun, so we had lunch there. Nothing better than having lunch on the beach with the most beautiful view. The food was wonderful, so we decided to come back there again for lunch. Can't wait to come back to Kona and relax and eat there again!
(5)
Julie K.
Great view, awesome food, friendly service and live music every night. Tables in the sand, so where sandles (what else in Hawaii!). Great fun for my kids too. Definitely check this place out. You will not be disappointed!
(5)
Suzanna L.
Great cocktails and great service! My husband and I almost went broke going back there over and over again on our honeymoon... but what a view. The entertainment on the weekends was nice too. I have nothing but sweet memories of this place. Be careful though, it's an easy way to blow it if you're on a budget!
(5)
Bill O.
Sat down. Looking at the menu. Guy comes out from behind the bar and says we can't sit there because my son has a shaved ice from a vendor outside the front door. Place was not full. Plenty of open tables. We said we were planning to order. He said we had to leave. Even if we had brought in a bottle of water. We took our business across the street.
(1)
David S.
Huggos on the Rocks is great to hang out ,feel the mist of the sea breaking, catch a sunset, listen to music of variable quality. The criticism here makes me think that if the Hotel bars in Kohala are your favorite you wont like this. There is a mix of people- Seasonal residents,full timers ,vacationers some Hawaiians. It is a bar folks so treat it that way. If you need the sand pristine ,the music only background and the service ingratiating stay away. The music varies from the best ( LT Smooth) to typical hawaiian tourist. sound to rock on the weekends.
(4)
Raj S.
I will give this place 5 star just because of the ambience, live music and the service. It is a bar for god's sake and not a fine dining restaurant. If you want fine dining, go to Huggo's. We loved it so much that we went there twice - back to back. Parking is a little bit hard as it is right in downtown Kona. Seating is first come first served. There was ample seating both the days. Live music was on. The first day the singer was really really good - haven't heard such good live music in a bar before. And not to mention the ambience was perfect - chairs right on the beach so that I can feel the sand with my bare feet. Lots of people were dancing - really having a good time. The food was good (great compared to bar food). I ordered burger the first day and Fish Tacos, the next. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Service was prompt and immediate. Next time I go to Kona, I am going here again. I love this place...
(5)
Beth R.
At least three out of five work days (and sometimes on Saturday) I take a break from my desk and go just down the street to Huggo's on the Rocks. It's our "other" lunch room. Pretty neat to sit and look at the ocean and surf and sky for a few minutes. In recent weeks we've had front row seats for the canoe races. Life is good. The staff wave, shake hands and pretty much know exactly what we'll be ordering every day. Franny, Kim, Hana and Beth are top-notch wait persons. Always cheerful, always attentive. Sure, the Mudd Pie looks impressive, but the BEST dessert was the Haupia Cake. It was to die for! Really sorry they don't have it anymore. Taco salad, poke tower, and the ever-pleasing Paddler Burger are some of my favorites (and I usually split with my husband). Friends tell me the Portuguese Bean soup is pretty good too. Anyway, get outside! Watch the ocean. Enjoy. 365 days of the year. Guaranteed.
(5)
Joe P.
Went several times times and the only reason I am not giving 5 stars was because of the service one night.It was poor on the one occasion.But again the food was good and the view even better.They have some very tasty drinks that will take the edge off if you need it !Great place to RELAX !
(4)
Betsy D.
This is a favorite place, feet in the sand, protected by colorful canopies, excellent Mai Tais, terrific views, friendly staff. Happy hour food is average, but the above reasons are why we keep going back.
(5)
Annie C.
Gist: Huggo's fine dining is the way to go for satisfying gourmet food with friendly service and beautiful views. And for some entertainment, feed the animals that like to swim close to shore in the evening. In our reservation we noted we were celebrating our anniversary. To our amazement, they gave us what we think is the best seat in the house. A quiet table for two right at the water's edge. The restaurant is basically covered but outdoors which makes for wonderful ocean breezes. Our waiter was one of the best we ever had as he gave us his food recommendations and was so flexible with our desire to alter some of the side dishes that came with our individual entrees. And despite the busy-ness, he took the time to give recommendations of must-see and must-eat places in Kona. The food is really amazing. The fish is one of the freshest I've ever eaten. Totally recommend the Seafood pupu platter which is filled with Ahi of all different styles. The Teriyaki might seem mundane at first glance but it is THE best I've ever had. The steak is REAL steak, very tender and fully marinated. We also ordered fish for one of the entrees, which like the pupu platter was one of the freshest you will find. The ono was meaty but buttery flaky at the same time. And don't forget to try the macadamian mashed potatoes just to remind yourself you're in Hawaii :) To wrap us our dinner, we were given a coconut cake ON THE HOUSE. It was delicious! Even my husband, who doesn't usually like sweets, really liked it. For extra fun, sea eels come out at night and like to swim right up to where the water meets the restaurant. You can throw bits of bread out and watch them wriggle around. The restaurant was so accommodating about us staying at our table for 2+ hours. We never felt like we need to leave!
(5)
Mark G.
Greek breakfast was good. Nice place!
(4)
Paul B.
This place gets 5 stars for decent food, awsome location, great ambiance, good music, good crowd of mixed locals and tourists. The location is worth it alone.
(5)
perris f.
gave it four stars cause some food dishes aren't great. more like convenience store type fare. (what is that cheese sauce???). the bbq pork was good. poke only so so. BUT great for drinks, live music, and location (right on the water). 5 stars if you go for happy hour. ladies get the hawaiian rainbow!! best night, every night.
(4)
amy m.
Sunset here is the best. We go here every time on BI. I usually just order a Hamburger and it's comparable to something you may find at a Red Robins, but the view is priceless! right on the water, sunset, and a live Hawaiian band (with a hula dancer) what more can you ask for?
(5)
Lux P.
By the time I got to Huggo's I had my fill of overly sweet drinks, so I went for beer. What is up with the plastic cups? It made the beer get warm quick and I drink fast enough to usually double fist it( they don't allow this in Hawaii because everytime I tried to order two drinks at once they wouldn't let me). The view is great and it was outside and by the water. I just wish the band didn't start playing "Margaritaville"- sorry parrotheads.
(3)
Kama K.
Kona is boring and not a place for night life. Went here twice during our visit. On a Friday nite we went to meet up with people we heard the music so we checked it out. There was great dancing music by 3 Girls. We sat on the bar. There were 3 Male Bartenders. Unfortunately, it took more than 5 min for anyone to even acknowledge us. Cocktails were weak but Kona really has no choices. The second time we went on a Wed during sunset. It was so beautiful! Wonderful Hawaiian music from a 2 man band and a hula dancer. We had the Happy Hour Pupus. $2 Fish tacos, $3 nachos. Again service was very slow and cocktails were weak but beautiful setting and live music! But the bottom line is you get what you pay for.
(3)
Ellie P.
Yummy food and Hula dancing. You sit right on the beach, great sunset!
(4)
Allison A.
Yes, this is the perfect place on the beach for delicious drinks and people watching. Decent entertainment and an amazing Ahi sandwich that was devoured within, I kid you not, 1 minute. Almost had to order another...but went with another drink instead. It was the right call.
(4)
Eric Z.
The best thing about Huggo's is the sand! Put your feet in and have a mai tai! Also, if you get there before 6, ask for the $3 Happy Hour menu..limited but yummy!
(5)
Lori S.
BEST spot for consistently fabulous food and ocean views. Brian the bartender will truly make your night so do yourself a favor and sit at the bar.....his energy and aloha spirit will leave you energized and the delicious seafood in front of the crashing waves finishes out the perfect night.
(5)
David W.
We were afraid we couldn't get in, but got a great table (in the sand). Live band was really good, and so was food (burgers and salad) and drinks. I wish we would have danced. Great place for sundowners.
(5)
Aaron D.
you cant really go worng. Enough said!
(5)
M R.
You go here for the view and the sandy floor. The food is mostly average, tho I had a nice ahi burger. The bun was soggy, but the ground fish patty was thick. I had the pupu appetizer platter, and it was not worth 16 bucks. The kalbi ribs were thin, tough, and dry. The happy hour fish tacos were extremely dry as well. With all that I might go back except for the servers. I was there during the day since I was with family and kids, and it took forever to get anything like water, knapkins, the rice I ordered that they forgot... The servers would go to the table right next to you and never look over your way to see if you needed anything. You would have to yell to get their attention. Thats just rude. Maybe they wouldn't be running around so much if they methodically stopped by each table when they would come down by the water instead of racing by everyone else with tunnel vision.
(3)
Steve S.
Three and a half stars. The location is the best in Kona; they literally built the place right on the rocks, so you can't get any closer to the ocean than this. Plus they have a cool little sand area next to the water so it feels like you're on the beach. The drinks are actually really good; the mai tais and margaritas were the best we had in Kona. Of the food, we only had the fish sandwich, and it was really good; fish was light and flavorful, and it was served on perfectly crisped ciabbata bread. So what wasn't good? As others have noted, the service was slow. Also, there were a lot of ants in the sand area that were devouring food that was dropped on the floor. I even found an ant crawling on me. Gross. And finally, the bill. They definitely make you pay for the view - our fish sandwich was $16 and it was pretty small. The same bill at Lulu's across the street would've been half the price. Basically, I would recommend coming here for happy hour if it's nice weather and there's gonna be a good sunset. Otherwise, there are probably other places that are more worth your while.
(3)
Mais S.
Great food and great views but super slow service (even for island time). Hawaiian entertainment with dinner so can get crowded. Or come at 3pm when tacos, sliders, etc. are $3 apiece. It is also the only time when you can get a table by the ocean.
(4)
Jason H.
Love this place! There is an indoor resteraunt and an outdoor bar that also servers food. We didnt venture to the indoor resteraunt, but we hung out at the outdoor bar many nights during our stay on the Big Island. Fun place to hang and drink..also notice many locals at this spot, so that's probably good for something.
(5)
Erich R.
Great location right on the water. Decent music and the staff is friendly. The other people in this bar tend to be friendly, we met people both times we were in here and spoke with them most of the evening. Food is just average and a little pricey but so is everything in this area.
(4)
Annette M.
Best place to go on the Big Island for a casual cocktail and bite to eat. The food is not great or uber high end - we are talking burgers, nachos (baked pork nachos are really good) etc. The staff is great - attentive - and the price is reasonable for the food, location right on the water and delivering a killer sunset. No place better than this after a day of diving or surfing!
(5)
David H.
A - List. Highly Recommended. Location - 5 stars - Best View For Sunset. Waves crashing. Sand beneath your feet. Ambiance - 5 stars - Tropical holiday, lets-have-some-fun atmosphere Happy Hour - 5 stars - 3 to 6 pm; the ice cold beer in good sized cups are $3 - You will likely not find anything better Decor - 5 stars - Part Tiki Tiki Bar, Part tables in the sand, and then the ocean and sunset. Paradise in Kona Heaven. Food - 3.5 Stars - some good items on the menu - beware of the squeezable cheese product that ruins a really good taco dish. Ask first before ordering** Music - 3.5 Stars = local musicians play and dance into the evening. I thought it was awesome, although on the night I went the singer/guitar player did bend, mute words to popular songs. If you want some new cutting edge sound, this is not the place for you. They play, sing and dance to a variety of 70s 80s and 90s tunes with some Hawaiian classics thrown in. This must be one of your stops while on the Big Island!
(4)
Leon C.
This is a great place to hang out and have drinks at the end of the night. You sit at the tables which are on the sand. You order drinks and watch the musicians play. It's nice. They do charge an extra fifty cents if you just order drinks after 8pm for "entertainment cost." this is a nice place to chill at night though.
(4)
Valerie C.
Good food..great atmosphere, handsome bartender, Matt..awesome job of suggesting the ahi sandwich and getting just what I wanted..great customer service....Will definately go back
(5)
Dianna M.
I ate at both Huggos and Huggos on the Rocks. The Rocks is a fun, outdoor bar restaurant with live music. The Kalbi ribs were great but the fish tacos were a little too fishy for my taste. Big, fun, tropical drinks, awesome wait staff and dancing on the beach. A definite must for a good time & food was much tastier than Huggos.
(4)
Megan S.
Portion size of drinks were half way filled, drink prices not worth paying for the quantity received. Service is ok, bartender seemed snobby and didn't care to greet. Live music is great and the surrounding is nice but a little cheesy.
(3)
Robert C.
The food here is decent, but you're not here for an amazing culinary experience. You're here to watch the sunset from one of the best locations in Kona. The drinks are good, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere can't be beat. Get here about 90 minutes before sunset to grab a table closest to the ocean.
(5)
Ali I.
Service, food, and ambiance were all perfect. We were in Kona for our Honeymoon and this was one of the restaurants we went to - it was fantastic! Don't forget to get a "back-scratcher" drink. The cioppino was delish! The area is so cute too - walk around and take it in.
(5)
Lucretia W.
Food was so-so (greasy happy hour) and the waitress seemed to want to rush us out so she could seat more people, but other than that this is a nice place to rest your feet in the sand, have a mai tai and watch the sun set.
(3)
Pete F.
I cannot visit the Big Island without dining at Huggo's. I love sitting right next to the ocean and feeling the spray from the waves hitting the rocks and boulders. I don't drink mixed drinks so I cannot comment about fancy beverages with parasols. I would rather have a beer with my burger and fries. This is real Hawaii.
(5)
Julian H.
We had a great time here on our first night in Kailua-Kona. We got a water-side table with views of the sunset, the coast, and the water. It was magic! Good food and service, too. Good if you've got the scratch!
(5)
Mike S.
Been coming here for years amd love it. The outdoor venue has local entertainment and you can enjoy that while being a few feet from the surf. It's very relaxing. The food is good as well buy the prize is the venue. We always come to Huggos on our first day for a ceremonial Mai Tai.
(5)
Sheryl Y.
Thursday night the music is the best. Wonderful ambiance. Good food.
(5)
Barbara S.
Wouldn't recommend for happy hour or just cocktails ... almost no ocean view seating in the bar area, service was fair, mai tai was sub-par and not part of the happy hour specials, and the appetizer menu was uninspiring. Why two stars? well, cuz anything in Hawaii just seems better ;-)
(2)
Dave B.
We had a relaxing lunch on the beach, watching the sand crash against the rocks just a few feet away. This place had amazing food, and the best part was that you sat on tables and chairs on the beach! Who doesn't love sand between their toes in Hawaii!
(5)
Brynne M.
First of all, this is where my husband proposed to me, so I may be a little partial because of that. But seriously, we were in Kona for 10 days and ate here twice... it was that good. The service was excellent, food was great, and apparently, you can't get a closer ocean view. In fact, depending on the tide and where you are seated, you can get a little bit of ocean spray at the table. This may or may not sound good to you but when you're in Hawaii, sitting in a romantic restaurant at sunset, a little bit of sea water jumping up to say hello is actually quite lovely.
(5)
Brian B.
Great place! Live music onstage with the Kona sunset as a backdrop. Drinks are expensive but worth the extra money. One drink I had was macadamia nut liquor and ice cream. Tasty! Their island fried rice is the bomb. I ordered it twice. This place is always busy and you need to fight for a table in the sandbox. Just enjoy a drink at the bar until a table opens up. What's the hurry anyway, you're in Kona damn-it!
(4)
thb t.
At this restaurant you're pretty much paying for the view and ambiance. We ordered a tuna sashimi appetizer which was decent, nothing really special. We actually finished that appetizer before we even got any bread at our table. However, our waiter made the mistake of giving us a second plate of the sashimi and then quickly left. We flagged him down the next moment to tell him what had happened but he said we could keep the sashimi since it would've been thrown away in the kitchen. As for the entrees, we ordered one crab-crusted ono and one macademian nut crusted mahi mahi. The mahi mahi was overcooked to the point that it was very dry and the ono was cooked to the point that it almost turned into mush. The highlight of the evening was when we saw 3 eels playing in the rocks right by the railing area we were sitting at. It provided a nice distraction from the poor service despite the fact that it wasn't very full. Our waiter pretty much just dropped our food, never re-filled our water glass, and made us wait 10-15min for our bill. All i can say is thank goodness for the eels, otherwise the experience would not have been worth it.
(3)
Cynthia C.
This place is the best! It's the first place I think about when we land. The servers are fun and nice, the food is good and the view, well, the view is the best! We see dolphins literally jumping and playing right in front of us! Try and go on a Sunday or Monday and see LT Smooth play. He is the greatest! Such a beautiful man, a great voice and a superb guitar player. I would avoid it during the morning hours when it is "Java on the Rocks", staff is grumpy and rude, we didn't even stay to eat.
(5)
Monica P.
Great view. Live music. Good food. Yeah, service was a bit slow, but hey, you're in Hawaii what's the rush?! Highly recommend you give this place a shot. There's a blues band that plays every Monday night - they're amazing!
(5)
Paul M.
location location location.... take off your slippers, as the locals call them put your feet in the sand, sit and watch the ocean and scoop down a few beers. a great bar, with tremendous service, and a spectacular view. my only criticism is they don't open until like, 11.00 or 11.30 a.m. - come on, it's 10.00 am and I'm on vacation and I need a beer !
(4)
Sally H.
This is simple. Good food, good prices, good views, good people. Go anywhere else and be disappointed.
(4)
Aaron S.
Food is well below average and overpriced beer is served in plastic cups (one of my peves)
(1)
Sheri M.
Fun place but Halloween sucks there. Live music is good and food is good but not great. Fun place with a great view.
(4)
M. Odette D.
This is a beautiful place to enjoy a meal. It's right on the water with sand at your feet. Service was friendly and the coffee was yummy. The food was delicious too. We had a great time spending our morning here. I wish the menu had more choices and it would have been five stars for me.
(4)
Grace T.
My fiance and I came here for dinner during our last night on the island. It was the perfect place to spend the evening. We came after sunset (I would imagine that this is an awesome spot to enjoy the sunset) and scored a table that was in the sand. There's something to be said about being able to wiggle my toes in the sands while I'm enjoying a drink and some good food. We each order a mixed drink, I had a blended mango daiquiri, which was a little light on the booze. We got the kalua nachos to start and I got the pupu sampler as my entree and he got the quesadilla. It get quite packed here on a Friday night, because there's a live band, but the food comes to the table fairly quickly. Everything tasted fantastic! We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. It was the perfect place to savor our last evening on the island.
(5)
Maryrose S.
Live music, oceanside breeze, great drinks, awesome food - what's not to love. I felt like I was truly on vacation in Hawaii when we went here our first night. Service was great and there was so much on the menu that I enjoyed. I was bummed that we didn't have the opportunity to come to Huggos again. We had several appetizers, but the Chicken Nachos really stood out for me. Great taste and great presentation! I'd definitely recommend to a friend.
(5)
Julie Z.
Love the $3 Happy Hour menu! Putting my feet in the sand and watching the sunset from this location is just heaven.
(4)
Rose O.
Went there for drinks and pupus during their happy hour on Saturday. Great nachos and fish taco for $3 each. Local beer and sitting right next to the water watching the sunset. What can be better than this?
(4)
Whitney E.
Okay read the yelps and thought well what the hell roll the dice. We had to wait a long time for our table even with reservations. The staff seemed elsewhere like everyone had being somewhere else on their mind rather then at work...which is fine but you gotta put on your game face at work folks eh! While we were waiting a delicious smelling platter of sizzling mushrooms was whisked by an we went mmm. The hostess turned her nose up and said...no not if you have to smell it all the time you get sick of it, who says that to customers??? We finally got our table which was very close to the water and the tiki torches were lit nice appearance but looks are not everything. Drink order taken right away drinks were average nothing special with small glasses with tons of ice...both sodas and mixed drinks. Then after that the staff just vanished.Finally, they came and took our order. We both went with pasta with chicken and veggies, and waited and waited. Food was okay not great not gross, better than kastu again. Once our food arrived we were forgotten again having to ask for the dessert menu. Dessert was huge chocolate ice cream pie...but the whip cream tasted frozen and stale. Waited for the check forever, waited for the credit card to be ran forever. The view could not entertain us forever we were there from 6-8. All for $200 bucks! The bar on the other side seemed lively.
(2)
Soo S.
Came here with our friends to celebrate our last night in Hawaii. Ordered the Poke appetizer, which was decent. Our waitress recommended the fish of the day, which I ordered. There wasn't anything special about the dish. It was bland without much flavor. The fish of the day was some white fish, one that I never heard of. It was fresh, just very bland, as if they simply steamed it. Over priced.
(2)
Steve H.
One of the best places to watch a sunset in Hawaii, except for a beach of course. The floor is sand, so kick off your flops, order a beer and some food and watch the sunset. Food is your general bar food type, but they have some great beer to choose from. The place is really loads of fun. Live music and the people working there are tons of fun as well. Have been here everytime we've come to the big island and love it. In the morning its called "Java on the Rocks". Great place to have a cup of joe and get the morning going. Read "Tiffany C."'s review, she sums it up pretty well in the first part of her review! Its a cant miss place.
(5)
Julie U.
Yes, yes, YES! Sign me up. Huggo's is fantastic... one of those places I'll be thinking about for a good few weeks and wishing there were something even close to this much fun here in San Diego. We chose a waterfront table in their barefoot bar. Slip off your shoes and voila! You're on the beach, except that you have a really comfy chair that you didn't have to carry down there, and someone to bring you mighty good mai tais, scrumptious poke, and an unbelievable Mahi taco platter. Later in the evening the live Hawaiian music starts up, and little children learn Hula from a native pro right there before your eyes, and sea turtles play on the rocks right there along the edge. We went to Huggo's at around 4:00 on July 4th, and we didn't leave until after 9:00, just in time to see the fireworks over the ocean. We just couldn't seem to pry ourselves from that table.
(5)
R G.
I'm giving it a 4 solely because of the atmosphere. It's literally on the ocean and everyday beginning around 6pm live music is offered. This is the place to get an unobstructed view of the sunset. Food is very average and so are the drinks. Despite this we went here 3 nights of our 7 night visit to Kona. Definitely worth a visit!!
(4)
Mackenzie O.
The location is great, the drinks are strong and food is fresh and delicious. We stopped by for lunch and grabbed the end table in the sand overlooking the water. Our waiter was helpful with drink and food recommendations. We stayed for several hours soaking up the rays (there was an umbrella for shade as well). I would suggest stopping in for lunch because the place looks pretty packed around sunset.
(5)
CA S.
Piña colada was great, but the food was mediocre. We liked the outdoor seating with sand under our feet and the view. The service wasn't the friendliest and it took awhile to get our lunch. We won't be going back.
(2)
Jenn W.
I was less than impressed with the service at huggo's on the rocks. We had to try extraordinarily hard to flag our waiter down to send soup back that was cold and bland when it came out. The view is amazing and the drinks are good-- that's where the two stars I gave it came from. Go for drinks and sunset, not dinner.
(2)
Tina D.
Right on the water, good food, good drinks, live music...can you really go wrong?
(4)
Meatball J.
Toes in the sand, pupu plater on the table, tropical drinks, beautiful view, tiki lighting, ocean breeze, coconuts in the trees, live music and a hula dancer! very chill, yet at the same time, very exciting! I really loved this place.
(5)
Chris L.
Nice view, very parrothead like place. Live music, etc. The drinks could be better but certainly not the worst. I think we expected something a little more exotic than just mai tai's. Services seemed a little scattered but it could've been worse.
(3)
Jims L.
I like this place - there actually aren't very many places in Kona that are so close up on the ocean as Huggo's.. the outdoor seating area is so open and beautiful. And the place is very low-key and relaxed. I liked coming here just for something to drink, a light meal, and good conversation.
(4)
M.J. C.
We love Huggo's! The view is one of the best in Kailua Kona. Get there at sunset and enjoy a mai tai before a delicious dinner. We've eaten there for lunch too and always had good food, good service. Not too expensive, either. The view is second to none! We'll be back this fall!
(4)
Darlene W.
The only redeeming factor here was the live guitarist who performed Hawaiian tunes and some R&B. The service was awful, and all we had was two Longboard beers and a plate of nachos. It took forever to get the waiter's attention. Worst of all, we ordered the plate of nachos without the "stadium cheese sauce", so our server informed us that our nachos would be cold because they couldn't put it in the oven without the stadium cheese sauce. Really?!? I think the oven would work just fine without "stadium cheese sauce". And trust me, these tortilla chips needed to be dried out in an oven, because they were pretty stale. Yes, the ocean view is nice, but it isn't worth the high prices and the bad service.
(1)
Vive l.
I'm a big fan. Couldn't ask for more from a little beach joint- fantastic location, friendly and efficient service, pure beachtime enjoyment with a classy menu. The hawaiian style potato chips are made daily on site with big salt, kept thinking of them days later...
(4)
Kari L.
Celebrated the B'Day last evening at HOTR....had the 15.00 ice cream pie---it was good but the last time I had that it was half the price. What are you doing Huggos? Have you no shame? Anyway, EVERYTHING was really really great. People from all walks of life dancing up a storm...from 80 something seniors to children. The Band was absolutely incredible...all I know is the guitarist's name is Jeff Bach...anyone know the name of the group and when and where else do they play? I feel like I want to be a groupie ;-)......Not really, but they were that great......
(5)
MB K.
YUM YUM! Try the Mahi grilled tacos! Went with the kids and they loved it. The chef was awesome and he bent over backwards for our veggie guests. Yummy drinks, great location. A must stop on your visit to Kona.
(5)
Nick K.
Maybe I just came here on a bad day, but the food was fairly mediocre and service was terrible! They took "island time" to a new level. We ended up leaving a huge undeserved tip because we were too queasy to wait another half hour for our change. The location is spectacular of course. I'm sure that there's no way anyone would be allowed to build so close to the water anymore, so you have to try and savor these places that have been grandfathered in.
(2)
Melissa V.
What a great find! We headed here as our first stop in Kona. We got a primo spot on far right corner, table for 4 - view of sunset was the best! Can't beat $3 mai tais and fish tacos at happy hour!
(4)
D G.
Lousy food, great location. We chose this place primarily because of the yelp ratings. That's the reason why I am actually posting because this place does not deserve 4 stars. Yes the location is excellent and yes the band that is playing is pleasant (though the charge 50ct per drink after 8 for the entertainment) but if you are considering to have dinner at this place beware. The food is really lousy. I recommend dropping by for a beer or a cocktail but go for food somewhere else.
(2)
Shari D.
This restaurant gave our little group one of our happiest dining memories for our entire trip to the Big Island. The service was outstanding! The servers were so nice to use. The view out on the deck was breath-taking, especially when the sun went down. We were treated to one of Hawaii's famous sunsets that evening during our dinner feast. Their house teriyaki steak was soooo delicious! I made my hubby get that, and boy was he glad. I think it was a flank cut. It was so tender and delicious! I got the macadamia nut encrusted ono, which was good, but not as good as the steak. I kept sneaking pieces of Ant's food off his plate! I don't remember what the dessert was, but that might be because I was buzzed from my drink, and had a happy little Godson asleep in my lap. The staff was really wonderful about accommodating his needs. (Milk and a small kid plate of food, and a booster seat.) We were never self-conscious about having him, but maybe because he was really well-behaved? Anyway, we had a blast here, not just the food or the lovely ambience, but because the people here made it feel welcoming, relaxed.... well, very Hawaiian!
(5)
Dustin H.
This place is so completely over priced. I know this is a tourist spot but really? 6 bucks for a 14oz beer? Really? Why you got to do me like that?! This place would have less then one star if not for the amazing setting and the lovely live Hawaiian music. "Hot Lava 808" is my new favorite cover band. Still, it's going to take more then a cover band, no mater how good, to get me to come back here.
(1)
E G.
Definitely get the Guava BBQ pork sandwich. We had to go back to try it again :) Loved sitting in the sand by the ocean...
(4)
Vin F.
This place had the great advantage of being located next to my hotel, and thus the natural target for a much needed drink (see my review of the Royal Kona Resort). An open bar with thatched roof and scattered tables, looking out over the water, it wasn't bad. But it was your classic Hawaiian tourist gouger. The fish tacos were passable but must have come from an Ahi the size of a goldfish. More egregious was the $7 beer that came in a glass shaped like your typical pint glass but actually was only about 8 ounces. When I pointed this out to the waitress that it was pretty lame to have such small glasses, she said unconvincingly, "Oh, I hadn't noticed." She also hadn't noticed the drink specials, or the types of beer on tap, that the bartender had previously told me about. I wonder if she noticed how little a tip I left.
(2)
Cathy B.
We were searching for a cocktail on the beach in Kona when we stumbled upon this place. The location directly on the beach overlooking the crashing surf cannot be beat. We stayed for dinner, and I had a scrumptious mushroom burger with potato mac salad. Others in my party raved about the fish sandwiches and mai tais. There was also live entertainment, including hula dancers. A great time had by all.
(5)
Andrew K.
There are actually two adjacent "Huggo's" in Kona, one is a large restaurant and the other is "On the Rocks" next door. This review is of the restaurant itself. The view of the ocean was spectacular. The terrace is directly over the water and spotlights reveal the deep blue color. There was live music audible from Huggo's on the Rocks, there is a cover band that plays versions of classic-rock and early-1980's songs. Their talent is pretty good but their repertoire is very predictable. The food was good but not outstanding. We went there only once so can't speak for most of the menu. In the cocktail menu there were some creative drinks. The dessert was excellent. This restaurant is directly adjacent to one of the largest tourist hotels in Kona, and can be thought of almost as an extension of the hotel for that reason, and is jam-packed with tourists. In our experience this was a major detraction from the overall experience for several reasons: Crowded and therefore a long wait for a table. After being seated, at the table directly next to ours were two obnoxious tourists in "Hawaiian shirts" who were having an obscenity-laced argument. Also an injured tourist actually collapsed on the ground directly inside the entrance and had to be taken to the Kona Hospital, causing something of a commotion. The service was very poor. The first server did not bring two of the items which had been ordered and had to be reminded to do so. He then left for the night and passed the task on to a different server. This server was even worse because he ignored very explicit instructions about how a dish should be prepared and brought the wrong thing anyway. Overall we chose "3 stars" as the rating: excellent view of the ocean, food and drinks are pretty good. However it is something of a "tourist trap", and in our case the service was unsatisfactory.
(3)
Pamela R.
This place is right on the beach and they have live music at night. I would suggest going here for drinks only though because the food was lacking. The pizza was disgusting. It was served on a greasy focaccia bread and made with parmesan cheese. It was greasy and gross. My mom's ceasar salad dressing was way too fishy and garlic-ey. they have great ambiance though and are close to all of the hotels so this place is a plus for evening drinks.
(3)
Dryw F.
While the view was incredible, the food was sadly disappointing. The night before, my family ate across the street at Bongo Ben's. Three adults shared an appetizer sampler which was delicious and left us all fully satisfied. At Huggo's, two of us shared a fish entree which was fairly dry and way more fries than fish. The fish portion would have been on the small side of sufficient for one and definitely would not have been enough for two without the fries as filler. I was a little disappointed that the waitress didn't say anything about the portion size when we told her we would be sharing. Everywhere else we went in Kona had at least twice the portion for the same price, plus the food tasted better. The wait staff was also much more friendly and attentive at Bongo Ben's. Aside from the view, I would definitely not go back to Huggo's, especially when there are better options so readily available.
(2)
John H.
Came here after a long drive from Hilo. No seats available on the patio dining area but told we could sit at the bar and order from the full menu. Well, at first, no seats at the bar either, so sat at a lounge table and looked at a limited menu. After a couple minutes, spots at the bar opened up. I had the baby back ribs which were good, girlfriend had prime rib which was excellent. View also amazing, bartender/ our waiter was excellent. Yes, expensive, but I would rather pay for good food and awesome ambiance than expensive meals and poor quality/quantity that we have been getting in Waikoloa with a few exceptions. We made a reservation to come back the following night if that says anything.
(4)
Whitney M.
Prepare to get sandy feet. But it is all part of the atmosphere of an ocean side casual place. Awesome turkey bacon wrap. Try the macnut martini. I had the normal mai tai which was fine. I wish our waiter had told us about the happy hour specials though. I ordered before I heard another server telling her table and they sounded like good deals. Handled our large party rather well. There was live music.
(4)
Tina L.
Food was forgettable, but not horrible. I had a couple of kona macs and a mac nut martini and they were good. You're definitely paying for the location and we knew that going in, but it was our first evening in Kona and I wanted to eat, drink, and stare at the ocean. We sat right up front in the "sand" area, which would have been perfect if it weren't for a fat guy on his cell phone on one side and an annoying family with a toddler on the other side. I hate tourists, even though I am one. Finally, the night's entertainment (don't remember the guy's name) started singing Hawaiian songs and I was happy.
(4)
Beckah K.
I LOVE this place... Ocean View... Local Hawaiian music.. The best food and drinks..... Very laid back...
(5)
DJ L.
Huggo's on the rocks is exactly what you want in Hawaii. Laid back, relaxed, fresh food, great cocktails, and live music. My wife and I stopped for drinks one night and came back two days later for dinner. I would reccommend to anyone visiting Kona who wants a relaxing dinner.
(5)
Mimi J.
Great service, Good food. Great location.
(4)
monica w.
Huggos is the place to go to view the beautiful kona sunsets, listen to great live music and sip amazing mai tais. Happy hour has good deals. The only down side is their wait staff can be on the rude side- if you get past this then you'll have a great start to your evening.
(4)
Kaaren D.
My friend and I had a great time here, but there's not much for vegetarians on the menu. We ordered the nachos, and had them serve the chicken on the side. She ate that, and we shared the nachos. They pride themselves on having the same cheese sauce as at the ballpark, but for me that was just saying they have "plastic" cheese on the menu. It was syrupy and ok, but not the greatest. The Maitai's were nummy, and the location makes up for any other failings. You can't beat sitting in the sand, listening to Hawaiian music with the sun setting over the water. Heaven.
(4)
Mark H.
Huggo's on the Rocks is not the kind of place I'd usually go to. It just screams "tourist trap." But it was happy hour, my wife and I were both thirsty, and the view was great, so we went in anyway. Big mistake. What attracted us to take a chance on Huggo's was the sign at the entrance advertising their happy hour. It said, "All well drinks and domestic draft beers $3." You'd think that was pretty clear and unambiguous, but apparently in Hawaii things are done differently. There was a board above the bar with a handwritten listing of all their draft beers. Ruling out the Pilsner Urquel and Heiniken (not domestic), I asked for one of the Kona Brewing beers listed, but the waitress said it wasn't included in the happy hour. I asked why not, and she said the happy hour doesn't include "microbrewery" beers. Hmmm. OK, then how about a Sierra Nevada? Nope, that's not included either, and no real explanation as to why. The waitress finally told us the only beers available at happy hour prices were Bud Lite, Miller Light and Coors Light. I asked her to bring us two Miller Lights, and she returns with two bottles of beer. What happened to the "draft" beer? Oh, we only have bottles. I asked to speak to the manager. His attitude was basically "I don't care," although he did acknowledge that other customers have complained about the misleading happy hour sign. So apparently, Huggo's interpretation of "All domestic draft beers" is "only the cheapest American beers, in bottles." I can't comment on the food at Huggo's. After this experience, we decided this was not a restaurant where we wanted to spend any more money. Any place that has such contempt for its customers doesn't deserve my business. It shouldn't deserve yours, either. (By the way, Bongo Ben's isn't much better, as the drinks there were pretty watered down, even my martini.) Avoid Huggo's on the Rocks.
(1)
Tony W.
The sign for this place really doesn't do it justice. At first glance, it seems like a sea-side casual lunch place/bar. And indeed, there is an open air bar that is nice and simple. But right next to it is the restaurant, which is another story! The restaurant boasts a fantastic higher end dinner experience. Set on pylons directly over the shore, eating dinner around sunset is truly a majestic experience -- so try to go there around sunset. The menu offers a variety of mainland and local Hawaiian cuisine, much of which is sophisticated enough to satisfy those with a "foodie" taste palate. Waitstaff was fun and friendly. Decor is still relatively casual (I wore khaki shorts, sandals and short sleeve button down - my girlfriend wore sandals and a cotton summer dress) but has the feel of a "nice" dinner. If you're looking for a romantic, classy dinner but still with that causal island vibe -- this is the place for you.
(5)
Albert A.
Love the views, sit near the ocean side, enjoy the great attitude! hey, your in Kona Hawai'i! what else can you ask for? food is great, drinks are good and a must have for dessert? of course you must have the chocolate volcano lava cake! big enough for...a lot of people..lol Arrive early, make reservation, ( opentable.com ) and park in the lot across the road from Huggos. it gets packed fast.
(5)
Guy B.
Fun and friendly, with tables "in the sand" above the wall overlooking the ocean. Great service, good food, available on-site parking. The burger joint across the street has more "beach flash," and some very good burgers, but the service was awful.
(4)
Becky C.
The food here is awful, the drinks are decent and the ambiance is perfect. This was our second time visiting Huggo's On the Rocks and it was just as pleasurable - there's something that makes everything seem right with the world while you've got your feet buried in the sand, mai tai in hand and local Hawaiian singers crooning to the crowd.
(4)
Michael G.
GREAT place to catch the sunset while having great local beers and great Mai Tai's! They have great Pu Pu's for happy hour too! The entertainment in the bar nightly, but the girls on Friday night are hilarious! Overall - fun times.
(4)
Bienvenido A.
After arriving in the early afternoon, getting your luggage situated and running down to the beach for a few hours, THIS is the place to get Konafied! The attire is of course Hawaii local. Show up a bit before happy hour so you get a table in the sand to get a front row seat of the sunset right on the water. Enjoy the authentic Hawaiian musicianship as you sip your tropical frou frou drink and watch the sun settle into the horizon with a couple of orders of tasty pupus. Relax, because dis is Dakine place to chill Brah!
(5)
William L.
Love this place, especially at sunset!
(5)
A C.
I was a little hesitant when the guy at the front desk of the hotel reccommended it since it seemed to be part of the hotel at Royal Kona Resort. We ended up going here for a birthday dinner and it was a lot of fun. Where else can you go eat dinner and listen to live local music with the warm white sand beach in your toes and the waves crashing into the rocks right next to you. This is the best place to have an evening drink and enjoy the sunset. A couple of us had the Taro burgers and they were surprisingly tasty. We also ordered a big Kona coffee ice cream dessert and it was s o big our table of 6 was able to share it and still have leftovers. Definitely a good place to visit.
(4)
Farrah H.
Fantastic view and great location for a sunset dinner. The food is average and service needs help as well. Overall a B- experience.
(2)
Thomas A.
i must say i had a good time at huggo's on the rocks til there was a beat down, we sat on a table that still had someone elses condiments, cups, and bill tab (both customer copy and merchant copy), 3 waiters passed us and not one asked if we needed another drink, bothered to not clean the table knowing the condiments weren't ours, not even asking how were doing..it's like we were invisible to them or something but i was upset and had to talk to manager. that's so rude and awful customer service for those three waiters. Other than that the food is good, entertainment is awesome
(2)
Lauren M.
This is probably one of the more "fancy" places in Kona and their prices will reflect this. The food is great though and the bar is nice too. I personally really enjoyed the mac nut crusted Ono with wasabi mashed potatoes! Awesome! Also, sometimes they're throw some food scrapes over there balcony into the water and you can watch the eels swarm to the food. They have lights that shine out on the water as well attracting plankton, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a Manta Ray! After dinner would be a great time to go next door to their outdoor bar, Huggo's on the Rocks. Friday night they have great live music. There is a small area to dance and a number of tables surrounding a circular bar. There are tiki lamps lit around the entire area and you can hear the waves crashing against the lava rocks! On the Rocks is also a great spot for breakfast! I wouldn't miss it if I were you!
(5)
Dan R.
We stopped by the Huggo's on the rocks for lunch after flying in. The best thing about the spot is that you can sit with your table in the sand, right on the water. That rocks. The food is ok. We had the Kalua Pig nachos and they were pretty good. We all ordered fish for lunch, the Mahi and it was fine. For the $$ it was nothing to return to, but the location makes the place a decent bet in a tourist trap section of Kailua.
(3)
Allison G.
This is the spot to get loaded up in the afternoon!!! I was blessed today to sink into the sand in my chair. Scarf down a really decent Ruben with mac salad and sip down two knock your butt Tootie Fruitie $8 drinks. Ideal afternoon delight with out the tourist buzzing around. I am telling you with the island being a ghost town. It was awesome to not have to worry about parking or finding a decent table here. A+!!! Cute friendly waitress made the relaxing moment more so. Not a fan of way over priced Huggo's, but I will hang on the rocks anytime.
(3)
Robyn d L.
What makes Huggo's a great place is the atmosphere and location. It's located right at the water's edge, and if you don't mind walking over rocks, you can go down to the beach. It's a perfect place to watch the sunset. If you're on vacation, this is a wonderful place to catch a tropical breeze and experience the subtle beauty of Hawaii. The food at Huggo's is pretty good too. But the only dish that was truly memorable was the macadamia nut pie, made special by the pie lady.
(4)
Marie E.
LOVE this place! Great place to dine by the ocean. Great live music. My kids have always been treated very well.
(5)
Pamela S.
This is a great casual place with wonderful, friendly service. Located right on the ocean, this outdoor, sandy-floored restaurant is the place to go for lunch, so wear slippers (as the locals put it, aka flip flops) and don't forget your camera. The Mauna Kea burger is awesome and their Reuben is a wonderful second choice.
(4)
Lucija K.
The nachos include cheese whiz... Need I say more? However the Hawaiian guitarist we saw was charming and of course the location location location can hardly be beat. Nevertheless I can now say "been there, done that" and leave it at that.
(2)
Vince V.
We went to go check out another restaurant on a tuesday evening but it was closed so we wound up at Huggos. I already knew about it and seen reviews on yelp so was looking forward to some chicken nachos and drinks, but my girlfriend was hoping for a more formal dining experience so we went to the main restaurant. We had excellent seats near the rail overlooking the water and rocks. Great ambience and dining room. Wine list, eh....ok. Food, eh....ok. Price....uh, yeah, expensive. Had the scallops/shrimp in butter appetizer. The scallops were pretty good, but the shrimp were overcooked. Overall an appetizer than anyone with a skillet, stick of butter, and some store bought seafood could make. I believe I remember getting a salad and I don't remember it being bad, but I also don't really remember what kind it was so maybe it wasn't very good either. The grilled mahi mahi with crab meat on top was okay but must have been sitting in the window too long because it was sort of dry, and the vegetables were cold and the rice wasn't very hot. We did go for a brief walk and then headed down to Huggos on the Rocks, the little bar with live music next door, for some after dinner drinks, etc. The live music was great and the drinks were pretty good and I soon realized that this was the Huggos we should have eaten dinner at. They have appetizers and sandwhiches etc. So overall I would pass on the fancy Huggos and just go down to the bar for a snack and some drinks.
(4)
Gina B.
This was a great place for dinner. Our party ate burgers (which were yummy), and mahi mahi tacos (which were equally good). The rice side was delicious and the views are wonderful. Kicked off our sandals and let our feet rest in the sand while we listened to the great music. Great evening!
(4)
KC N.
Great location right on the beach. Service was ok, not great, not awful; pretty typical island time. Burgers and fries are good. Chicken sandwich wasn't all that... kind of tough and overly sweet teriyaki sauce. Drinks are pretty and tasty, but have a very weak pour on alcohol. BEWARE the up-charge on drinks... on the drink menu, in red print on a yellow background (hard to see since the rest of the menu is in black print) that there is a 50 cent premium charge on every drink after the live music starts at 8 p.m.! Not a huge deal money-wise, but it chaps me that it is definitely meant to be easily overlooked (we call that a "drunken sunburn charge" in the resort industry). Waitress was more than a bit put out that we didn't notice it and questioned her about the difference in drink prices. She gave a little sniff about "it's clearly written on the menu" (and we weren't being impolite, we thought it was a simple mistake in pricing at the time). Other than that, she was friendly, but not very visible (again, this place definitely runs on island time, so kick back and enjoy the view). Music was fun; sand in your toes and waves next to you is great. Go for the music, dancing, fun and atmosphere, but definitely not for the food, drinks or service.
(2)
David S.
Huggo's is a really nice place. They have an expansive bar, and pretty much all the seating is on the water. However, it is a little pricey, even by Hawai'i standards (of course, you should be bringing some money, after all it is Hawai'i). The food is really good. Beware of the parking situation--it's a little sketchy.
(4)
cindy c.
what a great spot to end an early day! i went to huggo's on the rocks saturday night after a looong hike to captain cook and had a wonderful time. it's right on the water and has a great view of the sunset! they get pretty busy and the service, although friendly and nice, is a little slow, but with the view and the great music, who cares?! i highly recommend the polynesian passion and the awesome nachos to share!
(5)
Shannon C.
Absolutely wonderful experience. Great place to watch sunset while enjoying drinks and appetizers. The fish tacos ate $3 during happy hour (until 6) and they are the BEST fish tacos. Spicy, fresh and cooked to perfection. Mai-Tai's for $4, plus lots of other fun $4 drinks. Skip the Nachos ("mini" ones anyways - huge but gas station type cheese).
(5)
Michal E.
You don't go for the food, you go for the drinks and the oceanside experience. A great place for a big group, dancing is a must after you have had a few drinks in you!
(3)
Wendy S.
Kalua tostada and the haupia cake - drool! And you MUST have a mai tai...
(4)
Salma S.
Prepare to get sandy feet - ocean type feel. Great view. The Ahi burger was awesome!! The waitress was great and accomodating! Food was affordable and not crazy expensive. It is a great place to dine!
(4)
Joey N.
ok i'm going to break this out - ambiance was a 4-5.. great music, sandy beach feeling. food absolutely sucked - well if you are expecting asian tastes.. which is what this place portrays. their kalbi tasted like well bland - which was greatly disappointing. rice was hard so old (2wice) we went back for the music knowing the food was sub par. And the drinks were not good at all... no alchohol or too much. booo
(3)
Richard H.
If you're anywhere on the Kona coast then Huggos is worth the drive. I didn't eat at "On The Rocks" but had an amazing dinner at Huggo's proper. You really can't beat the location, it's nestled just south of "downtown" Kona in a great little cove. If sitting on the patio (and really, most everyone is) you can enjoy an amazing sunset as well as the surf lapping up against the pilings. Cocktails were great, food was great. Go just for the location and ambiance.
(4)
John S.
This is the only restaurant on the Big Island that sit right on the water. Come for the sunset. Food is outstanding and service is very entertaining. Ask for Island Johnny as your waiter, this guy is worth the show. One of my favorites on the Big Island.
(5)
Kona Boy P.
location ,location , location. you can not be any closer to the ocean. good food . a little pricey some of the wait staff is great others seem to ask you for a tip befor you order. but that happens any where. Sun set is great but evening on a moon less night you can watch the manta rays play. "on the ROCK'S " the outside bar. there is a girl group that is a semi regular. that a+++ did I mention you are on the beach. p.s. eat the fresh fish.
(3)
David W.
Stopped for lunch to grab something light. Good service. Food was good and well presented. The location is excellent; right on the water with a nice view of the town. Parking is tricky. Not too much problem at lunch, but evenings are another matter. Did not try dinner; we ate at their restaurant next door. Would definitely return for a nice leisurely lunch or even for dinner.
(3)
Kate C.
Perfect place for our first vacation meal. Right on the water, sand to sink your toes into and delicious food. The kailua pork tacos were delicious!
(4)
Karen M.
My husband and I love to go here! The music at night is fabulous and you can't beat the sunsets. I love the casual feel of the sand on my feet The MaunaKea burger is amazing!! I would give this place 5 stars if they served fries with the meals, or if they even had fish and chips.
(4)
Kathy S.
First night in Kona. There was a band playing oldies, Elvis, Beatles and of course they had me there! Great drinks, Oceanside table, dancing and fish dinner. It was all good.
(5)
Jules S.
Great food and cold drinks on the water. Watching the sun set and relaxing after a fun day in Kona! One of my favorite spots to visit each time I am here!
(5)
M P.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!!!!!!! And its awesome when the food is great too! This place is right on the water. You can put your feet in the sand. Nice casual menu, I had the beef sliders with homemade volcano chips. Sliders had 1000 island, fried onion string, cheddar, on a nice roll. Everyhing was grand. The waitress was attentive and nice. Very nice ambiance!!
(5)
Angela A.
Food was just "ok". Granted it was damp & a bit drizzly, but food was soggy and lacked taste. We had a group of 6, waitress forgot one persons drink order and screwed up someone else's food order. Never checked on the group for refills or how they liked their meal. Overrated experience.
(2)
Susan W.
Went here while on vacation to take in the sunset & some live music, dancing, food & drinks. It is "seat yourself" which is uncomfortable. We lucked uopn a couple leaving & were able to grab their table. Sitting in the sand might seem cool but it is actually hard to get up & your chair sinks. The food was not very good. The sell here is the location. I had a salad with shrimp. The shrimp were good the salad was a salad. Hubby got the fish tacos. Probably the saddest fish tacos ever. Did not like eating out of the plastic steamer bowl. I would go again just for a drink & to listen to music & watch the sunset.
(3)
John J.
Food is decent. However I think they are betting in location and setting on the water. $10 for a slice of pie....small slice of pie at that...plus, wait staff is ehhh, less than entertaining.
(2)
Gene H.
Service was appalling. Literally a full fly in my wife's drink, wings and all!! Brought it to their attention and barely a sorry. Lots of other places with a view to go. We suggest the bar at Royal Kona.
(1)
Julie M.
We have been there the past two nights for dinner and we may go back tonight. It's a cool atmosphere with great live music. Get the fish tacos or the crunchy beef tacos, or one of each! Also the sweet potato fries are a must! Enjoy!!
(5)
Dave B.
Used to love this place, but prices for Mai Tai's are way up and the liquor level is waaaay down. Need to find a new Happy Hour spot!
(3)
Jason A.
This was our favourite place to visit during our trip to Kona. We went to a happy hour maybe 5 of the 7 nights we stayed in Kona due to the great atmosphere and really nice servers. The happy hour drinks are not quite as big as bongo ben's but it was okay as they never got to hot before you finished them. The sliders and fish tacos for happy hour are really good and if you are like us then the heat doesn't really make you that hungry and 2 fish tacos and a slider was all I needed and it came to $9.00. Would come back again in the future for sure.
(5)
Michael P.
This was our favorite restaurant/bar in Kona. It became our go-to place. On our first day, Hannah, our server, demonstrated what the aloha spirit is all about. Her service, along with what I consider to be the best food in "downtown" Kona, with solid drinks to boot, made us instant fans. This is also right on the rocky beach (not across the street like many of the other restaurants in the area). So the environment is excellent. Note: We felt the fish was a little overcooked the first time we ate here. From then on we ordered medium-rare and it came out much better. Looking forward to our return.
(5)
Justin K.
Crappy menu from the 90's. Horrible outdated drink selection, the smell of stale beer wafts from behind the bar overpowering the ocean air. Fyi: this is NOT Huggo's. This is the outdoor bar. All the 4 & 5 star reviews you see here are from idiots that went to the restaurant and don't know the difference. The bartender doesn't know the difference between a real Mai Tai and a Hawaiian tourist one. He couldn't even answer the question, just poured me a taste of the mix. I'll admit it's nice to be on the water, nice view, music, partying and all... But what a waste of a great space.
(2)
Jessica H.
We came at around 8 pm on Friday night. The wait was estimated at about 40 minutes, but I think we only waited around 20. We decided to get drinks at the bar while we waited and the signature Mai tai was strong and delicious. Bartenders were friendly. Once seated, we had a great view of the ocean. All of us got burgers. I had the ahi burger (it's not a steak, it's ahi meat ground into a patty) and it was delicious and nice and juicy. Our server Tyler was very attentive even though he was pretty busy. I have no complaints whatsoever and hope to be back again!
(5)
Scott A.
Good music and a nice overlook
(4)
Kat S.
Yummy food, good drinks. Feet in the sand while you eat, watch the sunset and listen to music... What more could you ask for? Prices overall are average compared to other places on Alie drive. Food and service was good.
(5)
Jenna C.
Came in here and danced on the sand barefoot in dresses to a good cover band. So much fun!
(4)
Sara N.
We had tried the fish (catch of the day) which was highly recommended by the server, the beef tacos and beef fried rice. All were okay, pretty average. Service was fast and ambience was nice- being right by the beach the view of waves crashing in was nice. We got in right before kitchen closed at 10pm so we were lucky!
(3)
Suzanne H.
Best view for sunset dinner, live music. Waitress kind of ditzy and trying to rush us out. Food was ok.
(3)
Maria N.
Good view and good entertainment but the food is bad and overpriced. We have been here different 3 times so we are not basing this review on one bad meal, each time we left more disappointed than the last. We really love the environment and that's solely the reason we have been back a 2nd and 3rd time. Also, having been to a majority of the restaurants and bars on the island, the service here is also mediocre. We came at lunch, sat at the bar, and the bartender spent 90% of his time stocking. It is Thursday, at noon, why wouldn't the bar be stocked prior to opening so the bartender can focus on serving the paying customers? Strange. I can live with OK food, I can't live with poor service.
(2)
Jonathan R.
What a great place!!! Reasonable Drinks done well. Excellent Food Done Extremely Well. Fun entertainment including live music and a Hula Dancer. Barefoot in the sand on the water....what more can you ask for? Fried Rice with Marinated Steak is a must try! Korean Short Ribs were excellent....pupu platter was enough for 4 people....at $26 a bargain. Definitely worth the trip from the Kohala Coast.
(4)
Chris C.
It has a really cool atmosphere, the floor is sand, it overlooks the water and has live music. However the food was below average. I had the tacos which tasted like they had no seasoning. It was just meat and sour cream. Fish tacos with potato salad was also not good. After we were seated it took 20 minutes before anyone came to greet/serve/bring water to us. We almost walked out because of it. Our server was good once she arrived, I will give her that. I would not eat here again.
(3)
Marcy D.
They are only getting one star as I can't rate it any lower. All I can say was the beer was cold and served out of a plastic cup for $6.50! Cleanliness at the bar was a big issue for me. If you're looking for ambiance equivalent to a college party this would be the place for you!
(1)
Angie A.
My kids and I ate here at sunset. What a gorgeous view. Seriously. Big laurels to them for getting us a great table on a busy Sunday night without much advance notice. My son had the guava ribs, which he loved. My daughter had the bbq chicken kids meal, which was a bit overcharred on the outside which detracted from the flavor. I had a two lobster tail dinner, and that was pretty delicious. I had the big mai tai which was alright, not out of this world, and I felt things were a bit overpriced. But the service was awesome, so was the view, and most of the food was great. We'd go back.
(4)
Suzanne N.
Absolute worst service we have had in all of our many trips to the islands! The reviews were always good, so thought we would give it a shot. We got seated immediately, however, didn't receive waters or any acknowledgement by the many passing waiters/waitresses. We had to finally ask for one. She took our orders then we never saw her again. The kitchen staff brought the food out. We didn't have any silverware or napkins. Sat for awhile and had to ask the hostess for silverware. The food was bland, unseasoned and very underwhelming. Had the fish tacos and paddler burger. Simple things we couldn't imagine could be messed up! Then sat for another 15 minutes after finishing and tried to get our waitress and she just passed us on numerous occasions even as we rose our hands smiling. Funnily grabbed her and gave. Her our card immediately. We will never return!!
(1)
Teri W.
Amazing views, our server was attentive and knowledgable about food and recommendations. Sizzling garlic shrimp is tasty starter. Pear lychee martini is delicious! Reasonable wine list prices. Much less than our resort. Cioppino was the best! Cut lobster with a spoon. Their signature teriyaki steak was very good. Will come back here for sure.
(4)
Chris G.
Can't beat the view. Drinks and food are fairly average. Avoid the greasy pork nachos. If you want a Mai Tai in a sandy beach setting, this is your place. There is parking just up the road near a beach sports shop, if the pedestrians part ways for your car to get through.
(3)
William R.
So good. Food and music on point tonight. Good people watching. Hippie chick up front was really getting her grove thing on about 1 foot from the band. Good people watching! Korean Ribs, Paddler Burger, Pork Sandwich, and Caesar salad for us.
(5)
Tuong N.
Nice fun place for drinks and people watching only, my Burger was dried and hard, fruit bowl side order came out in a tiny cup normally used for ketchup in McDonald, very disappointing. The ocean view is awesome.
(3)
Cynthia C.
This should be the first place to stop if not just to jump start your Hawaiian experience. Great Fish tacos, a great fruity drink with an umbrelli in it....with feet in the sand. Who needs more?
(5)
Liz V.
The look & vibe is cool but the food was not good at all the chips were stale the kona fish tacos weren't good very plain taste
(1)
Janice I.
4 stars for location by the water and the live performer, 1 star for the food. I rounded up to a 3 for the performer. Did the HH, ordered a couple of sliders and fish tacos with the mind of possibly ordering an entree after for dinner. Slider was dry and hard and super salty.. basically the worst slider I've ever had. I can do so much better at home, and I'm not much of a cook at all! The fish in the taco was decent, but the taco was hard and chewy at the same time? I'd recommend going there for a beer or two, if watching the sunset and a live music performance is your thing. It's worth the $5-10 for that. I wouldn't do the food.
(3)
Kim S.
We only waited 10 min for a table. The table was not clean when she took us to it. The fish tacos were pretty good. Our party enjoyed the atmosphere and our server was good and the music was good. Good was alright being next to the ocean made it better.
(3)
Catherine W.
This place is right downtown on the water. You can listen to bad bands do covers. Haha I mean, it's not baaaaad. But, let's face it. They're no BACKSTREET BOYS. Nawmsayin?? Ok, seriously though. This place is cool and chill if you want to just grab a drink or 2 or 10 and chat with your buds or love. Hang out, relax. It's packed sometimes. It's just that it's alllllllll tourists and you can tell. So if you want some place to go to where there are less people wearing Hawaiian shirts you'll have to yelp another spot. Their Hula Pie dessert is the shit though. Get on that. Ice cream covered in fudge and nuts in the shape of an enormous slice of pie, more like a mountain pie. That's wussup.
(3)
Leslie B.
Excellent location, great food and good service. We agreed the onion rings were the best we've had. Also enjoyed the beef short ribs and Korean beef tacos. The sliders were good, as well.
(5)
S K.
Came to have dinner and hear Brian Vasquez perform.. Setting is beautiful right on ocean. Food was reasonably priced. I had fish and it was well prepared and very good. Brian Vasquez is talented and entertaining. Our whole party enjoyed the dinner and the evening very much.
(5)
Diane B.
The management is trying to adress my concerns and I am hopeful that the next time I visit they will have their MacNut Martini available. I was assured it is not being removed from the menu. :) If you havent had one you are really missing out!
(3)
Do Y.
We stopped here on 4/17 after the lack of service at Lava Java just across the street. I ordered an ahi burger and the wife ordered soup and salad. Soup of day was cheddar potato with bacon soup. My ahi burger was delicious, and I'd go out of my way to stop by to have it again. It's the best fish sandwich I've ever had. The food gets four stars, but the service is definitely lacking, which brings it down to three.
(3)
Jasper S.
Great food, good drinks, fantastic place to catch the sunset, toes in the sand, cool music, and amazing service. Seriously, our waiter (Tyler) is quite possibly the best waiter we've had anywhere - on or off the island. You can't go wrong here. On our last day on the Big Island (8/26/2014) I was fiending for some fish tacos. We chose Huggos On The Rocks (OTR) for our last meal. Just know there are two restaurants right next to each other - Huggo's (which is their fine dining area and does take reservations) and Huggo's OTR (which is their casual area and does not take reservations). From this point forward I'll just say "Huggo's" when I mean Huggo's OTR. We walked in around 6pm hoping to get a good spot to enjoy the sunset and we were not disappointed. Near the bar area they have several tables sitting in sand. You can sit down, kick off your sandals, and put your toes in the sand. The drink and food prices were all very reasonable - and quite a lot less than the resort where we were staying. I had a Mai Tai (very good) and fish tacos. The fish tacos were everything I was hoping for in a fish taco. However, the standout service from Tyler is what really put the evening over the top for us. My wife is pregnant and can't eat certain fish (no raw fish, no fish that isn't cooked all the way through, and certain fish not at all). Tyler asked us for our list of fish that she couldn't eat - and he knew exactly why certain fish were on that list. From there, he suggested several different fish (and certain cuts of those fish) that they might have up at the adjacent Huggo's restaurant. Although none of this was on the menu and we certainly didn't expect our waiter to be so knowledgeable, he totally came through for us. Throughout the evening a band played some songs of their own and other cool jazzy songs with a Hawaiian twist. They did a great job of keeping everyone entertained. When they took a break a dance troupe from a local hula school performed some traditional dances. My only regret is not having tried Huggo's On The Rocks our first night on the island, rather than our last night.
(5)
Bee J.
The perfect location. Toes in the sand and a drink in your hand. The Mai Tai is huge and awesome! The Mac Nut martini is tasty too. Burgers are cooked to perfection and the ahi salad is a delight. Service both times was on point.
(4)
Rain Greg J.
What a great location! Drinks are responsibly priced, and even better during happy hour! I was part of a group of four, we all enjoyed the dinner. I tried a bite of the Korean tacos, very good! I had the vegan panini delicious! My husband had the turkey panini, very good. Music was great! I gave it four stars because we had to ask for more drinks, which took so long we had to remind them that we ordered them. We will still be back.
(4)
Camille H.
If you're not ordering alcohol, don't worry about ordering food either. We waited 25 minutes for our server to stop & take our order. Even though she passed our table several times with trays of drinks, no time to for us. Too bad, we are excellent tippers!
(1)
carol b.
Great casual breakfast. Eat with a wonderful view of the water and your feet in soft sand. My veggie omelette wrap was luscious and came with a fresh fruit salad.
(4)
RW A.
Expensive. Drinks weak. My dining partner and I ordered a drink a piece. Mine came out and server informed my dining partner they were out of his. By the time his second choice finally arrived, I was finished. Nothing was said, no apology or anything. This was a good 15 minutes between my drink being dropped off and his second one arriving. Also, we wanted something light to snack on. Ordered some "homemade chips". Stale, old, out of the bag and $4.50. Avoid this place. Only redeeming thing is location.
(1)
Bob G.
Happy Hour was a super value. Excellent Mai Tai for 5 bucks and having your feet in the sand is a bonus. Nice service too, very friendly. We will definitely do that spot again.
(4)
Kathy G.
Love this place! Our most favorite place at Kona! Awesome sunsets, good food and great entertainment! Could use a few fans at the bar to cool things off a bit!
(5)
Annie A.
Awesome tiki bar, real deal with live music. You can relax with a drink at the bar and when a table is ready be ready to sink your feet in the sand. It's relaxing on the water. Great Tilki bar
(4)
Sheila C.
This is a tourist trap, but a beautiful one at that! At least the scenery. Right on the water, with a sand floor, so you feel you are right on the beach. They have a great selection of drinks and meals. A little pricey, but all the food on the island seems that way. Service was fast and easy. I ordered the mai tai, very tasty. For an appetizer we ordered the Kona Poke Pie, very delicious as well. My daughter claimed that it was the best one she had the week we were there and we ordered poke almost every meal! I had the Oneo Bay Salad with the fresh fish of the day which was good, my daughter had the 'Opae (Shrimp) and Chips which was awesome and my husband ordered the Kona Fish Tacos, they were ok, they lacked flavor. This place was recommended by the locals and it did not disappoint. Definitely try it out!
(4)
Roland H.
Great drinks. Great drinks. Great drinks. The service was friendly and not slow. Food was above average for sure. Appetizers were all tasty, and the hamburgers were perfectly cooked. Right on the beach/rocks to soak in all of Kona.
(4)
Chris C.
Love the atmosphere here, Make sure to arrive early and get a table in the sand, take advantage of the happy hour menu, chill out, listen to some good live music and watch the beautiful sunset. The food seems to be hit or miss. The Bulgogi I ordered was really good and the Kalbi ribs looked really good. Unfortunately our waiter didnt seem to really pay much attention to us but thats ok because we had a great time anyways. Pretty fun place just to relax and wind down your evening.
(4)
Joe O.
I'm only commenting on the location of this place since we only stopped in for beers but man, is it awesome. There was great live music (that my daughter loved), we sat right on the sand/beach/deck overlooking the sunset and were lucky enough to get there right as happy hour was rocking! Sick spot, definitely hit it up.
(5)
Wayne I.
Its one of my favorite locations to watch the sunset and have a cocktail. You sit on the sand by the water and enjoy the Kona fresh air. The prices can be pricey depending on what you order but I usually go for happy hour and there is a good selection of pupus and drinks at discounted prices. I think its a good deal during Pau Hana especially the pork nachos and fish tacos.
(4)
Elise S.
Entertaining band and hula show! Lava flow with Iilikoi and Kona Brewery beers were both excellent additions to the meal. Guava BBQ pork was a little disappointing, though. Besides the bar (both bartenders were on the stick), service was slow. Definitely a fit for a leisurely dinner, no time constraints.
(3)
Lo J.
Came here with a group of friends on a Sunday night. We had an amazing time listening to amazing live music of current and old music. The drinks were great and huge and the food was delicious and more than enough. Would definitely come here all the time if I was a local.
(5)
Sofie D.
Love that you feel like you are having a "picnic" at the beach. You can kick off your shoes, bury your feet in the sand, and have casual eats like burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. Is it the best tasting? No. But it's priced right and you can't beat the location & friendly service.
(4)
Debra J.
We got into Kona in the early evening and wanted something casual and inexpensive but could still get the feel of being in hawaii. Our front desk guy at the Sheraton quickly recommended this and he was spot on. Food was great, atmosphere was great. We plan to go back at least one more time while here!
(4)
Mike W.
Great place for some happy hour while you watch the sunset. We ordered fish tacos and the mini nacho with pork. Both were perfetly fine, nothing spectacular. The drinks were great, view over the water was sensationa, and the staff was icnredibly friendly.
(4)
Pat D.
Ahi meal terrific... home made chips, salad. Good music and great to hear the waves hitting the shore.
(5)
Regina W.
Happy hour food is a super small portion, and wasn't super impressed with the Mai tai, even though they're supposed to be famous. But nice view & good music. Got the fish tace, which was watery, the nachos, which had processed can cheese on them, and the sliders. The sliders were okay, but when I got a full portion, the mac salad that came with it was not good, especially for Hawaii standards.
(2)
Sue T.
After a long flight we arrived in Kona town, which was lively, musical, busy, right at sunset. The sun went down in honey, and the moon came up in wine. we wanted to soak in the scenery but not go somewhere too fancy. We popped into Huggos on the Rocks. Got a seat at a counter with stools, overlooking the beach patio and water. They had a 3 piece hawaiian band playing with a young woman doing hula. Soft and breezy. Drinks were great. The menu was standard, light, "bar fare." We decided to try popping next door to Huggo's more upscale restaurant for our first dinner in Hawaii. The service was very good. Very pricey. Brace yourself a bit. We had a table on a patio deck, surrounded by tiki torches, with a beautiful view. I had the Ahi Steak with Macadamia nut salsa and my husband had the steak. The meal was ok. Nothing to really rave about. The Ahi steak looked very standard, plain, with white rice and steamed veggies, kind of like a "safe" plain meal a 70 year old would appreciate. It had no pizzazz, and it should have, for the expense. We should have stayed at the Beach bar. It was more lively and would've cost 1/3 of the price for the same view.
(4)
Tiffany C.
Ugh this place was terribad. We were looking for a nice place to go and grab a drink and some food, came here. Here are my experiences: Positives (+): (+) Nice ambiance, they have a cool bar area and also a fake beach area overlooking the water, making you feel like you are sitting right on the beach (but I wonder how dirty that sand is!) I also liked the tiki torches (+) Decent selection of beers and food Negatives (-): (-) We ordered a regular cheeseburger to share, asked for the sauteed mushrooms and onions on the side, add bacon and a fried egg. Asked for the burger medium rare. When the burger came out, fried egg was...actually fried.. all the way through. No yolk. The burger patty was beyond well done, dry as a rock. The best part of the burger was the mushrooms and the onions that were on the side. They also serve it in the dim sum wooden steamer things, the most difficult thing to eat a burger in... Pretty much not at all how we wanted the burger (-) There was a highly mediocre amateur singer, singing a wide variety to oldies to Lady Antebellum. She completely butchered the Lady Antebellum, actually missing lyrics and just letting the music play for portions of lines, clearly reading from the sheet music. Because we went during a time when the singer was singing, we had to pay an extra $0.50 per drink. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for live entertainment, but don't make your customers pay extra - let them tip. If she is good (which she wasn't), we would have given her a tip on our own accord. But maybe that's why they make people pay. If you want to go for a drink, by all means go for it. I would rather go elsewhere if I can.
(2)
Gaile C.
This place was an iconic Hawaiian tourist treat. How can anyone not write about the sand? Short tables and chairs to let you stretch out with your feet in the sand to enjoy the perfect sunset, waves lapping at the rocks. Great musicians with a hula dancer later. Fantastic food served in steamer baskets. I bought the Korean beef tacos with kimchi, coconut slaw as a side. Had the poke appetizer with a mound of perfect ahi that delicious seaweed salad on top, yummy wonton crisps and avocado at the bottom. Nice selection of beer on tap and a great slow paced, relaxing experience.
(5)
Kelly B.
My husband and I moved to the Kailua Kona, HI 3 weeks ago. We have been to several restaurants and have been impressed with the food and atmosphere, the service has been okay. When we visited Huggo's on the Rocks tonight.....OMG, we were blown away! The service, Ally & Daniel, rocked it! They made us feel at home and like they cared! The atmosphere/view is the BEST we have seen so far on the Big Island. The food - hubby got the Mahi and the Seafood Bisque, LOVED IT! I got the Kailuae Drink, says it for 2, but I handled it by myself, hubby drove home. :-) I also ordered the salad with chicken and Ginger *and something* dressing, which was FABULOUS! Dessert, hubby got the Passion Fruit sorbet and loved it. It is not a Chicago portion of sorbet, like a spoonful, but a huge portion. OH!!! almost forgot to say..on Fridays they have a local guy singing with a hula dancer, backdropped by the ocean, awe inspiring. As we were walking out around 7:30pm, there was a group coming in with equipment that were going to play rock 'n roll with an Hawaiian flair. We have decided that this is our Friday, 'go to'. See you next Friday, Ally & Daniel!
(5)
Diane S.
my family always loves going here!!! this is a must when your in kona. you get a old school hawaii feel.great view, food, and music. and the drinks are so yummy. i know people are mai tai fans, but i like the kona crunch. but i think and drimk is a winner on the menu. when your hungery any on the puo pous are good. like the poke or hummus. but i like having the fish tacos. soooooo good! i love going here and cant wait to go back
(5)
Chau L.
Good happy hour! I made it just in time for some drinks! Got the bf a mai tai because he's been mentioning it for days during our trip lol...pretty good mai tai! Then I got a local Kona beer, which was nice. Bartenders and waiters were on point and so laid back. Situated on the ledge facing the ocean. We listened to live Hawai'in music, watched some hula dancing, and of course, the sunset descending upon the rocks and water.
(4)
Stephanie S.
This place had a great happy hour with live music everyday!! I believe during the week it's from 4-6pm and 3-5pm in the weekends! They definitely had the best Mai Tai's, out of all the other spots in Kona! The only reason I would give it 4 stars in the food is not great. Bit other then that hands down the best place to grab a reasonable drink, and watch the sunset, with live music!
(4)
Ingrid B.
Beautiful location, right by the water. I ordered fish, and it was little bit dry. My friend ordered tacos, and she said that it was delicious.
(4)
Jacques L.
3rd night here and love. Great location, service can be slower than some expects but it depends on how busy they are. Quality is service is fine. Food has been been fine as well and we love the live music. Considering price, location and quality of food and service, 5 stars.
(5)
Penny F.
We thoroughly enjoyed the service, water front lunch, and food at this place. We spent the AM snorkeling and took in a bite to eat( shrimp/fish tacos) with some local Hawaiian beers. Great eating in the sand with a phenomenal view.
(4)
Joe B.
You're definitely paying for the view. It was nice to eat with your toes in the sand, but both my wife and I ordered the fish tacos were meh. The fish was cooked decent but lacked flavor. The tortillas were mediocre and the slaw was once again not very enticing to the taste buds. The volcano chips were decent and the potato Mac tasted like something out of a Sam's Club vat. Needless to say I wasn't impressed after having the fish tacos recommended. Great service though and cold beer!
(3)
Jack M.
Fantastic seafood. Beautiful view. Priced high, but actually worth it. Great mai tais.
(5)
Louis R.
Totally a tourist destination, right off Alii Drive. Its on the beach, has great views of the ocean, has a chill bartender, has live music. It has a dope happy hour...for drinks. Mahalo.
(5)
Jennifer W.
We came here a few times while on vacation in Kona. I loved the mock beach setting (althought it was annoying to be trapped in a chair once it sunk deep into the sand), and being so close to the water was great. I love hearing the ocean waves at night! There was a band two nights that we were there, playing Island music. In Cleveland, I would have hated it. Here? Perfection. The Pina Colada was the best I've ever tasted! I am guessing it is made from actual coconut and pineapple and not from a mix. It was really delicious! We ate here once - I got the Korean tacos, my husband got the vegetarian panini and my brother got the poke pie. Nothing really stuck out to any of us.... It was a little on the expensive side, but then again, so is most everything downtown. All in all, a great venue that provided lots of great vacation memories. I will definitely be back to Huggos on the Rocks, probably every night, on my next trip to Hawaii!
(4)
kahau m.
Neat spot to catch the sunset, have a beer ot cocktail, listen to live music with your toes in the sand! Staff is friendly. The bulgogi is my go to for food.
(4)
Corinne H.
We went for drinks and appetizers and had a fabulous time. We had the pulled pork nachos and it was more then enough for two. The ambiance was great, good music fantastic views.
(5)
Emily J.
No idea why so popular. Mediocre dinner. Fish tacos and BBQ special. Not bad. Not great. Just ok. Slow but friendly service. Mediocre drinks. Very processed and chemical tasting dessert. I liked the open air seating. Cool vibez with the live singing performer (dancer was meh). Possibly the only thing I really enjoyed. Not many people seemed to really enjoy him and that is a shame cuz he was very energetic and happy. If he wasn't there, I'd drop my review to a 2. Felt like a chain restaurant by the water. Definitely will not return after some awesome food I've had on the island at other places. But I would recommend for a cool vibe for drinking.
(3)
Charlie O.
Great waterfront location, with a casual vibe. Sub par food with small portions. My "side salad" was shredded romaine with a slice of tomato. Wall to wall fanny packing tourists. Heading back to Hilo.
(2)
Joanna S.
Impressed! I loved. I went alone; got bar table and great view. Food was good; service fast and the drinks were really good. Dress casual and you'll fit right in. Music was good (live) and I will def go back
(5)
Geralyn Y.
Huggo's on the rocks because it's literally on the rocks. We ate here for our Christmas dinner because our luau was rained out. It may have been because I already polished off a couple of mai tai's at the luau, but the food was delicious! Maybe it wasn't because of the mai tais. Love the cute ono baskets they place our food in. Order the Kalbi ribs. Oh my, SF has some great Korean BBQ so I wasn't sure if it would be good at a touristy restaurant. Two words: flavorful and tender. The Key lime pie was pretty awesome too. Their drinks are also good and strong. Our waiter was really friendly. Look over your shoulder, and you have the ocean. What more could you want?
(5)
Brittany G.
So rude. Came here for dinner with my mom, aunt, and cousins. We literally had 5 staff members ignore us, only to have the 6th say the kitchen was closed. Really happy we wasted 15 minutes waiting for nothing. Common courtesy isn't much to ask. I'm from LA and don't expect much from people, but there's no point in coming back here.
(1)
Linda M.
Had a great time at Huggo's on the Rocks! The waiter's name was Derek. He was very attentive to our special lunch outing . We had the Poke appetizer that was superb! Try the coconut mojito. It was refreshing! The girls had the pork nachos. Paul had the Ahi burger! It was delightful!! I had the fish tacos !! All the meals were delicious! We were met by the manager Franky! He is a very warm, sincere gentleman! He made our experience worth coming back again! When your in Kona, be sure to stop by to experience their amazing view, delicious menu and warm genuine hospitality.
(5)
Heidi M.
The excellent - view, bare feet in sand at tables, the Lilikoi Mojito and the Kailua pork quesadilla with added guacamole. The good - most of the food was good. Not amazing bit good. You can't really taste wasabi or coconut in the wasabi coconut coleslaw. The ugly - we had eaten there twice already, spending a good deal of money. Our last morning of vacation, I finished packing while hubby went and got a coffee drink. When I was done we decided to go to Huggos to see what they had for breakfast. We were rudely greeted with " I don't allow outside coffee in my restaurant". Seriously???? This rude mustachioed man turned business away because my husband had a half drunk coffee with him. That's two breakfasts, a drink for me and most likely another coffee for hubby plus tip for server. Did I mention how rude he was? Yeah.
(3)
K M.
I thought I made reservation at on the rocks (planned to get the $12 ahi burger) but when got there told my reservation was for Huggos next door the restaurant rather than Huggos on the rocks bar(doesn't do resv) . They gave us a great table at the restaurant so we stayed even though was spendy menu. Got the st Patricks day $22 special corned beef but the meat was 80% fat. Watched whales in the bay and could hear some of the live music from the bar but if did it again would be sure just to go to the bar.
(3)
Claire L.
Beautiful spot for drinks and sunset views but not worth it to eat the food. Their Mai tai is my favorite drink! $4 at happy hour! But we tried several appetizers, all mediocre bar food at best. And the service was awful. They do have live entertainment though... So worth a trip for a Mai tai
(3)
Kathy R.
Went for lunch based on yelp reviews and was not disappointed. The view was spectacular! We got a parking spot right out front in one if their lots. We had fish tacos , sliders and key lime pie for dessert. Our server, Kat, was very friendly and helpful when we asked for recommendations of things to do. She even took it a step further and wrote down the recommendations for us.
(5)
Ron k.
Wow this place has a wonderful view of the ocean. Right out side near the entrance they serve the most amazing dessert. Aloha snowflakes I don't know how to describe it it's cold fluffy light yummy, I told the chatty guy It tasted like frozen cotton candy he said that most people just don't know what to make of it but they come back several times and that's pretty amazing for people on a 4 day vacation. But I know why I'll be back! Only two more days left till I'm back of r&r tomorrow will be my third time haha get my snow on ! In Kona Ps you gotta try the Kona coffee / coconut combo with sweet mochi balls and condensed milk aka snow cap and nilla crumbles sure to make you say I heart snow!
(5)
Jolene E.
The location of this place is excellent. The tables are outdoors and in a bed of delightful sand. Just over the edge was ocean, so the view was amazing. Service was good and the fish was fresh and well prepared
(5)
Shawnee G.
This place was completely lacking and as a local, I feel it's a total tourist trap. I went with a couple visiting girlfriends on a Friday night for appetizers and drinks. Of course we expected it to be busy and we were told a 20 minute wait. We found an open table after 5 minutes near the bar, seated ourselves, and never saw the hostess that was supposed to come look for us when a table was available again. The service from our waitress was awesome although the wait for our drinks was ridiculously long. The view was amazing and the live entertainment was a nice touch, but the food was terrible. Maybe we just came on an off night? The chips in the kalua nachos were stale, sweet potato fries were stone cold, the fish tacos were flavorless and the fish was dry, and the sliders we had also tasted weird. Most disappointing was the $11 Hawaiian Rainbow drink I ordered. While pretty to look at, there was barely any alcohol in it, like it was watered down! The Kona coffee cheesecake redeemed the night though, while sweet & indulgent, it's a must try. All in all, while the view and entertainment in itself was great, I would NOT go back for the food. Maybe just for cocktails and I'd definitely order something different.
(2)
Spice Master Duck Q.
Great drinks, nice atmosphere, live entertainment, and oceanside view. It is unbeatable as far as bars go in Kailua Kona.
(5)
Kyle M.
Great drinks and LIVE music every night makes this a true winner.
(5)
Christine E.
Location, location, location!! Wow, and who could ask for a better one than this? With the tables actually sitting in the sand, there is nothing better than taking off your shoes and putting your feet in the sand and sipping on a nice cold beer. Came here for lunch and was very impressed with the service and the food. Came again for happy hour, and while the drinks were not great, the fish tacos and ambiance were awesome. There was an amazing Hawaiian singer, the sun was setting over the water and drinks were cheap! The service was horrendous though. Every time we ordered something else, the server acted so annoyed. Tried to be friendly and make conversation but she just wasn't having it. The view was worth the shitty service though!
(3)
Sarah H.
Best happy hour in Kona! Great food and drinks, but remember that it can get quite busy and you may have to stake out a table for awhile before getting to sit down!
(5)
Colleen S.
Great view, great music, great mai tais, and really great food (I had grilled mahi mahi).
(5)
Bonnie D.
Huggo's On The Rocks is a fantastic restaurant where you sit with your feet in the sand, under a giant umbrella, while listening to live music and sometimes a show. Their food was fantastic, their famous Mojito is delicious. The thing that will keep me coming back is their Ahi Burger. I had never tried one before my visit there, and I was not disappointed. It was the best thing I've had on the Big Island! So good! Definitely recommend!
(5)
Heath E.
This place is awesome!! My friends and I were on vacation the week of the 2011 70.3 Honu Ironman and after the race, this was the place we needed to let lose. Between the live music and great libations, I completely forgot how soar my body was from the day before. We had so much fun that we decided to go again while we were there, even though our resort was 45 minutes away. I highly recommend Huggo's!!
(5)
Andrew N.
I stopped in here once for an afternoon snack and drinks on the water. The view here is good but that's about it. The wait staff was slow and would forget to bring half the tables drink order. The food is nothing special but would do the trick. The drinks are more expensive here than other bars located within a few hundred feet of this place.
(2)
Priscilla C.
Didn't try any of the food, but it can't be beat for the sunset view during their happy hour! They also had live Hawaiian music, and everyone there seemed happy and friendly.
(4)
Diane E.
We had Mac Nut Martinis here as well as their Monchong fish sandwiches. Excellent!!! We plan on going back again tomorrow for another Mac Nut Martini :-)
(5)
Michelle R.
We had an AMAZING time here! One of my favorite places to eat in Kona. Get here early for happy hour and enjoy a beautiful sunset and after the sun goes down enjoy some awesome live music. So cool!
(4)
Krystie K.
Hated the over long wait, food was under sized and over priced, but well done food network style.
(3)
Suzanne A.
We knew this was a toursity spot, and we really didn't come here thinking the food was going to be exceptional, we came here because we'd been walking all around all day in the sun, the sun was going down, we were hungry and thirsty and wanted to watch the sunset. They sat us right away in a great spot outside, overlooking the water and we sipped pina coladas, toes in the sand, listening to a few guys sing while we waited for our food. the food ended up not being too bad afterall, the service was good, and the sunset was exceptional, so overall, a good time was had by all!
(3)
Ashley H.
My girlfriend and I went almost a week ago... Food was good. We got the garlic parmesan bread to start. The garlic was a little overpowering, so if you are not a huge garlic fan, don't get this! If you are, though, it's good :) I got the king crab legs with garlic mashed potato's, all of which was EXCELLENT. The view was amazing, right on the ocean, got to enjoy the sunset. Downside, service is a little slow, and the food took a little long (and I served for two years, so I know about these things and how the kitchen can become backed up, but our server was very nice.
(5)
Norm F.
Make sure you go there Sunday or Monday night before sunset and listen to LT Smooth. Great music and cocktails while the sun goes down.
(5)
Richard M.
I think most of the review have a theme, and I agree. The setting is fantastic. Who can beat the ocean lapping just feet away and a perfect place to watch the sun set into the ocean!!!! the food is just ok. It fills an empty spot for a tourist price. the drinks are good, bulk replicated drinks. beer by the plastic cup, foofy girl drinks complete with fruit slices and umbrellas. Entertainment, the best on Friday nights hot lava 808 cove band is great!!! It a lil tourist, but a nice place. The staff and management are not well versed in problem recovery. there is no "sorry you had a bad experience, here let me try to make it better." Then again most people will never have an issue here. so as long as your here to kick back drink a beverage and enjoy the cover band, your in the right place.
(2)
Teri O.
Great burger and nice atmosphere! Live music started out great with a Hawaiian guy that had a great voice. Slowly dissolved into annoyance though once his partner started singing, Have you Never Been Mellow and Killing Me Softly. What's up with that? Can't we listen to old classic Hawaiian style music while in Hawaii??? It was beautiful. Anyway, the service was okay. My dining partners were less pleased but there ya go. The food and the location are what make this place good. Give it a shot.
(3)
Kathy P.
Friends, being able to have your toes in the sand, a very delectable Mai- Tai, live music, Wahine's dancing on stage, live music, and the famous sunset NIGHTLY...well...changes in attitudes, changes in latitudes...how can you go wrong! Oh, and don't forget to try the Kalua Pork Nachos (minus the Ball Park Cheese or tell them you want it on the side...)
(4)
Sheryl M.
I have not dined at the main Huggo's establishment. This review is only on Huggo's On the Rocks. Huggo's on the Rocks is an awful waste of time and not a good way to start a vacation. I was just on Hawaii to celebrate a birthday and my husband took me to Huggo's on the Rocks for sunset cocktails and pupus. An earlier reviewer said, "You don't go for the food. You go for the drinks and the oceanside experience." We didn't get to try the food but the drinks and service at Huggo's on the Rocks are awful. I had a very sub-par strawberry daquiri. My husband's pina colada had no flavor at all. No coconut. No pineapple. No rum. It just looked like light brown tinted shave ice. After trying to wave down our server for almost 15 minutes, she eventually came over and told us their dark rum makes it brown but had no explanation for why it only had a hint of sweetness and no flavor at all. She took it to the bar and came back with it a while later and said, "The bartender confirmed that it IS a pina colada." We told her that if that's how they make 'em, we don't want it. The server brought us a rail drink and took away the pina colada since it was so bad, but she copped an attitude about it. We hadn't jumped all over her about it and tried to handle it nicely. As a former bartender, I would have been embarrassed to have served up such a lousy drink. She completely ignored us after that so we never had an opportunity to order any food. When we were ready to go, they actually charged us $9 for the pina colada we sent back (and had only taken two small sips out of). I have lived in Hawaii for almost 5 years and this place wins for worst drinks and worst service I have experienced here. Don't let Huggo's on the Rocks ruin your evening - there are other good places to go in Kailua Kona. I have written a letter to Huggos' management to give them an opportunity to respond to our experience. ****Update 2/19/09: Both Eric, owner of Huggo's on the Rocks, and their manager, Greg, have contacted me regarding my experience at their establishment. Eric has addressed staff training on the issues that were a problem and both he and Greg have offered to make amends with a refund and/or comp pupus. Next time I am in town, I will surely give one or both of them a call to take them up on the opportunity to discuss their efforts. They were both prompt and courteous and Eric in particular expressed genuine concern that customers at Huggo's on the Rocks have a pleasant experience. I look forward to my next visit - which, unfortunately, might not be until next year - to see how things go and also look forward to updated Yelp reviews to see if improvement is noted. Kudos to Huggo's owner and management for their great follow-up.
(2)
Jeremy M.
Great little place on the water. Drinks are fantastic, and the poke is awesome. They were also very accommodating when we wanted to replace the beef sliders with their bbq pork, which was quick tasty. Service was fast and friendly. Views are incredible.
(4)
Cara H.
I love beach towns! Nothing beats eating fish tacos by the ocean with your feet in the sand. Love the ambiance! The fish tacos were great! Minus a star cause my fries were tooooo salty! Mac nut martini was ok, a little much! Fun beach dining!
(4)
Brittany S.
Hey Huggo's, thanks for pulling through on our "hot date night" out on the town. Your tasty pina coladas (both traditional and with strawberry infusion) were the perfect way to kick the dinner off. We especially appreciated the open floor plan overlooking the water with flame torches along the patio and the cherry on top....a flame dancer out on a rock overlooking the ocean. Talk about stunning. The reflection of the flames whirling around on the water was pure artwork. As for the food, all diners are treated to complimentary warm bread served with herbed butter and white bean hummus. The bread was on the greasy side but I couldn't get enough of the butter. So much in fact that I shamefully added a dollop onto my chicken breast. Note: I'm allergic to seafood and the non-seafood options here are quite limited. Even the signature teriyaki steak is doused in oyster sauce (heads up). My chicken was served with asparagus spears and garlic mashed potatoes which I substituted for the tasty and earthy pumpkin risotto (highly recommend the risotto as a side alternative). We decided the food wasn't mind-blowingly good but it didn't matter so much because the atmosphere was just what we were looking for.
(4)
Glenn P.
NOPE! Tried to stop for a nice sunset dinner and drinks (at least an hour before sunset) - and all the tables at the water were gone. We were okay with that and ordered drinks. They seated us right in front of the loudest, over-amplified band I have ever heard. They didn't even look that busy - so why we were sat at their least desirable table is beyond my comprehension. They finally brought us menus - and we expected the prices to be high. I wasn't having a good time at all, and with $10 drinks, and 'meh' food (looking at the few plates coming out) starting at almost $20 - I wasn't going to stick around for food. It's pretty much a beach bar attached to the fancy kitchen to the pricey restaurant to the south.
(1)
Vic M.
Back again - Jan 2015 lunch Awesome location ON the wayer with sand at your feet. Ahi burger was excellent ($12.95) Poke was good.
(5)
Russell S.
Nice breakfast spot along the water. Their iced coffee is good and the breakfast isn't bad either. I'm a bit of a stickler with my eggs, and the breakfast scramble wrap I ordered delivered. Light, fluffy, and silky eggs...something I rarely find in a restaurant. The price was a bit steep for breakfast, but those eggs were so good, I don't really mind.
(4)
Dan A.
Came here for lunch twice in the last week. Easy free parking steps away is a big plus downtown! Great location in the water, a sand beach with tables. Service to the slow side at 130 pm. Nice varied food selection...i had crunchy beef tacos and they were good. Several sides available, I opted for Cole slaw, you opt for something else. (10.95). Spouse had kailua pork quesada appetizer...she had leftovers. Tasty pulled pork! (11.95). Beer (fire rock ale on draft) could have been colder. Spouses Mai Tai, tasty and pleasing. Location sells this spot!
(3)
Julie H.
Came here several times during our week long stay in Kona. The food is good, the drinks great, the staff friendly, the view AWESOME. You are sitting on the edge of the ocean with sand under your feet. At night they had some live Hawaiian music with the occasional hula dancer. I was surprised that the food and drinks were so good since often places like this use their view to hide behind mediocrity. I loved the big Mai Tai for two, reasonably priced and packed quite the punch. Loved the Poke, and really enjoyed everything I tried on their menu. I will definitely return here when I get back to Kona!
(5)
Debby S.
Yum! Great View of ocean!
(4)
Scotty Dog J.
While my wife were staying next door, we thought we would give this place a try. Went for an early dinner and everything was outstanding. We both had taco plates, hers was short rib that were big portions and delicious. Mine was fish, blackened Mahi Mahi with mango salsa, excellent!! She also tried different flavored margaritas guava and passion fruit were her favorite. For desert we shared a Kona coffee cheesecake that was delicious. Setting is relaxed and beautiful view right on the beach. Would recommend this place to anyone, seems service gets a little slow when real busy, but it's island time bra relax.....all in all great food, and atmosphere we will be back.
(4)
Amanda C.
How this place gets four stars is absolutely beyond me. The food is DISGUSTING and so overpriced. The burgers, the nachos, the Mediterranean platter...all bad. I have tried many things here, so have my friends, and every time ends in disappointment. On the other hand, Happy hour is good with $2 Primos, but it's only from 3-5. After that the prices skyrocket! All the drinks become so expensive I am upset with myself that I've spent so much money there. There are pluses about this place though: great live music, good happy hour prices, wonderful atmosphere and friendly service. I wish I could give different reviews for the food and for everything else. Honestly... Food: 1 star Drinks and Atmosphere: 4 stars (minus prices)
(2)
Mel O.
This is a must stop place. Great view, great service, good bands and all you need is one drink. The bombucha.
(5)
Brandon S.
Decent food. Happy hour is a joke. Great view and good live music. A real Hawaiian feeling here.
(4)
Dennis D.
The chips, salsa, and beer were good; and the service was good too. We came for happy hour which didn't start until 3pm and had a very limited menu. I give the food 3 stars; service 4+ stars; but the poor beer, drink, and food options on the happy hour menu only 2 stars. Chips and salsa were not on the happy hour menu; bud and coors were about the only beer.
(3)
Katie R.
I was in Kona for 5 days and ate here for 3 of my dinners. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive (even when the joint is jumpin'). The food came out perfectly cooked every time. You are right on the beach with your toes in the sand. The sunsets (easily viewable from every table) are memorable. The prices are appropriate and reasonable. The drinks (though served in plastic cups--egh) are great and exceptionally strong. You must eat the: Shrimp Lettuce Cups, Fish Tacos, and Korean Tacos.
(5)
Tim H.
Ended up going here several times because it was walking distance from time share and we had such a great time the first lunch. They have some drinks designed for two, but I'd stay away on the basis that they were hard to handle with such a tall bamboo "glass." Everyone seemed to like their food, but the ambiance of sand under your feet and the ocean view probably sold me on the place. Our visit coincided with the visit of the hurricane, Huggo's didn't close early like many other places on the strip. Hurricane turned out to be a nothing-burger, I've sneezed bigger. First time I walked there after dark, I walked into Huggo's, not "On the Rock's." Caused a bit of confusion, totally different atmosphere and menu. Plain old "Huggo's" might be fine, looked jazzy and more upscale, but totally different place and I never tried it.
(5)
Matt O.
Fantastic spot! Great Music! Aloha spirit is strong! Thanks to Tim Criswell and all the staff for making this the best evening of our holiday!
(5)
Jaena J.
The location was Awesome, right on the beach and overlooking the ocean! The live music was also fantastic. On the other hand, the food was nothing special. I probably wouldn't go back.
(3)
Audrey R.
Such a great place to drink a cold cocktail with your feet in the sand. Fish tacos, shrimp wraps a must! A cool vibe, live music all around perfect Hawaiian vaycay! Our sever Hanna was so sweet! Lots of great reconditions, super cool chick!
(5)
Cassy R.
Nice outdoor, sandy floor bar, and such a great spot to watch the sunset! The cocktails were amazing, especially The Chee-Hoo Tini with Lychee, and the Pineapple Mojito...Didn't love the food though, so I would suggest Huggo's Restaurant next door for dinner, but if you're looking for just a sunset cocktail, On The Rocks is your place!
(4)
Tim A.
This review is based just on the bar, we did not eat here. The drinks were really good and being right on the water made this place great. Definitely try the passion fruit coloda.
Pretty good food although I'd say servings were small. Nice atmosphere, despite the surly waitress. Great view and nice music.
(4)
Margareg G.
Great set up right on the beach. The food is decent however servers had inconsiderate and careless attitudes. We went there multiple times food the live music and fun atmosphere but the service left much to be desired.
(2)
Mindy N.
We liked this spot at night a lot! We generally don't repeat places on vacation, but this place we did! Live music that was great, yummy cocktails and tasty eats! The Big Bamboocha Mai Tai is no joke - so good, probably our fav on the island. Their regular mai tai is good too. Great spot on the water, toes in the sand (not all seating) - just great atmosphere to kick back and listen to good live music. From the two times we tried: Ali'i Quesadilla , The Rocks Taco Salad, Bulgogi Friend Rice Bowl, Kona Fish Tacos, Rock's Classic Burger and the Wanna Manapua Burger. Everything was tasty and the service was great!
(5)
Sam p.
Great view; close-in; great happy hour; sand floors. I always go here when in Kona. I recommend it.
(5)
J B C.
It was our last night and I found Huggo's on yelp. We had a seaside table with a great view of the sunset. Even caught some ocean spray with the waves. The waves were really crashing hard that night. The food was good, like most tourist places on the island, the extra $$$ is included. But over all very good food for the price. The mahi mahi was enjoyed at the table as was the seafood pasta. There are two sections, the bar with more beach and sand and the restaurant more upscale casual - LOL, but they do take reservations.
(4)
Dotti B.
Best lunch I had on Hawaii and the most yummy drinks. Sit right by the beach with your feet in the sand. Waitress was outstanding! Would go back again... and again :)
(5)
Jackson H.
This is a great place to have dinner with your loved one while watching the sun go down. They have live music, not sure if it is only for weekends or not but they were there when I dined there with my girlfriend. It was a nice place to be. It is not as pricy as the next door, Huggo's Restaurant, and offer some great food varieties. The tables and chairs sit right on the sand so be careful where you put your feet.
(4)
Laura M.
I have a difficult time rating this place. The location could not be better. Literally the floor is sand and the ocean is right in front of you. But the food is bar food at best. And the service is very spotty. We went for happy hour. The Mai tai was tasty. We ordered fish tacos, nachos, and a slider. For four dollars each, expect what you pay for, not gourmet obviously. The server was friendly enough but good luck catching them to bring you a refill of water. As the sun got lower, there was no shade, I was burning up, and we sat and sat for the bill. I would go again for the atmosphere and drinks but that's about it.
(3)
Candace H.
You cannot beat this view! Stopped here for a drink and an appetizer on our way to the airport. We ordered the nachos and they definitely left something to be desired (they used actual nacho cheese, which reminded me of the food you'd get at a baseball game or arena or something). But the location was lovely, they have sand on the ground to give you the real beach experience, and live entertainment around dinnertime. Worth a stop for sure!
(4)
Vincent D.
Great place, great food, and Dustin the bartender is awesome. Mahalo huggo's for a great overall experience
(5)
Emily E.
Great location and amazing food. We were glad we waited the extra 15 minutes so we could sit on the sand with a sea view. The fish tacos and Kalua pork sandwich were excellent and the live music was fabulous and it had a few people up dancing. Only problem was that we had to wait for over an hour for our food. Our server was great and told us that the kitchen was having issues and apologized, I just sort of wished they had let us know that before we sat down. I would still recommend Huggo's because of the location and food
(4)
Paulette M.
Don't confuse this place with Huggos Restaurant! This place you can dig your feet into the sand and seems to have its own kitchen! Great service and food. Ahi burger was yummy chopped ahi and formed onto a burger. Bulgogi fried rice bowl was super tasty too! Especially the pineapple!
(5)
Christopher E.
Have stopped by there for lunch about 3 times during my one week stay in Kona. I really appreciated the restaurant's uniqueness of having its tables and chairs half buried in sand as much as its up front ocean view, sounds & breezes. The service was phenomenal & friendly. Some evenings have live music. The food was excellent, Fish Tacos, Bulgogi Freid Rice Bowl, Guava Bbq Ka' Lua Pork Sandwich, Mezze Platter were big hits.
(4)
Julie K.
This place is all about the ambiance. The food is very good but sometimes the service Is flaky. We had a party of 8. They brought 7 entrees out and we were waiting for a hamburger for one of the kids. We all had finished our dinner and we were still waiting for her hamburger. The waitress swore it was the kitchens fault and the manager said he would have a talk with the kitchen. We were on our way to the airport with a bit of a time crunch which was inconvenient, but making an 11 year old wait that long for her food left her feeling bad. They did comp us some desserts which was kind (and probably appropriate). Really enjoyed their location, poke, Korean beef tacos, and drinks. Just wish their service was a bit more reliable.
(3)
Michael K.
Our friend took us here our first night in Hawaii because she liked the "chill vibe" (consisting of live music and a perfect location), but we enjoyed it so much we went back a second and nearly a third time. Given the amazing location, overlooking the bay with a perfect view of the sunset, it's not surprising that we experienced 30-40 minutes waits both times we were there for dinner; you are given a pager and are free to wander the nearby shops, though the range isn't necessarily long enough if you stray too far. There were different musicians on our two visits there but both were enjoyable in their own way: first a two-person band playing synth/guitar covers of popular songs, later an acoustic guitar player. Finally, we tried a few different things off the menu and everything was excellent - I tried the Wanna Manapua (?) burger-a mix of local grass-fed beef and pork-and the fresh catch of the day while my wife opted for the bulgogi bowl both times. We didn't find the food to be particularly expensive given this spot's prime tourist location and they don't skimp on the portions either. Service was fairly slow, especially on our second visit when we didn't order alcohol (could have just been a coincidence) but it's not the kind of place you should be going if you're in a rush. Also note that unless you're at the bar, you will be sitting in on chairs in the sand so feel free to wear sandals. If I am ever in Kona again this would be the first place I go for dinner!
(5)
Tom C.
Fun place to have a drink or to while right over the rocks in Kailua Kona. Good umbrella drinks and local brews. Great views.
(5)
C A.
Right by the water and service with aloha. I underestimated this place, but I was wrong! The wanna manapua was outstanding, he said its one of the best burgers he has had. I had bulgogi rice bowl which was also outstanding. I'm sad we tried this place the day we were leaving the big island. Ambiance, food and drinks were Ono!
(5)
Chy L.
So this is Huggo's Restaurant's blue collar, less fancy sister. The bonus is you get to be entertaine and d by the live music (a hula dance while we dined) eat with your feet in the sand surrounded by the ocean. We loved the bargin of al fresco dining but the food was just okay. It served it's purpose as we just wanted to experience the sea side dining.
(3)
Riverside G.
Great drinks, beautiful view overlooking the water especially when the sun sets. Shortened tables and chairs on a sandy floor with live entertainment. Now for the bad news. At the time of this writing the Yelp page for this place allows you to make online reservations which turns out not to be true. Instead it's for Huggo the restaurant next door, Huggo On The Rocks doesn't take reservations. So we put in our name with the maitre d' and she gave us a pager to let us know when our table is ready. After a half hour at the bar we checked the status of our table and she informs us that she paged us three times but we didn't answer because the pager didn't work. It never occurred to her to call out our name to check because the five of us didn't hear it. Then she gives us another pager and said we'll get the next table. Fifteen minutes later a table opens up and she give away the table to another party. WTF! The next table that opened up we just took it because she was just clueless if we waited for her. The food was just so so for burgers and sandwiches. Just a bad experience.
(1)
Matt O.
Went here last night with my girlfriend. The location is absolutely amazing, it's right next to the ocean, in the middle of downtown Kona. There is sand all over the dining room floor so it's just like eating on the beach. We started with drinks, and all of the different ones we tried were tasty and well mixed. For food, we shared a Caesar salad. I am a Caesar junkie, and it did not disappoint. For entrees, I got the roast beef sandwich, while she got the blackened fish tacos. The sandwich was very tasty, tender slices of beef and came with jus, which was great as well. Only complaint for that was the container the jus came in was a bit smaller than the sandwich so dipping it was a chore. My girlfriend didn't like her tacos too much, the mango salsa was watery which is a bummer as mango is a local fruit. Also came with two corn torts per taco, which overpowered the flavor of the fish. That was an easy fix though. Her tacos are the only negative I really have to say. I would definitely go back just for the view, drinks and music. And I am sure she can find something she will like for next time.
(4)
Jessica C.
Mauna Kea burger super flavorful blue cheese crispy bacon grass fed beef highly recommend it would order it again. It was a burst of flavor in my mouth
(4)
Allie P.
The location of this establishment is so unique! Tables in the sand, right on the ocean and a great open layout but the food was an utter disappointment. Had the ahi burger.. the Ahi didn't taste fresh and I was expecting a beautiful seared piece of fish rather I got a bland moosh of "fish"... The service was also extremely slow. Infact, 4 parties that got seated after us all got their dishes before we did. Our server came back to explain that they lost our ticket and apologized. Honestly though we should have been comped for something or have been given a free drink because waiting 40 mins for our sub par meals is inexcusable.
(1)
Gary W.
A great place to kick off your sandals and have dinner and drinks. One thing you gotta try - the Furikake encrusted Ono plate. These guys know how to do it.
(4)
Joey K.
I would probably give this place five stars, except I felt rushed. Not intentionally rushed, but it seems like the restaurant operates at a really high pace, likely to turn tables over quickly. However, the experience was good. We got sat fast, our server was friendly an attentive. Not overly friendly, but he was clearly busy. He was a great server, just again, seemed rushed to get things done. Makes me wonder about the management, but I digress. The place is cute. Completely open air, even the kitchen. They also have a sandy dining area so you can feel like you're eating on the beach. It sits right on the rocks so you can listen to the waves crashing, which is a really nice biance. I got the ahi burger. I ordered it rare, and was told it was pre-made. Which probably meant frozen. I was slightly disappointed that it was a ground burger. There's no way to know if I was yellowfin or albacore. It was really good either way. It was good size and full of flavor. I cleaned the plate of so that means something. He had the black and bleu burger. My understanding that it was amazing. I don't eat it, so I'll take his word for it. Overall, we loved this place and will definitely be back when we're back in Kona.
(4)
Bruce H.
Best spot for a lunch on Kona. Ask for Hannah as your server and you are in for a treat.
(5)
Randy C.
The first restaurant we stopped at after getting off the airplane, and it was a great choice. Informal, waterfront view, and the outside tables were shaded and in sand. Service was fine. The food was decent enough but overpriced, hence the 3 stars.
(3)
James M.
Outstanding service and great food. My wife had the catch of the day and it was amazing. I had the tacos and they were also very good. They make the best drinks on the waterfront.
(5)
Qian Z.
We visited this restaurant twice during our stay in Kona. It is very unique that they fill the floor with soft sand, so you feel like you are actually eating on a beach. We had dinner and lunch here, both good food. Mai tai and lava flow are good alcoholic drinks, you can also order virgin lava flow, which is a nice non-alcoholic beverage.
(4)
Patrick J.
On our last day in Kona, we were trying to burn some time before our flight home. We stopped in for a drink and ended up getting dinner. The view of the bay from the bar and tables is beautiful. Entertainment was mellow, jazz-like music, being performed live. The vibe here is definitely relaxed and friendly with a lot of locals present. We ordered the classic burger with Swiss, onions, and mushrooms and a bulgogi beef and fried rice bowl. The burger was perfectly cooked on a slightly toasted roll. It had a nice cruch as I bit into the sandwich. The onions and mushrooms were delicious, although, I ended up taking some of the onion off. There was a little too much for me, but they were caramelized and tasty. The Bulgogi rice bowl was amazing. The beef had been marinated and cooked perfectly. It was juicy and very flavorful. The fried rice could have been a dish by itselt. It was that good. We had a great meal, excellent drinks, relaxing music and a gorgeous sunset while were there. I'd highly recommend coming to Huggo's if you can. It was a really fun place. with a lot of locals present.
(4)
Todd G.
Atmosphere is great. Whales jumping in the bay. Great place to relax with a beverage but wouldn't necessarily recommend the food. Don't order the pork nachos unless you want a big piece of fat plunked on top of cheese whiz.
(2)
Eve P.
Great and very friendly service, amazing view, quality food.
(4)
Andrea V.
1. Everything is quite tasty. I give it 4 stars. It's basically Hawaiian-y bar food. 2. The location and view! Right on the ocean. Total Hawaii vacation feel. 3. Full bar. 4. Live Music pretty much every day. 5. It's casual and relaxed.
(4)
Pam H.
Cute place in the town of Kailua-Kona. We were meeting friends for drinks and music, so we decided to get there a bit earlier and have dinner ourselves and get a table. The tables are in the sand, which is cool. The food was decent- not spectacular, but OK. We ordered some nachos, then Bill had a salad with shrimp and I had a burger. Service was good and they were good about delivering food, checking on us, seeing if we were ready for another drink and refilling out water. Our friends arrived right as we finished dining and then we relaxed and enjoyed the live entertainment. A very good band and we enjoyed ourselves. All in all a good night out on the town for Kona.
(4)
Carolyn A.
Gorgeous beach front location. Enjoyable live music. The decor of cheap outdoor/patio sets in sand was weird and awkward. My knees hit the bottom of the table (I'm 5'7"), and the employees looked amazingly ungraceful trying to waddle around in the giant sand box. In contrast, the oversized bamboo steamers for serving were cute and practical (they stack). Food and drinks were hit or miss. For drinks, go for the beers on tap or a piña colada (dark rum, yum). Skip the lava flow and mai tai. The burger was good, the fresh fish not so much. The coconut wasabi cole slaw lacked a coconut or wasabi flavor. So, it's just ordinary cole slaw. The side salad was fresh.
(3)
Eric F.
A solid, chill place for drinks before/after a meal in downtown Kona right by the water. While the Mai Tais were consistent with their sister establishment, Lava Lava Beach Club, the view's not nearly as nice and the seating area was much less spacious and comfortable.
(3)
Len B.
Absolutely one of the best dinners of my life, and I've had everything from 8 dollar fast food dinners to 800 dollar top class formal meals. We ate simply, burger for me and Ahi burger for my date, but both were outstanding. But what truly set the place apart, was the atmosphere. Waves crashing, amazing guitarist/singer playing (go on Thursday -seriously ) tiki torches and toes in the sand... oh yeah, and it's in Hawaii, folks. Does it get much better than this?
(5)
Evan A.
Very unique location extremely close to the water. Apparently, zoning laws instituted since Huggo's was built guarantee that no new business could ever be this nearby the sea. A section of seating is literally in the sand, which is certainly a unique experience, although somewhat awkward in actual practice since your chair legs sink into the sand, making it hard to adjust. We just went for happy hour (3-5) so can't speak for the quality of the food other than the mini-nachos with Kahlua pork (generous with the pork but not very hot). Mai-Tais and Hawaiian Sunrises were $5 and didn't seem too watered-down as might be expected at a touristy place like this. Overall, a great ambiance, prompt service, and reasonably-priced drinks mean we would be more than willing to enjoy another afternoon here.
(4)
Amanda M.
I'm visiting Kona for the ironman 2014 world championship and because this is so close to ironman village I've eaten here 4 separate times during my 1 week trip. (That alone should say something about this place!) I keep coming back for the location and the drinks. The food is good, but didn't "wow" me. The view is incredible and the tables in the sand are nice because you can take your shoes off. My favorite drink here was the piña colada- perfectly frozen and just enough alcohol to enjoy it. I would come again!
(4)
Amy M.
They don't take reservations even tho it's on the yelp page. Our hostess gave away our dinner table three times and it was just not a cool 40 minute wait. The only good thing! This place has a kick butt happy hour and so many different yummy drinks!
(3)
Marina V.
We went to Huggo's for our anniversary dinner a couple of years ago, and I am only now getting to write a review. Better late than never:) What a great place. The setting is absolute paradise. We sat on the terrace overlooking the ocean waves crashing on the rocks, and watched the sunset. Does it get better? I don't think so :) It was magical! The food was outstanding, the service quick and waiters polite and considerate, and the atmosphere was relaxed and happy. As soon as I'm back to Kona, we'll be back to Huggo's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
(5)
Jay S.
A great place to watch the sun go down while eating dinner with someone you love. The live music is a nice plus. My only complaint was that the dessert was just mediocre.
(4)
Roxanne A.
The night we went to Huggo's we were treated to a fantastic Hula and soothing island musical act. The food is good , but not pricey considering the view and entertainment. Try happy hour 3-5 for mini nachos and inexpensive beers. The desserts we tried were the Mauna Kea ice cream pie and lime pie both were yummy.
(5)
Ashley K.
The best bar in Kona, period. It's perfect. I can't say anything else that hasn't been said or that the pictures won't elucidate. Come here and take it all in. If there was anything remotely comparable to this back home in California, I would be a useless, happy, tan little drunk.
(5)
Mary Ann B.
Eaten at Huggo's On The Rocks twice, both good experiences. We were seated closest to the ocean both times in those short beach chairs and shortened tables in the sand. Difficult for my tall husband to sit down and get up. But otherwise, great view! Neither of us has had mediocre food there. Their menu is varied enough to appeal to most everyone. Yes, it's a bit on the high side, but it is Hawaii and a busy tourist town. They also have specials and we recently both got the papaya stuffed with shrimp and salad. It was fantastic! Never get sugary specialty drinks, so can't review those, but their local beer is good. The musicians are a nice touch, and they are talented and skilled, not amateurs.
(5)
Seamus O.
The band "Damn Straight" brought us in Thursday with there sound. Now we are back to close out our vacation. Bar is fun, the band is really good.
(4)
Joana V.
Best happy hour in town ! Very reasonable and the view is spectacular . We saw spinner Dolphins and manta rays feeding near the rocks! Perfect afternoon! I strongly recommend the beef tacos and Hawaiian Rainbow!
(5)
Ds A.
Loved this place! The location is amazing. It's right on the water and the tables are almost all in the sand. I got the ahi burger and it was so tasty. All the drinks I tried were really good too. Probably my favorite place I went to in Kailua Kona.
(5)
Shell A.
I really love this place! The views are just gorgeous!! I love diggin my toes in the sand while drinking a yummy tropical drink! The prices are a bit expensive so we dont normally eat there but do enjoy a drink or two while watching the sunset! Its a tradition while visiting Kona :-)
(5)
Andreas N.
Came for a late dinner and enjoyed the fish tacos and very good drinks. Most drinks sp far has literally been juice+alcohole but here they make an effort and the result is really good! The bar staff was very friendly and they had live music that night. We had a great fun evening here.
(4)
Steve K.
We came for lunch on Sunday. I had a cheeseburger with mushrooms, with a small salad, and my wife had another burger with bleu cheese and a salad. They were delicious, local beef. You cannot beat the location with your toes in the sand, a beautiful view, and the waves down below adding a cadence. This and Kona Inn are our go to lunch spots when we are able to get away on a weekend together for lunch. Our server (Jeff?) was a bright young man that was quite entertaining and very happy. We have usually come in the past for music at night or happy hour music with cheap drinks, and been quite happy, but I also think their burgers compare with the best on the coast, and the location ups it by a star.
(4)
Becky R.
My husband and I live here in Kona, and we go here quite frequently. This is also a favorite spot to bring out of town guests - the view, the food, and atmosphere can't be beat, especially at the affordable prices they offer. They also have a great variety of tropical drinks - all delicious - and all way more affordable than any you'll find on the water's edge. We have a few favorites on the menu, but pretty much everything is good here. I personally love the Ahi Burger - which a delicious patty of spiced GROUND ahi - honestly a refreshing and interesting way to serve ahi (and I am surprised at the one reviewer who commented on this dish, who didn't seem to know what to expect, since I have never ordered it without the server asking me if I was aware that it was ground ahi, and not a single piece of ahi). The fish tacos and pulled pork are also fantastic, but really, there are lots of tasty things on the menu. The only thing that I am personally disappointed about is the loss of their killer sweet potato fries. It seems that their frier was taken away around hurricane time, and has not been replaced (please find a way to bring them back! They were AMAZING). They still offer lots of tasty and interesting sides, and have added a couple of alternatives, which are probably healthier, and still delicious. The tables in the sand, down by the water's edge are beautifully situated and relaxing, but not too great for anyone who has trouble getting in and out of low chairs. However, they offer seating just above on hard ground - perfect if you have older folks in your party or anyone with an injury that makes maneuvering in low and sandy places difficult. In short - you really can't go wrong here. I love going here for lunch, but evening is when you get the live entertainment, and superb sunset views....
(5)
Mervat O.
We had a different experience, our waitress Briteny was a little on the not cooperate side . The food was less than what we expected . Sorry I cannot give stars
(1)
Sue S.
Good food, great atmosphere with the outdoor seating and sand floor, good live music, good, friendly waitress!
(4)
Holly M.
We waited all week to come here for our last night on the island. We read the good reviews and were stoked; however, when we arrived the entire staff seemed completely overwhelmed and stressed. The hostess could barely take our party's information. The bartender was incredibly rude and wouldn't make a virgin daiquiri for the young one (9 yo) in the group saying "she has to come to the bar to drink her drink." What?! We had a wonderful week in Kona and we experienced some awesome food- this was a real let down though. Hopefully just a bad night but families beware. The view is killer but not worth ruining your spirits.
(1)
Heidi M.
I visited Hawaii for a week and went back to this place four times! Delicious food, amazing drinks, live music, gorgeous view of the ocean and sunsets, live music, friendly staff what's not to love?!
(5)
William W.
Came for lunch. Tasty and delicious! Came here and enjoyed a beautiful view. You can watch the waves and enjoy the serene sounds of the water. Highly recommend the Guava Pulled Pork sandwich.
(5)
Caitrin O.
Fantastic view; terrible food. Nacho chips were extremely stale and the blackened fish tacos were over seasoned and didn't taste fresh. It was incredibly disappointing to go to an oceanfront restaurant in Kona and eat fish that tasted like it had been frozen.
I love this place on the nights when they have live music. If you start with dinner you get a lovely sunset view right on the water. The food is tasty. Drinks are a little pricey. The vibe once the band starts is a lot fun!
(4)
Tony K.
The food was tasty but portions were small for the price. You'll likely leave hungry. What annoyed me the most was that they don't have any Sriracha or Asian type hot sauce. Only Tabasco. If you are going to serve Asian food at least make sure you have some sort of Asian hot sauce. Otherwise you are just a wannabe. They have good views if you are into that.
(3)
Bill D.
Great drinks, great view, great waitress "Kat" Good homemade chips What else do you need? "Meow halo "
(4)
Rebel H.
The view and ambiance is wonderful. The drinks are good. Food doesn't taste good until happy hour prices :) . I like the pork nachos. I've had the sliders, they are ok. The mango mango cocktail is sweet. Mai Thai good. The Lilikoi mojito is pretty tasty.
(4)
Chris M.
3 stars for the location and good service. Other than that the food was crap. I was the only person who was pretty happy with my happy hour fish taco. It was pretty good and well worth the three bucks. The other dishes, nachos, hummus plate, poke, were not good. Take this place for what it is.
(3)
Lisa E.
You are paying for the atmosphere. Period. The food wasn't anything special. I got a pina colada and I don't think there was any alcohol in it (disappointing). I got the kalua pork sandwich and it was impossible to eat, just a big mess. I gave up on the sandwich and ate the pork with a fork. It was tasty but nothing special. My boyfriend got the nachos and they were good but would have been better had it not been mysterious "cheeze sauce" instead of real cheese. Service was pretty good. View is wonderful!
(3)
Lara T.
This was a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon. My husband and I wanted somewhere on the water where we could enjoy a drink and some lunch. The drinks were very good and the food was great. Our server was exceptionally positive and friendly, although a bit slow at times. We weren't in a rush so this didn't bother us! We didn't feel pushed out the door as soon as we finished our meals, either. Very nice and relaxing.
(4)
Eve K.
Killer casual spot on the water for good drinks, eats, and nightly entertainment. 4.5 stars Food: 4.25, Service: 3.5, Atmosphere: 5 Cost to worth it rating: 4 (very affordable, apps: ~$12, entrees cap at $18) Return worthiness: yes Eve award: best view for the tallest mai tai Highlights: - Atmosphere: right on the water with sand underneath the tables. Amazing sunset view in a casual atmosphere - Entertainment: mellow singer guitarist with hula on an early sat night I enjoyed a lot - Furikake crusted fish: fresh and just enough flavor so it wasn't bland but didn't overpower the fish - Big bamboocha mai tai: tall bamboo-like glass. Glad the waitress let us in on it being big enough to share. It didn't say that on the menu - Macadamia nut martini: purely delicious clear concoction - Plating: like over-sized dim sum items in bamboo circular receptacles - Bulgolgi beef: hub loved this with the fried rice - Kalua pork quesadilla: large portion of this cheesy, salty good appetizer. Bonus points for some cheese running over to the top and getting extra crispy. - Waitress: friendly, welcoming, and helpful. She admitted she forgot to order our app but was apologetic and nice about getting it to our table. Lowlights: - Unless you time it right, you'll miss the sunset as tables can become scarce Was worried about it being a tourist trap being in all the magazines, but it's worth a stop and my favorite Kona dinner experience.
(5)
Christian E.
"One Ring to Rule them All" Sorry... I couldn't help myself. This place has THE best onion rings I have ever had. Huge rings of onion fried to a golden crisp in a dill sauce, they then have a chipotle-ranch dipping sauce. The combination is amazing. I then had their special, a fish wrap, and it was pretty damn killer as well. The restaurant overlooks the water, so we enjoyed our food while watching the waves crashing down. The servers are all gorgeous, which leads to some questions about their management and hiring, but hell, the outcome is a very attractive staff. Very glad we stopped here.
(5)
Scott W.
Among the best places I've been to for great sunset, music and laid back atmosphere. Sunsets are outstanding, too!
(5)
Nick H.
Great Happy Hour. They make some good drinks. The restaurant has a beach theme and the whole restaurant is on sand. The live music was great as well.
(4)
Caroline R.
Love this place. Great place to have cocktails at sunset with your feet in the sand. Live music and hula too.
(5)
David L.
Great casual location with good food and a great view. Right in Kona on the beach with literal beach/sand dining. We were so close there was literally some ocean spray that was misting on us.
(4)
Michelle B.
Really good happy hour, if I remember right some beers were $3.00-$4.00 and food was $6.00. Try to get there before 6pm or else you will be paying $1 each per drink to help pay off the music/dancing entertainment. Beautiful view. Seating is ON THE SAND
(4)
Daniel W.
Absolutely best fish tacos on the island. Service is slow but only because they're busy. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The margaritas are tasty and they don't short you on the alcohol. I highly recommend and we'll come back for more. Awesome!!
(5)
David S.
This is a dive lets be real, but its on the water in hawaii, MANGO MANGO...get the mango blended drink at bottom of menus sooooooo gooood
(5)
Sherri B.
We had lunch at The Rocks. The service was Wonderful and the food was Delicous! Also the view couldnt be better. We were actually at a table in the sand and were just feet away from the ocean. We would be delighted to go back there again our next time in Kona, Hawaii. Thank You for the Fantastic Service!
(5)
Ford S.
I liked Huggos on the rocks because the food was delicious and you have a great view of the sea, plus live music almost every day! I ordered soup of the day which tasted good and creamy so I drank the bowl up in a few minutes. There was no one playing music the first time we went, but there was the second time. The second time we went we had already gone to two happy hours so we were stuffed when we got there but ordered Kona coffee ice cream and there was music and a hula dancer. The service both times were very good; both of our waiters were very nice.
(5)
Amy M.
Great sunset views and live entertainment. The happy hour and drink specials are pretty good as well. We actually enjoyed this experience more than when we ventured to the "formal" Hugo's next door.
(3)
Jenny L.
Worst of worst Worst of worst Im telling you i have worst experience ever!!!! I went to so many restaurant before but this place is the worst of worst. Food was okay maybe three star. They let the big insect moving on your table. I got freaked out three time and they are like " oh! Its harmless or do you have allergy on bugs???"" They also gave that bug to other customer next to us and let him play with it and " by accidentally" or purposely send insect back to our table. I couldn't eat my food or focus on the view or anything. How can you eat the food when big mantis is flying around on your head??????? I had to get up from my table four times while harassing customer was laughing every time when they send me the mantis. Of course when finally the waiter came to table and took mantis away my food got cold. Horrible restaurant in earth
(1)
Jamey M.
It's too bad I had to leave a one star review but the service was disgusting. By far the rudest and slowest service I can honestly say I have ever received. Wish I remembered the name of our waitress but all I know was that she was blonde and maybe in her 40s. The food was good but portions were small The live music was amazing and we decided to give all our tip to them instead of the waitress.
(1)
Robert T.
Not hungry yet, you will be by the time you get your food. Want your credit card stolen, go here. Waited one and half hours for burgers. When we complained we were kicked out and they kept our credit card. Had to call police to get the card back.
(1)
Maureen K.
My first go to when we land in Kona! Great drinks and food, love the love music! Always a good time! My husband and I usually get the mai-tai's, mojitos, fish and/or Korean need tacos!!!! So yummy!!
(5)
Bobby D.
Fun atmosphere and directly on the water. Half the bar has sand in it, as if it were the beach. Had the Ahi sashimi for appetizer and it was very good. Tacos were ok, but the taco shells themselves were doubled up and a bit too much. Flavors were good though. Live music and hula. Overall would absolutely go back. Next time we want to go for sunset.
(4)
Raizel G.
This is a great place to grab a bite if you're in Kona. It's definitely geared toward tourists, but it's pretty cool. I went here with a group of 5 after we spent a day shopping and exploring Kona. Huggos is right on the shore, so you get a great view of the ocean. There are even tables on the sand so it's an interesting dining experience. They have plenty of drinks and food to choose from from sandwiches to fish tacos to salads. They also have live entertainment sometimes. I had the Bulgogi Fried Rice Bowl and it was much better than expected. The Guava Lava drink was good too and refreshing on a hot day. Even though they are outdoors, they have a lot of shade so you don't have to worry about it being too hot. The presentation of the food is great also, for those of you who like taking pictures of your food! In all, I would go back. I think it's a cool place to bring your friends who are on vacation!
(4)
Cathy W.
Let me just make it clear now by saying that Huggo's On the Rocks is NOT (I repeat, NOT) the same as Huggo's the restaurant right next door. Huggo's is the actual dining room for dinner only, while Huggo's On the Rocks is the bar + open seating on sandy balcony/patio that is open for lunch until midnight. I think that was never made clear on Yelp when I was SO excited about eating lunch at the famous Huggo's after we went snorkeling one morning...only to discover that Huggo's is only open for dinner! Nevertheless, we decided to give Huggo's On the Rocks a try despite knowing the place has a lower rating than the actual Huggo's. If it's the same establishment, how bad can it be, right? *sigh* I ended up with the fish tacos + fries while my boyfriend got a burger + potato-mac salad on the side. My tacos were SUPER soggy from all the sauce/juice - I was VERY disappointed because here I am eating a fish taco in Hawaii next to the very beach where the fish comes from, and the taste can't even come close to anything I've ever had in California. My boyfriend's burger was a lot better and I'm totally not a red-meat person! I would come back again - but NOT for Huggo's On the Rocks...I want to try the real Huggo's that's only open for dinner please!
(2)
Markie W.
Service was slow and food was nothing special and was overpriced. The view and entertainment was great.
(2)
Kate E.
My husband and I went to Huggo's On The Rocks for a late lunch on the second day of our honeymoon. We had a great time! It was super relaxing to sit in chairs nestled into the sand. The view is wonderful. There was a happy hour special drink that day - the Ginger Juju. This was the hands down the most delicious cocktail of our entire honeymoon! Hopefully they will make it a permanent addition to the menu! For food we split the Meze Platter and the Fish Tacos. It was more than enough for lunch! It was all delicious. We would highly recommend this restaurant. We did not stay for the sunset, but we heard it was great.
(5)
Elyse W.
Just visited this restaurant on my last afternoon on the Big Island - wish I hadn't. Of course the view is great but that was about it. Ordered a burger which had way too much pepper in it and the volcano chips which used way too much paprika. Family members ordered a taco salad (ok - but how can you ruin that), and fish tacos (they thought they were good). Would not return here on my next visit. If you want a good meal, go next door to Huggo's for dinner.
(1)
Gina S.
The food is def not the saving grace of this place, but the beachy casual atmosphere, the live music, and the hula dancing show (we got lucky to be there on the right night) made me feel good about our decision to have dinner/drinks here. As a tourist, I was able to enjoy this spot and apparently a few locals make it a regular place to go as well. We sat at the bar and enjoyed the company of the native bartender who was happy to serve us our cocktails and extra water! His small talk might have even won an extra .5 star for this place. He fit right in with my general consensus about people on the Big Island - friendly and hospitable. I will spare the details of the mediocre plates served and just reinstate that the music and 'get up and dance because you're on vacation' vibe really made our visit to Huggo's enjoyable.
(3)
Lorelei D.
Was here quite a bit during my stay. Nice view of the water, very relaxing. Loved the burger and the mac salad.
(3)
Cristy D.
The food was good and the location was awesome. I would have given a 5 star review had it not been for the terrible service. Our waitress was soooo slow. We were sitting there for 20 minutes before our order was taken. My bfs beer was empty for the whole meal and she didn't ask if he wanted another one until he had finished eating. Our bill came to 39.47 we gave her 60 and asked for change and she only gave us 10 back. She decided to tip herself 25% for her horrible service. I wanted to go back and say something but my boyfriend just wanted to get out of there. Our waitress was the old woman with really short brown hair. Your experience will probably be a lot better if you sit in someone else's section.
(1)
Jessica S.
I definitely recommend going huggo's on the rocks. It has great food and a casual atmosphere with live music. We loved it so much that we went twice during our vacation there. Great prices and great food you just can't beat it.
(5)
Jason P.
Wouldn't serve us because we had a bottle water with us. Needless to say we took our money elsewhere. Plenty of other great places on the strip with better selection of beers on tap.
(1)
Victoria N.
Ants all over my table!! That was the first impression I had as I sat down at our table. Since it's outdoor seating, there were little ants running all over my placemat and silverware. I was a bit disgusted and I asked the waiter to wipe down our table again. Even though he wiped it down, there were still a few ants lingering around. I can't complain about the view though, we had an awesome table with an amazing beach front view. Ambiance, ambiance, ambiance. That's why this place gets the hype. But the food is another story.. I wasn't impressed at all with our dishes. I don't mind paying for a pricey meal if it's good but the food here was average at best. We ordered the Cioppino with lobster, mussels, prawns for a whopping $37 and Penne pasta with prawns $32. Both dishes were pricey and both were mediocre. There was really nothing about either dishes that made them spectacular. Save your money and go somewhere else. There's plenty of other restaurants that have the same nice, waterfront views that tastes better.
(3)
Sophia C.
Ahhhhh Beware. You are eating on the sand right in front of the beach, be ready for cockroaches and ants. Food was very good I ordered the tacos, and subbed in chicken. Mmmmm. My hubby ordered a roast beef, bread became soggy very quick. we ended up sharing tacos. There was a live band, the sound of the water and beautiful sea breeze. Would def go back.
(4)
George S.
Very nice view. We got nachos, there they were just so-so. They use canned cheese on it which just took away everything. Service was okay
(3)
Paul S.
Had a great meal at Huggo's On The Rocks. Enjoyed a great Mai Tai and local grass fed beef burger. Great to see a mix of locals and tourist. You can't beat the location, an unobstructed view of the sea.
(5)
Michael P.
Happy Hour..best in Kona. The food here is solid, especially the aps: nachos, fish tacos, pork sliders, etc. A+ to the bartenders who make any drink you can imagine. Very relaxed vibe.
(4)
Dana Z.
We were staying at some condo close by and we asked the front desk person where the best Mai tai was with great views, but not too expensive. He didn't even hesitate, "Huggo's on the rocks". So with the intention of not driving home, we walked down to this pleasant place and had a rocking good time! (Good thing we walked!) First off, the place has the killer views! Second, the floor in the restaurant is all sand, which I loved,(but I saw a few women in high heels that were a bit upset about it) and third, they have live music after dark. How good can it get? Oh I almost forgot, there is an excellent happy hour from 3-6 pm with mai tais and selected Pupu's (appetizers) half off. The food is very decent for a cool beach bar. Not excellent but decent. I recommend the Caesar salad with fresh fish of the day and the ahi burger. Ono. If there was one drawback, and the reason why I am giving the place 4 stars, it is the seating arrangement. There is no wait list, they do not take reservations and it is VERY popular come sunset. You have to wait, in a lurking sort of way, for some table to pick up and leave, then you swoop down and garb a seat before someone else arm wrestles you for it. I suggest arriving about 4-5pm so you can enjoy happy hour and waiting patiently with drink in hand till a table opens up. Or arrive AFTER sunset and a bunch of people leave right then and the music starts. We found that if you strategically position one person at each end of the restaurant, then you can pounce on a table from either end. Awkward? Yes. Worth it? Yes. We went back three times while we were there.
(4)
Becky R.
All about the happy hour. Perfect atmosphere for happy hour and decent drink prices and some food specials. The part of the retaurant closest to the ocean is in the sand! Standard pool/patio furniture. Nothing fancy but a great view of the water, good live music, and brews make this place a nice place to unwind.
(4)
Nick H.
Huggo's on the Rocks isn't too remarkable, but is worth a stop simply to relax by the water, down some tropical beverages and watch the sunset. The prices were reasonable, all things considered (there are some tourist traps on Ali'i drive that charge as much or more and deliver less). I was in the mood for something light and enjoyed the quesadilla grande. It was a little gooey/messy, but arrived hot and was tasty. I tried their premium mai tai and margaritas. Both were good, though neither particularly stood out to me. You might save a few bucks and get one of their regular varieties. Show up by 5pm if you want to get a table and watch the sunset, otherwise you may find yourself standing. The service was fast and friendly, and overall I was impressed by this tourist spot.
(4)
Kelvin C.
According to my girl, this place had the best pina coladas in Kona. Then again, her lightweight self was one-beer in, so take it for what it's worth. There was live music when we went so that was pretty awesome. Beers are standard price at $6 each. I'd definitely return if I ever make the trek back to Kona.
(4)
Sophia C.
So this place was on our guide book, as well as recommendations from people in the area to go check out. We thought it was a tourist trap, but since the couple of blocks where our hotel was at was essentially a tourist trap, we decided to check it out. We came here on a Monday evening prior to sunset. We tried coming here on a Sunday at sunset and the place was packed. Well, Monday early evening, we got here and was able to find a table right on the sand to get out drinks on and to get some dinner as the sun was about to set in ~45 minutes. The ambiance here was mellow on a weekday evening, with a singer crooning his best interpretation from Maroon 5 to any other generic alternative band out there these days. We ordered our drinks, mai tai's and they came out pretty well. So well, we ordered 2 rounds. Now, me being asian, that asian glow was a glowing beaker. I hope my glow didn't blind people as we watched the sunset! And it's a great spot to catch it. We had the Kona poke, which was fresh and was decen,t but not the best. And yes, eating poke for 2 weeks at every stop we came across during our honeymoon, we had a sense of which places were good and not. For dinner, the hubby ordered the manini burgers place with french fries. He loved the mini burgers, but WE both loved the fries here! Damn, I couldn't stop eating them! As for me, I stuffed myself with the kalbi rib plate with potato mac salad. I should have stuck with the fries though! Anywho, their entrees come out in giant dim sum steamers, which I thought was amusing. However, the service here was definitely slow and unresponsive. We probably sat about ~5-7 minutes before our waiving of our hands caught the attention of the staff.
(4)
Andrew H.
We found this place to be quite exceptional. We were visiting from 5/15 to 5/22 and actually came here 4 different nights for happy hour and some food. Loved the location and the friendly staff was awesome. Eric, I heard you read all these reviews and I just wanted to say you run a class operation. I am sure you have made your parents proud by continuing such an excellent operation. Good training definitely shows through the good service as well as good food. On our last visit we actually decided to ask to speak with the manager. Star (manager on duty) came over and we let him know that he probably hears a lot of complaints but probably is seldom called to a table to hear a compliment. Great to chat with him he was thankful. If you want a relaxing, friendly spot with good food and drinks this is it! Thanks Huggos team for giving us a great experience 4 separate times!
(5)
Ju B.
We went here last night and had a great time! Great food, good drinks and live entertainment all with a gorgeous view right on the ocean. They had a really good band playing. Our waiter, Tyler was excellent! He was very knowledgeable and attentive. Definitely recommend this place and will be back. Thanks for a great evening out.
(5)
Tom S.
Went here for a happy hour visit. Great location overlooking the bay and nice live music. The drinks were ok. The food was ok as well, just wish the happy hour menu was a bit bigger. The little birds are bold. Saw one grab a bite off the bar before it could be served. Kind of amusing.
(4)
Fred D.
Typically touristy waterside bar and restaurant. We had Mai Tai's which were pricey and shared really bad nachos which were soggy and covered in Velveeta like cheese and lacking in beans (we had opted for a veggie version). The music was too loud and we were happy when it finished. Our waiter was friendly and outgoing and didn't really hassle us for staying long enough to watch the sunset. Great view but I wouldn't go back again.
(2)
Jen F.
Nice view, good food & drinks, live entertainment, and people watching... We went here on our first night in town for dinner per the recommendation of friends and it didn't disappoint. It probably has one of the nicer settings in Kona, right on the ocean, and probably one of the better mai tais that I had on the trip. It also had one of the best kona ice cream pies that I've tasted in years. And the poke app with a side of rice made for a delicious dinner.
(4)
Diane K.
Go here for the view, music, and atmosphere, but not the cocktails or food. Next time I will definitely opt for beer, since their cocktails are typically small. Service was okay. We were a party of five and needed split checks. We got a face (disgusted) from the waitress when she learned this, but accommodated us. I ordered the rice bowl with beef, which sounded interesting. It wasn't bad, but certainly not a culinary highlight of the trip. There was enough for leftovers in the morning, which I did finish. Beautiful sunset, but you can get the same at Daylight Mind with better drinks, sans music.
(3)
Mindy N.
We liked this spot at night a lot! We generally don't repeat places on vacation, but this place we did! Live music that was great, yummy cocktails and tasty eats! The Big Bamboocha Mai Tai is no joke - so good, probably our fav on the island. Their regular mai tai is good too. Great spot on the water, toes in the sand (not all seating) - just great atmosphere to kick back and listen to good live music. From the two times we tried: Ali'i Quesadilla , The Rocks Taco Salad, Bulgogi Friend Rice Bowl, Kona Fish Tacos, Rock's Classic Burger and the Wanna Manapua Burger. Everything was tasty and the service was great!
(5)
Sam p.
Great view; close-in; great happy hour; sand floors. I always go here when in Kona. I recommend it.
(5)
Candace H.
You cannot beat this view! Stopped here for a drink and an appetizer on our way to the airport. We ordered the nachos and they definitely left something to be desired (they used actual nacho cheese, which reminded me of the food you'd get at a baseball game or arena or something). But the location was lovely, they have sand on the ground to give you the real beach experience, and live entertainment around dinnertime. Worth a stop for sure!
(4)
Vincent D.
Great place, great food, and Dustin the bartender is awesome. Mahalo huggo's for a great overall experience
(5)
Pam H.
Cute place in the town of Kailua-Kona. We were meeting friends for drinks and music, so we decided to get there a bit earlier and have dinner ourselves and get a table. The tables are in the sand, which is cool. The food was decent- not spectacular, but OK. We ordered some nachos, then Bill had a salad with shrimp and I had a burger. Service was good and they were good about delivering food, checking on us, seeing if we were ready for another drink and refilling out water. Our friends arrived right as we finished dining and then we relaxed and enjoyed the live entertainment. A very good band and we enjoyed ourselves. All in all a good night out on the town for Kona.
(4)
Caitrin O.
Fantastic view; terrible food. Nacho chips were extremely stale and the blackened fish tacos were over seasoned and didn't taste fresh. It was incredibly disappointing to go to an oceanfront restaurant in Kona and eat fish that tasted like it had been frozen.
(1)
Ford S.
I liked Huggos on the rocks because the food was delicious and you have a great view of the sea, plus live music almost every day! I ordered soup of the day which tasted good and creamy so I drank the bowl up in a few minutes. There was no one playing music the first time we went, but there was the second time. The second time we went we had already gone to two happy hours so we were stuffed when we got there but ordered Kona coffee ice cream and there was music and a hula dancer. The service both times were very good; both of our waiters were very nice.
(5)
Elyse W.
Just visited this restaurant on my last afternoon on the Big Island - wish I hadn't. Of course the view is great but that was about it. Ordered a burger which had way too much pepper in it and the volcano chips which used way too much paprika. Family members ordered a taco salad (ok - but how can you ruin that), and fish tacos (they thought they were good). Would not return here on my next visit. If you want a good meal, go next door to Huggo's for dinner.
(1)
LuLu M.
I had heard this was the place to go to when on the Big Island, but I hate to say it, but I was not impressed, other than the location on the water and the friendly customer service by the bartender Jeff. We came for happy around 4pm and the deals were not that great, I think only $1 or $2 off the regular price and the happy hour food choices and prices were not spectacular either. Overall, compared to other bar/restaurants we experienced, this was near the bottom of the list.
(3)
Fiona S.
Lovely view, decent food, nice wait staff, but be warned, if you come here as a woman with a child you will be given a second tier table even if there are lots of tables by the rail with a view. Evidently the host discriminates.
(3)
Donna E.
The view and sunset is amazing. We saw whales in the distance along with dolphins jumping out of the water. Huggo's has a relaxed ambiance and awesome food. I recommend the ahi tuna burger.
(5)
C. W.
Great "Happy Hour" here!!! This was the best "happy hour" we had in Kona. Amazing view of the sunset, good drinks and the nachos (large size, NOT the small happy hour size) was so yummy with shredded pork and guacamole and it was enough for the 5 of us! Sliders were basic, but nothing special. The ladies ordered the rainbow happy our special drink...pretty and tasty, but on the sweet side. Outdoor seating with sand on your feet, great music and what a good time! Service was really good, too. If we stayed longer in Kona, we would definitely have gone back for another one of their "Happy Hours"...or two...or three. So fun!!!
(5)
Rachel C.
There's always something going on at Huggo's. First class dining, unmatched view of the ocean, and live music. Don't miss this Kona gem! The seafood chowder is some of the best I've ever tasted and the portions are generous, making the meal well worth the price.
(5)
Caitlin C.
Our group went here for happy hour today and everything was EXCELLENT!! 3$ drinks, 6$ appetizers. The rainbow is the best thing to get!!! Our waiters was a tall thin blonde girl, she was GREAT!!!!
(5)
Danielle M.
Huggos on the Rocks...where do I begin?? This place is an absolute gem. The food is delicious, cocktails are awesome (Rainbows especially), Happy Hour can't be beat and the atmosphere is heaven. The Korean Beef Tacos and Onion Rings are to die for. Our group ate here at least 6 times during our 10 day stay...it's everything you could hope for and more. Hannah was our server and she deserved a gold star every single time...she's the best! We cannot wait to come back to the islands and hit up Huggos again.
(5)
Shawn C.
This place gets a solid 5 stars for their incredible service. We misread the menu and thought we were ordering one thing when it was really part of something else. The something else had goat cheese, which my wife can't eat. When the waitress brought out a new one, we discovered it also had pancetta, which my wife can't eat either. The waitress brought ANOTHER new one without those ingredients. While the food is certainly very good (4-5 stars for that, my mahi mahi with pumpkin risotto was exceptional as was the final dish for my wife), service like we received tonight is far more memorable and appreciated. We will be talking about Huggos for a long time.
(5)
Nabil A.
Lovely site with consistently good music. Salad with fresh catch of the day used island crisp lettuce, beets, cucumbers, beets and carrots. Healthy food along with great fries and burgers. Drinks are so so but who cares when you're at a restaurant that has one of the best Kona views and a feel good vibe.
(4)
Steven B.
Enjoyed a happy hour at Huggo's, in the bar, and got fast and friendly service, great ale on tap, plus yummy fish tacos. Great view too and a live music, so what's not to love?!
(5)
Nhung H.
This place is located inside Huggo's On The Rocks, but they actually only rent out the place in the mornings from 7am (or 6am) till 11:30am. It's actually called "Java On The Rocks". It's a bit pricey for just okay breakfast. A small plate of fruits is $10 and a decent "American' breakfast is $11 bucks....there's definitely other breakfast places near by that is wayyyy better. Cheaper and you get more for what you pay for. I think we went here a couple of times in the morning just because it was so close to our hotel. The coffee was just kona coffee that you can pretty much get anywhere on the island. Of course, the staffs were friendly and pretty funny.
(3)
Gloria B.
I came here a couple of weeks ago and was on a mission for a great mai tai. Found it! Oh yeah, there was food too. The veggie panini was an expected disappointment. Fish tacos, score! Live music and optional sandy dining were big pluses. Service was a little slow, but like everyone else who was there, I kind of just didn't care. Still, keyword: MAI TAI
(4)
Melanie B.
Back from our vacation now for more than a month, I still find myself thinking fondly of our sunset happy hour at Huggo's. Toes in the sand, inexpensive drinks on the table, live music, ocean right there...we couldn't have picked a more picturesque place to enjoy the sunset. And the food wasn't bad, though perhaps not great; the onion rings weren't anything special, but the fish taco was really tasty. We found ourselves comparing each new bar to this one, and I'm not sure anything else lived up.
(4)
Joanne H.
Huggo's is a great place to grab a beer, watch the sunset and listen to the live music. I went here twice during our visit to meet up with friends. The tables are all in this sandy area and the food is tasty and casual.
(4)
Julie L.
Looks a bit like a beachy dive bar, but the food was surprisingly good and reasonably priced. I had the bulgogi and fried rice alongside a mango mojito, and it was all downright tasty. We got a table in the sand, and the views are great. The service was a little shaky - we had food brought to our table that wasn't ours (this happened twice during our lunch), and one person's order was completely lost, but they were apologetic and tried to get it taken care of quickly.
(4)
Sassy So Cal S.
Awesome entertainment with The Tiki Dolls on Monday 8/19/12! Fantastic variety of songs. The ahi poke was super yummy and drinks were great! Wish the Kahlua pork nachos had real cheese but it was still good.
(5)
Korbett C.
This place is all about the happy hour Mai Tai's, but not the happy hour food menu. The Mai Tai's are strong and tasty, and the sandy beachfront bar is a great place to have a few while watching the sun set and listen to live music. We saw LT Smooth here, -uhmazing! Unfortunately, the happy hour food is not very good. I recommend you don't come hungry, and if you do eat here, order off the full menu. Fish and chips were generous and great ballast for two. Don't forget another Mai Tai...
(4)
Kim P.
Great atmosphere, great view for watching the sunset. However, I advise to stay away from their $14.00 nachos appetizer for the following reasons: 1: the cheese is not real cheese and we were told by our server that it's stadium cheese. My rely was we are not at a stadium. 2: we told our server we were allergic to pork and asked to substitute chicken. Well those nachos ended up costing us $17.00 for cheese wiz. If you want real nachos for a reasonable price and same size go to happy hour at the marriot courtyard down the street.
(2)
Jody M.
This is a MUST go to place in Kona. Simply perfect! It is right in front of the water, with a Hawaiian singer, tropical setting oh so relaxing, you could watch your fave team while enjoying mai tais and burgers, the breathtaking sunset, wonderful warm weather and the waves crushing. A GREAT Hawaiian experience. I LOVE this place.
(5)
Curtis V.
This is a must go to place on the Big Island. Be sure to check out their live entertainment calendar to know who will be performing or just pop in and ask. View is amazing, you can even spot some dolphins swimming on a good day! Remarkable views, very nice staff. When I think about eating at a restaurant in hawaii Huggos on the Rocks is it. Feet in the sand, cold beer, great view. Check it out.
(5)
Vee V.
Beautiful view for a quick cocktail...saw this pretty set up in the downtown-strip and had to stop. Took a few very nice photos of the beach. I like the huge billboard of a hula girl right outside the bar, couldn't resist and jumped on it =). There's not a whole lot of parking available so be prepare to circle several times. The bartender is great. Come on and grab an ice cold beer!!
(4)
Crystal W.
If seats are available, you are practically sitting on the ocean and able to put your feet in the sand while eating a fabulous meal and enjoying cocktails. Vacation heaven, as far as I'm concerned. I was with a party of four and not one of us had a complaint about anything. I drank a delicious, kick-you-in-the-pants Mai Tai and ate flavorful fish tacos, both of which happened to be on special. Happy holidays to me! Service was efficient and friendly. My spouse calls me the "bathroom inspector" because I have to use it everywhere I go (out of necessity, not nosiness, thank-you!). I was very happy to see that thought was put into the restrooms here in that they are decorated well and kept up despite the fact that they are single patron restrooms basically off of the beach. Not all establishments care about this but in my opinion, it says a lot about them. If the weather is nice, Huggo's is a no-fail situation. If I ever were to return, I'd hope the experience would be the same.
(5)
Marc W.
Food is average and beer selection is limited. Atmosphere is among the best anywhere though. Right on the beach, happy little bar/grill with a sand floor and umbrellas over the tables. Expensive and has a very limited Kids' menu. Excellent service and the cocktail list was amazing. (We didn't try them but we saw a couple if impressive examples.) But really, you're sitting in a pub in Kona. On the water. With beer and burgers. And five kids. It doesn't get much better.
(4)
Tanya F.
Decent food for a bar, I had the fish tacos. The view is nice as well as the entertainment. The night we were there they had a ukelele player and hula dancer. Good service. We had a huge party and they were generally accommodating and our server was very nice and on top of her game. Would return for a bar on the beach atmosphere.
(4)
Lisa E.
You are paying for the atmosphere. Period. The food wasn't anything special. I got a pina colada and I don't think there was any alcohol in it (disappointing). I got the kalua pork sandwich and it was impossible to eat, just a big mess. I gave up on the sandwich and ate the pork with a fork. It was tasty but nothing special. My boyfriend got the nachos and they were good but would have been better had it not been mysterious "cheeze sauce" instead of real cheese. Service was pretty good. View is wonderful!
(3)
Lara T.
This was a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon. My husband and I wanted somewhere on the water where we could enjoy a drink and some lunch. The drinks were very good and the food was great. Our server was exceptionally positive and friendly, although a bit slow at times. We weren't in a rush so this didn't bother us! We didn't feel pushed out the door as soon as we finished our meals, either. Very nice and relaxing.
(4)
Daniel W.
Absolutely best fish tacos on the island. Service is slow but only because they're busy. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The margaritas are tasty and they don't short you on the alcohol. I highly recommend and we'll come back for more. Awesome!!
(5)
David S.
This is a dive lets be real, but its on the water in hawaii, MANGO MANGO...get the mango blended drink at bottom of menus sooooooo gooood
(5)
Sherri B.
We had lunch at The Rocks. The service was Wonderful and the food was Delicous! Also the view couldnt be better. We were actually at a table in the sand and were just feet away from the ocean. We would be delighted to go back there again our next time in Kona, Hawaii. Thank You for the Fantastic Service!
(5)
Julie B.
This restaurant has an amazing view over looking the water. A large group of us went here for dinner and drinks. We went on a Thursday night and there was live Hawaiian music! I got the fish & chips & it was delicious! A few other people in our party enjoyed sampler platters, tacos, tostadas, ahi, & burgers with no complaints!! The server was very nice & kept the drinks flowing! I loved the "mango mango" which had captain Morgan & mango...yumm!! I will definitely come back here if I ever come back to the big island!!
(4)
Amy M.
Great sunset views and live entertainment. The happy hour and drink specials are pretty good as well. We actually enjoyed this experience more than when we ventured to the "formal" Hugo's next door.
(3)
Cathy W.
Let me just make it clear now by saying that Huggo's On the Rocks is NOT (I repeat, NOT) the same as Huggo's the restaurant right next door. Huggo's is the actual dining room for dinner only, while Huggo's On the Rocks is the bar + open seating on sandy balcony/patio that is open for lunch until midnight. I think that was never made clear on Yelp when I was SO excited about eating lunch at the famous Huggo's after we went snorkeling one morning...only to discover that Huggo's is only open for dinner! Nevertheless, we decided to give Huggo's On the Rocks a try despite knowing the place has a lower rating than the actual Huggo's. If it's the same establishment, how bad can it be, right? *sigh* I ended up with the fish tacos + fries while my boyfriend got a burger + potato-mac salad on the side. My tacos were SUPER soggy from all the sauce/juice - I was VERY disappointed because here I am eating a fish taco in Hawaii next to the very beach where the fish comes from, and the taste can't even come close to anything I've ever had in California. My boyfriend's burger was a lot better and I'm totally not a red-meat person! I would come back again - but NOT for Huggo's On the Rocks...I want to try the real Huggo's that's only open for dinner please!
(2)
Martha B.
Went here one night for dinner--kind of fun that the floor is sand and the tiki torches and view are nice, but the food was just ok and the band was TERRIBLE! We obviously didn't see the one with the hula dancer that others describe. We saw a sorry Supremes wanna-be group who had bad harmonies, corny moves and kept forgetting the lyrics to their songs. We left shortly after they came on because they sort of ruined the atmosphere. Our server was nice.
(2)
Missy F.
Great food, music, atmosphere, and service! I also got to keep my novelty coconut cup ;)
(5)
J B C.
It was our last night and I found Huggo's on yelp. We had a seaside table with a great view of the sunset. Even caught some ocean spray with the waves. The waves were really crashing hard that night. The food was good, like most tourist places on the island, the extra $$$ is included. But over all very good food for the price. The mahi mahi was enjoyed at the table as was the seafood pasta. There are two sections, the bar with more beach and sand and the restaurant more upscale casual - LOL, but they do take reservations.
(4)
Dotti B.
Best lunch I had on Hawaii and the most yummy drinks. Sit right by the beach with your feet in the sand. Waitress was outstanding! Would go back again... and again :)
(5)
Jackson H.
This is a great place to have dinner with your loved one while watching the sun go down. They have live music, not sure if it is only for weekends or not but they were there when I dined there with my girlfriend. It was a nice place to be. It is not as pricy as the next door, Huggo's Restaurant, and offer some great food varieties. The tables and chairs sit right on the sand so be careful where you put your feet.
(4)
Markie W.
Service was slow and food was nothing special and was overpriced. The view and entertainment was great.
(2)
Kate E.
My husband and I went to Huggo's On The Rocks for a late lunch on the second day of our honeymoon. We had a great time! It was super relaxing to sit in chairs nestled into the sand. The view is wonderful. There was a happy hour special drink that day - the Ginger Juju. This was the hands down the most delicious cocktail of our entire honeymoon! Hopefully they will make it a permanent addition to the menu! For food we split the Meze Platter and the Fish Tacos. It was more than enough for lunch! It was all delicious. We would highly recommend this restaurant. We did not stay for the sunset, but we heard it was great.
(5)
Laura M.
I have a difficult time rating this place. The location could not be better. Literally the floor is sand and the ocean is right in front of you. But the food is bar food at best. And the service is very spotty. We went for happy hour. The Mai tai was tasty. We ordered fish tacos, nachos, and a slider. For four dollars each, expect what you pay for, not gourmet obviously. The server was friendly enough but good luck catching them to bring you a refill of water. As the sun got lower, there was no shade, I was burning up, and we sat and sat for the bill. I would go again for the atmosphere and drinks but that's about it.
(3)
Emily E.
Great location and amazing food. We were glad we waited the extra 15 minutes so we could sit on the sand with a sea view. The fish tacos and Kalua pork sandwich were excellent and the live music was fabulous and it had a few people up dancing. Only problem was that we had to wait for over an hour for our food. Our server was great and told us that the kitchen was having issues and apologized, I just sort of wished they had let us know that before we sat down. I would still recommend Huggo's because of the location and food
(4)
Tasha H.
I had a mixed experience here. Food was average and we didn't feel well treated by the manager. It was raining when we came here (As it does in Hawaii. All the time.) but for some reason it seemed like this OUTDOOR restaurant was caught completely by surprise. They did not have enough umbrellas to cover each table (what?) and the manager was extremely unhelpful in finding a solution. Nachos were very standard. I am always disappointed when nachos ordered at a restaurant use the bright orange "cheese" goo instead of real cheese. The Kahlua pork was very delicious though! Sashimi was fresh and good quality. It was not cut very professionally, however, and I wish the portion was bigger. Fresh Catch of the Day (Mahi mahi) was a very small portion of fish. The sides were generous, but I would rather have a larger piece of fish! Also, I asked for it as rare as possible, but the edges were still dry. Ahi Burger was interesting; I've never had a ground fish burger. It was pretty average, nothing special. Overall - would not return here.
(2)
Matthew B.
This was not my kind of place at all. If you're going just to drink and listen to live music... it might work. However, if you plan to have dinner, you'll likely find it very loud and hard to talk at all. The waitress asked us if we minded the sand. She forgot to ask if it was also ok to be next to a children's birthday party with 15+ children on one side (seriously... at a bar?), a band on another side, and a noisy bar rounding out the mix. The food and drinks were just ok, and not worth the price paid. We won't be going back.
(2)
Jen L.
This is really difficult to rate! Outdoor bar is great. Live music is great. View is also amazing. Happy hour cocktail drinks were way too sweet and we had to water them down. The happy hour nachos included a small paper tray with stale chips with cheese whiz and canned jalapeños. Gross. We didn't touch it. Happy hour tacos were also disgusting. Bathroom was also disgusting. We left immediately to find a new place. The real restaurant next to the bar looked decent but I can't say how the food is.
(2)
Jackie M.
I came here for Happy Hour. The oceanfront and sandy floor ambiance was a 5 stars. However, the food was not enjoyable. The fish taco was dry. The cocktail was presented in a shade of rainbow, but it looked better then it taste (watered down). Thank goodness it was happy hour price, otherwise you are really there to hang out in front of the oceanfront.
(3)
Ted W.
Caught the sunset here after a long day at the beach. Food was decent and beers were cold. Sunset was absolutely out of this world. Getting seated was a little disorganized. We put our name in and waited patiently but it seemed like people were just walking in and sitting at the (many) empty tables. But the sunsets though..
(4)
Ann B.
A mostly typical touristy spot, this place will hit the spot for most people looking for a huge selection of Hawaiian drinks, live music and ocean views. I cannot fully judge it on food, as I only went here for happy hour, but the happy hour food was pretty laughable. Granted, it was only $4 for *a* slider, mini nacho, or a taco. I second another's review of the nachos - stale chips, cheese whiz and a few canned jalapenos, it tasted like something you would receive at a not even semi-pro baseball field's snack shack. Yech. I did indulge in a couple Hawaiian style drinks and found them to be yummy, though not at all stiff. The live music is always great, but the sneaky .50 "entertainment" charge in small print on the menu is just tacky. I wish I had the chance to try the lunch/dinner fare, but I was being pretty selective on where to spend my money. Hawaii is expensive and you really want to make your restaurant choices carefully. I think I made the right choice by sticking mostly to the drinks and view here.
(2)
Keegan B.
Warm beer, soggy chips and awful service. The beer was nasty, the chips took 30 minutes and were soggy and the service was nonexistent. This place blows!
(1)
M S.
Decent happy hour deals - food portions are quite small, but drinks are tasty :-). Sitting in the sandy section while listening to the entertainment (LT Smooth) was the best part.
(4)
Shant H.
Came to On The Rocks right before sunset as others have recommended. It was definitely a beautiful location and they had live Hawaiian music. Those were the only two things that I liked about this place.
(2)
Cara H.
I love beach towns! Nothing beats eating fish tacos by the ocean with your feet in the sand. Love the ambiance! The fish tacos were great! Minus a star cause my fries were tooooo salty! Mac nut martini was ok, a little much! Fun beach dining!
(4)
Brittany S.
Hey Huggo's, thanks for pulling through on our "hot date night" out on the town. Your tasty pina coladas (both traditional and with strawberry infusion) were the perfect way to kick the dinner off. We especially appreciated the open floor plan overlooking the water with flame torches along the patio and the cherry on top....a flame dancer out on a rock overlooking the ocean. Talk about stunning. The reflection of the flames whirling around on the water was pure artwork. As for the food, all diners are treated to complimentary warm bread served with herbed butter and white bean hummus. The bread was on the greasy side but I couldn't get enough of the butter. So much in fact that I shamefully added a dollop onto my chicken breast. Note: I'm allergic to seafood and the non-seafood options here are quite limited. Even the signature teriyaki steak is doused in oyster sauce (heads up). My chicken was served with asparagus spears and garlic mashed potatoes which I substituted for the tasty and earthy pumpkin risotto (highly recommend the risotto as a side alternative). We decided the food wasn't mind-blowingly good but it didn't matter so much because the atmosphere was just what we were looking for.
(4)
Glenn P.
NOPE! Tried to stop for a nice sunset dinner and drinks (at least an hour before sunset) - and all the tables at the water were gone. We were okay with that and ordered drinks. They seated us right in front of the loudest, over-amplified band I have ever heard. They didn't even look that busy - so why we were sat at their least desirable table is beyond my comprehension. They finally brought us menus - and we expected the prices to be high. I wasn't having a good time at all, and with $10 drinks, and 'meh' food (looking at the few plates coming out) starting at almost $20 - I wasn't going to stick around for food. It's pretty much a beach bar attached to the fancy kitchen to the pricey restaurant to the south.
(1)
Vic M.
Back again - Jan 2015 lunch Awesome location ON the wayer with sand at your feet. Ahi burger was excellent ($12.95) Poke was good.
(5)
Russell S.
Nice breakfast spot along the water. Their iced coffee is good and the breakfast isn't bad either. I'm a bit of a stickler with my eggs, and the breakfast scramble wrap I ordered delivered. Light, fluffy, and silky eggs...something I rarely find in a restaurant. The price was a bit steep for breakfast, but those eggs were so good, I don't really mind.
(4)
Dan A.
Came here for lunch twice in the last week. Easy free parking steps away is a big plus downtown! Great location in the water, a sand beach with tables. Service to the slow side at 130 pm. Nice varied food selection...i had crunchy beef tacos and they were good. Several sides available, I opted for Cole slaw, you opt for something else. (10.95). Spouse had kailua pork quesada appetizer...she had leftovers. Tasty pulled pork! (11.95). Beer (fire rock ale on draft) could have been colder. Spouses Mai Tai, tasty and pleasing. Location sells this spot!
(3)
Julie H.
Came here several times during our week long stay in Kona. The food is good, the drinks great, the staff friendly, the view AWESOME. You are sitting on the edge of the ocean with sand under your feet. At night they had some live Hawaiian music with the occasional hula dancer. I was surprised that the food and drinks were so good since often places like this use their view to hide behind mediocrity. I loved the big Mai Tai for two, reasonably priced and packed quite the punch. Loved the Poke, and really enjoyed everything I tried on their menu. I will definitely return here when I get back to Kona!
(5)
Debby S.
Yum! Great View of ocean!
(4)
Scotty Dog J.
While my wife were staying next door, we thought we would give this place a try. Went for an early dinner and everything was outstanding. We both had taco plates, hers was short rib that were big portions and delicious. Mine was fish, blackened Mahi Mahi with mango salsa, excellent!! She also tried different flavored margaritas guava and passion fruit were her favorite. For desert we shared a Kona coffee cheesecake that was delicious. Setting is relaxed and beautiful view right on the beach. Would recommend this place to anyone, seems service gets a little slow when real busy, but it's island time bra relax.....all in all great food, and atmosphere we will be back.
(4)
Amanda C.
How this place gets four stars is absolutely beyond me. The food is DISGUSTING and so overpriced. The burgers, the nachos, the Mediterranean platter...all bad. I have tried many things here, so have my friends, and every time ends in disappointment. On the other hand, Happy hour is good with $2 Primos, but it's only from 3-5. After that the prices skyrocket! All the drinks become so expensive I am upset with myself that I've spent so much money there. There are pluses about this place though: great live music, good happy hour prices, wonderful atmosphere and friendly service. I wish I could give different reviews for the food and for everything else. Honestly... Food: 1 star Drinks and Atmosphere: 4 stars (minus prices)
(2)
Mel O.
This is a must stop place. Great view, great service, good bands and all you need is one drink. The bombucha.
(5)
Brandon S.
Decent food. Happy hour is a joke. Great view and good live music. A real Hawaiian feeling here.
(4)
Dennis D.
The chips, salsa, and beer were good; and the service was good too. We came for happy hour which didn't start until 3pm and had a very limited menu. I give the food 3 stars; service 4+ stars; but the poor beer, drink, and food options on the happy hour menu only 2 stars. Chips and salsa were not on the happy hour menu; bud and coors were about the only beer.
(3)
Katie R.
I was in Kona for 5 days and ate here for 3 of my dinners. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive (even when the joint is jumpin'). The food came out perfectly cooked every time. You are right on the beach with your toes in the sand. The sunsets (easily viewable from every table) are memorable. The prices are appropriate and reasonable. The drinks (though served in plastic cups--egh) are great and exceptionally strong. You must eat the: Shrimp Lettuce Cups, Fish Tacos, and Korean Tacos.
(5)
Tim H.
Ended up going here several times because it was walking distance from time share and we had such a great time the first lunch. They have some drinks designed for two, but I'd stay away on the basis that they were hard to handle with such a tall bamboo "glass." Everyone seemed to like their food, but the ambiance of sand under your feet and the ocean view probably sold me on the place. Our visit coincided with the visit of the hurricane, Huggo's didn't close early like many other places on the strip. Hurricane turned out to be a nothing-burger, I've sneezed bigger. First time I walked there after dark, I walked into Huggo's, not "On the Rock's." Caused a bit of confusion, totally different atmosphere and menu. Plain old "Huggo's" might be fine, looked jazzy and more upscale, but totally different place and I never tried it.
(5)
Matt O.
Fantastic spot! Great Music! Aloha spirit is strong! Thanks to Tim Criswell and all the staff for making this the best evening of our holiday!
(5)
Jaena J.
The location was Awesome, right on the beach and overlooking the ocean! The live music was also fantastic. On the other hand, the food was nothing special. I probably wouldn't go back.
(3)
Julie K.
This place is all about the ambiance. The food is very good but sometimes the service Is flaky. We had a party of 8. They brought 7 entrees out and we were waiting for a hamburger for one of the kids. We all had finished our dinner and we were still waiting for her hamburger. The waitress swore it was the kitchens fault and the manager said he would have a talk with the kitchen. We were on our way to the airport with a bit of a time crunch which was inconvenient, but making an 11 year old wait that long for her food left her feeling bad. They did comp us some desserts which was kind (and probably appropriate). Really enjoyed their location, poke, Korean beef tacos, and drinks. Just wish their service was a bit more reliable.
(3)
Michael K.
Our friend took us here our first night in Hawaii because she liked the "chill vibe" (consisting of live music and a perfect location), but we enjoyed it so much we went back a second and nearly a third time. Given the amazing location, overlooking the bay with a perfect view of the sunset, it's not surprising that we experienced 30-40 minutes waits both times we were there for dinner; you are given a pager and are free to wander the nearby shops, though the range isn't necessarily long enough if you stray too far. There were different musicians on our two visits there but both were enjoyable in their own way: first a two-person band playing synth/guitar covers of popular songs, later an acoustic guitar player. Finally, we tried a few different things off the menu and everything was excellent - I tried the Wanna Manapua (?) burger-a mix of local grass-fed beef and pork-and the fresh catch of the day while my wife opted for the bulgogi bowl both times. We didn't find the food to be particularly expensive given this spot's prime tourist location and they don't skimp on the portions either. Service was fairly slow, especially on our second visit when we didn't order alcohol (could have just been a coincidence) but it's not the kind of place you should be going if you're in a rush. Also note that unless you're at the bar, you will be sitting in on chairs in the sand so feel free to wear sandals. If I am ever in Kona again this would be the first place I go for dinner!
(5)
Tom C.
Fun place to have a drink or to while right over the rocks in Kailua Kona. Good umbrella drinks and local brews. Great views.
(5)
C A.
Right by the water and service with aloha. I underestimated this place, but I was wrong! The wanna manapua was outstanding, he said its one of the best burgers he has had. I had bulgogi rice bowl which was also outstanding. I'm sad we tried this place the day we were leaving the big island. Ambiance, food and drinks were Ono!
(5)
Chy L.
So this is Huggo's Restaurant's blue collar, less fancy sister. The bonus is you get to be entertaine and d by the live music (a hula dance while we dined) eat with your feet in the sand surrounded by the ocean. We loved the bargin of al fresco dining but the food was just okay. It served it's purpose as we just wanted to experience the sea side dining.
(3)
Riverside G.
Great drinks, beautiful view overlooking the water especially when the sun sets. Shortened tables and chairs on a sandy floor with live entertainment. Now for the bad news. At the time of this writing the Yelp page for this place allows you to make online reservations which turns out not to be true. Instead it's for Huggo the restaurant next door, Huggo On The Rocks doesn't take reservations. So we put in our name with the maitre d' and she gave us a pager to let us know when our table is ready. After a half hour at the bar we checked the status of our table and she informs us that she paged us three times but we didn't answer because the pager didn't work. It never occurred to her to call out our name to check because the five of us didn't hear it. Then she gives us another pager and said we'll get the next table. Fifteen minutes later a table opens up and she give away the table to another party. WTF! The next table that opened up we just took it because she was just clueless if we waited for her. The food was just so so for burgers and sandwiches. Just a bad experience.
(1)
Matt O.
Went here last night with my girlfriend. The location is absolutely amazing, it's right next to the ocean, in the middle of downtown Kona. There is sand all over the dining room floor so it's just like eating on the beach. We started with drinks, and all of the different ones we tried were tasty and well mixed. For food, we shared a Caesar salad. I am a Caesar junkie, and it did not disappoint. For entrees, I got the roast beef sandwich, while she got the blackened fish tacos. The sandwich was very tasty, tender slices of beef and came with jus, which was great as well. Only complaint for that was the container the jus came in was a bit smaller than the sandwich so dipping it was a chore. My girlfriend didn't like her tacos too much, the mango salsa was watery which is a bummer as mango is a local fruit. Also came with two corn torts per taco, which overpowered the flavor of the fish. That was an easy fix though. Her tacos are the only negative I really have to say. I would definitely go back just for the view, drinks and music. And I am sure she can find something she will like for next time.
(4)
Jessica C.
Mauna Kea burger super flavorful blue cheese crispy bacon grass fed beef highly recommend it would order it again. It was a burst of flavor in my mouth
(4)
Christopher E.
Have stopped by there for lunch about 3 times during my one week stay in Kona. I really appreciated the restaurant's uniqueness of having its tables and chairs half buried in sand as much as its up front ocean view, sounds & breezes. The service was phenomenal & friendly. Some evenings have live music. The food was excellent, Fish Tacos, Bulgogi Freid Rice Bowl, Guava Bbq Ka' Lua Pork Sandwich, Mezze Platter were big hits.
(4)
Eve P.
Great and very friendly service, amazing view, quality food.
(4)
Andrea V.
1. Everything is quite tasty. I give it 4 stars. It's basically Hawaiian-y bar food. 2. The location and view! Right on the ocean. Total Hawaii vacation feel. 3. Full bar. 4. Live Music pretty much every day. 5. It's casual and relaxed.
(4)
Joey K.
I would probably give this place five stars, except I felt rushed. Not intentionally rushed, but it seems like the restaurant operates at a really high pace, likely to turn tables over quickly. However, the experience was good. We got sat fast, our server was friendly an attentive. Not overly friendly, but he was clearly busy. He was a great server, just again, seemed rushed to get things done. Makes me wonder about the management, but I digress. The place is cute. Completely open air, even the kitchen. They also have a sandy dining area so you can feel like you're eating on the beach. It sits right on the rocks so you can listen to the waves crashing, which is a really nice biance. I got the ahi burger. I ordered it rare, and was told it was pre-made. Which probably meant frozen. I was slightly disappointed that it was a ground burger. There's no way to know if I was yellowfin or albacore. It was really good either way. It was good size and full of flavor. I cleaned the plate of so that means something. He had the black and bleu burger. My understanding that it was amazing. I don't eat it, so I'll take his word for it. Overall, we loved this place and will definitely be back when we're back in Kona.
(4)
Bruce H.
Best spot for a lunch on Kona. Ask for Hannah as your server and you are in for a treat.
(5)
Randy C.
The first restaurant we stopped at after getting off the airplane, and it was a great choice. Informal, waterfront view, and the outside tables were shaded and in sand. Service was fine. The food was decent enough but overpriced, hence the 3 stars.
(3)
James M.
Outstanding service and great food. My wife had the catch of the day and it was amazing. I had the tacos and they were also very good. They make the best drinks on the waterfront.
(5)
Qian Z.
We visited this restaurant twice during our stay in Kona. It is very unique that they fill the floor with soft sand, so you feel like you are actually eating on a beach. We had dinner and lunch here, both good food. Mai tai and lava flow are good alcoholic drinks, you can also order virgin lava flow, which is a nice non-alcoholic beverage.
(4)
Patrick J.
On our last day in Kona, we were trying to burn some time before our flight home. We stopped in for a drink and ended up getting dinner. The view of the bay from the bar and tables is beautiful. Entertainment was mellow, jazz-like music, being performed live. The vibe here is definitely relaxed and friendly with a lot of locals present. We ordered the classic burger with Swiss, onions, and mushrooms and a bulgogi beef and fried rice bowl. The burger was perfectly cooked on a slightly toasted roll. It had a nice cruch as I bit into the sandwich. The onions and mushrooms were delicious, although, I ended up taking some of the onion off. There was a little too much for me, but they were caramelized and tasty. The Bulgogi rice bowl was amazing. The beef had been marinated and cooked perfectly. It was juicy and very flavorful. The fried rice could have been a dish by itselt. It was that good. We had a great meal, excellent drinks, relaxing music and a gorgeous sunset while were there. I'd highly recommend coming to Huggo's if you can. It was a really fun place. with a lot of locals present.
(4)
Evan A.
Very unique location extremely close to the water. Apparently, zoning laws instituted since Huggo's was built guarantee that no new business could ever be this nearby the sea. A section of seating is literally in the sand, which is certainly a unique experience, although somewhat awkward in actual practice since your chair legs sink into the sand, making it hard to adjust. We just went for happy hour (3-5) so can't speak for the quality of the food other than the mini-nachos with Kahlua pork (generous with the pork but not very hot). Mai-Tais and Hawaiian Sunrises were $5 and didn't seem too watered-down as might be expected at a touristy place like this. Overall, a great ambiance, prompt service, and reasonably-priced drinks mean we would be more than willing to enjoy another afternoon here.
(4)
Amanda M.
I'm visiting Kona for the ironman 2014 world championship and because this is so close to ironman village I've eaten here 4 separate times during my 1 week trip. (That alone should say something about this place!) I keep coming back for the location and the drinks. The food is good, but didn't "wow" me. The view is incredible and the tables in the sand are nice because you can take your shoes off. My favorite drink here was the piña colada- perfectly frozen and just enough alcohol to enjoy it. I would come again!
(4)
Amy M.
They don't take reservations even tho it's on the yelp page. Our hostess gave away our dinner table three times and it was just not a cool 40 minute wait. The only good thing! This place has a kick butt happy hour and so many different yummy drinks!
(3)
Marina V.
We went to Huggo's for our anniversary dinner a couple of years ago, and I am only now getting to write a review. Better late than never:) What a great place. The setting is absolute paradise. We sat on the terrace overlooking the ocean waves crashing on the rocks, and watched the sunset. Does it get better? I don't think so :) It was magical! The food was outstanding, the service quick and waiters polite and considerate, and the atmosphere was relaxed and happy. As soon as I'm back to Kona, we'll be back to Huggo's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
(5)
Jay S.
A great place to watch the sun go down while eating dinner with someone you love. The live music is a nice plus. My only complaint was that the dessert was just mediocre.
(4)
Roxanne A.
The night we went to Huggo's we were treated to a fantastic Hula and soothing island musical act. The food is good , but not pricey considering the view and entertainment. Try happy hour 3-5 for mini nachos and inexpensive beers. The desserts we tried were the Mauna Kea ice cream pie and lime pie both were yummy.
(5)
Ashley K.
The best bar in Kona, period. It's perfect. I can't say anything else that hasn't been said or that the pictures won't elucidate. Come here and take it all in. If there was anything remotely comparable to this back home in California, I would be a useless, happy, tan little drunk.
(5)
Mary Ann B.
Eaten at Huggo's On The Rocks twice, both good experiences. We were seated closest to the ocean both times in those short beach chairs and shortened tables in the sand. Difficult for my tall husband to sit down and get up. But otherwise, great view! Neither of us has had mediocre food there. Their menu is varied enough to appeal to most everyone. Yes, it's a bit on the high side, but it is Hawaii and a busy tourist town. They also have specials and we recently both got the papaya stuffed with shrimp and salad. It was fantastic! Never get sugary specialty drinks, so can't review those, but their local beer is good. The musicians are a nice touch, and they are talented and skilled, not amateurs.
(5)
Seamus O.
The band "Damn Straight" brought us in Thursday with there sound. Now we are back to close out our vacation. Bar is fun, the band is really good.
(4)
Joana V.
Best happy hour in town ! Very reasonable and the view is spectacular . We saw spinner Dolphins and manta rays feeding near the rocks! Perfect afternoon! I strongly recommend the beef tacos and Hawaiian Rainbow!
(5)
Ds A.
Loved this place! The location is amazing. It's right on the water and the tables are almost all in the sand. I got the ahi burger and it was so tasty. All the drinks I tried were really good too. Probably my favorite place I went to in Kailua Kona.
(5)
Shell A.
I really love this place! The views are just gorgeous!! I love diggin my toes in the sand while drinking a yummy tropical drink! The prices are a bit expensive so we dont normally eat there but do enjoy a drink or two while watching the sunset! Its a tradition while visiting Kona :-)
(5)
Andreas N.
Came for a late dinner and enjoyed the fish tacos and very good drinks. Most drinks sp far has literally been juice+alcohole but here they make an effort and the result is really good! The bar staff was very friendly and they had live music that night. We had a great fun evening here.
(4)
Steve K.
We came for lunch on Sunday. I had a cheeseburger with mushrooms, with a small salad, and my wife had another burger with bleu cheese and a salad. They were delicious, local beef. You cannot beat the location with your toes in the sand, a beautiful view, and the waves down below adding a cadence. This and Kona Inn are our go to lunch spots when we are able to get away on a weekend together for lunch. Our server (Jeff?) was a bright young man that was quite entertaining and very happy. We have usually come in the past for music at night or happy hour music with cheap drinks, and been quite happy, but I also think their burgers compare with the best on the coast, and the location ups it by a star.
(4)
Becky R.
My husband and I live here in Kona, and we go here quite frequently. This is also a favorite spot to bring out of town guests - the view, the food, and atmosphere can't be beat, especially at the affordable prices they offer. They also have a great variety of tropical drinks - all delicious - and all way more affordable than any you'll find on the water's edge. We have a few favorites on the menu, but pretty much everything is good here. I personally love the Ahi Burger - which a delicious patty of spiced GROUND ahi - honestly a refreshing and interesting way to serve ahi (and I am surprised at the one reviewer who commented on this dish, who didn't seem to know what to expect, since I have never ordered it without the server asking me if I was aware that it was ground ahi, and not a single piece of ahi). The fish tacos and pulled pork are also fantastic, but really, there are lots of tasty things on the menu. The only thing that I am personally disappointed about is the loss of their killer sweet potato fries. It seems that their frier was taken away around hurricane time, and has not been replaced (please find a way to bring them back! They were AMAZING). They still offer lots of tasty and interesting sides, and have added a couple of alternatives, which are probably healthier, and still delicious. The tables in the sand, down by the water's edge are beautifully situated and relaxing, but not too great for anyone who has trouble getting in and out of low chairs. However, they offer seating just above on hard ground - perfect if you have older folks in your party or anyone with an injury that makes maneuvering in low and sandy places difficult. In short - you really can't go wrong here. I love going here for lunch, but evening is when you get the live entertainment, and superb sunset views....
(5)
Mervat O.
We had a different experience, our waitress Briteny was a little on the not cooperate side . The food was less than what we expected . Sorry I cannot give stars
(1)
Sue S.
Good food, great atmosphere with the outdoor seating and sand floor, good live music, good, friendly waitress!
(4)
Holly M.
We waited all week to come here for our last night on the island. We read the good reviews and were stoked; however, when we arrived the entire staff seemed completely overwhelmed and stressed. The hostess could barely take our party's information. The bartender was incredibly rude and wouldn't make a virgin daiquiri for the young one (9 yo) in the group saying "she has to come to the bar to drink her drink." What?! We had a wonderful week in Kona and we experienced some awesome food- this was a real let down though. Hopefully just a bad night but families beware. The view is killer but not worth ruining your spirits.
(1)
Heidi M.
I visited Hawaii for a week and went back to this place four times! Delicious food, amazing drinks, live music, gorgeous view of the ocean and sunsets, live music, friendly staff what's not to love?!
(5)
Paulette M.
Don't confuse this place with Huggos Restaurant! This place you can dig your feet into the sand and seems to have its own kitchen! Great service and food. Ahi burger was yummy chopped ahi and formed onto a burger. Bulgogi fried rice bowl was super tasty too! Especially the pineapple!
(5)
Allie P.
The location of this establishment is so unique! Tables in the sand, right on the ocean and a great open layout but the food was an utter disappointment. Had the ahi burger.. the Ahi didn't taste fresh and I was expecting a beautiful seared piece of fish rather I got a bland moosh of "fish"... The service was also extremely slow. Infact, 4 parties that got seated after us all got their dishes before we did. Our server came back to explain that they lost our ticket and apologized. Honestly though we should have been comped for something or have been given a free drink because waiting 40 mins for our sub par meals is inexcusable.
(1)
Gary W.
A great place to kick off your sandals and have dinner and drinks. One thing you gotta try - the Furikake encrusted Ono plate. These guys know how to do it.
(4)
Todd G.
Atmosphere is great. Whales jumping in the bay. Great place to relax with a beverage but wouldn't necessarily recommend the food. Don't order the pork nachos unless you want a big piece of fat plunked on top of cheese whiz.
(2)
Sophia C.
Ahhhhh Beware. You are eating on the sand right in front of the beach, be ready for cockroaches and ants. Food was very good I ordered the tacos, and subbed in chicken. Mmmmm. My hubby ordered a roast beef, bread became soggy very quick. we ended up sharing tacos. There was a live band, the sound of the water and beautiful sea breeze. Would def go back.
(4)
George S.
Very nice view. We got nachos, there they were just so-so. They use canned cheese on it which just took away everything. Service was okay
(3)
Paul S.
Had a great meal at Huggo's On The Rocks. Enjoyed a great Mai Tai and local grass fed beef burger. Great to see a mix of locals and tourist. You can't beat the location, an unobstructed view of the sea.
(5)
Michael P.
Happy Hour..best in Kona. The food here is solid, especially the aps: nachos, fish tacos, pork sliders, etc. A+ to the bartenders who make any drink you can imagine. Very relaxed vibe.
(4)
Mary H.
Great location, you can eat on the patio or on tables in the sand, pretty cool, and you can't beat the view. I was there for happy hour and had the sliders. Unfortunately the food was marginal at best, condiments on the burger were sparse (onion rings, dressing) drink was good and servers were super. Go for the drinks and the view. Desserts sounded great but the prices were crazy high $14.00 for a PIECE of ice cream pie!
(3)
Michael M.
How is there no one here? Great seating all along the coast line. Plenty of seats. Get here for a great view. Ordered two lava flows they were awesome - lilikoi and guava. I saw there was live music at some pt....that's the only thing that could make it better. Buddy got caesar salad he loved it. Other drinks the group got they loved - Was also a big fan of the Gillilan's girl.
(5)
Silke M.
Great view, good Happy Hour Snacks (Fish Taco-Hummus) Bulgogi plate for lunch was very good but husbands Pork sandwich mediocre & little dry and minus 2 stars for absolute horrific music , like bad Kareoke tunes, ranging all over the place from Hawaiian bad chinese opera sounds to sleepy home recording songs...would have ordered another drink but the music cant get us out of here fast enough...CHANGE it! How about Hawaiian Reggae:)
(3)
Carolyn A.
Gorgeous beach front location. Enjoyable live music. The decor of cheap outdoor/patio sets in sand was weird and awkward. My knees hit the bottom of the table (I'm 5'7"), and the employees looked amazingly ungraceful trying to waddle around in the giant sand box. In contrast, the oversized bamboo steamers for serving were cute and practical (they stack). Food and drinks were hit or miss. For drinks, go for the beers on tap or a piña colada (dark rum, yum). Skip the lava flow and mai tai. The burger was good, the fresh fish not so much. The coconut wasabi cole slaw lacked a coconut or wasabi flavor. So, it's just ordinary cole slaw. The side salad was fresh.
(3)
Eric F.
A solid, chill place for drinks before/after a meal in downtown Kona right by the water. While the Mai Tais were consistent with their sister establishment, Lava Lava Beach Club, the view's not nearly as nice and the seating area was much less spacious and comfortable.
(3)
Anna D.
Nice bartender.. She thought I was under 21! That's a nice compliment if I didn't say so myself. The bartender recommended the lilikoi and coconut mojito. Im grateful she was trustworthy. It was absolutely delicious. Not too sweet and just a perfect amount of fruitiness. They close their kitchen early so if you're looking for food you might want to order it early on in the night.
(5)
Tim A.
This review is based just on the bar, we did not eat here. The drinks were really good and being right on the water made this place great. Definitely try the passion fruit coloda.
Pretty good food although I'd say servings were small. Nice atmosphere, despite the surly waitress. Great view and nice music.
(4)
Margareg G.
Great set up right on the beach. The food is decent however servers had inconsiderate and careless attitudes. We went there multiple times food the live music and fun atmosphere but the service left much to be desired.
(2)
Jujulik A.
I really liked the set up of the place. This is the type of local hang out that I was looking for. I am very surprised that others on the island are not the same. Yes, I took my sandals off and buried my toes into the sand while I ate my dinner. What a better way to exfoliate your feet while eating... LOL The food is pretty good but I think the portions are a tad bit small. I had the Potato Mac salad and I loved it but it was only a small portion. I think for the price they charge, they should give more of the 1 side they offer or provide 2 sides. The sandwhich I had was incredible and the bread was fresh. There was a guitar playing man and a dancing girl. It was a nice relaxing dinner with some great music. If you go to the Big Island, you must go here. TIP: Go at night. It's much more fun!
(4)
Naomi H.
Good price for happy hour drinks - $4 mai-tai's. And they went to the trouble of making mine without pineapple (since I am most unfortunately allergic). Wings were pretty tasty. Poke was fantastic. We also ordered the $3 slider and $3 fish taco...really tiny for that much money. And apparently it was supposed to be a happy hour deal? It was the worst deal of everything we ordered. Service was pretty shabby - our guy seemed to have our table and one other and he spent a long time chatting up the other table while we still hadn't even gotten to order. Little birds all over the place, under my chair, around my feet, looking for crumbs. Startling at first, but they grew on me. :)
(3)
Bruce N.
Great Happy Hour and sunsets
(4)
Len B.
Absolutely one of the best dinners of my life, and I've had everything from 8 dollar fast food dinners to 800 dollar top class formal meals. We ate simply, burger for me and Ahi burger for my date, but both were outstanding. But what truly set the place apart, was the atmosphere. Waves crashing, amazing guitarist/singer playing (go on Thursday -seriously ) tiki torches and toes in the sand... oh yeah, and it's in Hawaii, folks. Does it get much better than this?
(5)
Kathy G.
Love this place! Our most favorite place at Kona! Awesome sunsets, good food and great entertainment! Could use a few fans at the bar to cool things off a bit!
(5)
Annie A.
Awesome tiki bar, real deal with live music. You can relax with a drink at the bar and when a table is ready be ready to sink your feet in the sand. It's relaxing on the water. Great Tilki bar
(4)
Sofie D.
Love that you feel like you are having a "picnic" at the beach. You can kick off your shoes, bury your feet in the sand, and have casual eats like burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. Is it the best tasting? No. But it's priced right and you can't beat the location & friendly service.
(4)
Debra J.
We got into Kona in the early evening and wanted something casual and inexpensive but could still get the feel of being in hawaii. Our front desk guy at the Sheraton quickly recommended this and he was spot on. Food was great, atmosphere was great. We plan to go back at least one more time while here!
(4)
Sheila C.
This is a tourist trap, but a beautiful one at that! At least the scenery. Right on the water, with a sand floor, so you feel you are right on the beach. They have a great selection of drinks and meals. A little pricey, but all the food on the island seems that way. Service was fast and easy. I ordered the mai tai, very tasty. For an appetizer we ordered the Kona Poke Pie, very delicious as well. My daughter claimed that it was the best one she had the week we were there and we ordered poke almost every meal! I had the Oneo Bay Salad with the fresh fish of the day which was good, my daughter had the 'Opae (Shrimp) and Chips which was awesome and my husband ordered the Kona Fish Tacos, they were ok, they lacked flavor. This place was recommended by the locals and it did not disappoint. Definitely try it out!
(4)
Roland H.
Great drinks. Great drinks. Great drinks. The service was friendly and not slow. Food was above average for sure. Appetizers were all tasty, and the hamburgers were perfectly cooked. Right on the beach/rocks to soak in all of Kona.
(4)
Chris C.
Love the atmosphere here, Make sure to arrive early and get a table in the sand, take advantage of the happy hour menu, chill out, listen to some good live music and watch the beautiful sunset. The food seems to be hit or miss. The Bulgogi I ordered was really good and the Kalbi ribs looked really good. Unfortunately our waiter didnt seem to really pay much attention to us but thats ok because we had a great time anyways. Pretty fun place just to relax and wind down your evening.
(4)
Joe O.
I'm only commenting on the location of this place since we only stopped in for beers but man, is it awesome. There was great live music (that my daughter loved), we sat right on the sand/beach/deck overlooking the sunset and were lucky enough to get there right as happy hour was rocking! Sick spot, definitely hit it up.
(5)
Wayne I.
Its one of my favorite locations to watch the sunset and have a cocktail. You sit on the sand by the water and enjoy the Kona fresh air. The prices can be pricey depending on what you order but I usually go for happy hour and there is a good selection of pupus and drinks at discounted prices. I think its a good deal during Pau Hana especially the pork nachos and fish tacos.
(4)
Elise S.
Entertaining band and hula show! Lava flow with Iilikoi and Kona Brewery beers were both excellent additions to the meal. Guava BBQ pork was a little disappointing, though. Besides the bar (both bartenders were on the stick), service was slow. Definitely a fit for a leisurely dinner, no time constraints.
(3)
Lo J.
Came here with a group of friends on a Sunday night. We had an amazing time listening to amazing live music of current and old music. The drinks were great and huge and the food was delicious and more than enough. Would definitely come here all the time if I was a local.
(5)
Mike W.
Great place for some happy hour while you watch the sunset. We ordered fish tacos and the mini nacho with pork. Both were perfetly fine, nothing spectacular. The drinks were great, view over the water was sensationa, and the staff was icnredibly friendly.
(4)
Pat D.
Ahi meal terrific... home made chips, salad. Good music and great to hear the waves hitting the shore.
(5)
Regina W.
Happy hour food is a super small portion, and wasn't super impressed with the Mai tai, even though they're supposed to be famous. But nice view & good music. Got the fish tace, which was watery, the nachos, which had processed can cheese on them, and the sliders. The sliders were okay, but when I got a full portion, the mac salad that came with it was not good, especially for Hawaii standards.
(2)
Sue T.
After a long flight we arrived in Kona town, which was lively, musical, busy, right at sunset. The sun went down in honey, and the moon came up in wine. we wanted to soak in the scenery but not go somewhere too fancy. We popped into Huggos on the Rocks. Got a seat at a counter with stools, overlooking the beach patio and water. They had a 3 piece hawaiian band playing with a young woman doing hula. Soft and breezy. Drinks were great. The menu was standard, light, "bar fare." We decided to try popping next door to Huggo's more upscale restaurant for our first dinner in Hawaii. The service was very good. Very pricey. Brace yourself a bit. We had a table on a patio deck, surrounded by tiki torches, with a beautiful view. I had the Ahi Steak with Macadamia nut salsa and my husband had the steak. The meal was ok. Nothing to really rave about. The Ahi steak looked very standard, plain, with white rice and steamed veggies, kind of like a "safe" plain meal a 70 year old would appreciate. It had no pizzazz, and it should have, for the expense. We should have stayed at the Beach bar. It was more lively and would've cost 1/3 of the price for the same view.
(4)
Chau L.
Good happy hour! I made it just in time for some drinks! Got the bf a mai tai because he's been mentioning it for days during our trip lol...pretty good mai tai! Then I got a local Kona beer, which was nice. Bartenders and waiters were on point and so laid back. Situated on the ledge facing the ocean. We listened to live Hawai'in music, watched some hula dancing, and of course, the sunset descending upon the rocks and water.
(4)
Stephanie S.
This place had a great happy hour with live music everyday!! I believe during the week it's from 4-6pm and 3-5pm in the weekends! They definitely had the best Mai Tai's, out of all the other spots in Kona! The only reason I would give it 4 stars in the food is not great. Bit other then that hands down the best place to grab a reasonable drink, and watch the sunset, with live music!
(4)
Ingrid B.
Beautiful location, right by the water. I ordered fish, and it was little bit dry. My friend ordered tacos, and she said that it was delicious.
(4)
Tiffany C.
Ugh this place was terribad. We were looking for a nice place to go and grab a drink and some food, came here. Here are my experiences: Positives (+): (+) Nice ambiance, they have a cool bar area and also a fake beach area overlooking the water, making you feel like you are sitting right on the beach (but I wonder how dirty that sand is!) I also liked the tiki torches (+) Decent selection of beers and food Negatives (-): (-) We ordered a regular cheeseburger to share, asked for the sauteed mushrooms and onions on the side, add bacon and a fried egg. Asked for the burger medium rare. When the burger came out, fried egg was...actually fried.. all the way through. No yolk. The burger patty was beyond well done, dry as a rock. The best part of the burger was the mushrooms and the onions that were on the side. They also serve it in the dim sum wooden steamer things, the most difficult thing to eat a burger in... Pretty much not at all how we wanted the burger (-) There was a highly mediocre amateur singer, singing a wide variety to oldies to Lady Antebellum. She completely butchered the Lady Antebellum, actually missing lyrics and just letting the music play for portions of lines, clearly reading from the sheet music. Because we went during a time when the singer was singing, we had to pay an extra $0.50 per drink. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for live entertainment, but don't make your customers pay extra - let them tip. If she is good (which she wasn't), we would have given her a tip on our own accord. But maybe that's why they make people pay. If you want to go for a drink, by all means go for it. I would rather go elsewhere if I can.
(2)
Kelly B.
My husband and I moved to the Kailua Kona, HI 3 weeks ago. We have been to several restaurants and have been impressed with the food and atmosphere, the service has been okay. When we visited Huggo's on the Rocks tonight.....OMG, we were blown away! The service, Ally & Daniel, rocked it! They made us feel at home and like they cared! The atmosphere/view is the BEST we have seen so far on the Big Island. The food - hubby got the Mahi and the Seafood Bisque, LOVED IT! I got the Kailuae Drink, says it for 2, but I handled it by myself, hubby drove home. :-) I also ordered the salad with chicken and Ginger *and something* dressing, which was FABULOUS! Dessert, hubby got the Passion Fruit sorbet and loved it. It is not a Chicago portion of sorbet, like a spoonful, but a huge portion. OH!!! almost forgot to say..on Fridays they have a local guy singing with a hula dancer, backdropped by the ocean, awe inspiring. As we were walking out around 7:30pm, there was a group coming in with equipment that were going to play rock 'n roll with an Hawaiian flair. We have decided that this is our Friday, 'go to'. See you next Friday, Ally & Daniel!
(5)
Diane S.
my family always loves going here!!! this is a must when your in kona. you get a old school hawaii feel.great view, food, and music. and the drinks are so yummy. i know people are mai tai fans, but i like the kona crunch. but i think and drimk is a winner on the menu. when your hungery any on the puo pous are good. like the poke or hummus. but i like having the fish tacos. soooooo good! i love going here and cant wait to go back
(5)
Jacques L.
3rd night here and love. Great location, service can be slower than some expects but it depends on how busy they are. Quality is service is fine. Food has been been fine as well and we love the live music. Considering price, location and quality of food and service, 5 stars.
(5)
Penny F.
We thoroughly enjoyed the service, water front lunch, and food at this place. We spent the AM snorkeling and took in a bite to eat( shrimp/fish tacos) with some local Hawaiian beers. Great eating in the sand with a phenomenal view.
(4)
Gaile C.
This place was an iconic Hawaiian tourist treat. How can anyone not write about the sand? Short tables and chairs to let you stretch out with your feet in the sand to enjoy the perfect sunset, waves lapping at the rocks. Great musicians with a hula dancer later. Fantastic food served in steamer baskets. I bought the Korean beef tacos with kimchi, coconut slaw as a side. Had the poke appetizer with a mound of perfect ahi that delicious seaweed salad on top, yummy wonton crisps and avocado at the bottom. Nice selection of beer on tap and a great slow paced, relaxing experience.
(5)
Joe B.
You're definitely paying for the view. It was nice to eat with your toes in the sand, but both my wife and I ordered the fish tacos were meh. The fish was cooked decent but lacked flavor. The tortillas were mediocre and the slaw was once again not very enticing to the taste buds. The volcano chips were decent and the potato Mac tasted like something out of a Sam's Club vat. Needless to say I wasn't impressed after having the fish tacos recommended. Great service though and cold beer!
(3)
Jack M.
Fantastic seafood. Beautiful view. Priced high, but actually worth it. Great mai tais.
(5)
Louis R.
Totally a tourist destination, right off Alii Drive. Its on the beach, has great views of the ocean, has a chill bartender, has live music. It has a dope happy hour...for drinks. Mahalo.
(5)
Jennifer W.
We came here a few times while on vacation in Kona. I loved the mock beach setting (althought it was annoying to be trapped in a chair once it sunk deep into the sand), and being so close to the water was great. I love hearing the ocean waves at night! There was a band two nights that we were there, playing Island music. In Cleveland, I would have hated it. Here? Perfection. The Pina Colada was the best I've ever tasted! I am guessing it is made from actual coconut and pineapple and not from a mix. It was really delicious! We ate here once - I got the Korean tacos, my husband got the vegetarian panini and my brother got the poke pie. Nothing really stuck out to any of us.... It was a little on the expensive side, but then again, so is most everything downtown. All in all, a great venue that provided lots of great vacation memories. I will definitely be back to Huggos on the Rocks, probably every night, on my next trip to Hawaii!
(4)
kahau m.
Neat spot to catch the sunset, have a beer ot cocktail, listen to live music with your toes in the sand! Staff is friendly. The bulgogi is my go to for food.
(4)
Corinne H.
We went for drinks and appetizers and had a fabulous time. We had the pulled pork nachos and it was more then enough for two. The ambiance was great, good music fantastic views.
(5)
Emily J.
No idea why so popular. Mediocre dinner. Fish tacos and BBQ special. Not bad. Not great. Just ok. Slow but friendly service. Mediocre drinks. Very processed and chemical tasting dessert. I liked the open air seating. Cool vibez with the live singing performer (dancer was meh). Possibly the only thing I really enjoyed. Not many people seemed to really enjoy him and that is a shame cuz he was very energetic and happy. If he wasn't there, I'd drop my review to a 2. Felt like a chain restaurant by the water. Definitely will not return after some awesome food I've had on the island at other places. But I would recommend for a cool vibe for drinking.
(3)
Charlie O.
Great waterfront location, with a casual vibe. Sub par food with small portions. My "side salad" was shredded romaine with a slice of tomato. Wall to wall fanny packing tourists. Heading back to Hilo.
(2)
Joanna S.
Impressed! I loved. I went alone; got bar table and great view. Food was good; service fast and the drinks were really good. Dress casual and you'll fit right in. Music was good (live) and I will def go back
(5)
Geralyn Y.
Huggo's on the rocks because it's literally on the rocks. We ate here for our Christmas dinner because our luau was rained out. It may have been because I already polished off a couple of mai tai's at the luau, but the food was delicious! Maybe it wasn't because of the mai tais. Love the cute ono baskets they place our food in. Order the Kalbi ribs. Oh my, SF has some great Korean BBQ so I wasn't sure if it would be good at a touristy restaurant. Two words: flavorful and tender. The Key lime pie was pretty awesome too. Their drinks are also good and strong. Our waiter was really friendly. Look over your shoulder, and you have the ocean. What more could you want?
(5)
Brittany G.
So rude. Came here for dinner with my mom, aunt, and cousins. We literally had 5 staff members ignore us, only to have the 6th say the kitchen was closed. Really happy we wasted 15 minutes waiting for nothing. Common courtesy isn't much to ask. I'm from LA and don't expect much from people, but there's no point in coming back here.
(1)
Linda M.
Had a great time at Huggo's on the Rocks! The waiter's name was Derek. He was very attentive to our special lunch outing . We had the Poke appetizer that was superb! Try the coconut mojito. It was refreshing! The girls had the pork nachos. Paul had the Ahi burger! It was delightful!! I had the fish tacos !! All the meals were delicious! We were met by the manager Franky! He is a very warm, sincere gentleman! He made our experience worth coming back again! When your in Kona, be sure to stop by to experience their amazing view, delicious menu and warm genuine hospitality.
(5)
Heidi M.
The excellent - view, bare feet in sand at tables, the Lilikoi Mojito and the Kailua pork quesadilla with added guacamole. The good - most of the food was good. Not amazing bit good. You can't really taste wasabi or coconut in the wasabi coconut coleslaw. The ugly - we had eaten there twice already, spending a good deal of money. Our last morning of vacation, I finished packing while hubby went and got a coffee drink. When I was done we decided to go to Huggos to see what they had for breakfast. We were rudely greeted with " I don't allow outside coffee in my restaurant". Seriously???? This rude mustachioed man turned business away because my husband had a half drunk coffee with him. That's two breakfasts, a drink for me and most likely another coffee for hubby plus tip for server. Did I mention how rude he was? Yeah.
(3)
K M.
I thought I made reservation at on the rocks (planned to get the $12 ahi burger) but when got there told my reservation was for Huggos next door the restaurant rather than Huggos on the rocks bar(doesn't do resv) . They gave us a great table at the restaurant so we stayed even though was spendy menu. Got the st Patricks day $22 special corned beef but the meat was 80% fat. Watched whales in the bay and could hear some of the live music from the bar but if did it again would be sure just to go to the bar.
(3)
Claire L.
Beautiful spot for drinks and sunset views but not worth it to eat the food. Their Mai tai is my favorite drink! $4 at happy hour! But we tried several appetizers, all mediocre bar food at best. And the service was awful. They do have live entertainment though... So worth a trip for a Mai tai
(3)
Kathy R.
Went for lunch based on yelp reviews and was not disappointed. The view was spectacular! We got a parking spot right out front in one if their lots. We had fish tacos , sliders and key lime pie for dessert. Our server, Kat, was very friendly and helpful when we asked for recommendations of things to do. She even took it a step further and wrote down the recommendations for us.
(5)
Ron k.
Wow this place has a wonderful view of the ocean. Right out side near the entrance they serve the most amazing dessert. Aloha snowflakes I don't know how to describe it it's cold fluffy light yummy, I told the chatty guy It tasted like frozen cotton candy he said that most people just don't know what to make of it but they come back several times and that's pretty amazing for people on a 4 day vacation. But I know why I'll be back! Only two more days left till I'm back of r&r tomorrow will be my third time haha get my snow on ! In Kona Ps you gotta try the Kona coffee / coconut combo with sweet mochi balls and condensed milk aka snow cap and nilla crumbles sure to make you say I heart snow!
(5)
Jolene E.
The location of this place is excellent. The tables are outdoors and in a bed of delightful sand. Just over the edge was ocean, so the view was amazing. Service was good and the fish was fresh and well prepared
(5)
Shawnee G.
This place was completely lacking and as a local, I feel it's a total tourist trap. I went with a couple visiting girlfriends on a Friday night for appetizers and drinks. Of course we expected it to be busy and we were told a 20 minute wait. We found an open table after 5 minutes near the bar, seated ourselves, and never saw the hostess that was supposed to come look for us when a table was available again. The service from our waitress was awesome although the wait for our drinks was ridiculously long. The view was amazing and the live entertainment was a nice touch, but the food was terrible. Maybe we just came on an off night? The chips in the kalua nachos were stale, sweet potato fries were stone cold, the fish tacos were flavorless and the fish was dry, and the sliders we had also tasted weird. Most disappointing was the $11 Hawaiian Rainbow drink I ordered. While pretty to look at, there was barely any alcohol in it, like it was watered down! The Kona coffee cheesecake redeemed the night though, while sweet & indulgent, it's a must try. All in all, while the view and entertainment in itself was great, I would NOT go back for the food. Maybe just for cocktails and I'd definitely order something different.
(2)
Spice Master Duck Q.
Great drinks, nice atmosphere, live entertainment, and oceanside view. It is unbeatable as far as bars go in Kailua Kona.
(5)
Christine E.
Location, location, location!! Wow, and who could ask for a better one than this? With the tables actually sitting in the sand, there is nothing better than taking off your shoes and putting your feet in the sand and sipping on a nice cold beer. Came here for lunch and was very impressed with the service and the food. Came again for happy hour, and while the drinks were not great, the fish tacos and ambiance were awesome. There was an amazing Hawaiian singer, the sun was setting over the water and drinks were cheap! The service was horrendous though. Every time we ordered something else, the server acted so annoyed. Tried to be friendly and make conversation but she just wasn't having it. The view was worth the shitty service though!
(3)
Sarah H.
Best happy hour in Kona! Great food and drinks, but remember that it can get quite busy and you may have to stake out a table for awhile before getting to sit down!
(5)
Colleen S.
Great view, great music, great mai tais, and really great food (I had grilled mahi mahi).
(5)
Bonnie D.
Huggo's On The Rocks is a fantastic restaurant where you sit with your feet in the sand, under a giant umbrella, while listening to live music and sometimes a show. Their food was fantastic, their famous Mojito is delicious. The thing that will keep me coming back is their Ahi Burger. I had never tried one before my visit there, and I was not disappointed. It was the best thing I've had on the Big Island! So good! Definitely recommend!
(5)
Heath E.
This place is awesome!! My friends and I were on vacation the week of the 2011 70.3 Honu Ironman and after the race, this was the place we needed to let lose. Between the live music and great libations, I completely forgot how soar my body was from the day before. We had so much fun that we decided to go again while we were there, even though our resort was 45 minutes away. I highly recommend Huggo's!!
(5)
Andrew N.
I stopped in here once for an afternoon snack and drinks on the water. The view here is good but that's about it. The wait staff was slow and would forget to bring half the tables drink order. The food is nothing special but would do the trick. The drinks are more expensive here than other bars located within a few hundred feet of this place.
(2)
Priscilla C.
Didn't try any of the food, but it can't be beat for the sunset view during their happy hour! They also had live Hawaiian music, and everyone there seemed happy and friendly.
(4)
Diane E.
We had Mac Nut Martinis here as well as their Monchong fish sandwiches. Excellent!!! We plan on going back again tomorrow for another Mac Nut Martini :-)
(5)
Michelle R.
We had an AMAZING time here! One of my favorite places to eat in Kona. Get here early for happy hour and enjoy a beautiful sunset and after the sun goes down enjoy some awesome live music. So cool!
(4)
Krystie K.
Hated the over long wait, food was under sized and over priced, but well done food network style.
(3)
Suzanne A.
We knew this was a toursity spot, and we really didn't come here thinking the food was going to be exceptional, we came here because we'd been walking all around all day in the sun, the sun was going down, we were hungry and thirsty and wanted to watch the sunset. They sat us right away in a great spot outside, overlooking the water and we sipped pina coladas, toes in the sand, listening to a few guys sing while we waited for our food. the food ended up not being too bad afterall, the service was good, and the sunset was exceptional, so overall, a good time was had by all!
(3)
Ashley H.
My girlfriend and I went almost a week ago... Food was good. We got the garlic parmesan bread to start. The garlic was a little overpowering, so if you are not a huge garlic fan, don't get this! If you are, though, it's good :) I got the king crab legs with garlic mashed potato's, all of which was EXCELLENT. The view was amazing, right on the ocean, got to enjoy the sunset. Downside, service is a little slow, and the food took a little long (and I served for two years, so I know about these things and how the kitchen can become backed up, but our server was very nice.
(5)
Norm F.
Make sure you go there Sunday or Monday night before sunset and listen to LT Smooth. Great music and cocktails while the sun goes down.
(5)
Richard M.
I think most of the review have a theme, and I agree. The setting is fantastic. Who can beat the ocean lapping just feet away and a perfect place to watch the sun set into the ocean!!!! the food is just ok. It fills an empty spot for a tourist price. the drinks are good, bulk replicated drinks. beer by the plastic cup, foofy girl drinks complete with fruit slices and umbrellas. Entertainment, the best on Friday nights hot lava 808 cove band is great!!! It a lil tourist, but a nice place. The staff and management are not well versed in problem recovery. there is no "sorry you had a bad experience, here let me try to make it better." Then again most people will never have an issue here. so as long as your here to kick back drink a beverage and enjoy the cover band, your in the right place.
(2)
Teri O.
Great burger and nice atmosphere! Live music started out great with a Hawaiian guy that had a great voice. Slowly dissolved into annoyance though once his partner started singing, Have you Never Been Mellow and Killing Me Softly. What's up with that? Can't we listen to old classic Hawaiian style music while in Hawaii??? It was beautiful. Anyway, the service was okay. My dining partners were less pleased but there ya go. The food and the location are what make this place good. Give it a shot.
(3)
Kathy P.
Friends, being able to have your toes in the sand, a very delectable Mai- Tai, live music, Wahine's dancing on stage, live music, and the famous sunset NIGHTLY...well...changes in attitudes, changes in latitudes...how can you go wrong! Oh, and don't forget to try the Kalua Pork Nachos (minus the Ball Park Cheese or tell them you want it on the side...)
(4)
Jodie P.
We had just arrived into Kona and Huggo's was the only place still open. The live music was really nice, the drinks were great and the service was fine. The fish tacos were really dry and the calamari was just ok. But this could be due to the fact we were ordering so late. Might be better if you came earlier.
(3)
Shane A.
The service was extremely slow. I ordered a mojito, but I would've called it mint water even after I asked for more rum to be added - and I'm not a huge drinker. The potato soup lacked taste, the pork sandwich was too salty, and did I mention the service was extremely slow? The sunset was the best part of the meal.
(2)
Julie K.
Great view, awesome food, friendly service and live music every night. Tables in the sand, so where sandles (what else in Hawaii!). Great fun for my kids too. Definitely check this place out. You will not be disappointed!
(5)
David S.
Huggos on the Rocks is great to hang out ,feel the mist of the sea breaking, catch a sunset, listen to music of variable quality. The criticism here makes me think that if the Hotel bars in Kohala are your favorite you wont like this. There is a mix of people- Seasonal residents,full timers ,vacationers some Hawaiians. It is a bar folks so treat it that way. If you need the sand pristine ,the music only background and the service ingratiating stay away. The music varies from the best ( LT Smooth) to typical hawaiian tourist. sound to rock on the weekends.
(4)
Joe P.
Went several times times and the only reason I am not giving 5 stars was because of the service one night.It was poor on the one occasion.But again the food was good and the view even better.They have some very tasty drinks that will take the edge off if you need it !Great place to RELAX !
(4)
Mark G.
Greek breakfast was good. Nice place!
(4)
amy m.
Sunset here is the best. We go here every time on BI. I usually just order a Hamburger and it's comparable to something you may find at a Red Robins, but the view is priceless! right on the water, sunset, and a live Hawaiian band (with a hula dancer) what more can you ask for?
(5)
Kama K.
Kona is boring and not a place for night life. Went here twice during our visit. On a Friday nite we went to meet up with people we heard the music so we checked it out. There was great dancing music by 3 Girls. We sat on the bar. There were 3 Male Bartenders. Unfortunately, it took more than 5 min for anyone to even acknowledge us. Cocktails were weak but Kona really has no choices. The second time we went on a Wed during sunset. It was so beautiful! Wonderful Hawaiian music from a 2 man band and a hula dancer. We had the Happy Hour Pupus. $2 Fish tacos, $3 nachos. Again service was very slow and cocktails were weak but beautiful setting and live music! But the bottom line is you get what you pay for.
(3)
Allison A.
Yes, this is the perfect place on the beach for delicious drinks and people watching. Decent entertainment and an amazing Ahi sandwich that was devoured within, I kid you not, 1 minute. Almost had to order another...but went with another drink instead. It was the right call.
(4)
David W.
We were afraid we couldn't get in, but got a great table (in the sand). Live band was really good, and so was food (burgers and salad) and drinks. I wish we would have danced. Great place for sundowners.
(5)
M R.
You go here for the view and the sandy floor. The food is mostly average, tho I had a nice ahi burger. The bun was soggy, but the ground fish patty was thick. I had the pupu appetizer platter, and it was not worth 16 bucks. The kalbi ribs were thin, tough, and dry. The happy hour fish tacos were extremely dry as well. With all that I might go back except for the servers. I was there during the day since I was with family and kids, and it took forever to get anything like water, knapkins, the rice I ordered that they forgot... The servers would go to the table right next to you and never look over your way to see if you needed anything. You would have to yell to get their attention. Thats just rude. Maybe they wouldn't be running around so much if they methodically stopped by each table when they would come down by the water instead of racing by everyone else with tunnel vision.
(3)
Mais S.
Great food and great views but super slow service (even for island time). Hawaiian entertainment with dinner so can get crowded. Or come at 3pm when tacos, sliders, etc. are $3 apiece. It is also the only time when you can get a table by the ocean.
(4)
Erich R.
Great location right on the water. Decent music and the staff is friendly. The other people in this bar tend to be friendly, we met people both times we were in here and spoke with them most of the evening. Food is just average and a little pricey but so is everything in this area.
(4)
David H.
A - List. Highly Recommended. Location - 5 stars - Best View For Sunset. Waves crashing. Sand beneath your feet. Ambiance - 5 stars - Tropical holiday, lets-have-some-fun atmosphere Happy Hour - 5 stars - 3 to 6 pm; the ice cold beer in good sized cups are $3 - You will likely not find anything better Decor - 5 stars - Part Tiki Tiki Bar, Part tables in the sand, and then the ocean and sunset. Paradise in Kona Heaven. Food - 3.5 Stars - some good items on the menu - beware of the squeezable cheese product that ruins a really good taco dish. Ask first before ordering** Music - 3.5 Stars = local musicians play and dance into the evening. I thought it was awesome, although on the night I went the singer/guitar player did bend, mute words to popular songs. If you want some new cutting edge sound, this is not the place for you. They play, sing and dance to a variety of 70s 80s and 90s tunes with some Hawaiian classics thrown in. This must be one of your stops while on the Big Island!
(4)
Valerie C.
Good food..great atmosphere, handsome bartender, Matt..awesome job of suggesting the ahi sandwich and getting just what I wanted..great customer service....Will definately go back
(5)
Kyle M.
Great drinks and LIVE music every night makes this a true winner.
(5)
Megan S.
Portion size of drinks were half way filled, drink prices not worth paying for the quantity received. Service is ok, bartender seemed snobby and didn't care to greet. Live music is great and the surrounding is nice but a little cheesy.
(3)
Ali I.
Service, food, and ambiance were all perfect. We were in Kona for our Honeymoon and this was one of the restaurants we went to - it was fantastic! Don't forget to get a "back-scratcher" drink. The cioppino was delish! The area is so cute too - walk around and take it in.
(5)
Pete F.
I cannot visit the Big Island without dining at Huggo's. I love sitting right next to the ocean and feeling the spray from the waves hitting the rocks and boulders. I don't drink mixed drinks so I cannot comment about fancy beverages with parasols. I would rather have a beer with my burger and fries. This is real Hawaii.
(5)
Mike S.
Been coming here for years amd love it. The outdoor venue has local entertainment and you can enjoy that while being a few feet from the surf. It's very relaxing. The food is good as well buy the prize is the venue. We always come to Huggos on our first day for a ceremonial Mai Tai.
(5)
Barbara S.
Wouldn't recommend for happy hour or just cocktails ... almost no ocean view seating in the bar area, service was fair, mai tai was sub-par and not part of the happy hour specials, and the appetizer menu was uninspiring. Why two stars? well, cuz anything in Hawaii just seems better ;-)
(2)
Brynne M.
First of all, this is where my husband proposed to me, so I may be a little partial because of that. But seriously, we were in Kona for 10 days and ate here twice... it was that good. The service was excellent, food was great, and apparently, you can't get a closer ocean view. In fact, depending on the tide and where you are seated, you can get a little bit of ocean spray at the table. This may or may not sound good to you but when you're in Hawaii, sitting in a romantic restaurant at sunset, a little bit of sea water jumping up to say hello is actually quite lovely.
(5)
thb t.
At this restaurant you're pretty much paying for the view and ambiance. We ordered a tuna sashimi appetizer which was decent, nothing really special. We actually finished that appetizer before we even got any bread at our table. However, our waiter made the mistake of giving us a second plate of the sashimi and then quickly left. We flagged him down the next moment to tell him what had happened but he said we could keep the sashimi since it would've been thrown away in the kitchen. As for the entrees, we ordered one crab-crusted ono and one macademian nut crusted mahi mahi. The mahi mahi was overcooked to the point that it was very dry and the ono was cooked to the point that it almost turned into mush. The highlight of the evening was when we saw 3 eels playing in the rocks right by the railing area we were sitting at. It provided a nice distraction from the poor service despite the fact that it wasn't very full. Our waiter pretty much just dropped our food, never re-filled our water glass, and made us wait 10-15min for our bill. All i can say is thank goodness for the eels, otherwise the experience would not have been worth it.
(3)
Monica P.
Great view. Live music. Good food. Yeah, service was a bit slow, but hey, you're in Hawaii what's the rush?! Highly recommend you give this place a shot. There's a blues band that plays every Monday night - they're amazing!
(5)
Sally H.
This is simple. Good food, good prices, good views, good people. Go anywhere else and be disappointed.
(4)
Sheri M.
Fun place but Halloween sucks there. Live music is good and food is good but not great. Fun place with a great view.
(4)
Sheryl M.
I have not dined at the main Huggo's establishment. This review is only on Huggo's On the Rocks. Huggo's on the Rocks is an awful waste of time and not a good way to start a vacation. I was just on Hawaii to celebrate a birthday and my husband took me to Huggo's on the Rocks for sunset cocktails and pupus. An earlier reviewer said, "You don't go for the food. You go for the drinks and the oceanside experience." We didn't get to try the food but the drinks and service at Huggo's on the Rocks are awful. I had a very sub-par strawberry daquiri. My husband's pina colada had no flavor at all. No coconut. No pineapple. No rum. It just looked like light brown tinted shave ice. After trying to wave down our server for almost 15 minutes, she eventually came over and told us their dark rum makes it brown but had no explanation for why it only had a hint of sweetness and no flavor at all. She took it to the bar and came back with it a while later and said, "The bartender confirmed that it IS a pina colada." We told her that if that's how they make 'em, we don't want it. The server brought us a rail drink and took away the pina colada since it was so bad, but she copped an attitude about it. We hadn't jumped all over her about it and tried to handle it nicely. As a former bartender, I would have been embarrassed to have served up such a lousy drink. She completely ignored us after that so we never had an opportunity to order any food. When we were ready to go, they actually charged us $9 for the pina colada we sent back (and had only taken two small sips out of). I have lived in Hawaii for almost 5 years and this place wins for worst drinks and worst service I have experienced here. Don't let Huggo's on the Rocks ruin your evening - there are other good places to go in Kailua Kona. I have written a letter to Huggos' management to give them an opportunity to respond to our experience. ****Update 2/19/09: Both Eric, owner of Huggo's on the Rocks, and their manager, Greg, have contacted me regarding my experience at their establishment. Eric has addressed staff training on the issues that were a problem and both he and Greg have offered to make amends with a refund and/or comp pupus. Next time I am in town, I will surely give one or both of them a call to take them up on the opportunity to discuss their efforts. They were both prompt and courteous and Eric in particular expressed genuine concern that customers at Huggo's on the Rocks have a pleasant experience. I look forward to my next visit - which, unfortunately, might not be until next year - to see how things go and also look forward to updated Yelp reviews to see if improvement is noted. Kudos to Huggo's owner and management for their great follow-up.
(2)
Jeremy M.
Great little place on the water. Drinks are fantastic, and the poke is awesome. They were also very accommodating when we wanted to replace the beef sliders with their bbq pork, which was quick tasty. Service was fast and friendly. Views are incredible.
(4)
Paul S.
Had a great couple nights here till last night when the blonde female bartender spent 5 minutes fishing out something black from a happy hour drink then topped it off and sent back to the customer. This alone made us leave but the other nights we would rate 8 stars.
(4)
Chris G.
Had a nice lunch here on a recent trip to the Big Island. The cool ocean breeze was great after walking around Kailua-Kona and even better were the cold mai tais. We came at the tail end of the lunch rush and service was slow even though the crowd was thinning out. The server was apologetic at least. Tried the kailua pork sandwich and loved it. The rib special (only available on certain days I think) was also pretty good - the ribs were huge! The taco salad was just ok - nothing special. Would have gone with 4 stars if the service had of been more prompt - but I wouldn't hesitate to visit Huggos again on my next visit to Kona.
(3)
Marielle H.
Good food and good place to see the sunset. Nice staff but a bit hard to get seating since it can get pretty full around sunset time
(4)
William W.
Came for lunch. Tasty and delicious! Came here and enjoyed a beautiful view. You can watch the waves and enjoy the serene sounds of the water. Highly recommend the Guava Pulled Pork sandwich.
I love this place on the nights when they have live music. If you start with dinner you get a lovely sunset view right on the water. The food is tasty. Drinks are a little pricey. The vibe once the band starts is a lot fun!
(4)
Tony K.
The food was tasty but portions were small for the price. You'll likely leave hungry. What annoyed me the most was that they don't have any Sriracha or Asian type hot sauce. Only Tabasco. If you are going to serve Asian food at least make sure you have some sort of Asian hot sauce. Otherwise you are just a wannabe. They have good views if you are into that.
(3)
Bill D.
Great drinks, great view, great waitress "Kat" Good homemade chips What else do you need? "Meow halo "
(4)
Rebel H.
The view and ambiance is wonderful. The drinks are good. Food doesn't taste good until happy hour prices :) . I like the pork nachos. I've had the sliders, they are ok. The mango mango cocktail is sweet. Mai Thai good. The Lilikoi mojito is pretty tasty.
(4)
Chris M.
3 stars for the location and good service. Other than that the food was crap. I was the only person who was pretty happy with my happy hour fish taco. It was pretty good and well worth the three bucks. The other dishes, nachos, hummus plate, poke, were not good. Take this place for what it is.
(3)
Eve K.
Killer casual spot on the water for good drinks, eats, and nightly entertainment. 4.5 stars Food: 4.25, Service: 3.5, Atmosphere: 5 Cost to worth it rating: 4 (very affordable, apps: ~$12, entrees cap at $18) Return worthiness: yes Eve award: best view for the tallest mai tai Highlights: - Atmosphere: right on the water with sand underneath the tables. Amazing sunset view in a casual atmosphere - Entertainment: mellow singer guitarist with hula on an early sat night I enjoyed a lot - Furikake crusted fish: fresh and just enough flavor so it wasn't bland but didn't overpower the fish - Big bamboocha mai tai: tall bamboo-like glass. Glad the waitress let us in on it being big enough to share. It didn't say that on the menu - Macadamia nut martini: purely delicious clear concoction - Plating: like over-sized dim sum items in bamboo circular receptacles - Bulgolgi beef: hub loved this with the fried rice - Kalua pork quesadilla: large portion of this cheesy, salty good appetizer. Bonus points for some cheese running over to the top and getting extra crispy. - Waitress: friendly, welcoming, and helpful. She admitted she forgot to order our app but was apologetic and nice about getting it to our table. Lowlights: - Unless you time it right, you'll miss the sunset as tables can become scarce Was worried about it being a tourist trap being in all the magazines, but it's worth a stop and my favorite Kona dinner experience.
(5)
Christian E.
"One Ring to Rule them All" Sorry... I couldn't help myself. This place has THE best onion rings I have ever had. Huge rings of onion fried to a golden crisp in a dill sauce, they then have a chipotle-ranch dipping sauce. The combination is amazing. I then had their special, a fish wrap, and it was pretty damn killer as well. The restaurant overlooks the water, so we enjoyed our food while watching the waves crashing down. The servers are all gorgeous, which leads to some questions about their management and hiring, but hell, the outcome is a very attractive staff. Very glad we stopped here.
(5)
Scott W.
Among the best places I've been to for great sunset, music and laid back atmosphere. Sunsets are outstanding, too!
(5)
Nick H.
Great Happy Hour. They make some good drinks. The restaurant has a beach theme and the whole restaurant is on sand. The live music was great as well.
(4)
Caroline R.
Love this place. Great place to have cocktails at sunset with your feet in the sand. Live music and hula too.
(5)
David L.
Great casual location with good food and a great view. Right in Kona on the beach with literal beach/sand dining. We were so close there was literally some ocean spray that was misting on us.
(4)
Michelle B.
Really good happy hour, if I remember right some beers were $3.00-$4.00 and food was $6.00. Try to get there before 6pm or else you will be paying $1 each per drink to help pay off the music/dancing entertainment. Beautiful view. Seating is ON THE SAND
(4)
Jenny L.
Worst of worst Worst of worst Im telling you i have worst experience ever!!!! I went to so many restaurant before but this place is the worst of worst. Food was okay maybe three star. They let the big insect moving on your table. I got freaked out three time and they are like " oh! Its harmless or do you have allergy on bugs???"" They also gave that bug to other customer next to us and let him play with it and " by accidentally" or purposely send insect back to our table. I couldn't eat my food or focus on the view or anything. How can you eat the food when big mantis is flying around on your head??????? I had to get up from my table four times while harassing customer was laughing every time when they send me the mantis. Of course when finally the waiter came to table and took mantis away my food got cold. Horrible restaurant in earth
(1)
Jamey M.
It's too bad I had to leave a one star review but the service was disgusting. By far the rudest and slowest service I can honestly say I have ever received. Wish I remembered the name of our waitress but all I know was that she was blonde and maybe in her 40s. The food was good but portions were small The live music was amazing and we decided to give all our tip to them instead of the waitress.
(1)
Robert T.
Not hungry yet, you will be by the time you get your food. Want your credit card stolen, go here. Waited one and half hours for burgers. When we complained we were kicked out and they kept our credit card. Had to call police to get the card back.
(1)
Maureen K.
My first go to when we land in Kona! Great drinks and food, love the love music! Always a good time! My husband and I usually get the mai-tai's, mojitos, fish and/or Korean need tacos!!!! So yummy!!
(5)
Bobby D.
Fun atmosphere and directly on the water. Half the bar has sand in it, as if it were the beach. Had the Ahi sashimi for appetizer and it was very good. Tacos were ok, but the taco shells themselves were doubled up and a bit too much. Flavors were good though. Live music and hula. Overall would absolutely go back. Next time we want to go for sunset.
(4)
Raizel G.
This is a great place to grab a bite if you're in Kona. It's definitely geared toward tourists, but it's pretty cool. I went here with a group of 5 after we spent a day shopping and exploring Kona. Huggos is right on the shore, so you get a great view of the ocean. There are even tables on the sand so it's an interesting dining experience. They have plenty of drinks and food to choose from from sandwiches to fish tacos to salads. They also have live entertainment sometimes. I had the Bulgogi Fried Rice Bowl and it was much better than expected. The Guava Lava drink was good too and refreshing on a hot day. Even though they are outdoors, they have a lot of shade so you don't have to worry about it being too hot. The presentation of the food is great also, for those of you who like taking pictures of your food! In all, I would go back. I think it's a cool place to bring your friends who are on vacation!
(4)
Gina S.
The food is def not the saving grace of this place, but the beachy casual atmosphere, the live music, and the hula dancing show (we got lucky to be there on the right night) made me feel good about our decision to have dinner/drinks here. As a tourist, I was able to enjoy this spot and apparently a few locals make it a regular place to go as well. We sat at the bar and enjoyed the company of the native bartender who was happy to serve us our cocktails and extra water! His small talk might have even won an extra .5 star for this place. He fit right in with my general consensus about people on the Big Island - friendly and hospitable. I will spare the details of the mediocre plates served and just reinstate that the music and 'get up and dance because you're on vacation' vibe really made our visit to Huggo's enjoyable.
(3)
Lorelei D.
Was here quite a bit during my stay. Nice view of the water, very relaxing. Loved the burger and the mac salad.
(3)
Cristy D.
The food was good and the location was awesome. I would have given a 5 star review had it not been for the terrible service. Our waitress was soooo slow. We were sitting there for 20 minutes before our order was taken. My bfs beer was empty for the whole meal and she didn't ask if he wanted another one until he had finished eating. Our bill came to 39.47 we gave her 60 and asked for change and she only gave us 10 back. She decided to tip herself 25% for her horrible service. I wanted to go back and say something but my boyfriend just wanted to get out of there. Our waitress was the old woman with really short brown hair. Your experience will probably be a lot better if you sit in someone else's section.
(1)
Jessica S.
I definitely recommend going huggo's on the rocks. It has great food and a casual atmosphere with live music. We loved it so much that we went twice during our vacation there. Great prices and great food you just can't beat it.
(5)
Jason P.
Wouldn't serve us because we had a bottle water with us. Needless to say we took our money elsewhere. Plenty of other great places on the strip with better selection of beers on tap.
(1)
Victoria N.
Ants all over my table!! That was the first impression I had as I sat down at our table. Since it's outdoor seating, there were little ants running all over my placemat and silverware. I was a bit disgusted and I asked the waiter to wipe down our table again. Even though he wiped it down, there were still a few ants lingering around. I can't complain about the view though, we had an awesome table with an amazing beach front view. Ambiance, ambiance, ambiance. That's why this place gets the hype. But the food is another story.. I wasn't impressed at all with our dishes. I don't mind paying for a pricey meal if it's good but the food here was average at best. We ordered the Cioppino with lobster, mussels, prawns for a whopping $37 and Penne pasta with prawns $32. Both dishes were pricey and both were mediocre. There was really nothing about either dishes that made them spectacular. Save your money and go somewhere else. There's plenty of other restaurants that have the same nice, waterfront views that tastes better.
(3)
Dana Z.
We were staying at some condo close by and we asked the front desk person where the best Mai tai was with great views, but not too expensive. He didn't even hesitate, "Huggo's on the rocks". So with the intention of not driving home, we walked down to this pleasant place and had a rocking good time! (Good thing we walked!) First off, the place has the killer views! Second, the floor in the restaurant is all sand, which I loved,(but I saw a few women in high heels that were a bit upset about it) and third, they have live music after dark. How good can it get? Oh I almost forgot, there is an excellent happy hour from 3-6 pm with mai tais and selected Pupu's (appetizers) half off. The food is very decent for a cool beach bar. Not excellent but decent. I recommend the Caesar salad with fresh fish of the day and the ahi burger. Ono. If there was one drawback, and the reason why I am giving the place 4 stars, it is the seating arrangement. There is no wait list, they do not take reservations and it is VERY popular come sunset. You have to wait, in a lurking sort of way, for some table to pick up and leave, then you swoop down and garb a seat before someone else arm wrestles you for it. I suggest arriving about 4-5pm so you can enjoy happy hour and waiting patiently with drink in hand till a table opens up. Or arrive AFTER sunset and a bunch of people leave right then and the music starts. We found that if you strategically position one person at each end of the restaurant, then you can pounce on a table from either end. Awkward? Yes. Worth it? Yes. We went back three times while we were there.
(4)
Becky R.
All about the happy hour. Perfect atmosphere for happy hour and decent drink prices and some food specials. The part of the retaurant closest to the ocean is in the sand! Standard pool/patio furniture. Nothing fancy but a great view of the water, good live music, and brews make this place a nice place to unwind.
(4)
Nick H.
Huggo's on the Rocks isn't too remarkable, but is worth a stop simply to relax by the water, down some tropical beverages and watch the sunset. The prices were reasonable, all things considered (there are some tourist traps on Ali'i drive that charge as much or more and deliver less). I was in the mood for something light and enjoyed the quesadilla grande. It was a little gooey/messy, but arrived hot and was tasty. I tried their premium mai tai and margaritas. Both were good, though neither particularly stood out to me. You might save a few bucks and get one of their regular varieties. Show up by 5pm if you want to get a table and watch the sunset, otherwise you may find yourself standing. The service was fast and friendly, and overall I was impressed by this tourist spot.
(4)
Kelvin C.
According to my girl, this place had the best pina coladas in Kona. Then again, her lightweight self was one-beer in, so take it for what it's worth. There was live music when we went so that was pretty awesome. Beers are standard price at $6 each. I'd definitely return if I ever make the trek back to Kona.
(4)
Sophia C.
So this place was on our guide book, as well as recommendations from people in the area to go check out. We thought it was a tourist trap, but since the couple of blocks where our hotel was at was essentially a tourist trap, we decided to check it out. We came here on a Monday evening prior to sunset. We tried coming here on a Sunday at sunset and the place was packed. Well, Monday early evening, we got here and was able to find a table right on the sand to get out drinks on and to get some dinner as the sun was about to set in ~45 minutes. The ambiance here was mellow on a weekday evening, with a singer crooning his best interpretation from Maroon 5 to any other generic alternative band out there these days. We ordered our drinks, mai tai's and they came out pretty well. So well, we ordered 2 rounds. Now, me being asian, that asian glow was a glowing beaker. I hope my glow didn't blind people as we watched the sunset! And it's a great spot to catch it. We had the Kona poke, which was fresh and was decen,t but not the best. And yes, eating poke for 2 weeks at every stop we came across during our honeymoon, we had a sense of which places were good and not. For dinner, the hubby ordered the manini burgers place with french fries. He loved the mini burgers, but WE both loved the fries here! Damn, I couldn't stop eating them! As for me, I stuffed myself with the kalbi rib plate with potato mac salad. I should have stuck with the fries though! Anywho, their entrees come out in giant dim sum steamers, which I thought was amusing. However, the service here was definitely slow and unresponsive. We probably sat about ~5-7 minutes before our waiving of our hands caught the attention of the staff.
(4)
Andrew H.
We found this place to be quite exceptional. We were visiting from 5/15 to 5/22 and actually came here 4 different nights for happy hour and some food. Loved the location and the friendly staff was awesome. Eric, I heard you read all these reviews and I just wanted to say you run a class operation. I am sure you have made your parents proud by continuing such an excellent operation. Good training definitely shows through the good service as well as good food. On our last visit we actually decided to ask to speak with the manager. Star (manager on duty) came over and we let him know that he probably hears a lot of complaints but probably is seldom called to a table to hear a compliment. Great to chat with him he was thankful. If you want a relaxing, friendly spot with good food and drinks this is it! Thanks Huggos team for giving us a great experience 4 separate times!
(5)
Ju B.
We went here last night and had a great time! Great food, good drinks and live entertainment all with a gorgeous view right on the ocean. They had a really good band playing. Our waiter, Tyler was excellent! He was very knowledgeable and attentive. Definitely recommend this place and will be back. Thanks for a great evening out.
(5)
Tom S.
Went here for a happy hour visit. Great location overlooking the bay and nice live music. The drinks were ok. The food was ok as well, just wish the happy hour menu was a bit bigger. The little birds are bold. Saw one grab a bite off the bar before it could be served. Kind of amusing.
(4)
Jaimie B.
This is what I call "a happy place" it doesn't get much better than this. Sand in between your toes, Mai Tai in hand, sunset, Jimmy Buffet style music, good service....AHHH I'm tearing up just thinking about Huggos on the Rocks. Happy hour prices make this place over the top. If you on the big island, this is a must at sunset, preferably with someone special, family or friends. It's the quintessential tropical bar, perfect escape from the grind that most of us are stuck in. Sit back, relax and pretend for just a moment that you could have a mai tai at sunset everynight for the rest of your life. Side note....the food is decent but there's better in Kona (Humpy's has better food) otherwise I'd go all out and give 'em 5 stars.
(4)
Kelli H.
We came here after driving around the island. The service was pretty terrible. Our lunch came out before our drinks, which is just bad... The food was okay. Drinks were decent though and priced pretty well. They also had a pretty good happy hour. If you come here, you're coming for the view, because everything else is lacking.
(3)
Mishmish L.
Average. Casual, pretty fresh, great view, standard food. Hubby loved the fish tacos. Went once, it was enough. Nice spot to grab a drink, though. Especially during happy hour.
(3)
Liz T.
Food was ok, service was pretty good, though clearly overwhelmed. Food is expensive, portions are small and drinks were low in alcohol. You sit on a mock-beach, in low chairs that I found uncomfortable. The sand is none-to sanitary, with lots of cigarette butts (and who knows what else) it it. I was creeped out in sandals. Music was too loud. I imagine the view everyone keeps going on about would be great, had we arrived at sunset or during the day. For a late dinner though, its just dark. . .so who cares? I don't see how a place can get by on view alone. Huggo's on the rocks feels like a tourist trap, no matter how much they advertise, their food is fine, but nothing spectacular. I am glad I got out-voted, and we didn't go to the more expensive Huggo's
(2)
Michael S.
If you're looking for that oceanfront, laid back beach bar that serves some great dishes too... Huggo's is that place. And the kicker: the floor is sand that you can bury your toes in while those happy hour drinks keep comin'! We had a blast every time we came out to Huggo's on our vacation. Live music, great happy hour specials and some of the best food (honestly) on the strip. It's attached to it's sister restaurant Huggo's but we never ventured to go inside when the outside area was too awesome to leave and had all the amenities we could ask for. Ask for Hannah; if she hasn't been appointed by Prince Kamehameha to be the island's official server. She's that great and made our experience that much more enjoyable! So grab a Mai Tai and some onion rings (WOW!) and have a chill at Huggo's on the Rocks.
(5)
Patti P.
Four of us went for happy hour drinks and appetizers and everyone was disappointed. Warm beer, watery Mai Tai's and the appetizer nacho's were a joke. Tiny paper tray with a few chips, fake cheese and horrible guacamole. It does have a great location but there are lots of other nice spots. None of us would go back.
(1)
Jeff N.
To start. Great view and a live music area is pretty cool. The Mai ties are good and the beer is cold. Now the food...ranges from forgettable/regrettable to uneatable. The sweet potato fries are the best sides and if you like sweet potato fries then these will be the lowest on your list of places for good fries. I've tried the blackened "fresh caught" fish. I am not a celebrity chef but even I know that was frozen badly. Seriously tastes like Gordens from the freezer section. Another time I tried the Hawaiian BBQ sandwich. Being an airline pilot, I eat dinner at restaurants 300 day or more a year. I probably return food to the kitchen once every other year. This was one of those cases. It tasted like there was an accident in the kitchen where the top of the salt shaker fell off while cooking. It was uneatable. The bar isn't located in a regular building. Really it is more just a hut exposed on most sides to the open air. With that....the unexpected visiting cockroach was not cool and had to be neutralized inches from my food. I get that many people may have had good experiences here but this is my third time I've given this place a chance and there won't be any more chances.
(1)
Aleta G.
Great view, strong drinks and great food. We went on a Friday night at sunset and had to wait 15 minutes for a table. Not too bad considering. They had live music and a hula dancer. We enjoyed our time here.
(5)
Michael M.
This was our go-to Happy Hour joint, 3-6pm 7 days a week. $3 beer and well pours, $4 house wine and coctail specials, $3 dollar nachos and one or two other snacks. Comforatble patio seating right on the ocean, just a perfect spot. Kick off your flip-flops and wiggle your toes in the sand! I also recommend their view at sunset, it's lovely, but regular drink prices apply. And you need to know that after 8pm, there is a 50 cent per drink surcharge for entertainment. This place gets very busy at night with live music and dancing; one of the few hot-spots in sleepy Kailua-town. We always stop here for a drink right after the plane lands and before we check in. This time I was hungry, so I ordered the Bulgogi sandwich: Korean spiced beef on a roll topped with kim chee. The beef was delicious, although the bread was a bit spongy (not easy to find really good bread in Hawaii, maybe it's the humidity). Her Majesty usually gets a gin Martini, which she says is strong and cold the way it should be. She also likes the iced tea here when she desires an alcohol free choice. Someone below complained about the plastic glassware. Hello....we are in the sand barefooted! I don't want to risk cutting my foot on a shard of glass. Huggo's OTR, please stick with plastic. Someone else below complained about the cheese sauce on the pork nachos---read the menu and you won't be surprised, they plainly tell you about the cheese sauce. A few below clearly intended to review Huggo's rather than Huggo's OTR. These are two separate establishments providing two separate experiences, don't be confused.
(4)
Melinda P.
Perfect end to a day of hiking. Super casual, eat with your feet in the sand while you listen to ukulele music. Good selection of beers. Fish tacos and ahi burger are fantastic!
(5)
Mike M.
Now to save everyone time, I'll get right to the point... For party time: If you want the best party spot on the big island, go to Huggo's.. Disclaimer, it closes early (by 12am), and Saturday night is the main night to go, the rest of the week is just dead so find something else to do to waste your time (keep in mind we went here around the end of September, supposedly the slow sense, so it may very other times throughout the year). Dress was very casual (t-shirt and shorts), although the locals were in dresses and tshirt/jeans (hello people its 75 degrees and 100% humidity - crazy). The music is basically a local band playing various popular songs (which most drunk cougars are dancing too, lol) but it isn't anything to write home about, although it does make you feel like your in Hawaii. The ratios were the same as most places (30:70 - girls to guys), more locals than tourist. Drinks were moderate in price (about $6-7 for a bud light) and bartenders were a little slow, some are more receptive and attentive than others. For getting your grub on: The food is good and pretty pricey, although keep in mind your paying for the view and the luxury of being right on the beach. Also, it has one of the best views in Kailua. If you don't care about the view and want a little cheaper meal, then go across the street to LuLu's. Overall, I'll return to Huggo's next time I'm on the big island on a Satruday night :)
(4)
Albert H.
It's a bar on the beach and it definitely gets the job done. Happy hour is pretty happening ( though it was an older crowd the afternoon we stopped in ). We elected to avoid the sand seating and found a couple stools at the bar. Service was fast and friendly. And the happy hour fish taco was really pretty decent. Drinks - especially on happy hour - are cheaper here than at the sit-down restaurant next door ( which also happens to have a bar with an overlapping cocktail list ) - and the view is just as good ( if not better from the bar ). Be aware that they tack on a small charge when there's live entertainment after 8pm. We had live entertainment at happy hour for free, though. :) Parking can be had - no need to risk it in the lot across the street - their lot extends randomly down toward the Sheraton for quite some distance.
(4)
Chuck N.
Tuesday, 6:30PM. **Repeat review on other listing Crew was ready for a nicer dinner. Huggo's was also close to our condo. Wooden cut-out of a hula dancer welcomes patrons. Venue sits over the ocean. They've got the location on lock! Quickie: *Mediocre food (potential of using fresh seafood was lost, bland) - Service was overly slow and unresponsive +Live music (Bula Akamu rocked it on the mic/guitar) +Literally over the water, crashing of waves = melodic +View of sunset is EPIC And then...? Good for novelty. Second chance when I'm in the area again. ********** Stuffed my face in: 1. Catch of the day - ono *Fish was fresh, firm, and juicy, but no flavor *Macaroni and sauce = soggy
(3)
Lo P.
This has long been one of my favorite places in Kona. Huggos on the Beach has a great happy hour -- specials include $4 Mai Tais and $3 beers, $2 fish tacos, and live music. It's a relaxing place to sit and eat and/or drink -- it's right on the water, and you can watch the sunset. The food is pretty good for happy hour/bar standards. We enjoyed everything we had, but it's not exactly a "foodie destination." Nachoes, burgers, etc...all satisfying, especially with a few Mai Tais. Service is quick and friendly, too. Even if you're not there to drink, it's a great place to stop by for food if you want to avoid the screaming children found often at the more crowded restaurants across the street.
(5)
Paul S.
Wonderful location, that the family loves. Great for a sunset drink. Good music. Food is ok. Staff is inconsistent. But this is all about the ambience, and it delivers.
(5)
Drew M.
Love this place, regular stop for us in Kona. Great HH and some unique dishes (try the bugolgi and rice.....phenomenal!
(5)
Chauffeur Mom S.
We really liked this restaurant, but the food wasn't that great. Pros: - Fabulous setting, nice view of sunset right on the beach, sand on your feet. - Parking easy, across the street, along the road. - Fun music (had a band when we went, and I think they always have music). - Waitress was good and efficient. - Happy Hour with $3 beer. Cons - The food. Mediocre at best. We recommend going for drinks at sunset because it's very Hawaiian... then you don't have to eat much of the food.
(3)
Erin G.
Despite no reservations and no waiting list - you have to hawk your table first come first serve - it was worth the wait. We went at 6:00 with a party of 10 and were able to grab a few tables in the bar, then when some opened up, moved down to two tables in the sand right on the waterfront. The place isn't very big, but so fun and RIGHT on the water. AMAZING for sunset views, good drinks (the mai tai's were very good) and fun live entertainment. The band played contemporary music and Hawaiian music and had a hula dancer for several numbers... even invited audience participation which our daughter loved. The dinners come in bamboo steamer boxes and were quite good. I enjoyed the mahi mahi tacos (very good) and we also tried the korean short ribs (a little salty), meatloaf and panko crusted catch of the day (must have been excellent - my husband ate it all before I could even try a bite!) Overall excellent ambience if you are patient enough to wait for a perfect table.
(5)
Flash Z.
Love this place! Bartender hooked me up. When the sun sets the people watching is amazing. I think this might be a local gay bar too but don't quote me on that cuz I'm an out of towner. Live music and watching thw dancing was a fun night! A lot of older people which was even better for people watching! Good times!
(5)
Magnus S.
[06.16.2012] **Currently the Duke of Huggo's** BOW TO YOUR SENSEI! I went to Huggo's on the Rocks several times during my stay in Kona back in May (how am I still the Duke?!?!), and I must say, this is the BEST beachfront dive bar in town! A little tip of advice, show up no later than 7 if you want to catch the sunset (happy hour is from 3-6). It fills up quickly. Clearly the best part of Huggo's is the location. One of the nights I was there, my server was TERRIBLE (well I had the bad waitress twice actually). I had to ask several times for a glass of water, and I never knew there were happy hour specials until another visit. Aside from the one lousy waitress I had, the experience was great. The food comes in generous portions, and is generally quick to be served. The drinks are stiff, and reasonably priced. Some nights they have live music, and if you stay for the music show, expect a charge on your bill (a cover basically). I don't mind paying a cover for live music, but just beware if you're cheap. SERVICE: 2/10 AMBIANCE: 10/10 FOOD: 8/10 PRICE: 7/10 UNIQUENESS: 9/10 OVERALL SCORE: 72 Service: Graded by the "Keep my cup full principle". Ambiance: Pretty self-explanatory Food: A high food score does not always indicate it is a place for foodies. It is weighted based upon the establishment - thus bar food can receive a high score Price: Price is graded based upon what I believe is fair value for the food you are receiving. A high score does not necessarily indicate the establishment is cheap. Uniqueness: Higher scores indicate desire to return.
(3)
Dave M.
Went here on our first night on Big Island and it was a good place to grab a bite to eat, have a beer or two, and watch some really nice hula while listening to music. This is not a locals hang out by any means, but the atmosphere is fantastic since it right on the water, the drinks are cold and the food is decent. We had the fish tacos and the mahi mahi is blackened, not fried, which was nice and the portion was well worth the $15 (ish) price tag. About 5 different local beers from Kona Brewing Company was on tap and service was good as well.
(3)
V R.
The food is good, they even have gluten free options! And their Lava Flow is delish! The only downer was seating. The sign says, "seat yourself" and if there aren't any spots you usually hover until one opens up. But, one night, the rules had suddenly changed. Some guy working there had a line of people, and he was finding them seats. So, when another young couple offered me their table because they were leaving, I took it. And then this "host/bouncer" ousted me from the fairly won table (according to their usual rules) and seated another family there. That family didn't want it. So, then another couple ahead of us in "line" (by that time we had given up and joined the line of people waiting to "seat themselves") was given the table. THEN, that couple was kind enough to offer for us to join them. So, we ended up having a good night, but it was off to a confusing, frustrating start!
(3)
Ken M.
We spent at least part of 8 of our 10 days in Hawaii at Huggo's on the Rocks. I am so glad that the Expedia Local Expert at our resort recommended Huggo's and we decided the wait was too long and came next door to On The Rocks. The bar and seating are all open air, with either thatch roof or canopies over much of it. The "floor" is mostly sand except for directly adjacent to the bar. The view is killer. Perfect sunsets nearly every day. It can be noisy and some of the patrons can get a little trashy, but it is a bar. The food is served in steam baskets, which is kind of interesting, but does make some of the dishes hard to eat. The staff were generally really friendly and nice, but sometimes a little slow to come to the table. I thought the food was pretty good and the drinks are good and reasonably priced for the area.
(5)
Cynthia M.
First time in Kona (6/15), got hungry and spotted Huggo's. Saw the chalk board menu (Clam Chowder) and we were in. Wonderful atmosphere, over looking the ocean. Prices were terrific and the portions on spot. Tried the Rainbow Happy Hour drink, sweet, colorful delish. My daughters had virgin Pina Colada's that they loved. Husband said, Chowder was the best. I had the Ahi Tuna Burger, nice size portion, wonderfully season and drizzled with wasabi/mayo spread on foccacia roll. Of course had fries that were just the right amount of crisp and seasoning. Girls had sliders and pasta with clams - both enjoyed their food. Saved room for dessert, Coffee Mud Pie - enough for all four of us to share! The whole meal was made perfect by the setting, excellent music and hula dancer. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful. Manager came by to ask if everything was okay. Would definitely go back!
(5)
Summer B.
This is the place to be on a warm Kona night! Nothing says Aloha more than watching the sunset, with a Mai tai in your hand and your toes in the sand. The food was good (not the best on the Big Island, but still good). The drinks were exceptional. The live entertainment was enjoyable. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Barry Z.
Huggo's is one of a kine. Live local music on the water. Grab a table (good luck!) and order one of the 17 dollar Mia Tia's and chill........ soon you will forget about everything.
(4)
Rick B.
Best happy hour on the strip by a long shot. When you think about what an island bar serving Mai Tai's should look like, you probably picture a place like Huggo's on the Rocks. $3 drinks and $3 fish tacos during happy hour. Nice! And the servers we had each time were really friendly. That's why we went back twice.
(4)
Tony Y.
This place has this wonderful sitting area on the sand, and 151 for 11 bucks. The 151 drink deceptively did NOT taste at all like 151. Very cool, very dangerous. The bartenders here were younger, but I guess after being hit on by tourists constantly they're pretty icy. I asked my bartender where she got her necklace, a puka shell variation because I wanted to get one and she hurriedly responded "my boyfriend made it for me", so i called back "can he make me one too?" which was typical drunk banter for me, but i was pretty annoyed by that response. overall this place is fairly reasonable with nice entertainment every night, again an older crowd.
(4)
Christopher B.
This place failed me. I didn't have high expectations coming in and it barely reached those I had. For beginners, I will saw that the views and atmosphere are unmatched in Kona- just a great setting to be right on the ocean. The entertainment was good as well so another plus. The beer selection was very weak not to mention the few beers I did want were those they didn't have on tap! The fresh fish was an absolute joke- I would never order that again. Save your money and go somewhere else. The ahi option, however, was quite good so I can't knock it there. Finally, the service was average at best. Our waitress was running around with her head cut off and it took quite a while to get what we ordered. Just know what you're getting here- overpriced food and bad service for great views of the sunset/ocean.
(3)
Jesse P.
I only give it 3 stars because I don't really think the food is that good, but the view and happy hour are a different story. Happy hour from 3-6 offers some pretty good deals on drinks and with the ocean right there it can't be beat. Come here and have a few pre-dinner drinks on the ocean and then move on. Food 3 stars, view 5 stars, happy hour 4 star.
(3)
Paul B.
Great open air place on the water. Good food , drinks, and music. Drink prices are great for being on the beach in Kona.
(5)
Rick B.
A delightful place right on the water. The ribs and sizzling mushrooms were good and reasonable. Waitress Diana is charming and friendly and will take good care of you. I just wish they had some draft beer on tap, but all they had were bottles.
(4)
Some G.
Awesome happy hours. $5 for real cocktails in a pint+ size container. Both their Mai Tai and Hawaiian Rainbow cocktails were great. Beef or Fish Tacos are $3 a piece and it was tasty and filling. Best part is you get to enjoy live music while you sip on cocktails with your feet in the sand. Best bang for the buck so far. Happy hour is from 4-6pm I think.
(4)
Dia C.
The live music and location were amazing! The beat boxer entertained us for a long while.. He was amazing! The name was Logan Martin i think. The mai tais rock too and the staff is very friendly!
(4)
Ed E.
The self seating system sucks,the waitress don't know if your coming or going.so that makes the wait really long for service!!!
(3)
Robert R.
This place is to be enjoyed, have Billy make ya a strong mai tai put your feet in the sand and enjoy the music in paradise
(5)
Tina S.
We had a wonderful time at Huggo's On The Rocks...The music was great. Good vibes and what an awesome view...The food was good....No complaints!!! Put your feet in the sand an enjoy the ride...
(5)
Terry W.
The music is too loud, the restaraunt is too close to the Ocean, and the people were having way too much fun.... Huggos was a great way to end our vacation. I took the reccomendation of a friend of mine, and Kharma was on my side. (I just had a bad experience at the Boss Frog Snorkel place, and this restaraunt experience saved the day) Even though the place was packed on a Sunday afternoon, it felt like you could basically share tables, sit where you needed and enjoy yourself. We luckily found a table right on the water and listened to some great music. Even though it was very much a bar like atmosphere, my two daughters were very comfortable. (So much so, they wound up doing the Hula on stage) Food was good (best on the Island? no, but reasonable and pretty fair for the price) Mai Tai's were good. And the letting sand run through your toes as you watch the water, and listen to the music is a great way to spend the night. I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Mascha B.
Both times we stayed in Kailua-Kona we have enjoyed a lunch and dinner at Huggo's OTR. Feet in the sand, beautiful view, great staff and delicious food. What more do you want when you're on holiday. Our 4year old son also loves it for the food playing in the sand and dancing to the live music at night. Food is realy great and served in the cool and giant steaming baskets. We'll be back next time on the Island.
(4)
Michelle S.
We've been here for a week and this quickly became one of our favorite happy hour spots. Great sunset and fast friendly bar service. Go in and say hi to Denis - he pours a mean mai tai. We walked here almost every night not only for the drinks but the music is fantastic! Happy hour is until 6pm with food and drink specials. Huggo's is worth a visit!
(5)
Earlene C.
What a lovely restaurant on the beautiful Kona Coast Shore. Total tiki bar with good ol' American eats and tropical cocktails. The Chicken Nachos are the bomb and so is the Hawaiian Rainbow Cocktail! We just arrived today and we're probably coming back one more time before leaving. There's something refreshing eating next to the water with your toes in the sand!
(4)
Liv H.
We came here for drinks and appetizers. The drinks were a little weak, but they were still good, and the appetizers were delicious. The reason I gave this place 5 stars though is for its location and atmosphere...it is located on the rocks right above the beach and there is sand under all of the tables so it is as if you are sitting on the beach enjoying your drinks, listening to music and just relaxing. Cant wait to go back :)
(5)
Meredith R.
Great spot on the water - super fun in the evenings and a chill lunch spot for the day should you find yourself roaming the streets of Kona town. The menu is huge and has something for everybody - the portions are equally huge so you definitely won't leave hungry. I had the Reuben for lunch and it was surprisingly excellent! My friends enjoyed their fish and chicken sandwiches and their cocktails as well. At night we came back once and the place was hoppin' with people of all ages - pretty cool. Live music was playin' and people were throwing back cocktails having a grand ole time. But beware: the place shuts down at 11pm - yup - even on the weekend.
(4)
Crissy K.
I have to admit, after experiencing a pretty mediocre meal the day before at Bongo Ben's across the street, I wasn't expecting much from Huggo's on the Rocks. But the two places couldn't be more different! Whereas the service and ambience need more than a little work at Bongo, they couldn't have been better at Huggo's. You can't ask for much more in Kailua Kona than to have your chair and your feet literally IN the sand, the sound of the waves crashing into the rocks just a yard away, as you savor the best-selling (for a reason!) blackened mahi tacos. (Get 'em with the potato chips -- they're Kona style and also rock.) The servers cater to your every need without being overbearing. It's open air, Kona-style relaxation at its best.
(4)
Jason H.
Delicious fries and turkey panini!!! Awesome service!!! And I HIGHLY recommend the local brews as well as the Lilikoi Margaritas and the Lilikoi Martinis! The entire staff was friendly and the views were great! Also, the live entertainment was actually pretty awesome!!
(5)
Mike S.
My wife and I had a great evening, good local food and an amazing view from our table.
(4)
Sara P.
We came to Huggo's for lunch. It was easy to find seating and the view is fantastic! My mango bbq pork sandwich was great and a huge portion. Manfriend really enjoyed his burger, I didn't even get a chance to taste it. He was already finished by the time I asked. However, my favorite part of this lunch was the alcohol. It was greatly needed after losing my luggage. Good thing they make their mai tais extra strong.
(4)
Sherry S.
You put your feet right in the sand. Love that! Had the fish tacos and they were good. I cannot remember which hawaiian fish I had but it was truly yummy. Ambience wonderful as you are right out there by the water. Waiter was easy going and so was the drink.
(4)
Charles G.
Quintessential tourist bar. Entertainment with added surcharge for drinks. Very good burgers. Stick with the beer and definitely avoid the coconut martini! Overpriced and not much booze. Always hate to have a drink come and the glass 1/3 full.
(4)
Kristin D.
Went for lunch. Great view and friendly service. Had a grass-fed Hawaiian beef burger that was really good. I would eat there if the food was bad (which it is not!), the location is that great.
(4)
Andy G.
Bulgogi Tacos were delicious, as were the drinks. Great place to watch the sunset. I want to write a long review, but why bother? The food, drinks, and view are top notch, and our server was friendly.
(5)
Gary G.
Great place to watch the waves and enjoy happy hour. Good prices on happy hour drinks and snacks. Waitresses were very friendly and helpful, would definitely go back!
(4)
Peg H.
Really enjoyed the ambiance next to the water, Mai Tais, and kalbi ribs. Great ending to our vacation before heading to the airport
(5)
Michelle P.
I came here with a friend for their happy hour (3-6pm). I got the Hawaiian Rainbow and my friend got the Mai Tai. Both were good, but the Mai Tai was definitely much stronger. They also had some small dishes for half price, and I think this menu changes everyday. We just got drinks though, and enjoyed the ocean view. Huggo's main strength is the atmosphere. They are situated right on the coast of Kona, the whole place is outdoors with some straw roofed sections, and they brought in sand to cover what would have been the floor so it's like you're sitting at tables on a sandy beach. Good view of the ocean, and they have live music at night. Can't say anything for the food since we didn't have any but it's a bit pricey... I think the cheapest item I saw on the menu was $15. So ask for the happy hour deals for food if you come between 3-6pm!
(4)
Jim R.
This is a must to get the real island feel in a casual dining experience. Good food and drinks with music and hula dancing in the evening hours.
(4)
Jenn G.
LOVE this restaurant!! We were only in Kona 4 days and ended up eating here 2x for breakfast and 2x for dinner! AWESOME location...right on the water. At night they have live music and a hula dancer. Great views, great atmosphere, great food.
(5)
Jay D.
It's been many a year since I visited the Big Island and still cannot believe that yesterday was the first time I supped at Huggo's On The Rocks. It was a wonderful, relaxing experience made even better by friendly staff, fresh fish and what a view! As my dear readers will note from other of my reviews, I am always in search of a great taco and fish tacos are particularly prized. As mentioned above, Huggo's fish is lovely and additional additives are rather nice. My one and only lament and, at same time, suggestion to Huggo's is to please and kindly consider using a hard-shell tortilla to lovingly cradle your brilliant fish and then wrap a soft tortilla around the hard shell. I was 2 bites into what started out to be a beautiful fish taco when the bottom fell out, the brilliant fish and condiments laid on my plate and I was left holding the two halves of 2 soggy tortillas in either hand. NOT ON! I did not order 2 bites of a delicious fish taco that without much effort transforms into fish taco goulash. Yes, I admit it. I am going on a bit about my taco experience but Huggo's is so close to fish taco perfection that a simple, non-descriptive review would not suffice. If you're not into tacos, try the deliciously fresh fish, soup of the day and take in the relaxing atmosphere offered by Huggo's On The Rocks.
(3)
Lina P.
I had an oriental chicken salad (?), and it was surprisingly good. It stood out to me more so than any other salads I've had recently. The fried chicken strips has an almost sweet orange glaze and is served with cold noodles (in addition to the salad). I have to have it again sometime. We sat in the bar area. The bartender didn't seem particularly slammed but was busy setting up perhaps? It was awkward to ask him for anything, but when we asked another server, the bartender promptly came over and told him we should ask 'him' if we needed anything. He seemed alittle burned out, never smiled, and had a queer expression on his face I cant put my finger on.
(4)
Arthur H.
Using TripAdvisor and Yelp, we decided on this place and taking the volumes of advice, chose to go really early to dinner to try to get a good seat near the water. We nearly achieved that by going in just before 5:00 pm. We ended up sitting near the bar at a tall table just next to the sand seating area with the great water view. We could see very well from the elevated table, and although not in the "preferred" area, it was quite sufficient for us. But, the seats at the tall table were really uncomfortable and two of the four chairs were wobbly. Other than that, the menu choices are quite decent and we can recommend the burgers and the fish and beef tacos. The food was served hot and tasty, but I would say it was nothing particularly special. The band that played that evening was very good. It was a two-man show, and later a hula dancer also joined to help the entertainment, but we left just as she was arriving. Overall, if you can get a seat-with-a-view at this place, we would recommend it. It gets really busy (it is a small-ish joint), and I would try to go early for the best options.
(4)
Shawn A.
The ambiance was great- cant beat the view. Nice piano standards player creating a nice vibe. Service was horrid. Very slow and inexperienced staff. I thought the ribs and flatbread pizza were average.
(3)
Josh D.
The view from this place during the sunset is amazing. The food was decent. I had an ahi burger, but it wasn't that memorable. 5 stars for the ambiance, 3 stars for the food. Averaged at 4. This place is much more fun to just sit at the bar and relax.
(4)
Stacey B.
Location is nice with feet in the sand looking at the ocean, but the food and service were mediocre at best. Fish tacos were cold and soggy from sitting too long in the kitchen with salsa on them. Service was exceedingly slow, in fact the waiter is ignoring my credit card sitting on the table as I write this. Meh. Won't be back on this trip. Spent $100 on 4 orders of fish tacos and 2 top shelf Mai Tais.
(2)
A. L.
Getting decent gluten free food in the Big Island has been less challenging than I expected. Huggo's was the first place we had dinner. I was pleasantly surprised to see gluten free hamburger buns available for their delicious burgers. The waitress seemed readily able to answer my GF-related questions. The sunset was beautiful, and I enjoyed the live music. This is a great, chill spot for a meal.
(4)
Mistress E.
Great drinks and right on the water. A bar where you can put your toes in the sand? awesome. We went a few times for drinks and desserts and were not disappointed. They also had a pretty sweet girl group cover band that was really fun.
(4)
Laura S.
Bartenders are great. The Onolisious Pupi platter is outstanding.
(4)
Kim Z.
Great place. Went for dinner just before sunset. What a view! Food was terrific! Everyone in our group enjoyed their meal from prime rib to fresh tuna... Terrific waiter, Woody! Would really recommend!
(4)
Kelton J.
Yeah I know. Us residents aren't supposed to be hanging out at the tourist spots. Let alone enjoying them. But dammit, I can't help it. I love Huggo's. I love their food. I love their service. I love going to watch my musician friends play there. All of the above. Plus, you're right there on the water. Come on, what's not to love?
(5)
Mark S.
Over many vacations to Kona, have walked past this place many times. Never been in before. Have dined at Huggo's, and enjoyed the music coming from the adjacent On the Beach, but you don't hear well due to the distance and the surrounding noise. Pros: -Nightly entertainment. -Sunset on the beach. -Interesting food preparations. The spicy popcorn shrimp salad with saimin noodles was spicy (not hot) with a slightly sweet dressing that worked well. The vegan panini was also nicely seasoned, and the fries were fine. -Drinks, if you like sweet fruit juice types. Cons: -No assigned seating; you fend for yourself. They call it "stalking." -Oily onion rings. -Lawn furniture on the sandy beach part of the establishment, or bar stools on the concrete patio. This is one of just a few places that has nightly Hawaiian music, usually from 6 pm to 9 pm. For a total experience of music, cocktails, and good food, Huggo's on the Rocks will deliver.
(4)
Jan C.
I have never been here for dinner. I have never been here for dancing. I have never been here for a drink. The only thing I have EVER been to Huggo's for, and the only thing that will forever keep me coming back to Huggo's whenever I'm in Kona, is the KONA MUDD PIE. A humongous, heaping, hunk of lightly-flavored coffee ice cream, soft, smushed Oreo crust, and the perfect amount of fudge drizzled atop a fluffy mountain of whipped cream. Everything just comes together perfectly to create the most amazing dessert known to mankind. Do I have a tendency to exaggerate? Yes. Am I exaggerating about this mudd pie? Hell no. Try for yourself (preferably with one or two other people to help) and send me a compliment promising me your firstborn child later. Come during sunset and enjoy one of the finest moments of your entire life.
(5)
SacBelle S.
Enjoyed a sunset cocktail there. Margarita on the rocks was great. Also ate at On the Rocks earlier in the week. I had the fresh catch and enjoyed it. The main draw is the great setting sitting on the rocks looking into the bay. Both had live music which was very nice.
(4)
Dorothy B.
Huggo's has a lively, good energy. The music was fun and tons of people were dancing. The location on the water can't be beat. Favorite drinks: Jungle Juice (comes in your very own take-away coconut), Hawaiian Rainbow (tastes *just* like a rainbow), and Mango Mango.
(4)
Greg F.
Wow! I"m not a burger expert, but when I have my mind set to a good burger, that's what I want. Huggo's delivered on this. This place is located right on the water and ambiance in the evening was friendly, calm and quite inviting. I was in the mood for a good burger this night and after sitting at the bar and having an ice cold draft beer, I ordered the Classic Burger, based on the bartenders recommendation. I have to say it was one of the best burgers I have had and though somewhat pricey, I was very satisfied. I also spoke to one of the hotel desk travel service people and they highly recommend Huggo's for all of their food. I would certainly give Huggo's a first try at any menu item.
(4)
Robin N.
This is a great beach bar. Much better than the exceedingly snobby Huggo's next door. Considering you get the same view as the restaurant with the addition of live music and sand I would probably come here over the more expensive option. We had the fish tacos and they were hot and fresh. The service was slow, but friendly. Considering the place was packed out, we felt the wait was justified.
(4)
Kimberly M.
Pay for a drink.. grab a happy hour fish taco or two. Enjoy the music and view. Get there early before happy hour starts to grab a ocean front table in the sand. This place is basic. Paper plates, plastic chairs..but good basic food. Bummed that we (airline crew) no longer receives the discount.. but that is okay..when your in Hawaii one must pay. Happy hour begins at 3p.. goes to 6.. I've had the nachos here.. they are very 'Taco Bell' in taste..nothing special. The fish tacos are okay..but better up the street. The pulled pork sandwiche..yummy.. The drinks are strong.. service is great..
(3)
David S.
Only went there for drinks in the bar and lunch. Can not beat the view, so pretty. Food was very good too so what is not to like? prices very reasonable and the drinks were good. Had a nice duo that plays in the evenings so had nice Mai-Tai's eating good food, watching beautiful sunsets, listening to great music. in three words, "Fun, Fun, Fun" wishing I were there now, instead of dreary Seattle.
(4)
tiffany l.
4 stars for the location. 3 stars for the food. Our friend ordered the special which was recommended by the waitress and later was told they ran out the special. Our food was average.
(4)
Jiajia C.
I am ok with sitting outside with feet in the sand, next to crashing waves and torches around my table, with live Hawaiian music in the background, any night. It's a bit campy, but at times that's the best of the island's charms--- taking silly, overly atmospheric decors to the max. And I ate it all up, happily. Then I ate it all up, literally, my delicious dinner. In addition to carding me for ordering a Mai Tai... (excellent customer service, haha!), I cleaned my plate of poke and Korean BBQ dinner to the last grain of rice. And the price is super friendly as well. By all means, if you're in Kona, check this place out!
(5)
Aubrey G.
In my personal opinion any place that puts cheese sauce on nachos is pretty lame :( Especially on kalua pork nachos?? It was just wrong. Other than that happy hour was pretty good. $3 drafts (including Stella!) Beautiful view of the Kona sunset with a live band that started out good with some Hawaiian classics but quickly turned to corny tourist music ( lots of jimmy buffet :Q) I'd come back for the beer and the view.
(2)
Trish R.
We had dinner there tonight. The setting was absolutely beautiful. We sat a table over looking the ocean. Dinner was very good and the service was exceptional! Wonderful. Would definitely go again.
(4)
Brenda B.
The view is unbeatable and the sand under feet so great. The Guava pulled pork sandwich is so delicious. The Lilikio Mojito is awesome. Make sure to order one of the ice cream desserts-we ordered the Macadamia Nut ice cream pie, yummy! We could have eaten here everyday! Definitely, a place to eat while on the Big Island.
(5)
D K.
Excellent inexpensive food option with a beautiful view, and laid back yet attentive staff. One of the best meals we had in Kauai!
(5)
Marina S.
I was here 3 times during my week in Hawai'i and it has not disappointed me. Great view of the water, relaxing live music and good vibes. Their mahi mahi tacos are excellent!
(5)
Layla A.
Quite an experience. We sat on the ocean front with our feet in the sand. Food was above average but the band and atmosphere are awesome. I even got to hula . Fun times!
(4)
Andrea H.
Atmosphere was wonderful -- on the ocean (which is even lit up some at night so you can enjoy it in the dark and watch the eels in the rocks), feet in the sand, a great hula show, and both times we went the live music was enjoyable and not overdone. The menu is somewhat limited, but everything we ate was delicious. The virgin pina colada was light years beyond what we got at Kona Inn, and the Kahlua-ice cream-drink was amazing!
(5)
Chris K.
This place is fantastic. But don't come here because you may take the last seat and I hate waiting.
(5)
Sandra R.
We missed our flight home and needed to drink. We ended up having a great time! Met a couple from Seattle, chatted away and had many many MaiTais!! Sometime throughout the night I remember ordering a burger and salad. I obviously needed food and it was a good tasty burger. We sat at the bar and the bartender was great. Fun music and dancing. A great place to have fun and unwind for whatever reason!
(5)
Gary W.
What should have been a romantic 37th anniversary dinner ended up a disappointment when our double lobster dinners were fired prematurely. Apparently it was more important to get off than to prepare a properly cooked meal. We had been to Huggos years earlier and it was fine... We will never return even though the wait staff was excellent, gave us a free dessert and they took an appetizer off the bill. The point is that this place has no sense of timing or flat out don't care that they are rushing diners out of the door.
(2)
Derek S.
Great view - beach seating. Food - blah.
(3)
Kimber W.
Best part of this place is it is on the water.. awesome and they have live music. I cannot comment on the food but the pina colada I had was really nothing great.. and I really like pina coladas it just tastedmore like mooshy cocoa that was white:( I think when your an island hotspot you should make mixed drinks people will remember and want to write poetry about. The ladies on stage had a great sound but the stage was to small and they did not have enough light or sound system to show off their talents. Go here but get some draft beer.
(3)
Del S.
Out of all the places at Big Island that I found through great Yelp reviews, Huggo's On The Rocks was the only one that I was disappointed about. First of all, at $36 per entree, this is definitely not a $$ place. It should be at least $$$. And for $36, I did expect that the food should be somewhat impressive but it's not. We had the fish special. They have fish on the top of the purple sweet mash potato in coconut sauce. The fish was good, the potato was good, the coconut sauce was good, but they just didn't work well together. The coconut sauce and the potato were so overpowering that you can't really taste and appreciate the fish. It was a shame because it was a good fish. The potion was overall kind of small and I felt that everything was kind of overpriced. The view was nice but that's about it. Overall the experience wasn't that impressive for the money we spent, just didn't seem worth it.
(2)
Debbie M.
Stopped in to listen to the music & have a drink. The service was good, the drinks were good & the music was good. Didn't have any food so I cannot comment on that. All in all a fun evening.
(5)
Catherine C.
Heading to Kona? Don't skip Huggos! While the view can't be beat, the service is even better! If you're a very lucky duck, you will be sat where you can be served by KIM- he is a total gem, and I guarantee you will be walking out with a smile on your face! Kim is super friendly, super funny, and won't steer you wrong with your food and beverage choices! Always ask for Kim if heading to Huggo's- he will make your day/vacation/life! If you're there to imbibe some of the nectar of life (i.e. boozing it up) don't skip the Ali'i Mai Tai- it packs quite the punch, and is tasty to boot! If you're staying in a nearby hotel, be sure to check out the live music and dancing in the evenings! We stopped in on a Friday night and enjoyed wonderful music and hula dancing, and later on the dance floor was PACKED! A great time had by all!
(5)
Nathanael G.
Love Huggo's on the Rocks. Have been here everyday, sometimes twice! Killer 151 Mai Tai!! However, don't expect to hit the 151's for lunch and feel very active for the day :) this is a comfortable place to hang and have a drink and eat some good food!
(5)
Larry L.
Went to Huggo's on the Rocks a couple years ago and had to come back. However, it was very disappointing this time. The location and entertainment were excellent but the food and service were not. It is worth going for a drink but I would not do dinner again with so many other quality restaurants around.
(3)
Carter F.
Dinner: Food was ok, price didn't really match up with what we expected to get. I expect that you are paying for the view and not the quality of the food. However it was late when we visited and couldn't see a view. Drinks were good as was the music. Breakfast: Should be avoided at all cost.
(2)
Dawn O.
Loved it. Great atmosphere, food was delicious. Had music and hula which we didn't expect. Great place.
(5)
Keisha A.
There IS a nightlife in Kona! Granted, this place closed at 11pm on a Friday night, but while they were open it was tons of fun. Boyfriend and I sat at the bar overlooking the ocean at sunset - it was a fantastic view. The bar reminds of a typical beach bar with a Hawaiian flavor, very laid back, upbeat atmosphere, and a good mix of regulars and tourists (me being one of them) and there are tables in the sand which is nice to wiggle your toes in. Our waitress was incredibly friendly and accommodating. We ordered the pupu platter which included a mix of 3 different items from their appetizer menu and several tropical mixed drinks. The Rocks Jungle Juice was very tasty and comes in a coconut cup that you get to keep - a great souvenir for visitors. The best part of the evening was the live entertainment. An all girl singing group, Hot Lava 808 performed. They sang and danced to hit songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s including Tina Turner, The Doobie Brothers and The Supremes. The crowd loved it. I saw people moved to dance who probably would be better off saving their dance moves for the privacy of their own homes. All in all, a fun place to go for happy hour, appetizers and some impromptu dancing.
(4)
X X.
I wanted to give this place a higher score really! The coffee ice cream cake (only reason I came here) was a huge disappointment. The cookie crust was really, really hard, the ice cream had no taste, and the size was much smaller than I anticipated. I saw another table order the same thing when I was about to go and it was much bigger, came with more chocolate, and they got a cherry! I spent $15 on a not very good ice cream cake. :( The positives: 1. great view. I got a table right away outside and it was very, very relaxing 2. nice servers 3. cute vacationers come and go in here I would go back to Huggo's, but not for dessert.
(3)
Olga C.
Sheer fun, if you can get a table. The place seems to be very popular in the evenings and if you come here, you know why. Just dip your toes into the sand, order one of those tropical drinks and enjoy great live music Oceanside. If you wish, you can even show off your dance moves, seems like no one's judging here. This place was recommended to us by our friends, and since we could not get reservations at the Huggo's (different place, they take reservations for dinner and have different menu), we came over here after dinner for drinks and tunes. We did try one of their desserts, a brownie with some ice cream on top; it was just ok. With the exception of some drunken 20-somethings in front of us who kept on trying to smoke at the table regardless of numerous comments from the wait staff, noting that they should step outside for smoking, we had an amazing evening.
(5)
Linda M.
The view is spectacular you can forgive a lot just by the location . The Server had very little food or alcohol knowledge I asked about oysters on the half shell which I had had previously in Huggos Restaurant she said they did not serve them on that side I'm good with that but she also told me they came frozen which is absolutely not true . I asked her the drink specials she said the Chi Chi is good I asked if it was almost the same as a Pina Colada she said no so I'm game for something new it is and was a Pina Colada with vodka after all . We Had sliders that were overcooked dry, the Portuguese bean soup was excellent though and the Long Island Ice tea was great . I recommend it for the view and the music and try the local brews .
(3)
Miicha G.
Great place with a great view if you're going for some drinks around sunset. Friendly service, but you better be on the bar if you expect your second drink to be there quickly. The night we were there the live music was great.
(4)
Natasha P.
Great bar, live music, skip their fancy restaurant and go straight to the "On the Rocks" bar next door.
(4)
H T.
great place to get 100% Kona coffee in the morning with great beach views! I got my coffee here in the mornings and enjoyed the views. At night there is a live band and it's all outdoor seating.
(4)
Robert E.
Right on the beach, and not so expensive that it's not fun! Good food, friendly staff and reasonable prices. Always make at least one trip to Huggo's when I am in Kona.
(4)
Douglas O.
Eric (the owner) is awesome! This has been in their family for years and the food is still very tasty. As mentioned, the place is a bit "fancy" and expensive but always nice for a break from island food. I enjoyed the Teriyaki Beef with rice/vegetables. The Mud Pie Ice Cream for Dessert is ONE-of a KIND!!! I highly recommend it! The view of the sunset is one of the best, and they feed the stingrays at night.
(4)
Eric U.
Good food and nice ambiance with great music . Too bad the drinks are served in plastic glasses. Wine is so-so. They have a good selection of local beers.
(3)
Amelia A.
funky beach ambience and live music with hula dancing. great food and fun vibe. fish tacos, bulgogi fried rice and kids grilled cheese sandwich were hits. good service too. definitely stop at huggos on the rocks!
(5)
Kai T.
How could you not love a place where you can sit with your feet in the sand with the sunset and live music...oh and of course great drinks! My girls and i had such a great time at this place and it was exactly what we needed in Kona. love the ambiance if you want something fun but not crazy atmosphere. I got the sampler which came with short ribs and poke which was huge and soo good.
(5)
KRock S.
Excellent food, great service and great entertainment from the band LT Smooth. We went with our three kids and they had a great time. Eating dinner on the sand and listening to the great music. Wonderful evening. Go at sunset to sit outside and see the gorgeous views.
(5)
Crystal D.
Great view but you pay for it. Poke is awesome. Drinks are light which is disappointment considering you pay more for them then for other places.
(3)
Meagan O.
Amazing happy hour - $3 Mai Tais, delicious sliders and 1 pound of fries makes Meago a happy camper. We watched the sunset while enjoying live music and burying our toes in the sand. It really is as simple and as wonderful as that. Regular menu prices are a bit steep so we'll just stick to HH.
(4)
Kimberly Q.
I loved Huggo's On The Rocks! Sadly, my hubby and I didn't discover this gem until our last night in Hawai'i, but I'm happy we were at least able to try it once. The location is awesome, set right--you guessed it--on the rocks. With the ocean only feet away from you, you find yourself with your feet in the warm sand as you browse the menu. If you go after 5pm, a live band or a musician plays and it's REALLY relaxing and provides an awesome atmosphere. The menu is pretty diverse. They have fish dishes, burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of unique main courses. My fiance had the roast beef melt and said it was delicious. We shared the kalua pig nachos (AMAZING!) and I had the Korean short ribs (to die for). I'm not much of a drinker but I did have a mango margarita that was alright...definitely not the best I've ever had and it was kind of small for the price. We loved this place because of the setting and the food, and the service was friendly and quick. Definitely a place I'd revisit!
(4)
Ryan W.
This is a nice little bar in town with a view (waterfront). The location is good, but you are paying for the location. The bar service was average. The bartender serving us was a bit short. The food looked terrible, so we opted to pay for our drinks and head down the road for food. I am glad we did. This is definitely a place to come for happy hour and a sunset view. Other than that, I wouldn't recommend it based on my experience.
(3)
Erin O.
Great Happy Hour! Delicious Mai Tai and tasty Sliders was a great ending to a day at the beach! It was also great to make the stuffy people at the table next to us uncomfortable by our "off the beach" attire! (we were all perfectly presentable to be in a barefoot bar, trust me!) Loved the live music and the amazing sunset view! I want to go back every night!
(5)
Jay D.
Arrived for dinner on Wednesday night. Our server was polite and friendly. Food was so so. Def not worth the price. Def would not recommend this place.
(2)
Brian L.
Nasty ahi . Not fresh and looks old. Tasted worst. I would only come here for drinks and view.
(1)
Laura R.
I give this place a three only because the view and the service. Both were great. The food...I wouldn't go back for. It was just okay. Although typically I prefer a more local eats joint. The mushrooms small plate was delicious.
(3)
Malia H.
I have the fondest memory from about 25 years ago... (I know, you're thinking how could she have memories from before she was born?!)... Watching the eels writhe up on the rocks to eat a bite of the lobster carcass I had been working on for dinner, which was DELICIOUS by the way. It all happened just as the sun was setting over the ocean. Huggo's has a special place in my heart and they didn't blow it when I went there a couple years ago with my hubby. I suggest making a reservation to make sure you get as close to the ocean as possible and watch the sunset!
(4)
Anthony E.
Absolutely loved this place, was on vacation there and just happen to walk past and looked fun, so we had lunch there. Nothing better than having lunch on the beach with the most beautiful view. The food was wonderful, so we decided to come back there again for lunch. Can't wait to come back to Kona and relax and eat there again!
(5)
Suzanna L.
Great cocktails and great service! My husband and I almost went broke going back there over and over again on our honeymoon... but what a view. The entertainment on the weekends was nice too. I have nothing but sweet memories of this place. Be careful though, it's an easy way to blow it if you're on a budget!
(5)
Bill O.
Sat down. Looking at the menu. Guy comes out from behind the bar and says we can't sit there because my son has a shaved ice from a vendor outside the front door. Place was not full. Plenty of open tables. We said we were planning to order. He said we had to leave. Even if we had brought in a bottle of water. We took our business across the street.
(1)
Raj S.
I will give this place 5 star just because of the ambience, live music and the service. It is a bar for god's sake and not a fine dining restaurant. If you want fine dining, go to Huggo's. We loved it so much that we went there twice - back to back. Parking is a little bit hard as it is right in downtown Kona. Seating is first come first served. There was ample seating both the days. Live music was on. The first day the singer was really really good - haven't heard such good live music in a bar before. And not to mention the ambience was perfect - chairs right on the beach so that I can feel the sand with my bare feet. Lots of people were dancing - really having a good time. The food was good (great compared to bar food). I ordered burger the first day and Fish Tacos, the next. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Service was prompt and immediate. Next time I go to Kona, I am going here again. I love this place...
(5)
Beth R.
At least three out of five work days (and sometimes on Saturday) I take a break from my desk and go just down the street to Huggo's on the Rocks. It's our "other" lunch room. Pretty neat to sit and look at the ocean and surf and sky for a few minutes. In recent weeks we've had front row seats for the canoe races. Life is good. The staff wave, shake hands and pretty much know exactly what we'll be ordering every day. Franny, Kim, Hana and Beth are top-notch wait persons. Always cheerful, always attentive. Sure, the Mudd Pie looks impressive, but the BEST dessert was the Haupia Cake. It was to die for! Really sorry they don't have it anymore. Taco salad, poke tower, and the ever-pleasing Paddler Burger are some of my favorites (and I usually split with my husband). Friends tell me the Portuguese Bean soup is pretty good too. Anyway, get outside! Watch the ocean. Enjoy. 365 days of the year. Guaranteed.
(5)
Betsy D.
This is a favorite place, feet in the sand, protected by colorful canopies, excellent Mai Tais, terrific views, friendly staff. Happy hour food is average, but the above reasons are why we keep going back.
(5)
Lori S.
BEST spot for consistently fabulous food and ocean views. Brian the bartender will truly make your night so do yourself a favor and sit at the bar.....his energy and aloha spirit will leave you energized and the delicious seafood in front of the crashing waves finishes out the perfect night.
(5)
Aaron D.
you cant really go worng. Enough said!
(5)
Julian H.
We had a great time here on our first night in Kailua-Kona. We got a water-side table with views of the sunset, the coast, and the water. It was magic! Good food and service, too. Good if you've got the scratch!
(5)
Sheryl Y.
Thursday night the music is the best. Wonderful ambiance. Good food.
(5)
Dave B.
We had a relaxing lunch on the beach, watching the sand crash against the rocks just a few feet away. This place had amazing food, and the best part was that you sat on tables and chairs on the beach! Who doesn't love sand between their toes in Hawaii!
(5)
Annie C.
Gist: Huggo's fine dining is the way to go for satisfying gourmet food with friendly service and beautiful views. And for some entertainment, feed the animals that like to swim close to shore in the evening. In our reservation we noted we were celebrating our anniversary. To our amazement, they gave us what we think is the best seat in the house. A quiet table for two right at the water's edge. The restaurant is basically covered but outdoors which makes for wonderful ocean breezes. Our waiter was one of the best we ever had as he gave us his food recommendations and was so flexible with our desire to alter some of the side dishes that came with our individual entrees. And despite the busy-ness, he took the time to give recommendations of must-see and must-eat places in Kona. The food is really amazing. The fish is one of the freshest I've ever eaten. Totally recommend the Seafood pupu platter which is filled with Ahi of all different styles. The Teriyaki might seem mundane at first glance but it is THE best I've ever had. The steak is REAL steak, very tender and fully marinated. We also ordered fish for one of the entrees, which like the pupu platter was one of the freshest you will find. The ono was meaty but buttery flaky at the same time. And don't forget to try the macadamian mashed potatoes just to remind yourself you're in Hawaii :) To wrap us our dinner, we were given a coconut cake ON THE HOUSE. It was delicious! Even my husband, who doesn't usually like sweets, really liked it. For extra fun, sea eels come out at night and like to swim right up to where the water meets the restaurant. You can throw bits of bread out and watch them wriggle around. The restaurant was so accommodating about us staying at our table for 2+ hours. We never felt like we need to leave!
(5)
Paul B.
This place gets 5 stars for decent food, awsome location, great ambiance, good music, good crowd of mixed locals and tourists. The location is worth it alone.
(5)
perris f.
gave it four stars cause some food dishes aren't great. more like convenience store type fare. (what is that cheese sauce???). the bbq pork was good. poke only so so. BUT great for drinks, live music, and location (right on the water). 5 stars if you go for happy hour. ladies get the hawaiian rainbow!! best night, every night.
(4)
Lux P.
By the time I got to Huggo's I had my fill of overly sweet drinks, so I went for beer. What is up with the plastic cups? It made the beer get warm quick and I drink fast enough to usually double fist it( they don't allow this in Hawaii because everytime I tried to order two drinks at once they wouldn't let me). The view is great and it was outside and by the water. I just wish the band didn't start playing "Margaritaville"- sorry parrotheads.
(3)
Ellie P.
Yummy food and Hula dancing. You sit right on the beach, great sunset!
(4)
Eric Z.
The best thing about Huggo's is the sand! Put your feet in and have a mai tai! Also, if you get there before 6, ask for the $3 Happy Hour menu..limited but yummy!
(5)
Steve S.
Three and a half stars. The location is the best in Kona; they literally built the place right on the rocks, so you can't get any closer to the ocean than this. Plus they have a cool little sand area next to the water so it feels like you're on the beach. The drinks are actually really good; the mai tais and margaritas were the best we had in Kona. Of the food, we only had the fish sandwich, and it was really good; fish was light and flavorful, and it was served on perfectly crisped ciabbata bread. So what wasn't good? As others have noted, the service was slow. Also, there were a lot of ants in the sand area that were devouring food that was dropped on the floor. I even found an ant crawling on me. Gross. And finally, the bill. They definitely make you pay for the view - our fish sandwich was $16 and it was pretty small. The same bill at Lulu's across the street would've been half the price. Basically, I would recommend coming here for happy hour if it's nice weather and there's gonna be a good sunset. Otherwise, there are probably other places that are more worth your while.
(3)
Jason H.
Love this place! There is an indoor resteraunt and an outdoor bar that also servers food. We didnt venture to the indoor resteraunt, but we hung out at the outdoor bar many nights during our stay on the Big Island. Fun place to hang and drink..also notice many locals at this spot, so that's probably good for something.
(5)
Annette M.
Best place to go on the Big Island for a casual cocktail and bite to eat. The food is not great or uber high end - we are talking burgers, nachos (baked pork nachos are really good) etc. The staff is great - attentive - and the price is reasonable for the food, location right on the water and delivering a killer sunset. No place better than this after a day of diving or surfing!
(5)
Leon C.
This is a great place to hang out and have drinks at the end of the night. You sit at the tables which are on the sand. You order drinks and watch the musicians play. It's nice. They do charge an extra fifty cents if you just order drinks after 8pm for "entertainment cost." this is a nice place to chill at night though.
(4)
Dianna M.
I ate at both Huggos and Huggos on the Rocks. The Rocks is a fun, outdoor bar restaurant with live music. The Kalbi ribs were great but the fish tacos were a little too fishy for my taste. Big, fun, tropical drinks, awesome wait staff and dancing on the beach. A definite must for a good time & food was much tastier than Huggos.
(4)
Robert C.
The food here is decent, but you're not here for an amazing culinary experience. You're here to watch the sunset from one of the best locations in Kona. The drinks are good, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere can't be beat. Get here about 90 minutes before sunset to grab a table closest to the ocean.
(5)
Lucretia W.
Food was so-so (greasy happy hour) and the waitress seemed to want to rush us out so she could seat more people, but other than that this is a nice place to rest your feet in the sand, have a mai tai and watch the sun set.
(3)
Brian B.
Great place! Live music onstage with the Kona sunset as a backdrop. Drinks are expensive but worth the extra money. One drink I had was macadamia nut liquor and ice cream. Tasty! Their island fried rice is the bomb. I ordered it twice. This place is always busy and you need to fight for a table in the sandbox. Just enjoy a drink at the bar until a table opens up. What's the hurry anyway, you're in Kona damn-it!
(4)
Cynthia C.
This place is the best! It's the first place I think about when we land. The servers are fun and nice, the food is good and the view, well, the view is the best! We see dolphins literally jumping and playing right in front of us! Try and go on a Sunday or Monday and see LT Smooth play. He is the greatest! Such a beautiful man, a great voice and a superb guitar player. I would avoid it during the morning hours when it is "Java on the Rocks", staff is grumpy and rude, we didn't even stay to eat.
(5)
Paul M.
location location location.... take off your slippers, as the locals call them put your feet in the sand, sit and watch the ocean and scoop down a few beers. a great bar, with tremendous service, and a spectacular view. my only criticism is they don't open until like, 11.00 or 11.30 a.m. - come on, it's 10.00 am and I'm on vacation and I need a beer !
(4)
Aaron S.
Food is well below average and overpriced beer is served in plastic cups (one of my peves)
(1)
M. Odette D.
This is a beautiful place to enjoy a meal. It's right on the water with sand at your feet. Service was friendly and the coffee was yummy. The food was delicious too. We had a great time spending our morning here. I wish the menu had more choices and it would have been five stars for me.
(4)
Grace T.
My fiance and I came here for dinner during our last night on the island. It was the perfect place to spend the evening. We came after sunset (I would imagine that this is an awesome spot to enjoy the sunset) and scored a table that was in the sand. There's something to be said about being able to wiggle my toes in the sands while I'm enjoying a drink and some good food. We each order a mixed drink, I had a blended mango daiquiri, which was a little light on the booze. We got the kalua nachos to start and I got the pupu sampler as my entree and he got the quesadilla. It get quite packed here on a Friday night, because there's a live band, but the food comes to the table fairly quickly. Everything tasted fantastic! We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. It was the perfect place to savor our last evening on the island.
(5)
Whitney E.
Okay read the yelps and thought well what the hell roll the dice. We had to wait a long time for our table even with reservations. The staff seemed elsewhere like everyone had being somewhere else on their mind rather then at work...which is fine but you gotta put on your game face at work folks eh! While we were waiting a delicious smelling platter of sizzling mushrooms was whisked by an we went mmm. The hostess turned her nose up and said...no not if you have to smell it all the time you get sick of it, who says that to customers??? We finally got our table which was very close to the water and the tiki torches were lit nice appearance but looks are not everything. Drink order taken right away drinks were average nothing special with small glasses with tons of ice...both sodas and mixed drinks. Then after that the staff just vanished.Finally, they came and took our order. We both went with pasta with chicken and veggies, and waited and waited. Food was okay not great not gross, better than kastu again. Once our food arrived we were forgotten again having to ask for the dessert menu. Dessert was huge chocolate ice cream pie...but the whip cream tasted frozen and stale. Waited for the check forever, waited for the credit card to be ran forever. The view could not entertain us forever we were there from 6-8. All for $200 bucks! The bar on the other side seemed lively.
(2)
Soo S.
Came here with our friends to celebrate our last night in Hawaii. Ordered the Poke appetizer, which was decent. Our waitress recommended the fish of the day, which I ordered. There wasn't anything special about the dish. It was bland without much flavor. The fish of the day was some white fish, one that I never heard of. It was fresh, just very bland, as if they simply steamed it. Over priced.
(2)
Steve H.
One of the best places to watch a sunset in Hawaii, except for a beach of course. The floor is sand, so kick off your flops, order a beer and some food and watch the sunset. Food is your general bar food type, but they have some great beer to choose from. The place is really loads of fun. Live music and the people working there are tons of fun as well. Have been here everytime we've come to the big island and love it. In the morning its called "Java on the Rocks". Great place to have a cup of joe and get the morning going. Read "Tiffany C."'s review, she sums it up pretty well in the first part of her review! Its a cant miss place.
(5)
Julie U.
Yes, yes, YES! Sign me up. Huggo's is fantastic... one of those places I'll be thinking about for a good few weeks and wishing there were something even close to this much fun here in San Diego. We chose a waterfront table in their barefoot bar. Slip off your shoes and voila! You're on the beach, except that you have a really comfy chair that you didn't have to carry down there, and someone to bring you mighty good mai tais, scrumptious poke, and an unbelievable Mahi taco platter. Later in the evening the live Hawaiian music starts up, and little children learn Hula from a native pro right there before your eyes, and sea turtles play on the rocks right there along the edge. We went to Huggo's at around 4:00 on July 4th, and we didn't leave until after 9:00, just in time to see the fireworks over the ocean. We just couldn't seem to pry ourselves from that table.
(5)
Maryrose S.
Live music, oceanside breeze, great drinks, awesome food - what's not to love. I felt like I was truly on vacation in Hawaii when we went here our first night. Service was great and there was so much on the menu that I enjoyed. I was bummed that we didn't have the opportunity to come to Huggos again. We had several appetizers, but the Chicken Nachos really stood out for me. Great taste and great presentation! I'd definitely recommend to a friend.
(5)
Julie Z.
Love the $3 Happy Hour menu! Putting my feet in the sand and watching the sunset from this location is just heaven.
(4)
Rose O.
Went there for drinks and pupus during their happy hour on Saturday. Great nachos and fish taco for $3 each. Local beer and sitting right next to the water watching the sunset. What can be better than this?
(4)
R G.
I'm giving it a 4 solely because of the atmosphere. It's literally on the ocean and everyday beginning around 6pm live music is offered. This is the place to get an unobstructed view of the sunset. Food is very average and so are the drinks. Despite this we went here 3 nights of our 7 night visit to Kona. Definitely worth a visit!!
(4)
Mackenzie O.
The location is great, the drinks are strong and food is fresh and delicious. We stopped by for lunch and grabbed the end table in the sand overlooking the water. Our waiter was helpful with drink and food recommendations. We stayed for several hours soaking up the rays (there was an umbrella for shade as well). I would suggest stopping in for lunch because the place looks pretty packed around sunset.
(5)
CA S.
Piña colada was great, but the food was mediocre. We liked the outdoor seating with sand under our feet and the view. The service wasn't the friendliest and it took awhile to get our lunch. We won't be going back.
(2)
Jenn W.
I was less than impressed with the service at huggo's on the rocks. We had to try extraordinarily hard to flag our waiter down to send soup back that was cold and bland when it came out. The view is amazing and the drinks are good-- that's where the two stars I gave it came from. Go for drinks and sunset, not dinner.
(2)
Tina D.
Right on the water, good food, good drinks, live music...can you really go wrong?
(4)
Meatball J.
Toes in the sand, pupu plater on the table, tropical drinks, beautiful view, tiki lighting, ocean breeze, coconuts in the trees, live music and a hula dancer! very chill, yet at the same time, very exciting! I really loved this place.
(5)
Chris L.
Nice view, very parrothead like place. Live music, etc. The drinks could be better but certainly not the worst. I think we expected something a little more exotic than just mai tai's. Services seemed a little scattered but it could've been worse.
(3)
Jims L.
I like this place - there actually aren't very many places in Kona that are so close up on the ocean as Huggo's.. the outdoor seating area is so open and beautiful. And the place is very low-key and relaxed. I liked coming here just for something to drink, a light meal, and good conversation.
(4)
M.J. C.
We love Huggo's! The view is one of the best in Kailua Kona. Get there at sunset and enjoy a mai tai before a delicious dinner. We've eaten there for lunch too and always had good food, good service. Not too expensive, either. The view is second to none! We'll be back this fall!
(4)
Darlene W.
The only redeeming factor here was the live guitarist who performed Hawaiian tunes and some R&B. The service was awful, and all we had was two Longboard beers and a plate of nachos. It took forever to get the waiter's attention. Worst of all, we ordered the plate of nachos without the "stadium cheese sauce", so our server informed us that our nachos would be cold because they couldn't put it in the oven without the stadium cheese sauce. Really?!? I think the oven would work just fine without "stadium cheese sauce". And trust me, these tortilla chips needed to be dried out in an oven, because they were pretty stale. Yes, the ocean view is nice, but it isn't worth the high prices and the bad service.
(1)
Vive l.
I'm a big fan. Couldn't ask for more from a little beach joint- fantastic location, friendly and efficient service, pure beachtime enjoyment with a classy menu. The hawaiian style potato chips are made daily on site with big salt, kept thinking of them days later...
(4)
Kari L.
Celebrated the B'Day last evening at HOTR....had the 15.00 ice cream pie---it was good but the last time I had that it was half the price. What are you doing Huggos? Have you no shame? Anyway, EVERYTHING was really really great. People from all walks of life dancing up a storm...from 80 something seniors to children. The Band was absolutely incredible...all I know is the guitarist's name is Jeff Bach...anyone know the name of the group and when and where else do they play? I feel like I want to be a groupie ;-)......Not really, but they were that great......
(5)
MB K.
YUM YUM! Try the Mahi grilled tacos! Went with the kids and they loved it. The chef was awesome and he bent over backwards for our veggie guests. Yummy drinks, great location. A must stop on your visit to Kona.
(5)
Nick K.
Maybe I just came here on a bad day, but the food was fairly mediocre and service was terrible! They took "island time" to a new level. We ended up leaving a huge undeserved tip because we were too queasy to wait another half hour for our change. The location is spectacular of course. I'm sure that there's no way anyone would be allowed to build so close to the water anymore, so you have to try and savor these places that have been grandfathered in.
(2)
Melissa V.
What a great find! We headed here as our first stop in Kona. We got a primo spot on far right corner, table for 4 - view of sunset was the best! Can't beat $3 mai tais and fish tacos at happy hour!
(4)
D G.
Lousy food, great location. We chose this place primarily because of the yelp ratings. That's the reason why I am actually posting because this place does not deserve 4 stars. Yes the location is excellent and yes the band that is playing is pleasant (though the charge 50ct per drink after 8 for the entertainment) but if you are considering to have dinner at this place beware. The food is really lousy. I recommend dropping by for a beer or a cocktail but go for food somewhere else.
(2)
Shari D.
This restaurant gave our little group one of our happiest dining memories for our entire trip to the Big Island. The service was outstanding! The servers were so nice to use. The view out on the deck was breath-taking, especially when the sun went down. We were treated to one of Hawaii's famous sunsets that evening during our dinner feast. Their house teriyaki steak was soooo delicious! I made my hubby get that, and boy was he glad. I think it was a flank cut. It was so tender and delicious! I got the macadamia nut encrusted ono, which was good, but not as good as the steak. I kept sneaking pieces of Ant's food off his plate! I don't remember what the dessert was, but that might be because I was buzzed from my drink, and had a happy little Godson asleep in my lap. The staff was really wonderful about accommodating his needs. (Milk and a small kid plate of food, and a booster seat.) We were never self-conscious about having him, but maybe because he was really well-behaved? Anyway, we had a blast here, not just the food or the lovely ambience, but because the people here made it feel welcoming, relaxed.... well, very Hawaiian!
(5)
Dustin H.
This place is so completely over priced. I know this is a tourist spot but really? 6 bucks for a 14oz beer? Really? Why you got to do me like that?! This place would have less then one star if not for the amazing setting and the lovely live Hawaiian music. "Hot Lava 808" is my new favorite cover band. Still, it's going to take more then a cover band, no mater how good, to get me to come back here.
(1)
E G.
Definitely get the Guava BBQ pork sandwich. We had to go back to try it again :) Loved sitting in the sand by the ocean...
(4)
Vin F.
This place had the great advantage of being located next to my hotel, and thus the natural target for a much needed drink (see my review of the Royal Kona Resort). An open bar with thatched roof and scattered tables, looking out over the water, it wasn't bad. But it was your classic Hawaiian tourist gouger. The fish tacos were passable but must have come from an Ahi the size of a goldfish. More egregious was the $7 beer that came in a glass shaped like your typical pint glass but actually was only about 8 ounces. When I pointed this out to the waitress that it was pretty lame to have such small glasses, she said unconvincingly, "Oh, I hadn't noticed." She also hadn't noticed the drink specials, or the types of beer on tap, that the bartender had previously told me about. I wonder if she noticed how little a tip I left.
(2)
Andrew K.
There are actually two adjacent "Huggo's" in Kona, one is a large restaurant and the other is "On the Rocks" next door. This review is of the restaurant itself. The view of the ocean was spectacular. The terrace is directly over the water and spotlights reveal the deep blue color. There was live music audible from Huggo's on the Rocks, there is a cover band that plays versions of classic-rock and early-1980's songs. Their talent is pretty good but their repertoire is very predictable. The food was good but not outstanding. We went there only once so can't speak for most of the menu. In the cocktail menu there were some creative drinks. The dessert was excellent. This restaurant is directly adjacent to one of the largest tourist hotels in Kona, and can be thought of almost as an extension of the hotel for that reason, and is jam-packed with tourists. In our experience this was a major detraction from the overall experience for several reasons: Crowded and therefore a long wait for a table. After being seated, at the table directly next to ours were two obnoxious tourists in "Hawaiian shirts" who were having an obscenity-laced argument. Also an injured tourist actually collapsed on the ground directly inside the entrance and had to be taken to the Kona Hospital, causing something of a commotion. The service was very poor. The first server did not bring two of the items which had been ordered and had to be reminded to do so. He then left for the night and passed the task on to a different server. This server was even worse because he ignored very explicit instructions about how a dish should be prepared and brought the wrong thing anyway. Overall we chose "3 stars" as the rating: excellent view of the ocean, food and drinks are pretty good. However it is something of a "tourist trap", and in our case the service was unsatisfactory.
(3)
Pamela R.
This place is right on the beach and they have live music at night. I would suggest going here for drinks only though because the food was lacking. The pizza was disgusting. It was served on a greasy focaccia bread and made with parmesan cheese. It was greasy and gross. My mom's ceasar salad dressing was way too fishy and garlic-ey. they have great ambiance though and are close to all of the hotels so this place is a plus for evening drinks.
(3)
Dryw F.
While the view was incredible, the food was sadly disappointing. The night before, my family ate across the street at Bongo Ben's. Three adults shared an appetizer sampler which was delicious and left us all fully satisfied. At Huggo's, two of us shared a fish entree which was fairly dry and way more fries than fish. The fish portion would have been on the small side of sufficient for one and definitely would not have been enough for two without the fries as filler. I was a little disappointed that the waitress didn't say anything about the portion size when we told her we would be sharing. Everywhere else we went in Kona had at least twice the portion for the same price, plus the food tasted better. The wait staff was also much more friendly and attentive at Bongo Ben's. Aside from the view, I would definitely not go back to Huggo's, especially when there are better options so readily available.
(2)
Cathy B.
We were searching for a cocktail on the beach in Kona when we stumbled upon this place. The location directly on the beach overlooking the crashing surf cannot be beat. We stayed for dinner, and I had a scrumptious mushroom burger with potato mac salad. Others in my party raved about the fish sandwiches and mai tais. There was also live entertainment, including hula dancers. A great time had by all.
(5)
John H.
Came here after a long drive from Hilo. No seats available on the patio dining area but told we could sit at the bar and order from the full menu. Well, at first, no seats at the bar either, so sat at a lounge table and looked at a limited menu. After a couple minutes, spots at the bar opened up. I had the baby back ribs which were good, girlfriend had prime rib which was excellent. View also amazing, bartender/ our waiter was excellent. Yes, expensive, but I would rather pay for good food and awesome ambiance than expensive meals and poor quality/quantity that we have been getting in Waikoloa with a few exceptions. We made a reservation to come back the following night if that says anything.
(4)
Whitney M.
Prepare to get sandy feet. But it is all part of the atmosphere of an ocean side casual place. Awesome turkey bacon wrap. Try the macnut martini. I had the normal mai tai which was fine. I wish our waiter had told us about the happy hour specials though. I ordered before I heard another server telling her table and they sounded like good deals. Handled our large party rather well. There was live music.
(4)
Tina L.
Food was forgettable, but not horrible. I had a couple of kona macs and a mac nut martini and they were good. You're definitely paying for the location and we knew that going in, but it was our first evening in Kona and I wanted to eat, drink, and stare at the ocean. We sat right up front in the "sand" area, which would have been perfect if it weren't for a fat guy on his cell phone on one side and an annoying family with a toddler on the other side. I hate tourists, even though I am one. Finally, the night's entertainment (don't remember the guy's name) started singing Hawaiian songs and I was happy.
(4)
Beckah K.
I LOVE this place... Ocean View... Local Hawaiian music.. The best food and drinks..... Very laid back...
(5)
DJ L.
Huggo's on the rocks is exactly what you want in Hawaii. Laid back, relaxed, fresh food, great cocktails, and live music. My wife and I stopped for drinks one night and came back two days later for dinner. I would reccommend to anyone visiting Kona who wants a relaxing dinner.
(5)
Mimi J.
Great service, Good food. Great location.
(4)
monica w.
Huggos is the place to go to view the beautiful kona sunsets, listen to great live music and sip amazing mai tais. Happy hour has good deals. The only down side is their wait staff can be on the rude side- if you get past this then you'll have a great start to your evening.
(4)
Mark H.
Huggo's on the Rocks is not the kind of place I'd usually go to. It just screams "tourist trap." But it was happy hour, my wife and I were both thirsty, and the view was great, so we went in anyway. Big mistake. What attracted us to take a chance on Huggo's was the sign at the entrance advertising their happy hour. It said, "All well drinks and domestic draft beers $3." You'd think that was pretty clear and unambiguous, but apparently in Hawaii things are done differently. There was a board above the bar with a handwritten listing of all their draft beers. Ruling out the Pilsner Urquel and Heiniken (not domestic), I asked for one of the Kona Brewing beers listed, but the waitress said it wasn't included in the happy hour. I asked why not, and she said the happy hour doesn't include "microbrewery" beers. Hmmm. OK, then how about a Sierra Nevada? Nope, that's not included either, and no real explanation as to why. The waitress finally told us the only beers available at happy hour prices were Bud Lite, Miller Light and Coors Light. I asked her to bring us two Miller Lights, and she returns with two bottles of beer. What happened to the "draft" beer? Oh, we only have bottles. I asked to speak to the manager. His attitude was basically "I don't care," although he did acknowledge that other customers have complained about the misleading happy hour sign. So apparently, Huggo's interpretation of "All domestic draft beers" is "only the cheapest American beers, in bottles." I can't comment on the food at Huggo's. After this experience, we decided this was not a restaurant where we wanted to spend any more money. Any place that has such contempt for its customers doesn't deserve my business. It shouldn't deserve yours, either. (By the way, Bongo Ben's isn't much better, as the drinks there were pretty watered down, even my martini.) Avoid Huggo's on the Rocks.
(1)
Tony W.
The sign for this place really doesn't do it justice. At first glance, it seems like a sea-side casual lunch place/bar. And indeed, there is an open air bar that is nice and simple. But right next to it is the restaurant, which is another story! The restaurant boasts a fantastic higher end dinner experience. Set on pylons directly over the shore, eating dinner around sunset is truly a majestic experience -- so try to go there around sunset. The menu offers a variety of mainland and local Hawaiian cuisine, much of which is sophisticated enough to satisfy those with a "foodie" taste palate. Waitstaff was fun and friendly. Decor is still relatively casual (I wore khaki shorts, sandals and short sleeve button down - my girlfriend wore sandals and a cotton summer dress) but has the feel of a "nice" dinner. If you're looking for a romantic, classy dinner but still with that causal island vibe -- this is the place for you.
(5)
Albert A.
Love the views, sit near the ocean side, enjoy the great attitude! hey, your in Kona Hawai'i! what else can you ask for? food is great, drinks are good and a must have for dessert? of course you must have the chocolate volcano lava cake! big enough for...a lot of people..lol Arrive early, make reservation, ( opentable.com ) and park in the lot across the road from Huggos. it gets packed fast.
(5)
Guy B.
Fun and friendly, with tables "in the sand" above the wall overlooking the ocean. Great service, good food, available on-site parking. The burger joint across the street has more "beach flash," and some very good burgers, but the service was awful.
(4)
Kaaren D.
My friend and I had a great time here, but there's not much for vegetarians on the menu. We ordered the nachos, and had them serve the chicken on the side. She ate that, and we shared the nachos. They pride themselves on having the same cheese sauce as at the ballpark, but for me that was just saying they have "plastic" cheese on the menu. It was syrupy and ok, but not the greatest. The Maitai's were nummy, and the location makes up for any other failings. You can't beat sitting in the sand, listening to Hawaiian music with the sun setting over the water. Heaven.
(4)
Becky C.
The food here is awful, the drinks are decent and the ambiance is perfect. This was our second time visiting Huggo's On the Rocks and it was just as pleasurable - there's something that makes everything seem right with the world while you've got your feet buried in the sand, mai tai in hand and local Hawaiian singers crooning to the crowd.
(4)
Michael G.
GREAT place to catch the sunset while having great local beers and great Mai Tai's! They have great Pu Pu's for happy hour too! The entertainment in the bar nightly, but the girls on Friday night are hilarious! Overall - fun times.
(4)
Bienvenido A.
After arriving in the early afternoon, getting your luggage situated and running down to the beach for a few hours, THIS is the place to get Konafied! The attire is of course Hawaii local. Show up a bit before happy hour so you get a table in the sand to get a front row seat of the sunset right on the water. Enjoy the authentic Hawaiian musicianship as you sip your tropical frou frou drink and watch the sun settle into the horizon with a couple of orders of tasty pupus. Relax, because dis is Dakine place to chill Brah!
(5)
William L.
Love this place, especially at sunset!
(5)
A C.
I was a little hesitant when the guy at the front desk of the hotel reccommended it since it seemed to be part of the hotel at Royal Kona Resort. We ended up going here for a birthday dinner and it was a lot of fun. Where else can you go eat dinner and listen to live local music with the warm white sand beach in your toes and the waves crashing into the rocks right next to you. This is the best place to have an evening drink and enjoy the sunset. A couple of us had the Taro burgers and they were surprisingly tasty. We also ordered a big Kona coffee ice cream dessert and it was s o big our table of 6 was able to share it and still have leftovers. Definitely a good place to visit.
(4)
Farrah H.
Fantastic view and great location for a sunset dinner. The food is average and service needs help as well. Overall a B- experience.
(2)
Thomas A.
i must say i had a good time at huggo's on the rocks til there was a beat down, we sat on a table that still had someone elses condiments, cups, and bill tab (both customer copy and merchant copy), 3 waiters passed us and not one asked if we needed another drink, bothered to not clean the table knowing the condiments weren't ours, not even asking how were doing..it's like we were invisible to them or something but i was upset and had to talk to manager. that's so rude and awful customer service for those three waiters. Other than that the food is good, entertainment is awesome
(2)
Lauren M.
This is probably one of the more "fancy" places in Kona and their prices will reflect this. The food is great though and the bar is nice too. I personally really enjoyed the mac nut crusted Ono with wasabi mashed potatoes! Awesome! Also, sometimes they're throw some food scrapes over there balcony into the water and you can watch the eels swarm to the food. They have lights that shine out on the water as well attracting plankton, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a Manta Ray! After dinner would be a great time to go next door to their outdoor bar, Huggo's on the Rocks. Friday night they have great live music. There is a small area to dance and a number of tables surrounding a circular bar. There are tiki lamps lit around the entire area and you can hear the waves crashing against the lava rocks! On the Rocks is also a great spot for breakfast! I wouldn't miss it if I were you!
(5)
Dan R.
We stopped by the Huggo's on the rocks for lunch after flying in. The best thing about the spot is that you can sit with your table in the sand, right on the water. That rocks. The food is ok. We had the Kalua Pig nachos and they were pretty good. We all ordered fish for lunch, the Mahi and it was fine. For the $$ it was nothing to return to, but the location makes the place a decent bet in a tourist trap section of Kailua.
(3)
Allison G.
This is the spot to get loaded up in the afternoon!!! I was blessed today to sink into the sand in my chair. Scarf down a really decent Ruben with mac salad and sip down two knock your butt Tootie Fruitie $8 drinks. Ideal afternoon delight with out the tourist buzzing around. I am telling you with the island being a ghost town. It was awesome to not have to worry about parking or finding a decent table here. A+!!! Cute friendly waitress made the relaxing moment more so. Not a fan of way over priced Huggo's, but I will hang on the rocks anytime.
(3)
Robyn d L.
What makes Huggo's a great place is the atmosphere and location. It's located right at the water's edge, and if you don't mind walking over rocks, you can go down to the beach. It's a perfect place to watch the sunset. If you're on vacation, this is a wonderful place to catch a tropical breeze and experience the subtle beauty of Hawaii. The food at Huggo's is pretty good too. But the only dish that was truly memorable was the macadamia nut pie, made special by the pie lady.
(4)
Marie E.
LOVE this place! Great place to dine by the ocean. Great live music. My kids have always been treated very well.
(5)
Pamela S.
This is a great casual place with wonderful, friendly service. Located right on the ocean, this outdoor, sandy-floored restaurant is the place to go for lunch, so wear slippers (as the locals put it, aka flip flops) and don't forget your camera. The Mauna Kea burger is awesome and their Reuben is a wonderful second choice.
(4)
Lucija K.
The nachos include cheese whiz... Need I say more? However the Hawaiian guitarist we saw was charming and of course the location location location can hardly be beat. Nevertheless I can now say "been there, done that" and leave it at that.
(2)
Vince V.
We went to go check out another restaurant on a tuesday evening but it was closed so we wound up at Huggos. I already knew about it and seen reviews on yelp so was looking forward to some chicken nachos and drinks, but my girlfriend was hoping for a more formal dining experience so we went to the main restaurant. We had excellent seats near the rail overlooking the water and rocks. Great ambience and dining room. Wine list, eh....ok. Food, eh....ok. Price....uh, yeah, expensive. Had the scallops/shrimp in butter appetizer. The scallops were pretty good, but the shrimp were overcooked. Overall an appetizer than anyone with a skillet, stick of butter, and some store bought seafood could make. I believe I remember getting a salad and I don't remember it being bad, but I also don't really remember what kind it was so maybe it wasn't very good either. The grilled mahi mahi with crab meat on top was okay but must have been sitting in the window too long because it was sort of dry, and the vegetables were cold and the rice wasn't very hot. We did go for a brief walk and then headed down to Huggos on the Rocks, the little bar with live music next door, for some after dinner drinks, etc. The live music was great and the drinks were pretty good and I soon realized that this was the Huggos we should have eaten dinner at. They have appetizers and sandwhiches etc. So overall I would pass on the fancy Huggos and just go down to the bar for a snack and some drinks.
(4)
Gina B.
This was a great place for dinner. Our party ate burgers (which were yummy), and mahi mahi tacos (which were equally good). The rice side was delicious and the views are wonderful. Kicked off our sandals and let our feet rest in the sand while we listened to the great music. Great evening!
(4)
Joey N.
ok i'm going to break this out - ambiance was a 4-5.. great music, sandy beach feeling. food absolutely sucked - well if you are expecting asian tastes.. which is what this place portrays. their kalbi tasted like well bland - which was greatly disappointing. rice was hard so old (2wice) we went back for the music knowing the food was sub par. And the drinks were not good at all... no alchohol or too much. booo
(3)
Richard H.
If you're anywhere on the Kona coast then Huggos is worth the drive. I didn't eat at "On The Rocks" but had an amazing dinner at Huggo's proper. You really can't beat the location, it's nestled just south of "downtown" Kona in a great little cove. If sitting on the patio (and really, most everyone is) you can enjoy an amazing sunset as well as the surf lapping up against the pilings. Cocktails were great, food was great. Go just for the location and ambiance.
(4)
KC N.
Great location right on the beach. Service was ok, not great, not awful; pretty typical island time. Burgers and fries are good. Chicken sandwich wasn't all that... kind of tough and overly sweet teriyaki sauce. Drinks are pretty and tasty, but have a very weak pour on alcohol. BEWARE the up-charge on drinks... on the drink menu, in red print on a yellow background (hard to see since the rest of the menu is in black print) that there is a 50 cent premium charge on every drink after the live music starts at 8 p.m.! Not a huge deal money-wise, but it chaps me that it is definitely meant to be easily overlooked (we call that a "drunken sunburn charge" in the resort industry). Waitress was more than a bit put out that we didn't notice it and questioned her about the difference in drink prices. She gave a little sniff about "it's clearly written on the menu" (and we weren't being impolite, we thought it was a simple mistake in pricing at the time). Other than that, she was friendly, but not very visible (again, this place definitely runs on island time, so kick back and enjoy the view). Music was fun; sand in your toes and waves next to you is great. Go for the music, dancing, fun and atmosphere, but definitely not for the food, drinks or service.
(2)
David S.
Huggo's is a really nice place. They have an expansive bar, and pretty much all the seating is on the water. However, it is a little pricey, even by Hawai'i standards (of course, you should be bringing some money, after all it is Hawai'i). The food is really good. Beware of the parking situation--it's a little sketchy.
(4)
cindy c.
what a great spot to end an early day! i went to huggo's on the rocks saturday night after a looong hike to captain cook and had a wonderful time. it's right on the water and has a great view of the sunset! they get pretty busy and the service, although friendly and nice, is a little slow, but with the view and the great music, who cares?! i highly recommend the polynesian passion and the awesome nachos to share!
(5)
Shannon C.
Absolutely wonderful experience. Great place to watch sunset while enjoying drinks and appetizers. The fish tacos ate $3 during happy hour (until 6) and they are the BEST fish tacos. Spicy, fresh and cooked to perfection. Mai-Tai's for $4, plus lots of other fun $4 drinks. Skip the Nachos ("mini" ones anyways - huge but gas station type cheese).
(5)
Michal E.
You don't go for the food, you go for the drinks and the oceanside experience. A great place for a big group, dancing is a must after you have had a few drinks in you!
(3)
Wendy S.
Kalua tostada and the haupia cake - drool! And you MUST have a mai tai...
(4)
Salma S.
Prepare to get sandy feet - ocean type feel. Great view. The Ahi burger was awesome!! The waitress was great and accomodating! Food was affordable and not crazy expensive. It is a great place to dine!
(4)
John S.
This is the only restaurant on the Big Island that sit right on the water. Come for the sunset. Food is outstanding and service is very entertaining. Ask for Island Johnny as your waiter, this guy is worth the show. One of my favorites on the Big Island.
(5)
Kona Boy P.
location ,location , location. you can not be any closer to the ocean. good food . a little pricey some of the wait staff is great others seem to ask you for a tip befor you order. but that happens any where. Sun set is great but evening on a moon less night you can watch the manta rays play. "on the ROCK'S " the outside bar. there is a girl group that is a semi regular. that a+++ did I mention you are on the beach. p.s. eat the fresh fish.
(3)
David W.
Stopped for lunch to grab something light. Good service. Food was good and well presented. The location is excellent; right on the water with a nice view of the town. Parking is tricky. Not too much problem at lunch, but evenings are another matter. Did not try dinner; we ate at their restaurant next door. Would definitely return for a nice leisurely lunch or even for dinner.
(3)
Kate C.
Perfect place for our first vacation meal. Right on the water, sand to sink your toes into and delicious food. The kailua pork tacos were delicious!
(4)
Karen M.
My husband and I love to go here! The music at night is fabulous and you can't beat the sunsets. I love the casual feel of the sand on my feet The MaunaKea burger is amazing!! I would give this place 5 stars if they served fries with the meals, or if they even had fish and chips.
(4)
Kathy S.
First night in Kona. There was a band playing oldies, Elvis, Beatles and of course they had me there! Great drinks, Oceanside table, dancing and fish dinner. It was all good.
(5)
Jules S.
Great food and cold drinks on the water. Watching the sun set and relaxing after a fun day in Kona! One of my favorite spots to visit each time I am here!
(5)
M P.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!!!!!!! And its awesome when the food is great too! This place is right on the water. You can put your feet in the sand. Nice casual menu, I had the beef sliders with homemade volcano chips. Sliders had 1000 island, fried onion string, cheddar, on a nice roll. Everyhing was grand. The waitress was attentive and nice. Very nice ambiance!!
(5)
Angela A.
Food was just "ok". Granted it was damp & a bit drizzly, but food was soggy and lacked taste. We had a group of 6, waitress forgot one persons drink order and screwed up someone else's food order. Never checked on the group for refills or how they liked their meal. Overrated experience.
(2)
Susan W.
Went here while on vacation to take in the sunset & some live music, dancing, food & drinks. It is "seat yourself" which is uncomfortable. We lucked uopn a couple leaving & were able to grab their table. Sitting in the sand might seem cool but it is actually hard to get up & your chair sinks. The food was not very good. The sell here is the location. I had a salad with shrimp. The shrimp were good the salad was a salad. Hubby got the fish tacos. Probably the saddest fish tacos ever. Did not like eating out of the plastic steamer bowl. I would go again just for a drink & to listen to music & watch the sunset.
(3)
John J.
Food is decent. However I think they are betting in location and setting on the water. $10 for a slice of pie....small slice of pie at that...plus, wait staff is ehhh, less than entertaining.
(2)
Gene H.
Service was appalling. Literally a full fly in my wife's drink, wings and all!! Brought it to their attention and barely a sorry. Lots of other places with a view to go. We suggest the bar at Royal Kona.
(1)
Julie M.
We have been there the past two nights for dinner and we may go back tonight. It's a cool atmosphere with great live music. Get the fish tacos or the crunchy beef tacos, or one of each! Also the sweet potato fries are a must! Enjoy!!
(5)
Dave B.
Used to love this place, but prices for Mai Tai's are way up and the liquor level is waaaay down. Need to find a new Happy Hour spot!
(3)
Jason A.
This was our favourite place to visit during our trip to Kona. We went to a happy hour maybe 5 of the 7 nights we stayed in Kona due to the great atmosphere and really nice servers. The happy hour drinks are not quite as big as bongo ben's but it was okay as they never got to hot before you finished them. The sliders and fish tacos for happy hour are really good and if you are like us then the heat doesn't really make you that hungry and 2 fish tacos and a slider was all I needed and it came to $9.00. Would come back again in the future for sure.
(5)
Michael P.
This was our favorite restaurant/bar in Kona. It became our go-to place. On our first day, Hannah, our server, demonstrated what the aloha spirit is all about. Her service, along with what I consider to be the best food in "downtown" Kona, with solid drinks to boot, made us instant fans. This is also right on the rocky beach (not across the street like many of the other restaurants in the area). So the environment is excellent. Note: We felt the fish was a little overcooked the first time we ate here. From then on we ordered medium-rare and it came out much better. Looking forward to our return.
(5)
Justin K.
Crappy menu from the 90's. Horrible outdated drink selection, the smell of stale beer wafts from behind the bar overpowering the ocean air. Fyi: this is NOT Huggo's. This is the outdoor bar. All the 4 & 5 star reviews you see here are from idiots that went to the restaurant and don't know the difference. The bartender doesn't know the difference between a real Mai Tai and a Hawaiian tourist one. He couldn't even answer the question, just poured me a taste of the mix. I'll admit it's nice to be on the water, nice view, music, partying and all... But what a waste of a great space.
(2)
Jessica H.
We came at around 8 pm on Friday night. The wait was estimated at about 40 minutes, but I think we only waited around 20. We decided to get drinks at the bar while we waited and the signature Mai tai was strong and delicious. Bartenders were friendly. Once seated, we had a great view of the ocean. All of us got burgers. I had the ahi burger (it's not a steak, it's ahi meat ground into a patty) and it was delicious and nice and juicy. Our server Tyler was very attentive even though he was pretty busy. I have no complaints whatsoever and hope to be back again!
(5)
Scott A.
Good music and a nice overlook
(4)
Kat S.
Yummy food, good drinks. Feet in the sand while you eat, watch the sunset and listen to music... What more could you ask for? Prices overall are average compared to other places on Alie drive. Food and service was good.
(5)
Jenna C.
Came in here and danced on the sand barefoot in dresses to a good cover band. So much fun!
(4)
Sara N.
We had tried the fish (catch of the day) which was highly recommended by the server, the beef tacos and beef fried rice. All were okay, pretty average. Service was fast and ambience was nice- being right by the beach the view of waves crashing in was nice. We got in right before kitchen closed at 10pm so we were lucky!
(3)
Suzanne H.
Best view for sunset dinner, live music. Waitress kind of ditzy and trying to rush us out. Food was ok.
(3)
Maria N.
Good view and good entertainment but the food is bad and overpriced. We have been here different 3 times so we are not basing this review on one bad meal, each time we left more disappointed than the last. We really love the environment and that's solely the reason we have been back a 2nd and 3rd time. Also, having been to a majority of the restaurants and bars on the island, the service here is also mediocre. We came at lunch, sat at the bar, and the bartender spent 90% of his time stocking. It is Thursday, at noon, why wouldn't the bar be stocked prior to opening so the bartender can focus on serving the paying customers? Strange. I can live with OK food, I can't live with poor service.
(2)
Jonathan R.
What a great place!!! Reasonable Drinks done well. Excellent Food Done Extremely Well. Fun entertainment including live music and a Hula Dancer. Barefoot in the sand on the water....what more can you ask for? Fried Rice with Marinated Steak is a must try! Korean Short Ribs were excellent....pupu platter was enough for 4 people....at $26 a bargain. Definitely worth the trip from the Kohala Coast.
(4)
Chris C.
It has a really cool atmosphere, the floor is sand, it overlooks the water and has live music. However the food was below average. I had the tacos which tasted like they had no seasoning. It was just meat and sour cream. Fish tacos with potato salad was also not good. After we were seated it took 20 minutes before anyone came to greet/serve/bring water to us. We almost walked out because of it. Our server was good once she arrived, I will give her that. I would not eat here again.
(3)
Marcy D.
They are only getting one star as I can't rate it any lower. All I can say was the beer was cold and served out of a plastic cup for $6.50! Cleanliness at the bar was a big issue for me. If you're looking for ambiance equivalent to a college party this would be the place for you!
(1)
Angie A.
My kids and I ate here at sunset. What a gorgeous view. Seriously. Big laurels to them for getting us a great table on a busy Sunday night without much advance notice. My son had the guava ribs, which he loved. My daughter had the bbq chicken kids meal, which was a bit overcharred on the outside which detracted from the flavor. I had a two lobster tail dinner, and that was pretty delicious. I had the big mai tai which was alright, not out of this world, and I felt things were a bit overpriced. But the service was awesome, so was the view, and most of the food was great. We'd go back.
(4)
Suzanne N.
Absolute worst service we have had in all of our many trips to the islands! The reviews were always good, so thought we would give it a shot. We got seated immediately, however, didn't receive waters or any acknowledgement by the many passing waiters/waitresses. We had to finally ask for one. She took our orders then we never saw her again. The kitchen staff brought the food out. We didn't have any silverware or napkins. Sat for awhile and had to ask the hostess for silverware. The food was bland, unseasoned and very underwhelming. Had the fish tacos and paddler burger. Simple things we couldn't imagine could be messed up! Then sat for another 15 minutes after finishing and tried to get our waitress and she just passed us on numerous occasions even as we rose our hands smiling. Funnily grabbed her and gave. Her our card immediately. We will never return!!
(1)
Teri W.
Amazing views, our server was attentive and knowledgable about food and recommendations. Sizzling garlic shrimp is tasty starter. Pear lychee martini is delicious! Reasonable wine list prices. Much less than our resort. Cioppino was the best! Cut lobster with a spoon. Their signature teriyaki steak was very good. Will come back here for sure.
(4)
Chris G.
Can't beat the view. Drinks and food are fairly average. Avoid the greasy pork nachos. If you want a Mai Tai in a sandy beach setting, this is your place. There is parking just up the road near a beach sports shop, if the pedestrians part ways for your car to get through.
(3)
William R.
So good. Food and music on point tonight. Good people watching. Hippie chick up front was really getting her grove thing on about 1 foot from the band. Good people watching! Korean Ribs, Paddler Burger, Pork Sandwich, and Caesar salad for us.
(5)
Tuong N.
Nice fun place for drinks and people watching only, my Burger was dried and hard, fruit bowl side order came out in a tiny cup normally used for ketchup in McDonald, very disappointing. The ocean view is awesome.
(3)
Cynthia C.
This should be the first place to stop if not just to jump start your Hawaiian experience. Great Fish tacos, a great fruity drink with an umbrelli in it....with feet in the sand. Who needs more?
(5)
Liz V.
The look & vibe is cool but the food was not good at all the chips were stale the kona fish tacos weren't good very plain taste
(1)
Janice I.
4 stars for location by the water and the live performer, 1 star for the food. I rounded up to a 3 for the performer. Did the HH, ordered a couple of sliders and fish tacos with the mind of possibly ordering an entree after for dinner. Slider was dry and hard and super salty.. basically the worst slider I've ever had. I can do so much better at home, and I'm not much of a cook at all! The fish in the taco was decent, but the taco was hard and chewy at the same time? I'd recommend going there for a beer or two, if watching the sunset and a live music performance is your thing. It's worth the $5-10 for that. I wouldn't do the food.
(3)
Kim S.
We only waited 10 min for a table. The table was not clean when she took us to it. The fish tacos were pretty good. Our party enjoyed the atmosphere and our server was good and the music was good. Good was alright being next to the ocean made it better.
(3)
Catherine W.
This place is right downtown on the water. You can listen to bad bands do covers. Haha I mean, it's not baaaaad. But, let's face it. They're no BACKSTREET BOYS. Nawmsayin?? Ok, seriously though. This place is cool and chill if you want to just grab a drink or 2 or 10 and chat with your buds or love. Hang out, relax. It's packed sometimes. It's just that it's alllllllll tourists and you can tell. So if you want some place to go to where there are less people wearing Hawaiian shirts you'll have to yelp another spot. Their Hula Pie dessert is the shit though. Get on that. Ice cream covered in fudge and nuts in the shape of an enormous slice of pie, more like a mountain pie. That's wussup.
(3)
Jasper S.
Great food, good drinks, fantastic place to catch the sunset, toes in the sand, cool music, and amazing service. Seriously, our waiter (Tyler) is quite possibly the best waiter we've had anywhere - on or off the island. You can't go wrong here. On our last day on the Big Island (8/26/2014) I was fiending for some fish tacos. We chose Huggos On The Rocks (OTR) for our last meal. Just know there are two restaurants right next to each other - Huggo's (which is their fine dining area and does take reservations) and Huggo's OTR (which is their casual area and does not take reservations). From this point forward I'll just say "Huggo's" when I mean Huggo's OTR. We walked in around 6pm hoping to get a good spot to enjoy the sunset and we were not disappointed. Near the bar area they have several tables sitting in sand. You can sit down, kick off your sandals, and put your toes in the sand. The drink and food prices were all very reasonable - and quite a lot less than the resort where we were staying. I had a Mai Tai (very good) and fish tacos. The fish tacos were everything I was hoping for in a fish taco. However, the standout service from Tyler is what really put the evening over the top for us. My wife is pregnant and can't eat certain fish (no raw fish, no fish that isn't cooked all the way through, and certain fish not at all). Tyler asked us for our list of fish that she couldn't eat - and he knew exactly why certain fish were on that list. From there, he suggested several different fish (and certain cuts of those fish) that they might have up at the adjacent Huggo's restaurant. Although none of this was on the menu and we certainly didn't expect our waiter to be so knowledgeable, he totally came through for us. Throughout the evening a band played some songs of their own and other cool jazzy songs with a Hawaiian twist. They did a great job of keeping everyone entertained. When they took a break a dance troupe from a local hula school performed some traditional dances. My only regret is not having tried Huggo's On The Rocks our first night on the island, rather than our last night.
(5)
Bee J.
The perfect location. Toes in the sand and a drink in your hand. The Mai Tai is huge and awesome! The Mac Nut martini is tasty too. Burgers are cooked to perfection and the ahi salad is a delight. Service both times was on point.
(4)
Rain Greg J.
What a great location! Drinks are responsibly priced, and even better during happy hour! I was part of a group of four, we all enjoyed the dinner. I tried a bite of the Korean tacos, very good! I had the vegan panini delicious! My husband had the turkey panini, very good. Music was great! I gave it four stars because we had to ask for more drinks, which took so long we had to remind them that we ordered them. We will still be back.
(4)
Camille H.
If you're not ordering alcohol, don't worry about ordering food either. We waited 25 minutes for our server to stop & take our order. Even though she passed our table several times with trays of drinks, no time to for us. Too bad, we are excellent tippers!
(1)
carol b.
Great casual breakfast. Eat with a wonderful view of the water and your feet in soft sand. My veggie omelette wrap was luscious and came with a fresh fruit salad.
(4)
Leslie B.
Excellent location, great food and good service. We agreed the onion rings were the best we've had. Also enjoyed the beef short ribs and Korean beef tacos. The sliders were good, as well.
(5)
S K.
Came to have dinner and hear Brian Vasquez perform.. Setting is beautiful right on ocean. Food was reasonably priced. I had fish and it was well prepared and very good. Brian Vasquez is talented and entertaining. Our whole party enjoyed the dinner and the evening very much.
(5)
Diane B.
The management is trying to adress my concerns and I am hopeful that the next time I visit they will have their MacNut Martini available. I was assured it is not being removed from the menu. :) If you havent had one you are really missing out!
(3)
Do Y.
We stopped here on 4/17 after the lack of service at Lava Java just across the street. I ordered an ahi burger and the wife ordered soup and salad. Soup of day was cheddar potato with bacon soup. My ahi burger was delicious, and I'd go out of my way to stop by to have it again. It's the best fish sandwich I've ever had. The food gets four stars, but the service is definitely lacking, which brings it down to three.
(3)
RW A.
Expensive. Drinks weak. My dining partner and I ordered a drink a piece. Mine came out and server informed my dining partner they were out of his. By the time his second choice finally arrived, I was finished. Nothing was said, no apology or anything. This was a good 15 minutes between my drink being dropped off and his second one arriving. Also, we wanted something light to snack on. Ordered some "homemade chips". Stale, old, out of the bag and $4.50. Avoid this place. Only redeeming thing is location.
(1)
Bob G.
Happy Hour was a super value. Excellent Mai Tai for 5 bucks and having your feet in the sand is a bonus. Nice service too, very friendly. We will definitely do that spot again.
(4)
Tony A.
Do not mistake this for Huggo's Restaurant. This restaurant is next door. I have to say, the view is fantastic! Literally right on the ocean. You smell the ocean scent and feel the breeze pass through in spite of the humidity. We read the reviews and thought we would try this place out. We decided to try it for breakfast and let me say that aside for the views, this place was a MISS for us. The food and the service....lacking. I had the American omelet which was microwaved. My partner had the lox and bagel. You picked your own bagel, you sliced it and toasted it yourself. They brought us our food on paper plates. I got a cup of coffee that was luke warm. We had to get our own water. The lady that brought our food seemed annoyed that we asked her to wipe down our table. To top it off, they ask that you bus your own table. Come on, I'm on vacation. I don't want to clean my table before I eat and then bus my table after it. I certainly didn't want to toast my bagel and refill my own water. This is not what I expected! What got me is they expected a tip. I understand the spirit of Ohana but that's pushing the concept. The American omelet (which came with bagel, cream cheese and 'tropical fruit" which was really just a slice of papaya with 2 grapes), the bagel and lox (which came with cream cheese and a slice of papaya with 2 grapes), and a large coffee: $30.45. Come on. We had lunch at Lava Java down the street with the same great views with a burger, a sandwich and two ice teas for less than $30. Here's a tip: for the amount of money they charged, go to Lava Java or some other restaurant on Ali'i Drive. They all have great ocean views and provide great food with the service you would expect and are more likely less expensive.
(2)
Victoria T.
Poor service waitress couldnt even get our main entree correct dont order the poke tower or the guava ribs unlesd u like to eat burnt chips and over cooked ribs. Drinks are watered down with too much cream. Only the sauces tasted good.
(1)
Sarah B.
Huggo's is tasty and entertaining option, right on the beach. The view is fantastic, and there is live music nearly every day! The service is good, and very receptive to food allergies (gluten-free and vegan options already listed on the menu!) Their drinks are fantastic, and even the locals make a point to come here! I loved their quesadillas as our pupu, and then the sliders and fries for dinner. It was all totally fantastic! This joint is great for friends and family, and parties of any size!
(5)
Pierson L.
Seeing the four star rating on here, my wife and I were excited to enjoy some food and live music with a beach feel. When we show up, we are told seating was about 30-45 minutes but we could find seating in the bar and get food there. We found a covered seat in the bar and enjoyed the music, planning on ordering dinner there. We sat there for a good 10-15 minutes (4-5 songs sung by the musicians) and were not able to get any service. My wife put our names back on the list for a regular table and we continued to wait. During our wait 2 more groups sat by U.S. And also waited. We also heard 2 couples tell the hostess that they were going to go and turn in their pagers. After another 10 minutes or so, a waiter comes over and apologizes and takes our order and those of the three tables around us. He was very helpful and seemed like he knew we had waited a while so he took our order. About 5 minutes after we order our pager goes off and so does the pager of the group behind us. My wife finds out that our table would be right by the beach and the live music so we choose to move. The manager comes over and tells us we need to close out our tab to move, even though the group behind us got their tab transferred to their new table. The manager had been just walking around all night and didn't seem to be helping his crew out. We said ok and paid our tab and then moved our own drinks over to our table. We were greeted soon by our new server and told him what was going on with our food. About 15 minutes later we get our food and I look around to try and get another drink. I finally get the attention of our waiter and it takes him 10-15 minutes to bring me a beer. I noticed later all the reviews on yelp commenting on bad service. These seem to be the experience we received and the food was average. The two stars are for the location and the live music which we enjoyed.
(2)
Sanford J.
One of the best places in old town Kona. You can't beat the location, it's on the water. Great entertainment while you eat. We had Hula dancing, and live guitar. The hamburgers are made from Angus Beef, and so are very flavorful.
(5)
Liz O.
What a memory this place left us with! OTR locked a good location down for travelers, nestled on the rocks of the coast (who would have thought?!). What I wasn't expecting was phenomenal food, incredible libations served by a personable bartender (thanks Dylan!), live music by two soulful guys, and just overall good vibrations. Had the cajun-seared ahi at Dylan's request, along with the blue-cheese burger that was an instant hit according to my tastebuds.
(5)
Audrey R.
Such a great place to drink a cold cocktail with your feet in the sand. Fish tacos, shrimp wraps a must! A cool vibe, live music all around perfect Hawaiian vaycay! Our sever Hanna was so sweet! Lots of great reconditions, super cool chick!
(5)
Cassy R.
Nice outdoor, sandy floor bar, and such a great spot to watch the sunset! The cocktails were amazing, especially The Chee-Hoo Tini with Lychee, and the Pineapple Mojito...Didn't love the food though, so I would suggest Huggo's Restaurant next door for dinner, but if you're looking for just a sunset cocktail, On The Rocks is your place!
(4)
Tori B.
Really enjoyed an impromptu dinner at Huggos on the Rocks during a recent trip to the Big Island. We actually had book a reservation at another restaurant, but after scoping out the view from Huggos, we decided to give it a try instead of the other place (with no view). Sitting on the sand offered some challenges at six months pregnant, but it was a fun experience non-the-less. We found the service to be attentive and helpful... all that you could ask for. The food was good. The Hubs and I shared the pork nachos, which were great, and a fish plate. The fish was just ok... nothing great there, but the nachos were fabulous. We had some drinks (virgin for me) and I really enjoyed mine, as did the Hubs. The best part of all was the Kona Coffee Cheesecake. I'm still dreaming of this baby. It was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I want a piece now. In addition to the good view, we witnessed the most beautiful sunset of our entire stay on the island. It was gorgeous and completed the meal perfectly. The restaurant also had live music and a Hula Dancer, which was an even better touch. Highly recommend Huggos on the Rocks to anyone in the area - get the cheesecake!
(4)
Jennifer R.
Definitely a spot to mark off when you're at the big island! My bf and I walked in to grab some drinks and some pupu. There was a live cover band that was awesome!! They covered songs with a Hawaiian twist and it was done so well. It was great because it was an outdoor patio feel with a beautiful ocean front and sunset. There is sand on the patio so you can take off your flip flops and sink your toes into the sand. We ordered a pupu platter with Asian lettuce wraps, quesadillas, poke, and bbq. The wraps were light yet satisfying with the perfect amount of sauce and my bf said they were generous with meat in the quesadillas! The poke had just the right amount of shoyu sauce and it didn't mix with bbq, everything was great on that platter, definitely recommended! So delish! Loved spending some time here watching the sunset.
(5)
Sergei N.
I hate to write this but the food was basic bar food. I ordered a burger and it was very plain. For a grass fed, local beef I expected so much more. Their home made potato chips were pretty flavorless. Someone in our party ordered fish tacos and thought they were good. On the upside, the live music and the view totally fix all the food issues. You can get tables closer to the beach and eat with your feet in the sand. The parking seemed limited so I would try to walk here if at all possible. Personally I wouldn't come back here. It just seemed like generic food with a different name on the front of the building.
(3)
Heather R.
This place is a perfect big island spot. Drinks were great. Food was good. Music was great. Service was great and really friendly. Awesome place to relax enjoy a beer or a cocktail and listen to the music and the waves. We will be back in our next trip.
(4)
Jin M.
MEH. All right, so the setting is super cool. The restaurant floor is SAND. All of it! It's like you're eating on the beach. Cool, right? If only the food was just as awesome. I ordered the fish tacos, which came in corn tortilla... I wish there were choices! Flour tortilla is so much better. The fish was ok, the seasoning was bland, mac salad was average. But, my friend ordered the Ahi burger, which was super delish! So definitely order that instead. My other friend ordered this BBQ pork dish which was a bit disappointing. It's super crowded, especially on weekends and holidays since it's located right in the touristy neighborhood so be prepared for the long wait & slow service. On the plus side- there's live music and sometimes hula dancing!
(3)
Britt B.
Excellent choice for lunch on the beach in Kona! Order the Ahi Burger for $12.95. It's not a filet of fish, but rather ground tuna pressed into a patty after they add whatever magic they do. Simply served on warm and fresh Focaccia with aioli, tomato, white onion and lettuce with your choice of side. I had a very nice green salad with shredded carrot, beets, cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Outstanding meal all the way around. Great view. Great, friendly staff. Clean highchairs for your Keiki.
(5)
Laura C.
1st night in Kailua and we were pretty pooped! On The Rocks was only a few steps away from our condo. Seemed to have lots of seating but we chose to dine at the bar. Very friendly bartender and nice live music. I opted for the fish tacos. Standard, didn't wow me. Loved the potato-mac salad tho! Hubby had the Wanna Manapua buger. Don't even hesitate about ordering this one! Pork and grass-fed beef patty, baked bao bun and asian pickles. Unique and perfectly balanced. Our beers were flat. Minus 1 star!
(3)
Mindi N.
Fantastic. Thank you Woody for an awesome dinner. Acknowledging our anniversary was so special. Terrific food (abalone) and service. Can't wait to come back!!!
(5)
Mousa H.
Great little spot within walking distance of our hotel... The service was great, Dylan behind the bar was phenomenal with suggestions and mixing of drinks... the live music during the sunset was incredible... TV's were in a good spot and bar was a great place to meet and talk to other folks which is always a plus... The Cajun seared Ahi was delicious and wasn't something I would have picked normally (Thanks, Dylan!)... the burger was good, but over done for a medium... The board listing the beers was a little out of date as they no longer serve Longboard products but they were listed... Overall a great spot if you're on vacation in Kona!
(4)
Grace E.
If there is one place I miss in Hawaii, it is sipping a drink at this little gem. My friend who lives in Kona brought me here and I fell in love with everything about it. Everything from the drinks, the scenery, the environment, the service, is perfect. Feeling the sand in between your toes while sipping on an icy drink, nothing can beat that. Definitely a place to wine down at the end of the day.
(5)
Christine K.
I really want to like it,but i cant. Totally saw this place on yelp, and also drove by. Wanted to give it a shot so i stopped by. of course, in the evenings, its packed. i get that. front person told us that it would be 15 minute wait, with one of the buzzers. so we waited at the bar, hoping to get a drink, 10 minute passes by, impossible to order drinks. seats opened up, so we walk over, but the bartender says its reserved and reserves it for their friends. (who wasnt there to take the seats right away). another 15 minutes passes by, still no one takes our drink orders. at a corner of my eyes, i see all these other people who came in after us, being seated right away, while we were still waiting at the bar for the past 30 minutes. total of 45 minutes, no table, no one takes the drink orders. left the place immediately after that. honestly, i really wanted to like this place with all the reviews and such, but i cant. it was honestly one of the most horrible experience ever.
(1)
Donna S.
Locals sent us here for bar snacks with a great view. It sits right on the lapping water. The floor is half cement and sand Great sliders. Cheapest drinks we have had in the area all week
(3)
Josh K.
The location can't compete with anywhere else. You sit in tables placed in the sand where you overlook the bay and have the opportunity to bask in the regular "wow" sunsets. The food was outstanding. The burger was real tasty, their potato and Mac salad was great, the Korean bbq ribs were rich and the coconut shrimp was my personal favorite. Save room for the Mauna Kea ice cream - soooo good!!! Good for 6 people. And our waiter was so sweet. She was extremely personable and lovely. And we loved our entertainment. The singer was absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend making this stop for dinner one night.
(5)
Benjie K.
Horrible service! Actually beyond horrible. I asked politely 5 times over 45 minutes for a glass of water to drink between the 3 beers I had. Never got any water. They were not slammed when I was there. Just horrible service. No excuse for this in my opinion.
(1)
John M.
The service killed the experience. We were here for almost 2 hours total. The wait after ordering the food to the point of receiving the food was a solid hour. We asked the hostess if this was normal and she said yes. The food was cold even though we were literally 5 feet from the kitchen. We've had some good food and good service in Kona, but this definitely was not where we got it.
(1)
Donald A.
Great location friendly staff and amazing view. Tables are in the sand so wear flip flops sandals or slippers for best experience.
(4)
Ron W.
Great food, good service and a great location. Poke wrap was excellent. Wife did not like the reuben but the burger two days later was great.
(4)
Will C.
Visited on a lark because we got the Sheraton Luau date wrong. Awesome mistake on our part...Huggos is the bomb! Live music, Hula lessons, nice people, good drinks, etc. great cap to my week long vacation! Go there! Talk to the Dude who runs the show there, Nakies Constantinou, he was really friendly and cool, making sure our experience was superior. Photos of food and drinks don't do much for me. It's all about the reality of the atmosphere, service, eating and drinking to render the experience, and reviews. Take pleasure in Hawaii and make sure you visit Huggos when you are in Kona.
(4)
Tracy R.
Food was good and the view is amazing! Loved sitting in the sand and watching the sun set while enjoying dinner. I had the fish tacos which were a little spicy and hubby had the ahi tuna burger which was more like a crab cake burger.
(4)
Linda D.
Waterside is what this place is about. Maybe the 5,00 Hawaiian rainbows at happy hour too. Food was average and entertainment terrible tonight.
(3)
Chuck D.
This is first one star I've ever given a eatery. Poor service, food was cold, tasteless and the drinks were just watered down hype. The only place I would never return too while in Kona. Many other places locally to find better food and better service. Enjoy the sunset somewhere else and save your stomach and wallet. Applebees with a view...pass
(1)
Millard Z.
Another fantastic place in Kona. Kona is really a great little town and if you are staying towards Waikola it would be a mistake to blow off this town while you're here. We went for lunch and the fish tacos and Korean BBQ steak platter are both great options while sitting in the sand watching the turtles. Like mostly all, this is a very casual place and perfect for lunch or sunset dining with friends. The prices are very good, the drinks are good and the service is very good as well. We just thought, why not go again before we hit the airport? Mahalo...
(4)
Lissa W.
Service was a little slow at first but once you get that first drink in the party is on! The Chee-Hoo Tini is wonderful x3 hehehe! They have sand near the wall of the water so after dinner we let the kids play for a little. Between 4 people we shared one of the appetizers and it was more than enough. I did read the that service was slow or she had another place that be. But she was wonderful and we talk a lot since we are from Texas. I highly recommend this place! I did notice drinks go up after a certain time.
(4)
Janet O.
Breakfast cooked college style in a microwave (Like eggs and bacon) Went back for for dinner and sat by the water. There was a band and a singer/dancer. Funny thing: Seated next to us by the water was a mother/daughter roach :( FYI the place looks prettier at night than during the day. Save your day for hiking and come here for somewhat a romantic night if you're a couple of lovebirds. Lastly, this is a good place to get wasted at night. there is a bar and it looks inviting :)
(3)
Paula G.
If you want to feel like you're In the mainland come to Huggos on the rocks. Asked about the menu, owner couldn't be bothered and answered In a rude condescending way. Skip this spot. Menu looked mediocre. We walked right out after we felt disrespected. Not a good idea to be hostile towards tourists visiting your restaurant.
(1)
Jeff W.
Funky bar on the water in Kona. No problems getting seated on a Wednesday afternoon. Fish tacos and pork nachos were great. Drinks were tropical and fruity as should be. Highly recommended.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Live Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Anna D.
Nice bartender.. She thought I was under 21! That's a nice compliment if I didn't say so myself. The bartender recommended the lilikoi and coconut mojito. Im grateful she was trustworthy. It was absolutely delicious. Not too sweet and just a perfect amount of fruitiness. They close their kitchen early so if you're looking for food you might want to order it early on in the night.
(5)Pierson L.
Seeing the four star rating on here, my wife and I were excited to enjoy some food and live music with a beach feel. When we show up, we are told seating was about 30-45 minutes but we could find seating in the bar and get food there. We found a covered seat in the bar and enjoyed the music, planning on ordering dinner there. We sat there for a good 10-15 minutes (4-5 songs sung by the musicians) and were not able to get any service. My wife put our names back on the list for a regular table and we continued to wait. During our wait 2 more groups sat by U.S. And also waited. We also heard 2 couples tell the hostess that they were going to go and turn in their pagers. After another 10 minutes or so, a waiter comes over and apologizes and takes our order and those of the three tables around us. He was very helpful and seemed like he knew we had waited a while so he took our order. About 5 minutes after we order our pager goes off and so does the pager of the group behind us. My wife finds out that our table would be right by the beach and the live music so we choose to move. The manager comes over and tells us we need to close out our tab to move, even though the group behind us got their tab transferred to their new table. The manager had been just walking around all night and didn't seem to be helping his crew out. We said ok and paid our tab and then moved our own drinks over to our table. We were greeted soon by our new server and told him what was going on with our food. About 15 minutes later we get our food and I look around to try and get another drink. I finally get the attention of our waiter and it takes him 10-15 minutes to bring me a beer. I noticed later all the reviews on yelp commenting on bad service. These seem to be the experience we received and the food was average. The two stars are for the location and the live music which we enjoyed.
(2)Sanford J.
One of the best places in old town Kona. You can't beat the location, it's on the water. Great entertainment while you eat. We had Hula dancing, and live guitar. The hamburgers are made from Angus Beef, and so are very flavorful.
(5)Liz O.
What a memory this place left us with! OTR locked a good location down for travelers, nestled on the rocks of the coast (who would have thought?!). What I wasn't expecting was phenomenal food, incredible libations served by a personable bartender (thanks Dylan!), live music by two soulful guys, and just overall good vibrations. Had the cajun-seared ahi at Dylan's request, along with the blue-cheese burger that was an instant hit according to my tastebuds.
(5)Tori B.
Really enjoyed an impromptu dinner at Huggos on the Rocks during a recent trip to the Big Island. We actually had book a reservation at another restaurant, but after scoping out the view from Huggos, we decided to give it a try instead of the other place (with no view). Sitting on the sand offered some challenges at six months pregnant, but it was a fun experience non-the-less. We found the service to be attentive and helpful... all that you could ask for. The food was good. The Hubs and I shared the pork nachos, which were great, and a fish plate. The fish was just ok... nothing great there, but the nachos were fabulous. We had some drinks (virgin for me) and I really enjoyed mine, as did the Hubs. The best part of all was the Kona Coffee Cheesecake. I'm still dreaming of this baby. It was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I want a piece now. In addition to the good view, we witnessed the most beautiful sunset of our entire stay on the island. It was gorgeous and completed the meal perfectly. The restaurant also had live music and a Hula Dancer, which was an even better touch. Highly recommend Huggos on the Rocks to anyone in the area - get the cheesecake!
(4)Jennifer R.
Definitely a spot to mark off when you're at the big island! My bf and I walked in to grab some drinks and some pupu. There was a live cover band that was awesome!! They covered songs with a Hawaiian twist and it was done so well. It was great because it was an outdoor patio feel with a beautiful ocean front and sunset. There is sand on the patio so you can take off your flip flops and sink your toes into the sand. We ordered a pupu platter with Asian lettuce wraps, quesadillas, poke, and bbq. The wraps were light yet satisfying with the perfect amount of sauce and my bf said they were generous with meat in the quesadillas! The poke had just the right amount of shoyu sauce and it didn't mix with bbq, everything was great on that platter, definitely recommended! So delish! Loved spending some time here watching the sunset.
(5)Sergei N.
I hate to write this but the food was basic bar food. I ordered a burger and it was very plain. For a grass fed, local beef I expected so much more. Their home made potato chips were pretty flavorless. Someone in our party ordered fish tacos and thought they were good. On the upside, the live music and the view totally fix all the food issues. You can get tables closer to the beach and eat with your feet in the sand. The parking seemed limited so I would try to walk here if at all possible. Personally I wouldn't come back here. It just seemed like generic food with a different name on the front of the building.
(3)Heather R.
This place is a perfect big island spot. Drinks were great. Food was good. Music was great. Service was great and really friendly. Awesome place to relax enjoy a beer or a cocktail and listen to the music and the waves. We will be back in our next trip.
(4)Jin M.
MEH. All right, so the setting is super cool. The restaurant floor is SAND. All of it! It's like you're eating on the beach. Cool, right? If only the food was just as awesome. I ordered the fish tacos, which came in corn tortilla... I wish there were choices! Flour tortilla is so much better. The fish was ok, the seasoning was bland, mac salad was average. But, my friend ordered the Ahi burger, which was super delish! So definitely order that instead. My other friend ordered this BBQ pork dish which was a bit disappointing. It's super crowded, especially on weekends and holidays since it's located right in the touristy neighborhood so be prepared for the long wait & slow service. On the plus side- there's live music and sometimes hula dancing!
(3)Britt B.
Excellent choice for lunch on the beach in Kona! Order the Ahi Burger for $12.95. It's not a filet of fish, but rather ground tuna pressed into a patty after they add whatever magic they do. Simply served on warm and fresh Focaccia with aioli, tomato, white onion and lettuce with your choice of side. I had a very nice green salad with shredded carrot, beets, cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Outstanding meal all the way around. Great view. Great, friendly staff. Clean highchairs for your Keiki.
(5)Laura C.
1st night in Kailua and we were pretty pooped! On The Rocks was only a few steps away from our condo. Seemed to have lots of seating but we chose to dine at the bar. Very friendly bartender and nice live music. I opted for the fish tacos. Standard, didn't wow me. Loved the potato-mac salad tho! Hubby had the Wanna Manapua buger. Don't even hesitate about ordering this one! Pork and grass-fed beef patty, baked bao bun and asian pickles. Unique and perfectly balanced. Our beers were flat. Minus 1 star!
(3)Mindi N.
Fantastic. Thank you Woody for an awesome dinner. Acknowledging our anniversary was so special. Terrific food (abalone) and service. Can't wait to come back!!!
(5)Mousa H.
Great little spot within walking distance of our hotel... The service was great, Dylan behind the bar was phenomenal with suggestions and mixing of drinks... the live music during the sunset was incredible... TV's were in a good spot and bar was a great place to meet and talk to other folks which is always a plus... The Cajun seared Ahi was delicious and wasn't something I would have picked normally (Thanks, Dylan!)... the burger was good, but over done for a medium... The board listing the beers was a little out of date as they no longer serve Longboard products but they were listed... Overall a great spot if you're on vacation in Kona!
(4)Grace E.
If there is one place I miss in Hawaii, it is sipping a drink at this little gem. My friend who lives in Kona brought me here and I fell in love with everything about it. Everything from the drinks, the scenery, the environment, the service, is perfect. Feeling the sand in between your toes while sipping on an icy drink, nothing can beat that. Definitely a place to wine down at the end of the day.
(5)Christine K.
I really want to like it,but i cant. Totally saw this place on yelp, and also drove by. Wanted to give it a shot so i stopped by. of course, in the evenings, its packed. i get that. front person told us that it would be 15 minute wait, with one of the buzzers. so we waited at the bar, hoping to get a drink, 10 minute passes by, impossible to order drinks. seats opened up, so we walk over, but the bartender says its reserved and reserves it for their friends. (who wasnt there to take the seats right away). another 15 minutes passes by, still no one takes our drink orders. at a corner of my eyes, i see all these other people who came in after us, being seated right away, while we were still waiting at the bar for the past 30 minutes. total of 45 minutes, no table, no one takes the drink orders. left the place immediately after that. honestly, i really wanted to like this place with all the reviews and such, but i cant. it was honestly one of the most horrible experience ever.
(1)Donna S.
Locals sent us here for bar snacks with a great view. It sits right on the lapping water. The floor is half cement and sand Great sliders. Cheapest drinks we have had in the area all week
(3)Josh K.
The location can't compete with anywhere else. You sit in tables placed in the sand where you overlook the bay and have the opportunity to bask in the regular "wow" sunsets. The food was outstanding. The burger was real tasty, their potato and Mac salad was great, the Korean bbq ribs were rich and the coconut shrimp was my personal favorite. Save room for the Mauna Kea ice cream - soooo good!!! Good for 6 people. And our waiter was so sweet. She was extremely personable and lovely. And we loved our entertainment. The singer was absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend making this stop for dinner one night.
(5)Benjie K.
Horrible service! Actually beyond horrible. I asked politely 5 times over 45 minutes for a glass of water to drink between the 3 beers I had. Never got any water. They were not slammed when I was there. Just horrible service. No excuse for this in my opinion.
(1)John M.
The service killed the experience. We were here for almost 2 hours total. The wait after ordering the food to the point of receiving the food was a solid hour. We asked the hostess if this was normal and she said yes. The food was cold even though we were literally 5 feet from the kitchen. We've had some good food and good service in Kona, but this definitely was not where we got it.
(1)Donald A.
Great location friendly staff and amazing view. Tables are in the sand so wear flip flops sandals or slippers for best experience.
(4)Tasha H.
I had a mixed experience here. Food was average and we didn't feel well treated by the manager. It was raining when we came here (As it does in Hawaii. All the time.) but for some reason it seemed like this OUTDOOR restaurant was caught completely by surprise. They did not have enough umbrellas to cover each table (what?) and the manager was extremely unhelpful in finding a solution. Nachos were very standard. I am always disappointed when nachos ordered at a restaurant use the bright orange "cheese" goo instead of real cheese. The Kahlua pork was very delicious though! Sashimi was fresh and good quality. It was not cut very professionally, however, and I wish the portion was bigger. Fresh Catch of the Day (Mahi mahi) was a very small portion of fish. The sides were generous, but I would rather have a larger piece of fish! Also, I asked for it as rare as possible, but the edges were still dry. Ahi Burger was interesting; I've never had a ground fish burger. It was pretty average, nothing special. Overall - would not return here.
(2)Matthew B.
This was not my kind of place at all. If you're going just to drink and listen to live music... it might work. However, if you plan to have dinner, you'll likely find it very loud and hard to talk at all. The waitress asked us if we minded the sand. She forgot to ask if it was also ok to be next to a children's birthday party with 15+ children on one side (seriously... at a bar?), a band on another side, and a noisy bar rounding out the mix. The food and drinks were just ok, and not worth the price paid. We won't be going back.
(2)Jen L.
This is really difficult to rate! Outdoor bar is great. Live music is great. View is also amazing. Happy hour cocktail drinks were way too sweet and we had to water them down. The happy hour nachos included a small paper tray with stale chips with cheese whiz and canned jalapeños. Gross. We didn't touch it. Happy hour tacos were also disgusting. Bathroom was also disgusting. We left immediately to find a new place. The real restaurant next to the bar looked decent but I can't say how the food is.
(2)Jackie M.
I came here for Happy Hour. The oceanfront and sandy floor ambiance was a 5 stars. However, the food was not enjoyable. The fish taco was dry. The cocktail was presented in a shade of rainbow, but it looked better then it taste (watered down). Thank goodness it was happy hour price, otherwise you are really there to hang out in front of the oceanfront.
(3)Ted W.
Caught the sunset here after a long day at the beach. Food was decent and beers were cold. Sunset was absolutely out of this world. Getting seated was a little disorganized. We put our name in and waited patiently but it seemed like people were just walking in and sitting at the (many) empty tables. But the sunsets though..
(4)Ann B.
A mostly typical touristy spot, this place will hit the spot for most people looking for a huge selection of Hawaiian drinks, live music and ocean views. I cannot fully judge it on food, as I only went here for happy hour, but the happy hour food was pretty laughable. Granted, it was only $4 for *a* slider, mini nacho, or a taco. I second another's review of the nachos - stale chips, cheese whiz and a few canned jalapenos, it tasted like something you would receive at a not even semi-pro baseball field's snack shack. Yech. I did indulge in a couple Hawaiian style drinks and found them to be yummy, though not at all stiff. The live music is always great, but the sneaky .50 "entertainment" charge in small print on the menu is just tacky. I wish I had the chance to try the lunch/dinner fare, but I was being pretty selective on where to spend my money. Hawaii is expensive and you really want to make your restaurant choices carefully. I think I made the right choice by sticking mostly to the drinks and view here.
(2)Keegan B.
Warm beer, soggy chips and awful service. The beer was nasty, the chips took 30 minutes and were soggy and the service was nonexistent. This place blows!
(1)M S.
Decent happy hour deals - food portions are quite small, but drinks are tasty :-). Sitting in the sandy section while listening to the entertainment (LT Smooth) was the best part.
(4)Shant H.
Came to On The Rocks right before sunset as others have recommended. It was definitely a beautiful location and they had live Hawaiian music. Those were the only two things that I liked about this place.
(2)Millard Z.
Another fantastic place in Kona. Kona is really a great little town and if you are staying towards Waikola it would be a mistake to blow off this town while you're here. We went for lunch and the fish tacos and Korean BBQ steak platter are both great options while sitting in the sand watching the turtles. Like mostly all, this is a very casual place and perfect for lunch or sunset dining with friends. The prices are very good, the drinks are good and the service is very good as well. We just thought, why not go again before we hit the airport? Mahalo...
(4)Fred D.
Typically touristy waterside bar and restaurant. We had Mai Tai's which were pricey and shared really bad nachos which were soggy and covered in Velveeta like cheese and lacking in beans (we had opted for a veggie version). The music was too loud and we were happy when it finished. Our waiter was friendly and outgoing and didn't really hassle us for staying long enough to watch the sunset. Great view but I wouldn't go back again.
(2)Jen F.
Nice view, good food & drinks, live entertainment, and people watching... We went here on our first night in town for dinner per the recommendation of friends and it didn't disappoint. It probably has one of the nicer settings in Kona, right on the ocean, and probably one of the better mai tais that I had on the trip. It also had one of the best kona ice cream pies that I've tasted in years. And the poke app with a side of rice made for a delicious dinner.
(4)Mary H.
Great location, you can eat on the patio or on tables in the sand, pretty cool, and you can't beat the view. I was there for happy hour and had the sliders. Unfortunately the food was marginal at best, condiments on the burger were sparse (onion rings, dressing) drink was good and servers were super. Go for the drinks and the view. Desserts sounded great but the prices were crazy high $14.00 for a PIECE of ice cream pie!
(3)Michael M.
How is there no one here? Great seating all along the coast line. Plenty of seats. Get here for a great view. Ordered two lava flows they were awesome - lilikoi and guava. I saw there was live music at some pt....that's the only thing that could make it better. Buddy got caesar salad he loved it. Other drinks the group got they loved - Was also a big fan of the Gillilan's girl.
(5)Silke M.
Great view, good Happy Hour Snacks (Fish Taco-Hummus) Bulgogi plate for lunch was very good but husbands Pork sandwich mediocre & little dry and minus 2 stars for absolute horrific music , like bad Kareoke tunes, ranging all over the place from Hawaiian bad chinese opera sounds to sleepy home recording songs...would have ordered another drink but the music cant get us out of here fast enough...CHANGE it! How about Hawaiian Reggae:)
(3)Lissa W.
Service was a little slow at first but once you get that first drink in the party is on! The Chee-Hoo Tini is wonderful x3 hehehe! They have sand near the wall of the water so after dinner we let the kids play for a little. Between 4 people we shared one of the appetizers and it was more than enough. I did read the that service was slow or she had another place that be. But she was wonderful and we talk a lot since we are from Texas. I highly recommend this place! I did notice drinks go up after a certain time.
(4)Diane K.
Go here for the view, music, and atmosphere, but not the cocktails or food. Next time I will definitely opt for beer, since their cocktails are typically small. Service was okay. We were a party of five and needed split checks. We got a face (disgusted) from the waitress when she learned this, but accommodated us. I ordered the rice bowl with beef, which sounded interesting. It wasn't bad, but certainly not a culinary highlight of the trip. There was enough for leftovers in the morning, which I did finish. Beautiful sunset, but you can get the same at Daylight Mind with better drinks, sans music.
(3)Paul S.
Had a great couple nights here till last night when the blonde female bartender spent 5 minutes fishing out something black from a happy hour drink then topped it off and sent back to the customer. This alone made us leave but the other nights we would rate 8 stars.
(4)LuLu M.
I had heard this was the place to go to when on the Big Island, but I hate to say it, but I was not impressed, other than the location on the water and the friendly customer service by the bartender Jeff. We came for happy around 4pm and the deals were not that great, I think only $1 or $2 off the regular price and the happy hour food choices and prices were not spectacular either. Overall, compared to other bar/restaurants we experienced, this was near the bottom of the list.
(3)Jeff W.
Funky bar on the water in Kona. No problems getting seated on a Wednesday afternoon. Fish tacos and pork nachos were great. Drinks were tropical and fruity as should be. Highly recommended.
(4)Tom H.
This restaurant is excellent. Went there for dinner last night and again for lunch today. Sat at the bar both times; last night Kaitlyn worked and today was Jeff. Both bartenders were incredibly friendly and conversational. The food and drink are both excellent. The ahi poké pie is the best poké that I've had, between four restaurants and two islands. Food is priced in the market of the competition. Eat here!
(5)Marjorie G.
The view and location is fantastic. The food and service is OK. Been there, done it, will not go back.
(3)Marielle H.
Good food and good place to see the sunset. Nice staff but a bit hard to get seating since it can get pretty full around sunset time
(4)Jaimie B.
This is what I call "a happy place" it doesn't get much better than this. Sand in between your toes, Mai Tai in hand, sunset, Jimmy Buffet style music, good service....AHHH I'm tearing up just thinking about Huggos on the Rocks. Happy hour prices make this place over the top. If you on the big island, this is a must at sunset, preferably with someone special, family or friends. It's the quintessential tropical bar, perfect escape from the grind that most of us are stuck in. Sit back, relax and pretend for just a moment that you could have a mai tai at sunset everynight for the rest of your life. Side note....the food is decent but there's better in Kona (Humpy's has better food) otherwise I'd go all out and give 'em 5 stars.
(4)Kelli H.
We came here after driving around the island. The service was pretty terrible. Our lunch came out before our drinks, which is just bad... The food was okay. Drinks were decent though and priced pretty well. They also had a pretty good happy hour. If you come here, you're coming for the view, because everything else is lacking.
(3)Mishmish L.
Average. Casual, pretty fresh, great view, standard food. Hubby loved the fish tacos. Went once, it was enough. Nice spot to grab a drink, though. Especially during happy hour.
(3)Liz T.
Food was ok, service was pretty good, though clearly overwhelmed. Food is expensive, portions are small and drinks were low in alcohol. You sit on a mock-beach, in low chairs that I found uncomfortable. The sand is none-to sanitary, with lots of cigarette butts (and who knows what else) it it. I was creeped out in sandals. Music was too loud. I imagine the view everyone keeps going on about would be great, had we arrived at sunset or during the day. For a late dinner though, its just dark. . .so who cares? I don't see how a place can get by on view alone. Huggo's on the rocks feels like a tourist trap, no matter how much they advertise, their food is fine, but nothing spectacular. I am glad I got out-voted, and we didn't go to the more expensive Huggo's
(2)Michael S.
If you're looking for that oceanfront, laid back beach bar that serves some great dishes too... Huggo's is that place. And the kicker: the floor is sand that you can bury your toes in while those happy hour drinks keep comin'! We had a blast every time we came out to Huggo's on our vacation. Live music, great happy hour specials and some of the best food (honestly) on the strip. It's attached to it's sister restaurant Huggo's but we never ventured to go inside when the outside area was too awesome to leave and had all the amenities we could ask for. Ask for Hannah; if she hasn't been appointed by Prince Kamehameha to be the island's official server. She's that great and made our experience that much more enjoyable! So grab a Mai Tai and some onion rings (WOW!) and have a chill at Huggo's on the Rocks.
(5)Patti P.
Four of us went for happy hour drinks and appetizers and everyone was disappointed. Warm beer, watery Mai Tai's and the appetizer nacho's were a joke. Tiny paper tray with a few chips, fake cheese and horrible guacamole. It does have a great location but there are lots of other nice spots. None of us would go back.
(1)Fiona S.
Lovely view, decent food, nice wait staff, but be warned, if you come here as a woman with a child you will be given a second tier table even if there are lots of tables by the rail with a view. Evidently the host discriminates.
(3)Donna E.
The view and sunset is amazing. We saw whales in the distance along with dolphins jumping out of the water. Huggo's has a relaxed ambiance and awesome food. I recommend the ahi tuna burger.
(5)Marc W.
Food is average and beer selection is limited. Atmosphere is among the best anywhere though. Right on the beach, happy little bar/grill with a sand floor and umbrellas over the tables. Expensive and has a very limited Kids' menu. Excellent service and the cocktail list was amazing. (We didn't try them but we saw a couple if impressive examples.) But really, you're sitting in a pub in Kona. On the water. With beer and burgers. And five kids. It doesn't get much better.
(4)Tanya F.
Decent food for a bar, I had the fish tacos. The view is nice as well as the entertainment. The night we were there they had a ukelele player and hula dancer. Good service. We had a huge party and they were generally accommodating and our server was very nice and on top of her game. Would return for a bar on the beach atmosphere.
(4)Julie B.
This restaurant has an amazing view over looking the water. A large group of us went here for dinner and drinks. We went on a Thursday night and there was live Hawaiian music! I got the fish & chips & it was delicious! A few other people in our party enjoyed sampler platters, tacos, tostadas, ahi, & burgers with no complaints!! The server was very nice & kept the drinks flowing! I loved the "mango mango" which had captain Morgan & mango...yumm!! I will definitely come back here if I ever come back to the big island!!
(4)C. W.
Great "Happy Hour" here!!! This was the best "happy hour" we had in Kona. Amazing view of the sunset, good drinks and the nachos (large size, NOT the small happy hour size) was so yummy with shredded pork and guacamole and it was enough for the 5 of us! Sliders were basic, but nothing special. The ladies ordered the rainbow happy our special drink...pretty and tasty, but on the sweet side. Outdoor seating with sand on your feet, great music and what a good time! Service was really good, too. If we stayed longer in Kona, we would definitely have gone back for another one of their "Happy Hours"...or two...or three. So fun!!!
(5)Rachel C.
There's always something going on at Huggo's. First class dining, unmatched view of the ocean, and live music. Don't miss this Kona gem! The seafood chowder is some of the best I've ever tasted and the portions are generous, making the meal well worth the price.
(5)Caitlin C.
Our group went here for happy hour today and everything was EXCELLENT!! 3$ drinks, 6$ appetizers. The rainbow is the best thing to get!!! Our waiters was a tall thin blonde girl, she was GREAT!!!!
(5)Jody M.
This is a MUST go to place in Kona. Simply perfect! It is right in front of the water, with a Hawaiian singer, tropical setting oh so relaxing, you could watch your fave team while enjoying mai tais and burgers, the breathtaking sunset, wonderful warm weather and the waves crushing. A GREAT Hawaiian experience. I LOVE this place.
(5)Curtis V.
This is a must go to place on the Big Island. Be sure to check out their live entertainment calendar to know who will be performing or just pop in and ask. View is amazing, you can even spot some dolphins swimming on a good day! Remarkable views, very nice staff. When I think about eating at a restaurant in hawaii Huggos on the Rocks is it. Feet in the sand, cold beer, great view. Check it out.
(5)Vee V.
Beautiful view for a quick cocktail...saw this pretty set up in the downtown-strip and had to stop. Took a few very nice photos of the beach. I like the huge billboard of a hula girl right outside the bar, couldn't resist and jumped on it =). There's not a whole lot of parking available so be prepare to circle several times. The bartender is great. Come on and grab an ice cold beer!!
(4)Crystal W.
If seats are available, you are practically sitting on the ocean and able to put your feet in the sand while eating a fabulous meal and enjoying cocktails. Vacation heaven, as far as I'm concerned. I was with a party of four and not one of us had a complaint about anything. I drank a delicious, kick-you-in-the-pants Mai Tai and ate flavorful fish tacos, both of which happened to be on special. Happy holidays to me! Service was efficient and friendly. My spouse calls me the "bathroom inspector" because I have to use it everywhere I go (out of necessity, not nosiness, thank-you!). I was very happy to see that thought was put into the restrooms here in that they are decorated well and kept up despite the fact that they are single patron restrooms basically off of the beach. Not all establishments care about this but in my opinion, it says a lot about them. If the weather is nice, Huggo's is a no-fail situation. If I ever were to return, I'd hope the experience would be the same.
(5)Danielle M.
Huggos on the Rocks...where do I begin?? This place is an absolute gem. The food is delicious, cocktails are awesome (Rainbows especially), Happy Hour can't be beat and the atmosphere is heaven. The Korean Beef Tacos and Onion Rings are to die for. Our group ate here at least 6 times during our 10 day stay...it's everything you could hope for and more. Hannah was our server and she deserved a gold star every single time...she's the best! We cannot wait to come back to the islands and hit up Huggos again.
(5)Shawn C.
This place gets a solid 5 stars for their incredible service. We misread the menu and thought we were ordering one thing when it was really part of something else. The something else had goat cheese, which my wife can't eat. When the waitress brought out a new one, we discovered it also had pancetta, which my wife can't eat either. The waitress brought ANOTHER new one without those ingredients. While the food is certainly very good (4-5 stars for that, my mahi mahi with pumpkin risotto was exceptional as was the final dish for my wife), service like we received tonight is far more memorable and appreciated. We will be talking about Huggos for a long time.
(5)Will C.
Visited on a lark because we got the Sheraton Luau date wrong. Awesome mistake on our part...Huggos is the bomb! Live music, Hula lessons, nice people, good drinks, etc. great cap to my week long vacation! Go there! Talk to the Dude who runs the show there, Nakies Constantinou, he was really friendly and cool, making sure our experience was superior. Photos of food and drinks don't do much for me. It's all about the reality of the atmosphere, service, eating and drinking to render the experience, and reviews. Take pleasure in Hawaii and make sure you visit Huggos when you are in Kona.
(4)Tracy R.
Food was good and the view is amazing! Loved sitting in the sand and watching the sun set while enjoying dinner. I had the fish tacos which were a little spicy and hubby had the ahi tuna burger which was more like a crab cake burger.
(4)Linda D.
Waterside is what this place is about. Maybe the 5,00 Hawaiian rainbows at happy hour too. Food was average and entertainment terrible tonight.
(3)Chuck D.
This is first one star I've ever given a eatery. Poor service, food was cold, tasteless and the drinks were just watered down hype. The only place I would never return too while in Kona. Many other places locally to find better food and better service. Enjoy the sunset somewhere else and save your stomach and wallet. Applebees with a view...pass
(1)Jeff N.
To start. Great view and a live music area is pretty cool. The Mai ties are good and the beer is cold. Now the food...ranges from forgettable/regrettable to uneatable. The sweet potato fries are the best sides and if you like sweet potato fries then these will be the lowest on your list of places for good fries. I've tried the blackened "fresh caught" fish. I am not a celebrity chef but even I know that was frozen badly. Seriously tastes like Gordens from the freezer section. Another time I tried the Hawaiian BBQ sandwich. Being an airline pilot, I eat dinner at restaurants 300 day or more a year. I probably return food to the kitchen once every other year. This was one of those cases. It tasted like there was an accident in the kitchen where the top of the salt shaker fell off while cooking. It was uneatable. The bar isn't located in a regular building. Really it is more just a hut exposed on most sides to the open air. With that....the unexpected visiting cockroach was not cool and had to be neutralized inches from my food. I get that many people may have had good experiences here but this is my third time I've given this place a chance and there won't be any more chances.
(1)Aleta G.
Great view, strong drinks and great food. We went on a Friday night at sunset and had to wait 15 minutes for a table. Not too bad considering. They had live music and a hula dancer. We enjoyed our time here.
(5)Michael M.
This was our go-to Happy Hour joint, 3-6pm 7 days a week. $3 beer and well pours, $4 house wine and coctail specials, $3 dollar nachos and one or two other snacks. Comforatble patio seating right on the ocean, just a perfect spot. Kick off your flip-flops and wiggle your toes in the sand! I also recommend their view at sunset, it's lovely, but regular drink prices apply. And you need to know that after 8pm, there is a 50 cent per drink surcharge for entertainment. This place gets very busy at night with live music and dancing; one of the few hot-spots in sleepy Kailua-town. We always stop here for a drink right after the plane lands and before we check in. This time I was hungry, so I ordered the Bulgogi sandwich: Korean spiced beef on a roll topped with kim chee. The beef was delicious, although the bread was a bit spongy (not easy to find really good bread in Hawaii, maybe it's the humidity). Her Majesty usually gets a gin Martini, which she says is strong and cold the way it should be. She also likes the iced tea here when she desires an alcohol free choice. Someone below complained about the plastic glassware. Hello....we are in the sand barefooted! I don't want to risk cutting my foot on a shard of glass. Huggo's OTR, please stick with plastic. Someone else below complained about the cheese sauce on the pork nachos---read the menu and you won't be surprised, they plainly tell you about the cheese sauce. A few below clearly intended to review Huggo's rather than Huggo's OTR. These are two separate establishments providing two separate experiences, don't be confused.
(4)Melinda P.
Perfect end to a day of hiking. Super casual, eat with your feet in the sand while you listen to ukulele music. Good selection of beers. Fish tacos and ahi burger are fantastic!
(5)Nabil A.
Lovely site with consistently good music. Salad with fresh catch of the day used island crisp lettuce, beets, cucumbers, beets and carrots. Healthy food along with great fries and burgers. Drinks are so so but who cares when you're at a restaurant that has one of the best Kona views and a feel good vibe.
(4)Steven B.
Enjoyed a happy hour at Huggo's, in the bar, and got fast and friendly service, great ale on tap, plus yummy fish tacos. Great view too and a live music, so what's not to love?!
(5)Mike M.
Now to save everyone time, I'll get right to the point... For party time: If you want the best party spot on the big island, go to Huggo's.. Disclaimer, it closes early (by 12am), and Saturday night is the main night to go, the rest of the week is just dead so find something else to do to waste your time (keep in mind we went here around the end of September, supposedly the slow sense, so it may very other times throughout the year). Dress was very casual (t-shirt and shorts), although the locals were in dresses and tshirt/jeans (hello people its 75 degrees and 100% humidity - crazy). The music is basically a local band playing various popular songs (which most drunk cougars are dancing too, lol) but it isn't anything to write home about, although it does make you feel like your in Hawaii. The ratios were the same as most places (30:70 - girls to guys), more locals than tourist. Drinks were moderate in price (about $6-7 for a bud light) and bartenders were a little slow, some are more receptive and attentive than others. For getting your grub on: The food is good and pretty pricey, although keep in mind your paying for the view and the luxury of being right on the beach. Also, it has one of the best views in Kailua. If you don't care about the view and want a little cheaper meal, then go across the street to LuLu's. Overall, I'll return to Huggo's next time I'm on the big island on a Satruday night :)
(4)Albert H.
It's a bar on the beach and it definitely gets the job done. Happy hour is pretty happening ( though it was an older crowd the afternoon we stopped in ). We elected to avoid the sand seating and found a couple stools at the bar. Service was fast and friendly. And the happy hour fish taco was really pretty decent. Drinks - especially on happy hour - are cheaper here than at the sit-down restaurant next door ( which also happens to have a bar with an overlapping cocktail list ) - and the view is just as good ( if not better from the bar ). Be aware that they tack on a small charge when there's live entertainment after 8pm. We had live entertainment at happy hour for free, though. :) Parking can be had - no need to risk it in the lot across the street - their lot extends randomly down toward the Sheraton for quite some distance.
(4)Chuck N.
Tuesday, 6:30PM. **Repeat review on other listing Crew was ready for a nicer dinner. Huggo's was also close to our condo. Wooden cut-out of a hula dancer welcomes patrons. Venue sits over the ocean. They've got the location on lock! Quickie: *Mediocre food (potential of using fresh seafood was lost, bland) - Service was overly slow and unresponsive +Live music (Bula Akamu rocked it on the mic/guitar) +Literally over the water, crashing of waves = melodic +View of sunset is EPIC And then...? Good for novelty. Second chance when I'm in the area again. ********** Stuffed my face in: 1. Catch of the day - ono *Fish was fresh, firm, and juicy, but no flavor *Macaroni and sauce = soggy
(3)Lo P.
This has long been one of my favorite places in Kona. Huggos on the Beach has a great happy hour -- specials include $4 Mai Tais and $3 beers, $2 fish tacos, and live music. It's a relaxing place to sit and eat and/or drink -- it's right on the water, and you can watch the sunset. The food is pretty good for happy hour/bar standards. We enjoyed everything we had, but it's not exactly a "foodie destination." Nachoes, burgers, etc...all satisfying, especially with a few Mai Tais. Service is quick and friendly, too. Even if you're not there to drink, it's a great place to stop by for food if you want to avoid the screaming children found often at the more crowded restaurants across the street.
(5)Paul S.
Wonderful location, that the family loves. Great for a sunset drink. Good music. Food is ok. Staff is inconsistent. But this is all about the ambience, and it delivers.
(5)Drew M.
Love this place, regular stop for us in Kona. Great HH and some unique dishes (try the bugolgi and rice.....phenomenal!
(5)Chauffeur Mom S.
We really liked this restaurant, but the food wasn't that great. Pros: - Fabulous setting, nice view of sunset right on the beach, sand on your feet. - Parking easy, across the street, along the road. - Fun music (had a band when we went, and I think they always have music). - Waitress was good and efficient. - Happy Hour with $3 beer. Cons - The food. Mediocre at best. We recommend going for drinks at sunset because it's very Hawaiian... then you don't have to eat much of the food.
(3)Erin G.
Despite no reservations and no waiting list - you have to hawk your table first come first serve - it was worth the wait. We went at 6:00 with a party of 10 and were able to grab a few tables in the bar, then when some opened up, moved down to two tables in the sand right on the waterfront. The place isn't very big, but so fun and RIGHT on the water. AMAZING for sunset views, good drinks (the mai tai's were very good) and fun live entertainment. The band played contemporary music and Hawaiian music and had a hula dancer for several numbers... even invited audience participation which our daughter loved. The dinners come in bamboo steamer boxes and were quite good. I enjoyed the mahi mahi tacos (very good) and we also tried the korean short ribs (a little salty), meatloaf and panko crusted catch of the day (must have been excellent - my husband ate it all before I could even try a bite!) Overall excellent ambience if you are patient enough to wait for a perfect table.
(5)Magnus S.
[06.16.2012] **Currently the Duke of Huggo's** BOW TO YOUR SENSEI! I went to Huggo's on the Rocks several times during my stay in Kona back in May (how am I still the Duke?!?!), and I must say, this is the BEST beachfront dive bar in town! A little tip of advice, show up no later than 7 if you want to catch the sunset (happy hour is from 3-6). It fills up quickly. Clearly the best part of Huggo's is the location. One of the nights I was there, my server was TERRIBLE (well I had the bad waitress twice actually). I had to ask several times for a glass of water, and I never knew there were happy hour specials until another visit. Aside from the one lousy waitress I had, the experience was great. The food comes in generous portions, and is generally quick to be served. The drinks are stiff, and reasonably priced. Some nights they have live music, and if you stay for the music show, expect a charge on your bill (a cover basically). I don't mind paying a cover for live music, but just beware if you're cheap. SERVICE: 2/10 AMBIANCE: 10/10 FOOD: 8/10 PRICE: 7/10 UNIQUENESS: 9/10 OVERALL SCORE: 72 Service: Graded by the "Keep my cup full principle". Ambiance: Pretty self-explanatory Food: A high food score does not always indicate it is a place for foodies. It is weighted based upon the establishment - thus bar food can receive a high score Price: Price is graded based upon what I believe is fair value for the food you are receiving. A high score does not necessarily indicate the establishment is cheap. Uniqueness: Higher scores indicate desire to return.
(3)Dave M.
Went here on our first night on Big Island and it was a good place to grab a bite to eat, have a beer or two, and watch some really nice hula while listening to music. This is not a locals hang out by any means, but the atmosphere is fantastic since it right on the water, the drinks are cold and the food is decent. We had the fish tacos and the mahi mahi is blackened, not fried, which was nice and the portion was well worth the $15 (ish) price tag. About 5 different local beers from Kona Brewing Company was on tap and service was good as well.
(3)V R.
The food is good, they even have gluten free options! And their Lava Flow is delish! The only downer was seating. The sign says, "seat yourself" and if there aren't any spots you usually hover until one opens up. But, one night, the rules had suddenly changed. Some guy working there had a line of people, and he was finding them seats. So, when another young couple offered me their table because they were leaving, I took it. And then this "host/bouncer" ousted me from the fairly won table (according to their usual rules) and seated another family there. That family didn't want it. So, then another couple ahead of us in "line" (by that time we had given up and joined the line of people waiting to "seat themselves") was given the table. THEN, that couple was kind enough to offer for us to join them. So, we ended up having a good night, but it was off to a confusing, frustrating start!
(3)Chris G.
Had a nice lunch here on a recent trip to the Big Island. The cool ocean breeze was great after walking around Kailua-Kona and even better were the cold mai tais. We came at the tail end of the lunch rush and service was slow even though the crowd was thinning out. The server was apologetic at least. Tried the kailua pork sandwich and loved it. The rib special (only available on certain days I think) was also pretty good - the ribs were huge! The taco salad was just ok - nothing special. Would have gone with 4 stars if the service had of been more prompt - but I wouldn't hesitate to visit Huggos again on my next visit to Kona.
(3)Ken M.
We spent at least part of 8 of our 10 days in Hawaii at Huggo's on the Rocks. I am so glad that the Expedia Local Expert at our resort recommended Huggo's and we decided the wait was too long and came next door to On The Rocks. The bar and seating are all open air, with either thatch roof or canopies over much of it. The "floor" is mostly sand except for directly adjacent to the bar. The view is killer. Perfect sunsets nearly every day. It can be noisy and some of the patrons can get a little trashy, but it is a bar. The food is served in steam baskets, which is kind of interesting, but does make some of the dishes hard to eat. The staff were generally really friendly and nice, but sometimes a little slow to come to the table. I thought the food was pretty good and the drinks are good and reasonably priced for the area.
(5)Cynthia M.
First time in Kona (6/15), got hungry and spotted Huggo's. Saw the chalk board menu (Clam Chowder) and we were in. Wonderful atmosphere, over looking the ocean. Prices were terrific and the portions on spot. Tried the Rainbow Happy Hour drink, sweet, colorful delish. My daughters had virgin Pina Colada's that they loved. Husband said, Chowder was the best. I had the Ahi Tuna Burger, nice size portion, wonderfully season and drizzled with wasabi/mayo spread on foccacia roll. Of course had fries that were just the right amount of crisp and seasoning. Girls had sliders and pasta with clams - both enjoyed their food. Saved room for dessert, Coffee Mud Pie - enough for all four of us to share! The whole meal was made perfect by the setting, excellent music and hula dancer. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful. Manager came by to ask if everything was okay. Would definitely go back!
(5)Summer B.
This is the place to be on a warm Kona night! Nothing says Aloha more than watching the sunset, with a Mai tai in your hand and your toes in the sand. The food was good (not the best on the Big Island, but still good). The drinks were exceptional. The live entertainment was enjoyable. We will definitely be back.
(5)Barry Z.
Huggo's is one of a kine. Live local music on the water. Grab a table (good luck!) and order one of the 17 dollar Mia Tia's and chill........ soon you will forget about everything.
(4)Rick B.
Best happy hour on the strip by a long shot. When you think about what an island bar serving Mai Tai's should look like, you probably picture a place like Huggo's on the Rocks. $3 drinks and $3 fish tacos during happy hour. Nice! And the servers we had each time were really friendly. That's why we went back twice.
(4)Tony Y.
This place has this wonderful sitting area on the sand, and 151 for 11 bucks. The 151 drink deceptively did NOT taste at all like 151. Very cool, very dangerous. The bartenders here were younger, but I guess after being hit on by tourists constantly they're pretty icy. I asked my bartender where she got her necklace, a puka shell variation because I wanted to get one and she hurriedly responded "my boyfriend made it for me", so i called back "can he make me one too?" which was typical drunk banter for me, but i was pretty annoyed by that response. overall this place is fairly reasonable with nice entertainment every night, again an older crowd.
(4)Martha B.
Went here one night for dinner--kind of fun that the floor is sand and the tiki torches and view are nice, but the food was just ok and the band was TERRIBLE! We obviously didn't see the one with the hula dancer that others describe. We saw a sorry Supremes wanna-be group who had bad harmonies, corny moves and kept forgetting the lyrics to their songs. We left shortly after they came on because they sort of ruined the atmosphere. Our server was nice.
(2)Missy F.
Great food, music, atmosphere, and service! I also got to keep my novelty coconut cup ;)
(5)Flash Z.
Love this place! Bartender hooked me up. When the sun sets the people watching is amazing. I think this might be a local gay bar too but don't quote me on that cuz I'm an out of towner. Live music and watching thw dancing was a fun night! A lot of older people which was even better for people watching! Good times!
(5)Nhung H.
This place is located inside Huggo's On The Rocks, but they actually only rent out the place in the mornings from 7am (or 6am) till 11:30am. It's actually called "Java On The Rocks". It's a bit pricey for just okay breakfast. A small plate of fruits is $10 and a decent "American' breakfast is $11 bucks....there's definitely other breakfast places near by that is wayyyy better. Cheaper and you get more for what you pay for. I think we went here a couple of times in the morning just because it was so close to our hotel. The coffee was just kona coffee that you can pretty much get anywhere on the island. Of course, the staffs were friendly and pretty funny.
(3)Gloria B.
I came here a couple of weeks ago and was on a mission for a great mai tai. Found it! Oh yeah, there was food too. The veggie panini was an expected disappointment. Fish tacos, score! Live music and optional sandy dining were big pluses. Service was a little slow, but like everyone else who was there, I kind of just didn't care. Still, keyword: MAI TAI
(4)Christopher B.
This place failed me. I didn't have high expectations coming in and it barely reached those I had. For beginners, I will saw that the views and atmosphere are unmatched in Kona- just a great setting to be right on the ocean. The entertainment was good as well so another plus. The beer selection was very weak not to mention the few beers I did want were those they didn't have on tap! The fresh fish was an absolute joke- I would never order that again. Save your money and go somewhere else. The ahi option, however, was quite good so I can't knock it there. Finally, the service was average at best. Our waitress was running around with her head cut off and it took quite a while to get what we ordered. Just know what you're getting here- overpriced food and bad service for great views of the sunset/ocean.
(3)Jesse P.
I only give it 3 stars because I don't really think the food is that good, but the view and happy hour are a different story. Happy hour from 3-6 offers some pretty good deals on drinks and with the ocean right there it can't be beat. Come here and have a few pre-dinner drinks on the ocean and then move on. Food 3 stars, view 5 stars, happy hour 4 star.
(3)Paul B.
Great open air place on the water. Good food , drinks, and music. Drink prices are great for being on the beach in Kona.
(5)Rick B.
A delightful place right on the water. The ribs and sizzling mushrooms were good and reasonable. Waitress Diana is charming and friendly and will take good care of you. I just wish they had some draft beer on tap, but all they had were bottles.
(4)Some G.
Awesome happy hours. $5 for real cocktails in a pint+ size container. Both their Mai Tai and Hawaiian Rainbow cocktails were great. Beef or Fish Tacos are $3 a piece and it was tasty and filling. Best part is you get to enjoy live music while you sip on cocktails with your feet in the sand. Best bang for the buck so far. Happy hour is from 4-6pm I think.
(4)Dia C.
The live music and location were amazing! The beat boxer entertained us for a long while.. He was amazing! The name was Logan Martin i think. The mai tais rock too and the staff is very friendly!
(4)Ed E.
The self seating system sucks,the waitress don't know if your coming or going.so that makes the wait really long for service!!!
(3)Robert R.
This place is to be enjoyed, have Billy make ya a strong mai tai put your feet in the sand and enjoy the music in paradise
(5)Tina S.
We had a wonderful time at Huggo's On The Rocks...The music was great. Good vibes and what an awesome view...The food was good....No complaints!!! Put your feet in the sand an enjoy the ride...
(5)Terry W.
The music is too loud, the restaraunt is too close to the Ocean, and the people were having way too much fun.... Huggos was a great way to end our vacation. I took the reccomendation of a friend of mine, and Kharma was on my side. (I just had a bad experience at the Boss Frog Snorkel place, and this restaraunt experience saved the day) Even though the place was packed on a Sunday afternoon, it felt like you could basically share tables, sit where you needed and enjoy yourself. We luckily found a table right on the water and listened to some great music. Even though it was very much a bar like atmosphere, my two daughters were very comfortable. (So much so, they wound up doing the Hula on stage) Food was good (best on the Island? no, but reasonable and pretty fair for the price) Mai Tai's were good. And the letting sand run through your toes as you watch the water, and listen to the music is a great way to spend the night. I highly recommend this place.
(4)Mascha B.
Both times we stayed in Kailua-Kona we have enjoyed a lunch and dinner at Huggo's OTR. Feet in the sand, beautiful view, great staff and delicious food. What more do you want when you're on holiday. Our 4year old son also loves it for the food playing in the sand and dancing to the live music at night. Food is realy great and served in the cool and giant steaming baskets. We'll be back next time on the Island.
(4)Michelle S.
We've been here for a week and this quickly became one of our favorite happy hour spots. Great sunset and fast friendly bar service. Go in and say hi to Denis - he pours a mean mai tai. We walked here almost every night not only for the drinks but the music is fantastic! Happy hour is until 6pm with food and drink specials. Huggo's is worth a visit!
(5)Earlene C.
What a lovely restaurant on the beautiful Kona Coast Shore. Total tiki bar with good ol' American eats and tropical cocktails. The Chicken Nachos are the bomb and so is the Hawaiian Rainbow Cocktail! We just arrived today and we're probably coming back one more time before leaving. There's something refreshing eating next to the water with your toes in the sand!
(4)Liv H.
We came here for drinks and appetizers. The drinks were a little weak, but they were still good, and the appetizers were delicious. The reason I gave this place 5 stars though is for its location and atmosphere...it is located on the rocks right above the beach and there is sand under all of the tables so it is as if you are sitting on the beach enjoying your drinks, listening to music and just relaxing. Cant wait to go back :)
(5)Meredith R.
Great spot on the water - super fun in the evenings and a chill lunch spot for the day should you find yourself roaming the streets of Kona town. The menu is huge and has something for everybody - the portions are equally huge so you definitely won't leave hungry. I had the Reuben for lunch and it was surprisingly excellent! My friends enjoyed their fish and chicken sandwiches and their cocktails as well. At night we came back once and the place was hoppin' with people of all ages - pretty cool. Live music was playin' and people were throwing back cocktails having a grand ole time. But beware: the place shuts down at 11pm - yup - even on the weekend.
(4)Crissy K.
I have to admit, after experiencing a pretty mediocre meal the day before at Bongo Ben's across the street, I wasn't expecting much from Huggo's on the Rocks. But the two places couldn't be more different! Whereas the service and ambience need more than a little work at Bongo, they couldn't have been better at Huggo's. You can't ask for much more in Kailua Kona than to have your chair and your feet literally IN the sand, the sound of the waves crashing into the rocks just a yard away, as you savor the best-selling (for a reason!) blackened mahi tacos. (Get 'em with the potato chips -- they're Kona style and also rock.) The servers cater to your every need without being overbearing. It's open air, Kona-style relaxation at its best.
(4)Jason H.
Delicious fries and turkey panini!!! Awesome service!!! And I HIGHLY recommend the local brews as well as the Lilikoi Margaritas and the Lilikoi Martinis! The entire staff was friendly and the views were great! Also, the live entertainment was actually pretty awesome!!
(5)Mike S.
My wife and I had a great evening, good local food and an amazing view from our table.
(4)Sara P.
We came to Huggo's for lunch. It was easy to find seating and the view is fantastic! My mango bbq pork sandwich was great and a huge portion. Manfriend really enjoyed his burger, I didn't even get a chance to taste it. He was already finished by the time I asked. However, my favorite part of this lunch was the alcohol. It was greatly needed after losing my luggage. Good thing they make their mai tais extra strong.
(4)Sherry S.
You put your feet right in the sand. Love that! Had the fish tacos and they were good. I cannot remember which hawaiian fish I had but it was truly yummy. Ambience wonderful as you are right out there by the water. Waiter was easy going and so was the drink.
(4)Charles G.
Quintessential tourist bar. Entertainment with added surcharge for drinks. Very good burgers. Stick with the beer and definitely avoid the coconut martini! Overpriced and not much booze. Always hate to have a drink come and the glass 1/3 full.
(4)Kristin D.
Went for lunch. Great view and friendly service. Had a grass-fed Hawaiian beef burger that was really good. I would eat there if the food was bad (which it is not!), the location is that great.
(4)Andy G.
Bulgogi Tacos were delicious, as were the drinks. Great place to watch the sunset. I want to write a long review, but why bother? The food, drinks, and view are top notch, and our server was friendly.
(5)Gary G.
Great place to watch the waves and enjoy happy hour. Good prices on happy hour drinks and snacks. Waitresses were very friendly and helpful, would definitely go back!
(4)Peg H.
Really enjoyed the ambiance next to the water, Mai Tais, and kalbi ribs. Great ending to our vacation before heading to the airport
(5)Joanne H.
Huggo's is a great place to grab a beer, watch the sunset and listen to the live music. I went here twice during our visit to meet up with friends. The tables are all in this sandy area and the food is tasty and casual.
(4)Julie L.
Looks a bit like a beachy dive bar, but the food was surprisingly good and reasonably priced. I had the bulgogi and fried rice alongside a mango mojito, and it was all downright tasty. We got a table in the sand, and the views are great. The service was a little shaky - we had food brought to our table that wasn't ours (this happened twice during our lunch), and one person's order was completely lost, but they were apologetic and tried to get it taken care of quickly.
(4)Janet O.
Breakfast cooked college style in a microwave (Like eggs and bacon) Went back for for dinner and sat by the water. There was a band and a singer/dancer. Funny thing: Seated next to us by the water was a mother/daughter roach :( FYI the place looks prettier at night than during the day. Save your day for hiking and come here for somewhat a romantic night if you're a couple of lovebirds. Lastly, this is a good place to get wasted at night. there is a bar and it looks inviting :)
(3)Paula G.
If you want to feel like you're In the mainland come to Huggos on the rocks. Asked about the menu, owner couldn't be bothered and answered In a rude condescending way. Skip this spot. Menu looked mediocre. We walked right out after we felt disrespected. Not a good idea to be hostile towards tourists visiting your restaurant.
(1)Sassy So Cal S.
Awesome entertainment with The Tiki Dolls on Monday 8/19/12! Fantastic variety of songs. The ahi poke was super yummy and drinks were great! Wish the Kahlua pork nachos had real cheese but it was still good.
(5)Korbett C.
This place is all about the happy hour Mai Tai's, but not the happy hour food menu. The Mai Tai's are strong and tasty, and the sandy beachfront bar is a great place to have a few while watching the sun set and listen to live music. We saw LT Smooth here, -uhmazing! Unfortunately, the happy hour food is not very good. I recommend you don't come hungry, and if you do eat here, order off the full menu. Fish and chips were generous and great ballast for two. Don't forget another Mai Tai...
(4)Ron W.
Great food, good service and a great location. Poke wrap was excellent. Wife did not like the reuben but the burger two days later was great.
(4)Jujulik A.
I really liked the set up of the place. This is the type of local hang out that I was looking for. I am very surprised that others on the island are not the same. Yes, I took my sandals off and buried my toes into the sand while I ate my dinner. What a better way to exfoliate your feet while eating... LOL The food is pretty good but I think the portions are a tad bit small. I had the Potato Mac salad and I loved it but it was only a small portion. I think for the price they charge, they should give more of the 1 side they offer or provide 2 sides. The sandwhich I had was incredible and the bread was fresh. There was a guitar playing man and a dancing girl. It was a nice relaxing dinner with some great music. If you go to the Big Island, you must go here. TIP: Go at night. It's much more fun!
(4)Naomi H.
Good price for happy hour drinks - $4 mai-tai's. And they went to the trouble of making mine without pineapple (since I am most unfortunately allergic). Wings were pretty tasty. Poke was fantastic. We also ordered the $3 slider and $3 fish taco...really tiny for that much money. And apparently it was supposed to be a happy hour deal? It was the worst deal of everything we ordered. Service was pretty shabby - our guy seemed to have our table and one other and he spent a long time chatting up the other table while we still hadn't even gotten to order. Little birds all over the place, under my chair, around my feet, looking for crumbs. Startling at first, but they grew on me. :)
(3)Bruce N.
Great Happy Hour and sunsets
(4)Tony A.
Do not mistake this for Huggo's Restaurant. This restaurant is next door. I have to say, the view is fantastic! Literally right on the ocean. You smell the ocean scent and feel the breeze pass through in spite of the humidity. We read the reviews and thought we would try this place out. We decided to try it for breakfast and let me say that aside for the views, this place was a MISS for us. The food and the service....lacking. I had the American omelet which was microwaved. My partner had the lox and bagel. You picked your own bagel, you sliced it and toasted it yourself. They brought us our food on paper plates. I got a cup of coffee that was luke warm. We had to get our own water. The lady that brought our food seemed annoyed that we asked her to wipe down our table. To top it off, they ask that you bus your own table. Come on, I'm on vacation. I don't want to clean my table before I eat and then bus my table after it. I certainly didn't want to toast my bagel and refill my own water. This is not what I expected! What got me is they expected a tip. I understand the spirit of Ohana but that's pushing the concept. The American omelet (which came with bagel, cream cheese and 'tropical fruit" which was really just a slice of papaya with 2 grapes), the bagel and lox (which came with cream cheese and a slice of papaya with 2 grapes), and a large coffee: $30.45. Come on. We had lunch at Lava Java down the street with the same great views with a burger, a sandwich and two ice teas for less than $30. Here's a tip: for the amount of money they charged, go to Lava Java or some other restaurant on Ali'i Drive. They all have great ocean views and provide great food with the service you would expect and are more likely less expensive.
(2)Victoria T.
Poor service waitress couldnt even get our main entree correct dont order the poke tower or the guava ribs unlesd u like to eat burnt chips and over cooked ribs. Drinks are watered down with too much cream. Only the sauces tasted good.
(1)Sarah B.
Huggo's is tasty and entertaining option, right on the beach. The view is fantastic, and there is live music nearly every day! The service is good, and very receptive to food allergies (gluten-free and vegan options already listed on the menu!) Their drinks are fantastic, and even the locals make a point to come here! I loved their quesadillas as our pupu, and then the sliders and fries for dinner. It was all totally fantastic! This joint is great for friends and family, and parties of any size!
(5)Kim P.
Great atmosphere, great view for watching the sunset. However, I advise to stay away from their $14.00 nachos appetizer for the following reasons: 1: the cheese is not real cheese and we were told by our server that it's stadium cheese. My rely was we are not at a stadium. 2: we told our server we were allergic to pork and asked to substitute chicken. Well those nachos ended up costing us $17.00 for cheese wiz. If you want real nachos for a reasonable price and same size go to happy hour at the marriot courtyard down the street.
(2)Michelle P.
I came here with a friend for their happy hour (3-6pm). I got the Hawaiian Rainbow and my friend got the Mai Tai. Both were good, but the Mai Tai was definitely much stronger. They also had some small dishes for half price, and I think this menu changes everyday. We just got drinks though, and enjoyed the ocean view. Huggo's main strength is the atmosphere. They are situated right on the coast of Kona, the whole place is outdoors with some straw roofed sections, and they brought in sand to cover what would have been the floor so it's like you're sitting at tables on a sandy beach. Good view of the ocean, and they have live music at night. Can't say anything for the food since we didn't have any but it's a bit pricey... I think the cheapest item I saw on the menu was $15. So ask for the happy hour deals for food if you come between 3-6pm!
(4)Jim R.
This is a must to get the real island feel in a casual dining experience. Good food and drinks with music and hula dancing in the evening hours.
(4)Jenn G.
LOVE this restaurant!! We were only in Kona 4 days and ended up eating here 2x for breakfast and 2x for dinner! AWESOME location...right on the water. At night they have live music and a hula dancer. Great views, great atmosphere, great food.
(5)Jay D.
It's been many a year since I visited the Big Island and still cannot believe that yesterday was the first time I supped at Huggo's On The Rocks. It was a wonderful, relaxing experience made even better by friendly staff, fresh fish and what a view! As my dear readers will note from other of my reviews, I am always in search of a great taco and fish tacos are particularly prized. As mentioned above, Huggo's fish is lovely and additional additives are rather nice. My one and only lament and, at same time, suggestion to Huggo's is to please and kindly consider using a hard-shell tortilla to lovingly cradle your brilliant fish and then wrap a soft tortilla around the hard shell. I was 2 bites into what started out to be a beautiful fish taco when the bottom fell out, the brilliant fish and condiments laid on my plate and I was left holding the two halves of 2 soggy tortillas in either hand. NOT ON! I did not order 2 bites of a delicious fish taco that without much effort transforms into fish taco goulash. Yes, I admit it. I am going on a bit about my taco experience but Huggo's is so close to fish taco perfection that a simple, non-descriptive review would not suffice. If you're not into tacos, try the deliciously fresh fish, soup of the day and take in the relaxing atmosphere offered by Huggo's On The Rocks.
(3)Lina P.
I had an oriental chicken salad (?), and it was surprisingly good. It stood out to me more so than any other salads I've had recently. The fried chicken strips has an almost sweet orange glaze and is served with cold noodles (in addition to the salad). I have to have it again sometime. We sat in the bar area. The bartender didn't seem particularly slammed but was busy setting up perhaps? It was awkward to ask him for anything, but when we asked another server, the bartender promptly came over and told him we should ask 'him' if we needed anything. He seemed alittle burned out, never smiled, and had a queer expression on his face I cant put my finger on.
(4)Arthur H.
Using TripAdvisor and Yelp, we decided on this place and taking the volumes of advice, chose to go really early to dinner to try to get a good seat near the water. We nearly achieved that by going in just before 5:00 pm. We ended up sitting near the bar at a tall table just next to the sand seating area with the great water view. We could see very well from the elevated table, and although not in the "preferred" area, it was quite sufficient for us. But, the seats at the tall table were really uncomfortable and two of the four chairs were wobbly. Other than that, the menu choices are quite decent and we can recommend the burgers and the fish and beef tacos. The food was served hot and tasty, but I would say it was nothing particularly special. The band that played that evening was very good. It was a two-man show, and later a hula dancer also joined to help the entertainment, but we left just as she was arriving. Overall, if you can get a seat-with-a-view at this place, we would recommend it. It gets really busy (it is a small-ish joint), and I would try to go early for the best options.
(4)Shawn A.
The ambiance was great- cant beat the view. Nice piano standards player creating a nice vibe. Service was horrid. Very slow and inexperienced staff. I thought the ribs and flatbread pizza were average.
(3)Josh D.
The view from this place during the sunset is amazing. The food was decent. I had an ahi burger, but it wasn't that memorable. 5 stars for the ambiance, 3 stars for the food. Averaged at 4. This place is much more fun to just sit at the bar and relax.
(4)Stacey B.
Location is nice with feet in the sand looking at the ocean, but the food and service were mediocre at best. Fish tacos were cold and soggy from sitting too long in the kitchen with salsa on them. Service was exceedingly slow, in fact the waiter is ignoring my credit card sitting on the table as I write this. Meh. Won't be back on this trip. Spent $100 on 4 orders of fish tacos and 2 top shelf Mai Tais.
(2)A. L.
Getting decent gluten free food in the Big Island has been less challenging than I expected. Huggo's was the first place we had dinner. I was pleasantly surprised to see gluten free hamburger buns available for their delicious burgers. The waitress seemed readily able to answer my GF-related questions. The sunset was beautiful, and I enjoyed the live music. This is a great, chill spot for a meal.
(4)Mistress E.
Great drinks and right on the water. A bar where you can put your toes in the sand? awesome. We went a few times for drinks and desserts and were not disappointed. They also had a pretty sweet girl group cover band that was really fun.
(4)Laura S.
Bartenders are great. The Onolisious Pupi platter is outstanding.
(4)Kim Z.
Great place. Went for dinner just before sunset. What a view! Food was terrific! Everyone in our group enjoyed their meal from prime rib to fresh tuna... Terrific waiter, Woody! Would really recommend!
(4)Melanie B.
Back from our vacation now for more than a month, I still find myself thinking fondly of our sunset happy hour at Huggo's. Toes in the sand, inexpensive drinks on the table, live music, ocean right there...we couldn't have picked a more picturesque place to enjoy the sunset. And the food wasn't bad, though perhaps not great; the onion rings weren't anything special, but the fish taco was really tasty. We found ourselves comparing each new bar to this one, and I'm not sure anything else lived up.
(4)Kelton J.
Yeah I know. Us residents aren't supposed to be hanging out at the tourist spots. Let alone enjoying them. But dammit, I can't help it. I love Huggo's. I love their food. I love their service. I love going to watch my musician friends play there. All of the above. Plus, you're right there on the water. Come on, what's not to love?
(5)Mark S.
Over many vacations to Kona, have walked past this place many times. Never been in before. Have dined at Huggo's, and enjoyed the music coming from the adjacent On the Beach, but you don't hear well due to the distance and the surrounding noise. Pros: -Nightly entertainment. -Sunset on the beach. -Interesting food preparations. The spicy popcorn shrimp salad with saimin noodles was spicy (not hot) with a slightly sweet dressing that worked well. The vegan panini was also nicely seasoned, and the fries were fine. -Drinks, if you like sweet fruit juice types. Cons: -No assigned seating; you fend for yourself. They call it "stalking." -Oily onion rings. -Lawn furniture on the sandy beach part of the establishment, or bar stools on the concrete patio. This is one of just a few places that has nightly Hawaiian music, usually from 6 pm to 9 pm. For a total experience of music, cocktails, and good food, Huggo's on the Rocks will deliver.
(4)Jan C.
I have never been here for dinner. I have never been here for dancing. I have never been here for a drink. The only thing I have EVER been to Huggo's for, and the only thing that will forever keep me coming back to Huggo's whenever I'm in Kona, is the KONA MUDD PIE. A humongous, heaping, hunk of lightly-flavored coffee ice cream, soft, smushed Oreo crust, and the perfect amount of fudge drizzled atop a fluffy mountain of whipped cream. Everything just comes together perfectly to create the most amazing dessert known to mankind. Do I have a tendency to exaggerate? Yes. Am I exaggerating about this mudd pie? Hell no. Try for yourself (preferably with one or two other people to help) and send me a compliment promising me your firstborn child later. Come during sunset and enjoy one of the finest moments of your entire life.
(5)SacBelle S.
Enjoyed a sunset cocktail there. Margarita on the rocks was great. Also ate at On the Rocks earlier in the week. I had the fresh catch and enjoyed it. The main draw is the great setting sitting on the rocks looking into the bay. Both had live music which was very nice.
(4)Dorothy B.
Huggo's has a lively, good energy. The music was fun and tons of people were dancing. The location on the water can't be beat. Favorite drinks: Jungle Juice (comes in your very own take-away coconut), Hawaiian Rainbow (tastes *just* like a rainbow), and Mango Mango.
(4)Greg F.
Wow! I"m not a burger expert, but when I have my mind set to a good burger, that's what I want. Huggo's delivered on this. This place is located right on the water and ambiance in the evening was friendly, calm and quite inviting. I was in the mood for a good burger this night and after sitting at the bar and having an ice cold draft beer, I ordered the Classic Burger, based on the bartenders recommendation. I have to say it was one of the best burgers I have had and though somewhat pricey, I was very satisfied. I also spoke to one of the hotel desk travel service people and they highly recommend Huggo's for all of their food. I would certainly give Huggo's a first try at any menu item.
(4)Robin N.
This is a great beach bar. Much better than the exceedingly snobby Huggo's next door. Considering you get the same view as the restaurant with the addition of live music and sand I would probably come here over the more expensive option. We had the fish tacos and they were hot and fresh. The service was slow, but friendly. Considering the place was packed out, we felt the wait was justified.
(4)Kimberly M.
Pay for a drink.. grab a happy hour fish taco or two. Enjoy the music and view. Get there early before happy hour starts to grab a ocean front table in the sand. This place is basic. Paper plates, plastic chairs..but good basic food. Bummed that we (airline crew) no longer receives the discount.. but that is okay..when your in Hawaii one must pay. Happy hour begins at 3p.. goes to 6.. I've had the nachos here.. they are very 'Taco Bell' in taste..nothing special. The fish tacos are okay..but better up the street. The pulled pork sandwiche..yummy.. The drinks are strong.. service is great..
(3)David S.
Only went there for drinks in the bar and lunch. Can not beat the view, so pretty. Food was very good too so what is not to like? prices very reasonable and the drinks were good. Had a nice duo that plays in the evenings so had nice Mai-Tai's eating good food, watching beautiful sunsets, listening to great music. in three words, "Fun, Fun, Fun" wishing I were there now, instead of dreary Seattle.
(4)tiffany l.
4 stars for the location. 3 stars for the food. Our friend ordered the special which was recommended by the waitress and later was told they ran out the special. Our food was average.
(4)Jiajia C.
I am ok with sitting outside with feet in the sand, next to crashing waves and torches around my table, with live Hawaiian music in the background, any night. It's a bit campy, but at times that's the best of the island's charms--- taking silly, overly atmospheric decors to the max. And I ate it all up, happily. Then I ate it all up, literally, my delicious dinner. In addition to carding me for ordering a Mai Tai... (excellent customer service, haha!), I cleaned my plate of poke and Korean BBQ dinner to the last grain of rice. And the price is super friendly as well. By all means, if you're in Kona, check this place out!
(5)Aubrey G.
In my personal opinion any place that puts cheese sauce on nachos is pretty lame :( Especially on kalua pork nachos?? It was just wrong. Other than that happy hour was pretty good. $3 drafts (including Stella!) Beautiful view of the Kona sunset with a live band that started out good with some Hawaiian classics but quickly turned to corny tourist music ( lots of jimmy buffet :Q) I'd come back for the beer and the view.
(2)Trish R.
We had dinner there tonight. The setting was absolutely beautiful. We sat a table over looking the ocean. Dinner was very good and the service was exceptional! Wonderful. Would definitely go again.
(4)Brenda B.
The view is unbeatable and the sand under feet so great. The Guava pulled pork sandwich is so delicious. The Lilikio Mojito is awesome. Make sure to order one of the ice cream desserts-we ordered the Macadamia Nut ice cream pie, yummy! We could have eaten here everyday! Definitely, a place to eat while on the Big Island.
(5)D K.
Excellent inexpensive food option with a beautiful view, and laid back yet attentive staff. One of the best meals we had in Kauai!
(5)Marina S.
I was here 3 times during my week in Hawai'i and it has not disappointed me. Great view of the water, relaxing live music and good vibes. Their mahi mahi tacos are excellent!
(5)Layla A.
Quite an experience. We sat on the ocean front with our feet in the sand. Food was above average but the band and atmosphere are awesome. I even got to hula . Fun times!
(4)Andrea H.
Atmosphere was wonderful -- on the ocean (which is even lit up some at night so you can enjoy it in the dark and watch the eels in the rocks), feet in the sand, a great hula show, and both times we went the live music was enjoyable and not overdone. The menu is somewhat limited, but everything we ate was delicious. The virgin pina colada was light years beyond what we got at Kona Inn, and the Kahlua-ice cream-drink was amazing!
(5)Chris K.
This place is fantastic. But don't come here because you may take the last seat and I hate waiting.
(5)Sandra R.
We missed our flight home and needed to drink. We ended up having a great time! Met a couple from Seattle, chatted away and had many many MaiTais!! Sometime throughout the night I remember ordering a burger and salad. I obviously needed food and it was a good tasty burger. We sat at the bar and the bartender was great. Fun music and dancing. A great place to have fun and unwind for whatever reason!
(5)Gary W.
What should have been a romantic 37th anniversary dinner ended up a disappointment when our double lobster dinners were fired prematurely. Apparently it was more important to get off than to prepare a properly cooked meal. We had been to Huggos years earlier and it was fine... We will never return even though the wait staff was excellent, gave us a free dessert and they took an appetizer off the bill. The point is that this place has no sense of timing or flat out don't care that they are rushing diners out of the door.
(2)Derek S.
Great view - beach seating. Food - blah.
(3)Kimber W.
Best part of this place is it is on the water.. awesome and they have live music. I cannot comment on the food but the pina colada I had was really nothing great.. and I really like pina coladas it just tastedmore like mooshy cocoa that was white:( I think when your an island hotspot you should make mixed drinks people will remember and want to write poetry about. The ladies on stage had a great sound but the stage was to small and they did not have enough light or sound system to show off their talents. Go here but get some draft beer.
(3)Del S.
Out of all the places at Big Island that I found through great Yelp reviews, Huggo's On The Rocks was the only one that I was disappointed about. First of all, at $36 per entree, this is definitely not a $$ place. It should be at least $$$. And for $36, I did expect that the food should be somewhat impressive but it's not. We had the fish special. They have fish on the top of the purple sweet mash potato in coconut sauce. The fish was good, the potato was good, the coconut sauce was good, but they just didn't work well together. The coconut sauce and the potato were so overpowering that you can't really taste and appreciate the fish. It was a shame because it was a good fish. The potion was overall kind of small and I felt that everything was kind of overpriced. The view was nice but that's about it. Overall the experience wasn't that impressive for the money we spent, just didn't seem worth it.
(2)Debbie M.
Stopped in to listen to the music & have a drink. The service was good, the drinks were good & the music was good. Didn't have any food so I cannot comment on that. All in all a fun evening.
(5)Catherine C.
Heading to Kona? Don't skip Huggos! While the view can't be beat, the service is even better! If you're a very lucky duck, you will be sat where you can be served by KIM- he is a total gem, and I guarantee you will be walking out with a smile on your face! Kim is super friendly, super funny, and won't steer you wrong with your food and beverage choices! Always ask for Kim if heading to Huggo's- he will make your day/vacation/life! If you're there to imbibe some of the nectar of life (i.e. boozing it up) don't skip the Ali'i Mai Tai- it packs quite the punch, and is tasty to boot! If you're staying in a nearby hotel, be sure to check out the live music and dancing in the evenings! We stopped in on a Friday night and enjoyed wonderful music and hula dancing, and later on the dance floor was PACKED! A great time had by all!
(5)Nathanael G.
Love Huggo's on the Rocks. Have been here everyday, sometimes twice! Killer 151 Mai Tai!! However, don't expect to hit the 151's for lunch and feel very active for the day :) this is a comfortable place to hang and have a drink and eat some good food!
(5)Larry L.
Went to Huggo's on the Rocks a couple years ago and had to come back. However, it was very disappointing this time. The location and entertainment were excellent but the food and service were not. It is worth going for a drink but I would not do dinner again with so many other quality restaurants around.
(3)Carter F.
Dinner: Food was ok, price didn't really match up with what we expected to get. I expect that you are paying for the view and not the quality of the food. However it was late when we visited and couldn't see a view. Drinks were good as was the music. Breakfast: Should be avoided at all cost.
(2)Dawn O.
Loved it. Great atmosphere, food was delicious. Had music and hula which we didn't expect. Great place.
(5)Keisha A.
There IS a nightlife in Kona! Granted, this place closed at 11pm on a Friday night, but while they were open it was tons of fun. Boyfriend and I sat at the bar overlooking the ocean at sunset - it was a fantastic view. The bar reminds of a typical beach bar with a Hawaiian flavor, very laid back, upbeat atmosphere, and a good mix of regulars and tourists (me being one of them) and there are tables in the sand which is nice to wiggle your toes in. Our waitress was incredibly friendly and accommodating. We ordered the pupu platter which included a mix of 3 different items from their appetizer menu and several tropical mixed drinks. The Rocks Jungle Juice was very tasty and comes in a coconut cup that you get to keep - a great souvenir for visitors. The best part of the evening was the live entertainment. An all girl singing group, Hot Lava 808 performed. They sang and danced to hit songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s including Tina Turner, The Doobie Brothers and The Supremes. The crowd loved it. I saw people moved to dance who probably would be better off saving their dance moves for the privacy of their own homes. All in all, a fun place to go for happy hour, appetizers and some impromptu dancing.
(4)X X.
I wanted to give this place a higher score really! The coffee ice cream cake (only reason I came here) was a huge disappointment. The cookie crust was really, really hard, the ice cream had no taste, and the size was much smaller than I anticipated. I saw another table order the same thing when I was about to go and it was much bigger, came with more chocolate, and they got a cherry! I spent $15 on a not very good ice cream cake. :( The positives: 1. great view. I got a table right away outside and it was very, very relaxing 2. nice servers 3. cute vacationers come and go in here I would go back to Huggo's, but not for dessert.
(3)Olga C.
Sheer fun, if you can get a table. The place seems to be very popular in the evenings and if you come here, you know why. Just dip your toes into the sand, order one of those tropical drinks and enjoy great live music Oceanside. If you wish, you can even show off your dance moves, seems like no one's judging here. This place was recommended to us by our friends, and since we could not get reservations at the Huggo's (different place, they take reservations for dinner and have different menu), we came over here after dinner for drinks and tunes. We did try one of their desserts, a brownie with some ice cream on top; it was just ok. With the exception of some drunken 20-somethings in front of us who kept on trying to smoke at the table regardless of numerous comments from the wait staff, noting that they should step outside for smoking, we had an amazing evening.
(5)Linda M.
The view is spectacular you can forgive a lot just by the location . The Server had very little food or alcohol knowledge I asked about oysters on the half shell which I had had previously in Huggos Restaurant she said they did not serve them on that side I'm good with that but she also told me they came frozen which is absolutely not true . I asked her the drink specials she said the Chi Chi is good I asked if it was almost the same as a Pina Colada she said no so I'm game for something new it is and was a Pina Colada with vodka after all . We Had sliders that were overcooked dry, the Portuguese bean soup was excellent though and the Long Island Ice tea was great . I recommend it for the view and the music and try the local brews .
(3)Miicha G.
Great place with a great view if you're going for some drinks around sunset. Friendly service, but you better be on the bar if you expect your second drink to be there quickly. The night we were there the live music was great.
(4)Natasha P.
Great bar, live music, skip their fancy restaurant and go straight to the "On the Rocks" bar next door.
(4)H T.
great place to get 100% Kona coffee in the morning with great beach views! I got my coffee here in the mornings and enjoyed the views. At night there is a live band and it's all outdoor seating.
(4)Robert E.
Right on the beach, and not so expensive that it's not fun! Good food, friendly staff and reasonable prices. Always make at least one trip to Huggo's when I am in Kona.
(4)Douglas O.
Eric (the owner) is awesome! This has been in their family for years and the food is still very tasty. As mentioned, the place is a bit "fancy" and expensive but always nice for a break from island food. I enjoyed the Teriyaki Beef with rice/vegetables. The Mud Pie Ice Cream for Dessert is ONE-of a KIND!!! I highly recommend it! The view of the sunset is one of the best, and they feed the stingrays at night.
(4)Eric U.
Good food and nice ambiance with great music . Too bad the drinks are served in plastic glasses. Wine is so-so. They have a good selection of local beers.
(3)Amelia A.
funky beach ambience and live music with hula dancing. great food and fun vibe. fish tacos, bulgogi fried rice and kids grilled cheese sandwich were hits. good service too. definitely stop at huggos on the rocks!
(5)Kai T.
How could you not love a place where you can sit with your feet in the sand with the sunset and live music...oh and of course great drinks! My girls and i had such a great time at this place and it was exactly what we needed in Kona. love the ambiance if you want something fun but not crazy atmosphere. I got the sampler which came with short ribs and poke which was huge and soo good.
(5)KRock S.
Excellent food, great service and great entertainment from the band LT Smooth. We went with our three kids and they had a great time. Eating dinner on the sand and listening to the great music. Wonderful evening. Go at sunset to sit outside and see the gorgeous views.
(5)Crystal D.
Great view but you pay for it. Poke is awesome. Drinks are light which is disappointment considering you pay more for them then for other places.
(3)Meagan O.
Amazing happy hour - $3 Mai Tais, delicious sliders and 1 pound of fries makes Meago a happy camper. We watched the sunset while enjoying live music and burying our toes in the sand. It really is as simple and as wonderful as that. Regular menu prices are a bit steep so we'll just stick to HH.
(4)Jodie P.
We had just arrived into Kona and Huggo's was the only place still open. The live music was really nice, the drinks were great and the service was fine. The fish tacos were really dry and the calamari was just ok. But this could be due to the fact we were ordering so late. Might be better if you came earlier.
(3)Kimberly Q.
I loved Huggo's On The Rocks! Sadly, my hubby and I didn't discover this gem until our last night in Hawai'i, but I'm happy we were at least able to try it once. The location is awesome, set right--you guessed it--on the rocks. With the ocean only feet away from you, you find yourself with your feet in the warm sand as you browse the menu. If you go after 5pm, a live band or a musician plays and it's REALLY relaxing and provides an awesome atmosphere. The menu is pretty diverse. They have fish dishes, burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of unique main courses. My fiance had the roast beef melt and said it was delicious. We shared the kalua pig nachos (AMAZING!) and I had the Korean short ribs (to die for). I'm not much of a drinker but I did have a mango margarita that was alright...definitely not the best I've ever had and it was kind of small for the price. We loved this place because of the setting and the food, and the service was friendly and quick. Definitely a place I'd revisit!
(4)Ryan W.
This is a nice little bar in town with a view (waterfront). The location is good, but you are paying for the location. The bar service was average. The bartender serving us was a bit short. The food looked terrible, so we opted to pay for our drinks and head down the road for food. I am glad we did. This is definitely a place to come for happy hour and a sunset view. Other than that, I wouldn't recommend it based on my experience.
(3)Erin O.
Great Happy Hour! Delicious Mai Tai and tasty Sliders was a great ending to a day at the beach! It was also great to make the stuffy people at the table next to us uncomfortable by our "off the beach" attire! (we were all perfectly presentable to be in a barefoot bar, trust me!) Loved the live music and the amazing sunset view! I want to go back every night!
(5)Jay D.
Arrived for dinner on Wednesday night. Our server was polite and friendly. Food was so so. Def not worth the price. Def would not recommend this place.
(2)Brian L.
Nasty ahi . Not fresh and looks old. Tasted worst. I would only come here for drinks and view.
(1)Laura R.
I give this place a three only because the view and the service. Both were great. The food...I wouldn't go back for. It was just okay. Although typically I prefer a more local eats joint. The mushrooms small plate was delicious.
(3)Shane A.
The service was extremely slow. I ordered a mojito, but I would've called it mint water even after I asked for more rum to be added - and I'm not a huge drinker. The potato soup lacked taste, the pork sandwich was too salty, and did I mention the service was extremely slow? The sunset was the best part of the meal.
(2)Malia H.
I have the fondest memory from about 25 years ago... (I know, you're thinking how could she have memories from before she was born?!)... Watching the eels writhe up on the rocks to eat a bite of the lobster carcass I had been working on for dinner, which was DELICIOUS by the way. It all happened just as the sun was setting over the ocean. Huggo's has a special place in my heart and they didn't blow it when I went there a couple years ago with my hubby. I suggest making a reservation to make sure you get as close to the ocean as possible and watch the sunset!
(4)Anthony E.
Absolutely loved this place, was on vacation there and just happen to walk past and looked fun, so we had lunch there. Nothing better than having lunch on the beach with the most beautiful view. The food was wonderful, so we decided to come back there again for lunch. Can't wait to come back to Kona and relax and eat there again!
(5)Julie K.
Great view, awesome food, friendly service and live music every night. Tables in the sand, so where sandles (what else in Hawaii!). Great fun for my kids too. Definitely check this place out. You will not be disappointed!
(5)Suzanna L.
Great cocktails and great service! My husband and I almost went broke going back there over and over again on our honeymoon... but what a view. The entertainment on the weekends was nice too. I have nothing but sweet memories of this place. Be careful though, it's an easy way to blow it if you're on a budget!
(5)Bill O.
Sat down. Looking at the menu. Guy comes out from behind the bar and says we can't sit there because my son has a shaved ice from a vendor outside the front door. Place was not full. Plenty of open tables. We said we were planning to order. He said we had to leave. Even if we had brought in a bottle of water. We took our business across the street.
(1)David S.
Huggos on the Rocks is great to hang out ,feel the mist of the sea breaking, catch a sunset, listen to music of variable quality. The criticism here makes me think that if the Hotel bars in Kohala are your favorite you wont like this. There is a mix of people- Seasonal residents,full timers ,vacationers some Hawaiians. It is a bar folks so treat it that way. If you need the sand pristine ,the music only background and the service ingratiating stay away. The music varies from the best ( LT Smooth) to typical hawaiian tourist. sound to rock on the weekends.
(4)Raj S.
I will give this place 5 star just because of the ambience, live music and the service. It is a bar for god's sake and not a fine dining restaurant. If you want fine dining, go to Huggo's. We loved it so much that we went there twice - back to back. Parking is a little bit hard as it is right in downtown Kona. Seating is first come first served. There was ample seating both the days. Live music was on. The first day the singer was really really good - haven't heard such good live music in a bar before. And not to mention the ambience was perfect - chairs right on the beach so that I can feel the sand with my bare feet. Lots of people were dancing - really having a good time. The food was good (great compared to bar food). I ordered burger the first day and Fish Tacos, the next. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Service was prompt and immediate. Next time I go to Kona, I am going here again. I love this place...
(5)Beth R.
At least three out of five work days (and sometimes on Saturday) I take a break from my desk and go just down the street to Huggo's on the Rocks. It's our "other" lunch room. Pretty neat to sit and look at the ocean and surf and sky for a few minutes. In recent weeks we've had front row seats for the canoe races. Life is good. The staff wave, shake hands and pretty much know exactly what we'll be ordering every day. Franny, Kim, Hana and Beth are top-notch wait persons. Always cheerful, always attentive. Sure, the Mudd Pie looks impressive, but the BEST dessert was the Haupia Cake. It was to die for! Really sorry they don't have it anymore. Taco salad, poke tower, and the ever-pleasing Paddler Burger are some of my favorites (and I usually split with my husband). Friends tell me the Portuguese Bean soup is pretty good too. Anyway, get outside! Watch the ocean. Enjoy. 365 days of the year. Guaranteed.
(5)Joe P.
Went several times times and the only reason I am not giving 5 stars was because of the service one night.It was poor on the one occasion.But again the food was good and the view even better.They have some very tasty drinks that will take the edge off if you need it !Great place to RELAX !
(4)Betsy D.
This is a favorite place, feet in the sand, protected by colorful canopies, excellent Mai Tais, terrific views, friendly staff. Happy hour food is average, but the above reasons are why we keep going back.
(5)Annie C.
Gist: Huggo's fine dining is the way to go for satisfying gourmet food with friendly service and beautiful views. And for some entertainment, feed the animals that like to swim close to shore in the evening. In our reservation we noted we were celebrating our anniversary. To our amazement, they gave us what we think is the best seat in the house. A quiet table for two right at the water's edge. The restaurant is basically covered but outdoors which makes for wonderful ocean breezes. Our waiter was one of the best we ever had as he gave us his food recommendations and was so flexible with our desire to alter some of the side dishes that came with our individual entrees. And despite the busy-ness, he took the time to give recommendations of must-see and must-eat places in Kona. The food is really amazing. The fish is one of the freshest I've ever eaten. Totally recommend the Seafood pupu platter which is filled with Ahi of all different styles. The Teriyaki might seem mundane at first glance but it is THE best I've ever had. The steak is REAL steak, very tender and fully marinated. We also ordered fish for one of the entrees, which like the pupu platter was one of the freshest you will find. The ono was meaty but buttery flaky at the same time. And don't forget to try the macadamian mashed potatoes just to remind yourself you're in Hawaii :) To wrap us our dinner, we were given a coconut cake ON THE HOUSE. It was delicious! Even my husband, who doesn't usually like sweets, really liked it. For extra fun, sea eels come out at night and like to swim right up to where the water meets the restaurant. You can throw bits of bread out and watch them wriggle around. The restaurant was so accommodating about us staying at our table for 2+ hours. We never felt like we need to leave!
(5)Mark G.
Greek breakfast was good. Nice place!
(4)Paul B.
This place gets 5 stars for decent food, awsome location, great ambiance, good music, good crowd of mixed locals and tourists. The location is worth it alone.
(5)perris f.
gave it four stars cause some food dishes aren't great. more like convenience store type fare. (what is that cheese sauce???). the bbq pork was good. poke only so so. BUT great for drinks, live music, and location (right on the water). 5 stars if you go for happy hour. ladies get the hawaiian rainbow!! best night, every night.
(4)amy m.
Sunset here is the best. We go here every time on BI. I usually just order a Hamburger and it's comparable to something you may find at a Red Robins, but the view is priceless! right on the water, sunset, and a live Hawaiian band (with a hula dancer) what more can you ask for?
(5)Lux P.
By the time I got to Huggo's I had my fill of overly sweet drinks, so I went for beer. What is up with the plastic cups? It made the beer get warm quick and I drink fast enough to usually double fist it( they don't allow this in Hawaii because everytime I tried to order two drinks at once they wouldn't let me). The view is great and it was outside and by the water. I just wish the band didn't start playing "Margaritaville"- sorry parrotheads.
(3)Kama K.
Kona is boring and not a place for night life. Went here twice during our visit. On a Friday nite we went to meet up with people we heard the music so we checked it out. There was great dancing music by 3 Girls. We sat on the bar. There were 3 Male Bartenders. Unfortunately, it took more than 5 min for anyone to even acknowledge us. Cocktails were weak but Kona really has no choices. The second time we went on a Wed during sunset. It was so beautiful! Wonderful Hawaiian music from a 2 man band and a hula dancer. We had the Happy Hour Pupus. $2 Fish tacos, $3 nachos. Again service was very slow and cocktails were weak but beautiful setting and live music! But the bottom line is you get what you pay for.
(3)Ellie P.
Yummy food and Hula dancing. You sit right on the beach, great sunset!
(4)Allison A.
Yes, this is the perfect place on the beach for delicious drinks and people watching. Decent entertainment and an amazing Ahi sandwich that was devoured within, I kid you not, 1 minute. Almost had to order another...but went with another drink instead. It was the right call.
(4)Eric Z.
The best thing about Huggo's is the sand! Put your feet in and have a mai tai! Also, if you get there before 6, ask for the $3 Happy Hour menu..limited but yummy!
(5)Lori S.
BEST spot for consistently fabulous food and ocean views. Brian the bartender will truly make your night so do yourself a favor and sit at the bar.....his energy and aloha spirit will leave you energized and the delicious seafood in front of the crashing waves finishes out the perfect night.
(5)David W.
We were afraid we couldn't get in, but got a great table (in the sand). Live band was really good, and so was food (burgers and salad) and drinks. I wish we would have danced. Great place for sundowners.
(5)Aaron D.
you cant really go worng. Enough said!
(5)M R.
You go here for the view and the sandy floor. The food is mostly average, tho I had a nice ahi burger. The bun was soggy, but the ground fish patty was thick. I had the pupu appetizer platter, and it was not worth 16 bucks. The kalbi ribs were thin, tough, and dry. The happy hour fish tacos were extremely dry as well. With all that I might go back except for the servers. I was there during the day since I was with family and kids, and it took forever to get anything like water, knapkins, the rice I ordered that they forgot... The servers would go to the table right next to you and never look over your way to see if you needed anything. You would have to yell to get their attention. Thats just rude. Maybe they wouldn't be running around so much if they methodically stopped by each table when they would come down by the water instead of racing by everyone else with tunnel vision.
(3)Steve S.
Three and a half stars. The location is the best in Kona; they literally built the place right on the rocks, so you can't get any closer to the ocean than this. Plus they have a cool little sand area next to the water so it feels like you're on the beach. The drinks are actually really good; the mai tais and margaritas were the best we had in Kona. Of the food, we only had the fish sandwich, and it was really good; fish was light and flavorful, and it was served on perfectly crisped ciabbata bread. So what wasn't good? As others have noted, the service was slow. Also, there were a lot of ants in the sand area that were devouring food that was dropped on the floor. I even found an ant crawling on me. Gross. And finally, the bill. They definitely make you pay for the view - our fish sandwich was $16 and it was pretty small. The same bill at Lulu's across the street would've been half the price. Basically, I would recommend coming here for happy hour if it's nice weather and there's gonna be a good sunset. Otherwise, there are probably other places that are more worth your while.
(3)Mais S.
Great food and great views but super slow service (even for island time). Hawaiian entertainment with dinner so can get crowded. Or come at 3pm when tacos, sliders, etc. are $3 apiece. It is also the only time when you can get a table by the ocean.
(4)Jason H.
Love this place! There is an indoor resteraunt and an outdoor bar that also servers food. We didnt venture to the indoor resteraunt, but we hung out at the outdoor bar many nights during our stay on the Big Island. Fun place to hang and drink..also notice many locals at this spot, so that's probably good for something.
(5)Erich R.
Great location right on the water. Decent music and the staff is friendly. The other people in this bar tend to be friendly, we met people both times we were in here and spoke with them most of the evening. Food is just average and a little pricey but so is everything in this area.
(4)Annette M.
Best place to go on the Big Island for a casual cocktail and bite to eat. The food is not great or uber high end - we are talking burgers, nachos (baked pork nachos are really good) etc. The staff is great - attentive - and the price is reasonable for the food, location right on the water and delivering a killer sunset. No place better than this after a day of diving or surfing!
(5)David H.
A - List. Highly Recommended. Location - 5 stars - Best View For Sunset. Waves crashing. Sand beneath your feet. Ambiance - 5 stars - Tropical holiday, lets-have-some-fun atmosphere Happy Hour - 5 stars - 3 to 6 pm; the ice cold beer in good sized cups are $3 - You will likely not find anything better Decor - 5 stars - Part Tiki Tiki Bar, Part tables in the sand, and then the ocean and sunset. Paradise in Kona Heaven. Food - 3.5 Stars - some good items on the menu - beware of the squeezable cheese product that ruins a really good taco dish. Ask first before ordering** Music - 3.5 Stars = local musicians play and dance into the evening. I thought it was awesome, although on the night I went the singer/guitar player did bend, mute words to popular songs. If you want some new cutting edge sound, this is not the place for you. They play, sing and dance to a variety of 70s 80s and 90s tunes with some Hawaiian classics thrown in. This must be one of your stops while on the Big Island!
(4)Leon C.
This is a great place to hang out and have drinks at the end of the night. You sit at the tables which are on the sand. You order drinks and watch the musicians play. It's nice. They do charge an extra fifty cents if you just order drinks after 8pm for "entertainment cost." this is a nice place to chill at night though.
(4)Valerie C.
Good food..great atmosphere, handsome bartender, Matt..awesome job of suggesting the ahi sandwich and getting just what I wanted..great customer service....Will definately go back
(5)Dianna M.
I ate at both Huggos and Huggos on the Rocks. The Rocks is a fun, outdoor bar restaurant with live music. The Kalbi ribs were great but the fish tacos were a little too fishy for my taste. Big, fun, tropical drinks, awesome wait staff and dancing on the beach. A definite must for a good time & food was much tastier than Huggos.
(4)Megan S.
Portion size of drinks were half way filled, drink prices not worth paying for the quantity received. Service is ok, bartender seemed snobby and didn't care to greet. Live music is great and the surrounding is nice but a little cheesy.
(3)Robert C.
The food here is decent, but you're not here for an amazing culinary experience. You're here to watch the sunset from one of the best locations in Kona. The drinks are good, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere can't be beat. Get here about 90 minutes before sunset to grab a table closest to the ocean.
(5)Ali I.
Service, food, and ambiance were all perfect. We were in Kona for our Honeymoon and this was one of the restaurants we went to - it was fantastic! Don't forget to get a "back-scratcher" drink. The cioppino was delish! The area is so cute too - walk around and take it in.
(5)Lucretia W.
Food was so-so (greasy happy hour) and the waitress seemed to want to rush us out so she could seat more people, but other than that this is a nice place to rest your feet in the sand, have a mai tai and watch the sun set.
(3)Pete F.
I cannot visit the Big Island without dining at Huggo's. I love sitting right next to the ocean and feeling the spray from the waves hitting the rocks and boulders. I don't drink mixed drinks so I cannot comment about fancy beverages with parasols. I would rather have a beer with my burger and fries. This is real Hawaii.
(5)Julian H.
We had a great time here on our first night in Kailua-Kona. We got a water-side table with views of the sunset, the coast, and the water. It was magic! Good food and service, too. Good if you've got the scratch!
(5)Mike S.
Been coming here for years amd love it. The outdoor venue has local entertainment and you can enjoy that while being a few feet from the surf. It's very relaxing. The food is good as well buy the prize is the venue. We always come to Huggos on our first day for a ceremonial Mai Tai.
(5)Sheryl Y.
Thursday night the music is the best. Wonderful ambiance. Good food.
(5)Barbara S.
Wouldn't recommend for happy hour or just cocktails ... almost no ocean view seating in the bar area, service was fair, mai tai was sub-par and not part of the happy hour specials, and the appetizer menu was uninspiring. Why two stars? well, cuz anything in Hawaii just seems better ;-)
(2)Dave B.
We had a relaxing lunch on the beach, watching the sand crash against the rocks just a few feet away. This place had amazing food, and the best part was that you sat on tables and chairs on the beach! Who doesn't love sand between their toes in Hawaii!
(5)Brynne M.
First of all, this is where my husband proposed to me, so I may be a little partial because of that. But seriously, we were in Kona for 10 days and ate here twice... it was that good. The service was excellent, food was great, and apparently, you can't get a closer ocean view. In fact, depending on the tide and where you are seated, you can get a little bit of ocean spray at the table. This may or may not sound good to you but when you're in Hawaii, sitting in a romantic restaurant at sunset, a little bit of sea water jumping up to say hello is actually quite lovely.
(5)Brian B.
Great place! Live music onstage with the Kona sunset as a backdrop. Drinks are expensive but worth the extra money. One drink I had was macadamia nut liquor and ice cream. Tasty! Their island fried rice is the bomb. I ordered it twice. This place is always busy and you need to fight for a table in the sandbox. Just enjoy a drink at the bar until a table opens up. What's the hurry anyway, you're in Kona damn-it!
(4)thb t.
At this restaurant you're pretty much paying for the view and ambiance. We ordered a tuna sashimi appetizer which was decent, nothing really special. We actually finished that appetizer before we even got any bread at our table. However, our waiter made the mistake of giving us a second plate of the sashimi and then quickly left. We flagged him down the next moment to tell him what had happened but he said we could keep the sashimi since it would've been thrown away in the kitchen. As for the entrees, we ordered one crab-crusted ono and one macademian nut crusted mahi mahi. The mahi mahi was overcooked to the point that it was very dry and the ono was cooked to the point that it almost turned into mush. The highlight of the evening was when we saw 3 eels playing in the rocks right by the railing area we were sitting at. It provided a nice distraction from the poor service despite the fact that it wasn't very full. Our waiter pretty much just dropped our food, never re-filled our water glass, and made us wait 10-15min for our bill. All i can say is thank goodness for the eels, otherwise the experience would not have been worth it.
(3)Cynthia C.
This place is the best! It's the first place I think about when we land. The servers are fun and nice, the food is good and the view, well, the view is the best! We see dolphins literally jumping and playing right in front of us! Try and go on a Sunday or Monday and see LT Smooth play. He is the greatest! Such a beautiful man, a great voice and a superb guitar player. I would avoid it during the morning hours when it is "Java on the Rocks", staff is grumpy and rude, we didn't even stay to eat.
(5)Monica P.
Great view. Live music. Good food. Yeah, service was a bit slow, but hey, you're in Hawaii what's the rush?! Highly recommend you give this place a shot. There's a blues band that plays every Monday night - they're amazing!
(5)Paul M.
location location location.... take off your slippers, as the locals call them put your feet in the sand, sit and watch the ocean and scoop down a few beers. a great bar, with tremendous service, and a spectacular view. my only criticism is they don't open until like, 11.00 or 11.30 a.m. - come on, it's 10.00 am and I'm on vacation and I need a beer !
(4)Sally H.
This is simple. Good food, good prices, good views, good people. Go anywhere else and be disappointed.
(4)Aaron S.
Food is well below average and overpriced beer is served in plastic cups (one of my peves)
(1)Sheri M.
Fun place but Halloween sucks there. Live music is good and food is good but not great. Fun place with a great view.
(4)M. Odette D.
This is a beautiful place to enjoy a meal. It's right on the water with sand at your feet. Service was friendly and the coffee was yummy. The food was delicious too. We had a great time spending our morning here. I wish the menu had more choices and it would have been five stars for me.
(4)Grace T.
My fiance and I came here for dinner during our last night on the island. It was the perfect place to spend the evening. We came after sunset (I would imagine that this is an awesome spot to enjoy the sunset) and scored a table that was in the sand. There's something to be said about being able to wiggle my toes in the sands while I'm enjoying a drink and some good food. We each order a mixed drink, I had a blended mango daiquiri, which was a little light on the booze. We got the kalua nachos to start and I got the pupu sampler as my entree and he got the quesadilla. It get quite packed here on a Friday night, because there's a live band, but the food comes to the table fairly quickly. Everything tasted fantastic! We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. It was the perfect place to savor our last evening on the island.
(5)Maryrose S.
Live music, oceanside breeze, great drinks, awesome food - what's not to love. I felt like I was truly on vacation in Hawaii when we went here our first night. Service was great and there was so much on the menu that I enjoyed. I was bummed that we didn't have the opportunity to come to Huggos again. We had several appetizers, but the Chicken Nachos really stood out for me. Great taste and great presentation! I'd definitely recommend to a friend.
(5)Julie Z.
Love the $3 Happy Hour menu! Putting my feet in the sand and watching the sunset from this location is just heaven.
(4)Rose O.
Went there for drinks and pupus during their happy hour on Saturday. Great nachos and fish taco for $3 each. Local beer and sitting right next to the water watching the sunset. What can be better than this?
(4)Whitney E.
Okay read the yelps and thought well what the hell roll the dice. We had to wait a long time for our table even with reservations. The staff seemed elsewhere like everyone had being somewhere else on their mind rather then at work...which is fine but you gotta put on your game face at work folks eh! While we were waiting a delicious smelling platter of sizzling mushrooms was whisked by an we went mmm. The hostess turned her nose up and said...no not if you have to smell it all the time you get sick of it, who says that to customers??? We finally got our table which was very close to the water and the tiki torches were lit nice appearance but looks are not everything. Drink order taken right away drinks were average nothing special with small glasses with tons of ice...both sodas and mixed drinks. Then after that the staff just vanished.Finally, they came and took our order. We both went with pasta with chicken and veggies, and waited and waited. Food was okay not great not gross, better than kastu again. Once our food arrived we were forgotten again having to ask for the dessert menu. Dessert was huge chocolate ice cream pie...but the whip cream tasted frozen and stale. Waited for the check forever, waited for the credit card to be ran forever. The view could not entertain us forever we were there from 6-8. All for $200 bucks! The bar on the other side seemed lively.
(2)Soo S.
Came here with our friends to celebrate our last night in Hawaii. Ordered the Poke appetizer, which was decent. Our waitress recommended the fish of the day, which I ordered. There wasn't anything special about the dish. It was bland without much flavor. The fish of the day was some white fish, one that I never heard of. It was fresh, just very bland, as if they simply steamed it. Over priced.
(2)Steve H.
One of the best places to watch a sunset in Hawaii, except for a beach of course. The floor is sand, so kick off your flops, order a beer and some food and watch the sunset. Food is your general bar food type, but they have some great beer to choose from. The place is really loads of fun. Live music and the people working there are tons of fun as well. Have been here everytime we've come to the big island and love it. In the morning its called "Java on the Rocks". Great place to have a cup of joe and get the morning going. Read "Tiffany C."'s review, she sums it up pretty well in the first part of her review! Its a cant miss place.
(5)Julie U.
Yes, yes, YES! Sign me up. Huggo's is fantastic... one of those places I'll be thinking about for a good few weeks and wishing there were something even close to this much fun here in San Diego. We chose a waterfront table in their barefoot bar. Slip off your shoes and voila! You're on the beach, except that you have a really comfy chair that you didn't have to carry down there, and someone to bring you mighty good mai tais, scrumptious poke, and an unbelievable Mahi taco platter. Later in the evening the live Hawaiian music starts up, and little children learn Hula from a native pro right there before your eyes, and sea turtles play on the rocks right there along the edge. We went to Huggo's at around 4:00 on July 4th, and we didn't leave until after 9:00, just in time to see the fireworks over the ocean. We just couldn't seem to pry ourselves from that table.
(5)R G.
I'm giving it a 4 solely because of the atmosphere. It's literally on the ocean and everyday beginning around 6pm live music is offered. This is the place to get an unobstructed view of the sunset. Food is very average and so are the drinks. Despite this we went here 3 nights of our 7 night visit to Kona. Definitely worth a visit!!
(4)Mackenzie O.
The location is great, the drinks are strong and food is fresh and delicious. We stopped by for lunch and grabbed the end table in the sand overlooking the water. Our waiter was helpful with drink and food recommendations. We stayed for several hours soaking up the rays (there was an umbrella for shade as well). I would suggest stopping in for lunch because the place looks pretty packed around sunset.
(5)CA S.
Piña colada was great, but the food was mediocre. We liked the outdoor seating with sand under our feet and the view. The service wasn't the friendliest and it took awhile to get our lunch. We won't be going back.
(2)Jenn W.
I was less than impressed with the service at huggo's on the rocks. We had to try extraordinarily hard to flag our waiter down to send soup back that was cold and bland when it came out. The view is amazing and the drinks are good-- that's where the two stars I gave it came from. Go for drinks and sunset, not dinner.
(2)Tina D.
Right on the water, good food, good drinks, live music...can you really go wrong?
(4)Meatball J.
Toes in the sand, pupu plater on the table, tropical drinks, beautiful view, tiki lighting, ocean breeze, coconuts in the trees, live music and a hula dancer! very chill, yet at the same time, very exciting! I really loved this place.
(5)Chris L.
Nice view, very parrothead like place. Live music, etc. The drinks could be better but certainly not the worst. I think we expected something a little more exotic than just mai tai's. Services seemed a little scattered but it could've been worse.
(3)Jims L.
I like this place - there actually aren't very many places in Kona that are so close up on the ocean as Huggo's.. the outdoor seating area is so open and beautiful. And the place is very low-key and relaxed. I liked coming here just for something to drink, a light meal, and good conversation.
(4)M.J. C.
We love Huggo's! The view is one of the best in Kailua Kona. Get there at sunset and enjoy a mai tai before a delicious dinner. We've eaten there for lunch too and always had good food, good service. Not too expensive, either. The view is second to none! We'll be back this fall!
(4)Darlene W.
The only redeeming factor here was the live guitarist who performed Hawaiian tunes and some R&B. The service was awful, and all we had was two Longboard beers and a plate of nachos. It took forever to get the waiter's attention. Worst of all, we ordered the plate of nachos without the "stadium cheese sauce", so our server informed us that our nachos would be cold because they couldn't put it in the oven without the stadium cheese sauce. Really?!? I think the oven would work just fine without "stadium cheese sauce". And trust me, these tortilla chips needed to be dried out in an oven, because they were pretty stale. Yes, the ocean view is nice, but it isn't worth the high prices and the bad service.
(1)Vive l.
I'm a big fan. Couldn't ask for more from a little beach joint- fantastic location, friendly and efficient service, pure beachtime enjoyment with a classy menu. The hawaiian style potato chips are made daily on site with big salt, kept thinking of them days later...
(4)Kari L.
Celebrated the B'Day last evening at HOTR....had the 15.00 ice cream pie---it was good but the last time I had that it was half the price. What are you doing Huggos? Have you no shame? Anyway, EVERYTHING was really really great. People from all walks of life dancing up a storm...from 80 something seniors to children. The Band was absolutely incredible...all I know is the guitarist's name is Jeff Bach...anyone know the name of the group and when and where else do they play? I feel like I want to be a groupie ;-)......Not really, but they were that great......
(5)MB K.
YUM YUM! Try the Mahi grilled tacos! Went with the kids and they loved it. The chef was awesome and he bent over backwards for our veggie guests. Yummy drinks, great location. A must stop on your visit to Kona.
(5)Nick K.
Maybe I just came here on a bad day, but the food was fairly mediocre and service was terrible! They took "island time" to a new level. We ended up leaving a huge undeserved tip because we were too queasy to wait another half hour for our change. The location is spectacular of course. I'm sure that there's no way anyone would be allowed to build so close to the water anymore, so you have to try and savor these places that have been grandfathered in.
(2)Melissa V.
What a great find! We headed here as our first stop in Kona. We got a primo spot on far right corner, table for 4 - view of sunset was the best! Can't beat $3 mai tais and fish tacos at happy hour!
(4)D G.
Lousy food, great location. We chose this place primarily because of the yelp ratings. That's the reason why I am actually posting because this place does not deserve 4 stars. Yes the location is excellent and yes the band that is playing is pleasant (though the charge 50ct per drink after 8 for the entertainment) but if you are considering to have dinner at this place beware. The food is really lousy. I recommend dropping by for a beer or a cocktail but go for food somewhere else.
(2)Shari D.
This restaurant gave our little group one of our happiest dining memories for our entire trip to the Big Island. The service was outstanding! The servers were so nice to use. The view out on the deck was breath-taking, especially when the sun went down. We were treated to one of Hawaii's famous sunsets that evening during our dinner feast. Their house teriyaki steak was soooo delicious! I made my hubby get that, and boy was he glad. I think it was a flank cut. It was so tender and delicious! I got the macadamia nut encrusted ono, which was good, but not as good as the steak. I kept sneaking pieces of Ant's food off his plate! I don't remember what the dessert was, but that might be because I was buzzed from my drink, and had a happy little Godson asleep in my lap. The staff was really wonderful about accommodating his needs. (Milk and a small kid plate of food, and a booster seat.) We were never self-conscious about having him, but maybe because he was really well-behaved? Anyway, we had a blast here, not just the food or the lovely ambience, but because the people here made it feel welcoming, relaxed.... well, very Hawaiian!
(5)Dustin H.
This place is so completely over priced. I know this is a tourist spot but really? 6 bucks for a 14oz beer? Really? Why you got to do me like that?! This place would have less then one star if not for the amazing setting and the lovely live Hawaiian music. "Hot Lava 808" is my new favorite cover band. Still, it's going to take more then a cover band, no mater how good, to get me to come back here.
(1)E G.
Definitely get the Guava BBQ pork sandwich. We had to go back to try it again :) Loved sitting in the sand by the ocean...
(4)Vin F.
This place had the great advantage of being located next to my hotel, and thus the natural target for a much needed drink (see my review of the Royal Kona Resort). An open bar with thatched roof and scattered tables, looking out over the water, it wasn't bad. But it was your classic Hawaiian tourist gouger. The fish tacos were passable but must have come from an Ahi the size of a goldfish. More egregious was the $7 beer that came in a glass shaped like your typical pint glass but actually was only about 8 ounces. When I pointed this out to the waitress that it was pretty lame to have such small glasses, she said unconvincingly, "Oh, I hadn't noticed." She also hadn't noticed the drink specials, or the types of beer on tap, that the bartender had previously told me about. I wonder if she noticed how little a tip I left.
(2)Cathy B.
We were searching for a cocktail on the beach in Kona when we stumbled upon this place. The location directly on the beach overlooking the crashing surf cannot be beat. We stayed for dinner, and I had a scrumptious mushroom burger with potato mac salad. Others in my party raved about the fish sandwiches and mai tais. There was also live entertainment, including hula dancers. A great time had by all.
(5)Andrew K.
There are actually two adjacent "Huggo's" in Kona, one is a large restaurant and the other is "On the Rocks" next door. This review is of the restaurant itself. The view of the ocean was spectacular. The terrace is directly over the water and spotlights reveal the deep blue color. There was live music audible from Huggo's on the Rocks, there is a cover band that plays versions of classic-rock and early-1980's songs. Their talent is pretty good but their repertoire is very predictable. The food was good but not outstanding. We went there only once so can't speak for most of the menu. In the cocktail menu there were some creative drinks. The dessert was excellent. This restaurant is directly adjacent to one of the largest tourist hotels in Kona, and can be thought of almost as an extension of the hotel for that reason, and is jam-packed with tourists. In our experience this was a major detraction from the overall experience for several reasons: Crowded and therefore a long wait for a table. After being seated, at the table directly next to ours were two obnoxious tourists in "Hawaiian shirts" who were having an obscenity-laced argument. Also an injured tourist actually collapsed on the ground directly inside the entrance and had to be taken to the Kona Hospital, causing something of a commotion. The service was very poor. The first server did not bring two of the items which had been ordered and had to be reminded to do so. He then left for the night and passed the task on to a different server. This server was even worse because he ignored very explicit instructions about how a dish should be prepared and brought the wrong thing anyway. Overall we chose "3 stars" as the rating: excellent view of the ocean, food and drinks are pretty good. However it is something of a "tourist trap", and in our case the service was unsatisfactory.
(3)Pamela R.
This place is right on the beach and they have live music at night. I would suggest going here for drinks only though because the food was lacking. The pizza was disgusting. It was served on a greasy focaccia bread and made with parmesan cheese. It was greasy and gross. My mom's ceasar salad dressing was way too fishy and garlic-ey. they have great ambiance though and are close to all of the hotels so this place is a plus for evening drinks.
(3)Dryw F.
While the view was incredible, the food was sadly disappointing. The night before, my family ate across the street at Bongo Ben's. Three adults shared an appetizer sampler which was delicious and left us all fully satisfied. At Huggo's, two of us shared a fish entree which was fairly dry and way more fries than fish. The fish portion would have been on the small side of sufficient for one and definitely would not have been enough for two without the fries as filler. I was a little disappointed that the waitress didn't say anything about the portion size when we told her we would be sharing. Everywhere else we went in Kona had at least twice the portion for the same price, plus the food tasted better. The wait staff was also much more friendly and attentive at Bongo Ben's. Aside from the view, I would definitely not go back to Huggo's, especially when there are better options so readily available.
(2)John H.
Came here after a long drive from Hilo. No seats available on the patio dining area but told we could sit at the bar and order from the full menu. Well, at first, no seats at the bar either, so sat at a lounge table and looked at a limited menu. After a couple minutes, spots at the bar opened up. I had the baby back ribs which were good, girlfriend had prime rib which was excellent. View also amazing, bartender/ our waiter was excellent. Yes, expensive, but I would rather pay for good food and awesome ambiance than expensive meals and poor quality/quantity that we have been getting in Waikoloa with a few exceptions. We made a reservation to come back the following night if that says anything.
(4)Whitney M.
Prepare to get sandy feet. But it is all part of the atmosphere of an ocean side casual place. Awesome turkey bacon wrap. Try the macnut martini. I had the normal mai tai which was fine. I wish our waiter had told us about the happy hour specials though. I ordered before I heard another server telling her table and they sounded like good deals. Handled our large party rather well. There was live music.
(4)Tina L.
Food was forgettable, but not horrible. I had a couple of kona macs and a mac nut martini and they were good. You're definitely paying for the location and we knew that going in, but it was our first evening in Kona and I wanted to eat, drink, and stare at the ocean. We sat right up front in the "sand" area, which would have been perfect if it weren't for a fat guy on his cell phone on one side and an annoying family with a toddler on the other side. I hate tourists, even though I am one. Finally, the night's entertainment (don't remember the guy's name) started singing Hawaiian songs and I was happy.
(4)Beckah K.
I LOVE this place... Ocean View... Local Hawaiian music.. The best food and drinks..... Very laid back...
(5)DJ L.
Huggo's on the rocks is exactly what you want in Hawaii. Laid back, relaxed, fresh food, great cocktails, and live music. My wife and I stopped for drinks one night and came back two days later for dinner. I would reccommend to anyone visiting Kona who wants a relaxing dinner.
(5)Mimi J.
Great service, Good food. Great location.
(4)monica w.
Huggos is the place to go to view the beautiful kona sunsets, listen to great live music and sip amazing mai tais. Happy hour has good deals. The only down side is their wait staff can be on the rude side- if you get past this then you'll have a great start to your evening.
(4)Kaaren D.
My friend and I had a great time here, but there's not much for vegetarians on the menu. We ordered the nachos, and had them serve the chicken on the side. She ate that, and we shared the nachos. They pride themselves on having the same cheese sauce as at the ballpark, but for me that was just saying they have "plastic" cheese on the menu. It was syrupy and ok, but not the greatest. The Maitai's were nummy, and the location makes up for any other failings. You can't beat sitting in the sand, listening to Hawaiian music with the sun setting over the water. Heaven.
(4)Mark H.
Huggo's on the Rocks is not the kind of place I'd usually go to. It just screams "tourist trap." But it was happy hour, my wife and I were both thirsty, and the view was great, so we went in anyway. Big mistake. What attracted us to take a chance on Huggo's was the sign at the entrance advertising their happy hour. It said, "All well drinks and domestic draft beers $3." You'd think that was pretty clear and unambiguous, but apparently in Hawaii things are done differently. There was a board above the bar with a handwritten listing of all their draft beers. Ruling out the Pilsner Urquel and Heiniken (not domestic), I asked for one of the Kona Brewing beers listed, but the waitress said it wasn't included in the happy hour. I asked why not, and she said the happy hour doesn't include "microbrewery" beers. Hmmm. OK, then how about a Sierra Nevada? Nope, that's not included either, and no real explanation as to why. The waitress finally told us the only beers available at happy hour prices were Bud Lite, Miller Light and Coors Light. I asked her to bring us two Miller Lights, and she returns with two bottles of beer. What happened to the "draft" beer? Oh, we only have bottles. I asked to speak to the manager. His attitude was basically "I don't care," although he did acknowledge that other customers have complained about the misleading happy hour sign. So apparently, Huggo's interpretation of "All domestic draft beers" is "only the cheapest American beers, in bottles." I can't comment on the food at Huggo's. After this experience, we decided this was not a restaurant where we wanted to spend any more money. Any place that has such contempt for its customers doesn't deserve my business. It shouldn't deserve yours, either. (By the way, Bongo Ben's isn't much better, as the drinks there were pretty watered down, even my martini.) Avoid Huggo's on the Rocks.
(1)Tony W.
The sign for this place really doesn't do it justice. At first glance, it seems like a sea-side casual lunch place/bar. And indeed, there is an open air bar that is nice and simple. But right next to it is the restaurant, which is another story! The restaurant boasts a fantastic higher end dinner experience. Set on pylons directly over the shore, eating dinner around sunset is truly a majestic experience -- so try to go there around sunset. The menu offers a variety of mainland and local Hawaiian cuisine, much of which is sophisticated enough to satisfy those with a "foodie" taste palate. Waitstaff was fun and friendly. Decor is still relatively casual (I wore khaki shorts, sandals and short sleeve button down - my girlfriend wore sandals and a cotton summer dress) but has the feel of a "nice" dinner. If you're looking for a romantic, classy dinner but still with that causal island vibe -- this is the place for you.
(5)Albert A.
Love the views, sit near the ocean side, enjoy the great attitude! hey, your in Kona Hawai'i! what else can you ask for? food is great, drinks are good and a must have for dessert? of course you must have the chocolate volcano lava cake! big enough for...a lot of people..lol Arrive early, make reservation, ( opentable.com ) and park in the lot across the road from Huggos. it gets packed fast.
(5)Guy B.
Fun and friendly, with tables "in the sand" above the wall overlooking the ocean. Great service, good food, available on-site parking. The burger joint across the street has more "beach flash," and some very good burgers, but the service was awful.
(4)Becky C.
The food here is awful, the drinks are decent and the ambiance is perfect. This was our second time visiting Huggo's On the Rocks and it was just as pleasurable - there's something that makes everything seem right with the world while you've got your feet buried in the sand, mai tai in hand and local Hawaiian singers crooning to the crowd.
(4)Michael G.
GREAT place to catch the sunset while having great local beers and great Mai Tai's! They have great Pu Pu's for happy hour too! The entertainment in the bar nightly, but the girls on Friday night are hilarious! Overall - fun times.
(4)Bienvenido A.
After arriving in the early afternoon, getting your luggage situated and running down to the beach for a few hours, THIS is the place to get Konafied! The attire is of course Hawaii local. Show up a bit before happy hour so you get a table in the sand to get a front row seat of the sunset right on the water. Enjoy the authentic Hawaiian musicianship as you sip your tropical frou frou drink and watch the sun settle into the horizon with a couple of orders of tasty pupus. Relax, because dis is Dakine place to chill Brah!
(5)William L.
Love this place, especially at sunset!
(5)A C.
I was a little hesitant when the guy at the front desk of the hotel reccommended it since it seemed to be part of the hotel at Royal Kona Resort. We ended up going here for a birthday dinner and it was a lot of fun. Where else can you go eat dinner and listen to live local music with the warm white sand beach in your toes and the waves crashing into the rocks right next to you. This is the best place to have an evening drink and enjoy the sunset. A couple of us had the Taro burgers and they were surprisingly tasty. We also ordered a big Kona coffee ice cream dessert and it was s o big our table of 6 was able to share it and still have leftovers. Definitely a good place to visit.
(4)Farrah H.
Fantastic view and great location for a sunset dinner. The food is average and service needs help as well. Overall a B- experience.
(2)Thomas A.
i must say i had a good time at huggo's on the rocks til there was a beat down, we sat on a table that still had someone elses condiments, cups, and bill tab (both customer copy and merchant copy), 3 waiters passed us and not one asked if we needed another drink, bothered to not clean the table knowing the condiments weren't ours, not even asking how were doing..it's like we were invisible to them or something but i was upset and had to talk to manager. that's so rude and awful customer service for those three waiters. Other than that the food is good, entertainment is awesome
(2)Lauren M.
This is probably one of the more "fancy" places in Kona and their prices will reflect this. The food is great though and the bar is nice too. I personally really enjoyed the mac nut crusted Ono with wasabi mashed potatoes! Awesome! Also, sometimes they're throw some food scrapes over there balcony into the water and you can watch the eels swarm to the food. They have lights that shine out on the water as well attracting plankton, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a Manta Ray! After dinner would be a great time to go next door to their outdoor bar, Huggo's on the Rocks. Friday night they have great live music. There is a small area to dance and a number of tables surrounding a circular bar. There are tiki lamps lit around the entire area and you can hear the waves crashing against the lava rocks! On the Rocks is also a great spot for breakfast! I wouldn't miss it if I were you!
(5)Dan R.
We stopped by the Huggo's on the rocks for lunch after flying in. The best thing about the spot is that you can sit with your table in the sand, right on the water. That rocks. The food is ok. We had the Kalua Pig nachos and they were pretty good. We all ordered fish for lunch, the Mahi and it was fine. For the $$ it was nothing to return to, but the location makes the place a decent bet in a tourist trap section of Kailua.
(3)Allison G.
This is the spot to get loaded up in the afternoon!!! I was blessed today to sink into the sand in my chair. Scarf down a really decent Ruben with mac salad and sip down two knock your butt Tootie Fruitie $8 drinks. Ideal afternoon delight with out the tourist buzzing around. I am telling you with the island being a ghost town. It was awesome to not have to worry about parking or finding a decent table here. A+!!! Cute friendly waitress made the relaxing moment more so. Not a fan of way over priced Huggo's, but I will hang on the rocks anytime.
(3)Robyn d L.
What makes Huggo's a great place is the atmosphere and location. It's located right at the water's edge, and if you don't mind walking over rocks, you can go down to the beach. It's a perfect place to watch the sunset. If you're on vacation, this is a wonderful place to catch a tropical breeze and experience the subtle beauty of Hawaii. The food at Huggo's is pretty good too. But the only dish that was truly memorable was the macadamia nut pie, made special by the pie lady.
(4)Marie E.
LOVE this place! Great place to dine by the ocean. Great live music. My kids have always been treated very well.
(5)Pamela S.
This is a great casual place with wonderful, friendly service. Located right on the ocean, this outdoor, sandy-floored restaurant is the place to go for lunch, so wear slippers (as the locals put it, aka flip flops) and don't forget your camera. The Mauna Kea burger is awesome and their Reuben is a wonderful second choice.
(4)Lucija K.
The nachos include cheese whiz... Need I say more? However the Hawaiian guitarist we saw was charming and of course the location location location can hardly be beat. Nevertheless I can now say "been there, done that" and leave it at that.
(2)Vince V.
We went to go check out another restaurant on a tuesday evening but it was closed so we wound up at Huggos. I already knew about it and seen reviews on yelp so was looking forward to some chicken nachos and drinks, but my girlfriend was hoping for a more formal dining experience so we went to the main restaurant. We had excellent seats near the rail overlooking the water and rocks. Great ambience and dining room. Wine list, eh....ok. Food, eh....ok. Price....uh, yeah, expensive. Had the scallops/shrimp in butter appetizer. The scallops were pretty good, but the shrimp were overcooked. Overall an appetizer than anyone with a skillet, stick of butter, and some store bought seafood could make. I believe I remember getting a salad and I don't remember it being bad, but I also don't really remember what kind it was so maybe it wasn't very good either. The grilled mahi mahi with crab meat on top was okay but must have been sitting in the window too long because it was sort of dry, and the vegetables were cold and the rice wasn't very hot. We did go for a brief walk and then headed down to Huggos on the Rocks, the little bar with live music next door, for some after dinner drinks, etc. The live music was great and the drinks were pretty good and I soon realized that this was the Huggos we should have eaten dinner at. They have appetizers and sandwhiches etc. So overall I would pass on the fancy Huggos and just go down to the bar for a snack and some drinks.
(4)Gina B.
This was a great place for dinner. Our party ate burgers (which were yummy), and mahi mahi tacos (which were equally good). The rice side was delicious and the views are wonderful. Kicked off our sandals and let our feet rest in the sand while we listened to the great music. Great evening!
(4)KC N.
Great location right on the beach. Service was ok, not great, not awful; pretty typical island time. Burgers and fries are good. Chicken sandwich wasn't all that... kind of tough and overly sweet teriyaki sauce. Drinks are pretty and tasty, but have a very weak pour on alcohol. BEWARE the up-charge on drinks... on the drink menu, in red print on a yellow background (hard to see since the rest of the menu is in black print) that there is a 50 cent premium charge on every drink after the live music starts at 8 p.m.! Not a huge deal money-wise, but it chaps me that it is definitely meant to be easily overlooked (we call that a "drunken sunburn charge" in the resort industry). Waitress was more than a bit put out that we didn't notice it and questioned her about the difference in drink prices. She gave a little sniff about "it's clearly written on the menu" (and we weren't being impolite, we thought it was a simple mistake in pricing at the time). Other than that, she was friendly, but not very visible (again, this place definitely runs on island time, so kick back and enjoy the view). Music was fun; sand in your toes and waves next to you is great. Go for the music, dancing, fun and atmosphere, but definitely not for the food, drinks or service.
(2)David S.
Huggo's is a really nice place. They have an expansive bar, and pretty much all the seating is on the water. However, it is a little pricey, even by Hawai'i standards (of course, you should be bringing some money, after all it is Hawai'i). The food is really good. Beware of the parking situation--it's a little sketchy.
(4)cindy c.
what a great spot to end an early day! i went to huggo's on the rocks saturday night after a looong hike to captain cook and had a wonderful time. it's right on the water and has a great view of the sunset! they get pretty busy and the service, although friendly and nice, is a little slow, but with the view and the great music, who cares?! i highly recommend the polynesian passion and the awesome nachos to share!
(5)Shannon C.
Absolutely wonderful experience. Great place to watch sunset while enjoying drinks and appetizers. The fish tacos ate $3 during happy hour (until 6) and they are the BEST fish tacos. Spicy, fresh and cooked to perfection. Mai-Tai's for $4, plus lots of other fun $4 drinks. Skip the Nachos ("mini" ones anyways - huge but gas station type cheese).
(5)Michal E.
You don't go for the food, you go for the drinks and the oceanside experience. A great place for a big group, dancing is a must after you have had a few drinks in you!
(3)Wendy S.
Kalua tostada and the haupia cake - drool! And you MUST have a mai tai...
(4)Salma S.
Prepare to get sandy feet - ocean type feel. Great view. The Ahi burger was awesome!! The waitress was great and accomodating! Food was affordable and not crazy expensive. It is a great place to dine!
(4)Joey N.
ok i'm going to break this out - ambiance was a 4-5.. great music, sandy beach feeling. food absolutely sucked - well if you are expecting asian tastes.. which is what this place portrays. their kalbi tasted like well bland - which was greatly disappointing. rice was hard so old (2wice) we went back for the music knowing the food was sub par. And the drinks were not good at all... no alchohol or too much. booo
(3)Richard H.
If you're anywhere on the Kona coast then Huggos is worth the drive. I didn't eat at "On The Rocks" but had an amazing dinner at Huggo's proper. You really can't beat the location, it's nestled just south of "downtown" Kona in a great little cove. If sitting on the patio (and really, most everyone is) you can enjoy an amazing sunset as well as the surf lapping up against the pilings. Cocktails were great, food was great. Go just for the location and ambiance.
(4)John S.
This is the only restaurant on the Big Island that sit right on the water. Come for the sunset. Food is outstanding and service is very entertaining. Ask for Island Johnny as your waiter, this guy is worth the show. One of my favorites on the Big Island.
(5)Kona Boy P.
location ,location , location. you can not be any closer to the ocean. good food . a little pricey some of the wait staff is great others seem to ask you for a tip befor you order. but that happens any where. Sun set is great but evening on a moon less night you can watch the manta rays play. "on the ROCK'S " the outside bar. there is a girl group that is a semi regular. that a+++ did I mention you are on the beach. p.s. eat the fresh fish.
(3)David W.
Stopped for lunch to grab something light. Good service. Food was good and well presented. The location is excellent; right on the water with a nice view of the town. Parking is tricky. Not too much problem at lunch, but evenings are another matter. Did not try dinner; we ate at their restaurant next door. Would definitely return for a nice leisurely lunch or even for dinner.
(3)Kate C.
Perfect place for our first vacation meal. Right on the water, sand to sink your toes into and delicious food. The kailua pork tacos were delicious!
(4)Karen M.
My husband and I love to go here! The music at night is fabulous and you can't beat the sunsets. I love the casual feel of the sand on my feet The MaunaKea burger is amazing!! I would give this place 5 stars if they served fries with the meals, or if they even had fish and chips.
(4)Kathy S.
First night in Kona. There was a band playing oldies, Elvis, Beatles and of course they had me there! Great drinks, Oceanside table, dancing and fish dinner. It was all good.
(5)Jules S.
Great food and cold drinks on the water. Watching the sun set and relaxing after a fun day in Kona! One of my favorite spots to visit each time I am here!
(5)M P.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!!!!!!! And its awesome when the food is great too! This place is right on the water. You can put your feet in the sand. Nice casual menu, I had the beef sliders with homemade volcano chips. Sliders had 1000 island, fried onion string, cheddar, on a nice roll. Everyhing was grand. The waitress was attentive and nice. Very nice ambiance!!
(5)Angela A.
Food was just "ok". Granted it was damp & a bit drizzly, but food was soggy and lacked taste. We had a group of 6, waitress forgot one persons drink order and screwed up someone else's food order. Never checked on the group for refills or how they liked their meal. Overrated experience.
(2)Susan W.
Went here while on vacation to take in the sunset & some live music, dancing, food & drinks. It is "seat yourself" which is uncomfortable. We lucked uopn a couple leaving & were able to grab their table. Sitting in the sand might seem cool but it is actually hard to get up & your chair sinks. The food was not very good. The sell here is the location. I had a salad with shrimp. The shrimp were good the salad was a salad. Hubby got the fish tacos. Probably the saddest fish tacos ever. Did not like eating out of the plastic steamer bowl. I would go again just for a drink & to listen to music & watch the sunset.
(3)John J.
Food is decent. However I think they are betting in location and setting on the water. $10 for a slice of pie....small slice of pie at that...plus, wait staff is ehhh, less than entertaining.
(2)Gene H.
Service was appalling. Literally a full fly in my wife's drink, wings and all!! Brought it to their attention and barely a sorry. Lots of other places with a view to go. We suggest the bar at Royal Kona.
(1)Julie M.
We have been there the past two nights for dinner and we may go back tonight. It's a cool atmosphere with great live music. Get the fish tacos or the crunchy beef tacos, or one of each! Also the sweet potato fries are a must! Enjoy!!
(5)Dave B.
Used to love this place, but prices for Mai Tai's are way up and the liquor level is waaaay down. Need to find a new Happy Hour spot!
(3)Jason A.
This was our favourite place to visit during our trip to Kona. We went to a happy hour maybe 5 of the 7 nights we stayed in Kona due to the great atmosphere and really nice servers. The happy hour drinks are not quite as big as bongo ben's but it was okay as they never got to hot before you finished them. The sliders and fish tacos for happy hour are really good and if you are like us then the heat doesn't really make you that hungry and 2 fish tacos and a slider was all I needed and it came to $9.00. Would come back again in the future for sure.
(5)Michael P.
This was our favorite restaurant/bar in Kona. It became our go-to place. On our first day, Hannah, our server, demonstrated what the aloha spirit is all about. Her service, along with what I consider to be the best food in "downtown" Kona, with solid drinks to boot, made us instant fans. This is also right on the rocky beach (not across the street like many of the other restaurants in the area). So the environment is excellent. Note: We felt the fish was a little overcooked the first time we ate here. From then on we ordered medium-rare and it came out much better. Looking forward to our return.
(5)Justin K.
Crappy menu from the 90's. Horrible outdated drink selection, the smell of stale beer wafts from behind the bar overpowering the ocean air. Fyi: this is NOT Huggo's. This is the outdoor bar. All the 4 & 5 star reviews you see here are from idiots that went to the restaurant and don't know the difference. The bartender doesn't know the difference between a real Mai Tai and a Hawaiian tourist one. He couldn't even answer the question, just poured me a taste of the mix. I'll admit it's nice to be on the water, nice view, music, partying and all... But what a waste of a great space.
(2)Jessica H.
We came at around 8 pm on Friday night. The wait was estimated at about 40 minutes, but I think we only waited around 20. We decided to get drinks at the bar while we waited and the signature Mai tai was strong and delicious. Bartenders were friendly. Once seated, we had a great view of the ocean. All of us got burgers. I had the ahi burger (it's not a steak, it's ahi meat ground into a patty) and it was delicious and nice and juicy. Our server Tyler was very attentive even though he was pretty busy. I have no complaints whatsoever and hope to be back again!
(5)Scott A.
Good music and a nice overlook
(4)Kat S.
Yummy food, good drinks. Feet in the sand while you eat, watch the sunset and listen to music... What more could you ask for? Prices overall are average compared to other places on Alie drive. Food and service was good.
(5)Jenna C.
Came in here and danced on the sand barefoot in dresses to a good cover band. So much fun!
(4)Sara N.
We had tried the fish (catch of the day) which was highly recommended by the server, the beef tacos and beef fried rice. All were okay, pretty average. Service was fast and ambience was nice- being right by the beach the view of waves crashing in was nice. We got in right before kitchen closed at 10pm so we were lucky!
(3)Suzanne H.
Best view for sunset dinner, live music. Waitress kind of ditzy and trying to rush us out. Food was ok.
(3)Maria N.
Good view and good entertainment but the food is bad and overpriced. We have been here different 3 times so we are not basing this review on one bad meal, each time we left more disappointed than the last. We really love the environment and that's solely the reason we have been back a 2nd and 3rd time. Also, having been to a majority of the restaurants and bars on the island, the service here is also mediocre. We came at lunch, sat at the bar, and the bartender spent 90% of his time stocking. It is Thursday, at noon, why wouldn't the bar be stocked prior to opening so the bartender can focus on serving the paying customers? Strange. I can live with OK food, I can't live with poor service.
(2)Jonathan R.
What a great place!!! Reasonable Drinks done well. Excellent Food Done Extremely Well. Fun entertainment including live music and a Hula Dancer. Barefoot in the sand on the water....what more can you ask for? Fried Rice with Marinated Steak is a must try! Korean Short Ribs were excellent....pupu platter was enough for 4 people....at $26 a bargain. Definitely worth the trip from the Kohala Coast.
(4)Chris C.
It has a really cool atmosphere, the floor is sand, it overlooks the water and has live music. However the food was below average. I had the tacos which tasted like they had no seasoning. It was just meat and sour cream. Fish tacos with potato salad was also not good. After we were seated it took 20 minutes before anyone came to greet/serve/bring water to us. We almost walked out because of it. Our server was good once she arrived, I will give her that. I would not eat here again.
(3)Marcy D.
They are only getting one star as I can't rate it any lower. All I can say was the beer was cold and served out of a plastic cup for $6.50! Cleanliness at the bar was a big issue for me. If you're looking for ambiance equivalent to a college party this would be the place for you!
(1)Angie A.
My kids and I ate here at sunset. What a gorgeous view. Seriously. Big laurels to them for getting us a great table on a busy Sunday night without much advance notice. My son had the guava ribs, which he loved. My daughter had the bbq chicken kids meal, which was a bit overcharred on the outside which detracted from the flavor. I had a two lobster tail dinner, and that was pretty delicious. I had the big mai tai which was alright, not out of this world, and I felt things were a bit overpriced. But the service was awesome, so was the view, and most of the food was great. We'd go back.
(4)Suzanne N.
Absolute worst service we have had in all of our many trips to the islands! The reviews were always good, so thought we would give it a shot. We got seated immediately, however, didn't receive waters or any acknowledgement by the many passing waiters/waitresses. We had to finally ask for one. She took our orders then we never saw her again. The kitchen staff brought the food out. We didn't have any silverware or napkins. Sat for awhile and had to ask the hostess for silverware. The food was bland, unseasoned and very underwhelming. Had the fish tacos and paddler burger. Simple things we couldn't imagine could be messed up! Then sat for another 15 minutes after finishing and tried to get our waitress and she just passed us on numerous occasions even as we rose our hands smiling. Funnily grabbed her and gave. Her our card immediately. We will never return!!
(1)Teri W.
Amazing views, our server was attentive and knowledgable about food and recommendations. Sizzling garlic shrimp is tasty starter. Pear lychee martini is delicious! Reasonable wine list prices. Much less than our resort. Cioppino was the best! Cut lobster with a spoon. Their signature teriyaki steak was very good. Will come back here for sure.
(4)Chris G.
Can't beat the view. Drinks and food are fairly average. Avoid the greasy pork nachos. If you want a Mai Tai in a sandy beach setting, this is your place. There is parking just up the road near a beach sports shop, if the pedestrians part ways for your car to get through.
(3)William R.
So good. Food and music on point tonight. Good people watching. Hippie chick up front was really getting her grove thing on about 1 foot from the band. Good people watching! Korean Ribs, Paddler Burger, Pork Sandwich, and Caesar salad for us.
(5)Tuong N.
Nice fun place for drinks and people watching only, my Burger was dried and hard, fruit bowl side order came out in a tiny cup normally used for ketchup in McDonald, very disappointing. The ocean view is awesome.
(3)Cynthia C.
This should be the first place to stop if not just to jump start your Hawaiian experience. Great Fish tacos, a great fruity drink with an umbrelli in it....with feet in the sand. Who needs more?
(5)Liz V.
The look & vibe is cool but the food was not good at all the chips were stale the kona fish tacos weren't good very plain taste
(1)Janice I.
4 stars for location by the water and the live performer, 1 star for the food. I rounded up to a 3 for the performer. Did the HH, ordered a couple of sliders and fish tacos with the mind of possibly ordering an entree after for dinner. Slider was dry and hard and super salty.. basically the worst slider I've ever had. I can do so much better at home, and I'm not much of a cook at all! The fish in the taco was decent, but the taco was hard and chewy at the same time? I'd recommend going there for a beer or two, if watching the sunset and a live music performance is your thing. It's worth the $5-10 for that. I wouldn't do the food.
(3)Kim S.
We only waited 10 min for a table. The table was not clean when she took us to it. The fish tacos were pretty good. Our party enjoyed the atmosphere and our server was good and the music was good. Good was alright being next to the ocean made it better.
(3)Catherine W.
This place is right downtown on the water. You can listen to bad bands do covers. Haha I mean, it's not baaaaad. But, let's face it. They're no BACKSTREET BOYS. Nawmsayin?? Ok, seriously though. This place is cool and chill if you want to just grab a drink or 2 or 10 and chat with your buds or love. Hang out, relax. It's packed sometimes. It's just that it's alllllllll tourists and you can tell. So if you want some place to go to where there are less people wearing Hawaiian shirts you'll have to yelp another spot. Their Hula Pie dessert is the shit though. Get on that. Ice cream covered in fudge and nuts in the shape of an enormous slice of pie, more like a mountain pie. That's wussup.
(3)Leslie B.
Excellent location, great food and good service. We agreed the onion rings were the best we've had. Also enjoyed the beef short ribs and Korean beef tacos. The sliders were good, as well.
(5)S K.
Came to have dinner and hear Brian Vasquez perform.. Setting is beautiful right on ocean. Food was reasonably priced. I had fish and it was well prepared and very good. Brian Vasquez is talented and entertaining. Our whole party enjoyed the dinner and the evening very much.
(5)Diane B.
The management is trying to adress my concerns and I am hopeful that the next time I visit they will have their MacNut Martini available. I was assured it is not being removed from the menu. :) If you havent had one you are really missing out!
(3)Do Y.
We stopped here on 4/17 after the lack of service at Lava Java just across the street. I ordered an ahi burger and the wife ordered soup and salad. Soup of day was cheddar potato with bacon soup. My ahi burger was delicious, and I'd go out of my way to stop by to have it again. It's the best fish sandwich I've ever had. The food gets four stars, but the service is definitely lacking, which brings it down to three.
(3)Jasper S.
Great food, good drinks, fantastic place to catch the sunset, toes in the sand, cool music, and amazing service. Seriously, our waiter (Tyler) is quite possibly the best waiter we've had anywhere - on or off the island. You can't go wrong here. On our last day on the Big Island (8/26/2014) I was fiending for some fish tacos. We chose Huggos On The Rocks (OTR) for our last meal. Just know there are two restaurants right next to each other - Huggo's (which is their fine dining area and does take reservations) and Huggo's OTR (which is their casual area and does not take reservations). From this point forward I'll just say "Huggo's" when I mean Huggo's OTR. We walked in around 6pm hoping to get a good spot to enjoy the sunset and we were not disappointed. Near the bar area they have several tables sitting in sand. You can sit down, kick off your sandals, and put your toes in the sand. The drink and food prices were all very reasonable - and quite a lot less than the resort where we were staying. I had a Mai Tai (very good) and fish tacos. The fish tacos were everything I was hoping for in a fish taco. However, the standout service from Tyler is what really put the evening over the top for us. My wife is pregnant and can't eat certain fish (no raw fish, no fish that isn't cooked all the way through, and certain fish not at all). Tyler asked us for our list of fish that she couldn't eat - and he knew exactly why certain fish were on that list. From there, he suggested several different fish (and certain cuts of those fish) that they might have up at the adjacent Huggo's restaurant. Although none of this was on the menu and we certainly didn't expect our waiter to be so knowledgeable, he totally came through for us. Throughout the evening a band played some songs of their own and other cool jazzy songs with a Hawaiian twist. They did a great job of keeping everyone entertained. When they took a break a dance troupe from a local hula school performed some traditional dances. My only regret is not having tried Huggo's On The Rocks our first night on the island, rather than our last night.
(5)Bee J.
The perfect location. Toes in the sand and a drink in your hand. The Mai Tai is huge and awesome! The Mac Nut martini is tasty too. Burgers are cooked to perfection and the ahi salad is a delight. Service both times was on point.
(4)Rain Greg J.
What a great location! Drinks are responsibly priced, and even better during happy hour! I was part of a group of four, we all enjoyed the dinner. I tried a bite of the Korean tacos, very good! I had the vegan panini delicious! My husband had the turkey panini, very good. Music was great! I gave it four stars because we had to ask for more drinks, which took so long we had to remind them that we ordered them. We will still be back.
(4)Camille H.
If you're not ordering alcohol, don't worry about ordering food either. We waited 25 minutes for our server to stop & take our order. Even though she passed our table several times with trays of drinks, no time to for us. Too bad, we are excellent tippers!
(1)carol b.
Great casual breakfast. Eat with a wonderful view of the water and your feet in soft sand. My veggie omelette wrap was luscious and came with a fresh fruit salad.
(4)RW A.
Expensive. Drinks weak. My dining partner and I ordered a drink a piece. Mine came out and server informed my dining partner they were out of his. By the time his second choice finally arrived, I was finished. Nothing was said, no apology or anything. This was a good 15 minutes between my drink being dropped off and his second one arriving. Also, we wanted something light to snack on. Ordered some "homemade chips". Stale, old, out of the bag and $4.50. Avoid this place. Only redeeming thing is location.
(1)Bob G.
Happy Hour was a super value. Excellent Mai Tai for 5 bucks and having your feet in the sand is a bonus. Nice service too, very friendly. We will definitely do that spot again.
(4)Kathy G.
Love this place! Our most favorite place at Kona! Awesome sunsets, good food and great entertainment! Could use a few fans at the bar to cool things off a bit!
(5)Annie A.
Awesome tiki bar, real deal with live music. You can relax with a drink at the bar and when a table is ready be ready to sink your feet in the sand. It's relaxing on the water. Great Tilki bar
(4)Sheila C.
This is a tourist trap, but a beautiful one at that! At least the scenery. Right on the water, with a sand floor, so you feel you are right on the beach. They have a great selection of drinks and meals. A little pricey, but all the food on the island seems that way. Service was fast and easy. I ordered the mai tai, very tasty. For an appetizer we ordered the Kona Poke Pie, very delicious as well. My daughter claimed that it was the best one she had the week we were there and we ordered poke almost every meal! I had the Oneo Bay Salad with the fresh fish of the day which was good, my daughter had the 'Opae (Shrimp) and Chips which was awesome and my husband ordered the Kona Fish Tacos, they were ok, they lacked flavor. This place was recommended by the locals and it did not disappoint. Definitely try it out!
(4)Roland H.
Great drinks. Great drinks. Great drinks. The service was friendly and not slow. Food was above average for sure. Appetizers were all tasty, and the hamburgers were perfectly cooked. Right on the beach/rocks to soak in all of Kona.
(4)Chris C.
Love the atmosphere here, Make sure to arrive early and get a table in the sand, take advantage of the happy hour menu, chill out, listen to some good live music and watch the beautiful sunset. The food seems to be hit or miss. The Bulgogi I ordered was really good and the Kalbi ribs looked really good. Unfortunately our waiter didnt seem to really pay much attention to us but thats ok because we had a great time anyways. Pretty fun place just to relax and wind down your evening.
(4)Joe O.
I'm only commenting on the location of this place since we only stopped in for beers but man, is it awesome. There was great live music (that my daughter loved), we sat right on the sand/beach/deck overlooking the sunset and were lucky enough to get there right as happy hour was rocking! Sick spot, definitely hit it up.
(5)Wayne I.
Its one of my favorite locations to watch the sunset and have a cocktail. You sit on the sand by the water and enjoy the Kona fresh air. The prices can be pricey depending on what you order but I usually go for happy hour and there is a good selection of pupus and drinks at discounted prices. I think its a good deal during Pau Hana especially the pork nachos and fish tacos.
(4)Elise S.
Entertaining band and hula show! Lava flow with Iilikoi and Kona Brewery beers were both excellent additions to the meal. Guava BBQ pork was a little disappointing, though. Besides the bar (both bartenders were on the stick), service was slow. Definitely a fit for a leisurely dinner, no time constraints.
(3)Lo J.
Came here with a group of friends on a Sunday night. We had an amazing time listening to amazing live music of current and old music. The drinks were great and huge and the food was delicious and more than enough. Would definitely come here all the time if I was a local.
(5)Sofie D.
Love that you feel like you are having a "picnic" at the beach. You can kick off your shoes, bury your feet in the sand, and have casual eats like burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. Is it the best tasting? No. But it's priced right and you can't beat the location & friendly service.
(4)Debra J.
We got into Kona in the early evening and wanted something casual and inexpensive but could still get the feel of being in hawaii. Our front desk guy at the Sheraton quickly recommended this and he was spot on. Food was great, atmosphere was great. We plan to go back at least one more time while here!
(4)Mike W.
Great place for some happy hour while you watch the sunset. We ordered fish tacos and the mini nacho with pork. Both were perfetly fine, nothing spectacular. The drinks were great, view over the water was sensationa, and the staff was icnredibly friendly.
(4)Pat D.
Ahi meal terrific... home made chips, salad. Good music and great to hear the waves hitting the shore.
(5)Regina W.
Happy hour food is a super small portion, and wasn't super impressed with the Mai tai, even though they're supposed to be famous. But nice view & good music. Got the fish tace, which was watery, the nachos, which had processed can cheese on them, and the sliders. The sliders were okay, but when I got a full portion, the mac salad that came with it was not good, especially for Hawaii standards.
(2)Sue T.
After a long flight we arrived in Kona town, which was lively, musical, busy, right at sunset. The sun went down in honey, and the moon came up in wine. we wanted to soak in the scenery but not go somewhere too fancy. We popped into Huggos on the Rocks. Got a seat at a counter with stools, overlooking the beach patio and water. They had a 3 piece hawaiian band playing with a young woman doing hula. Soft and breezy. Drinks were great. The menu was standard, light, "bar fare." We decided to try popping next door to Huggo's more upscale restaurant for our first dinner in Hawaii. The service was very good. Very pricey. Brace yourself a bit. We had a table on a patio deck, surrounded by tiki torches, with a beautiful view. I had the Ahi Steak with Macadamia nut salsa and my husband had the steak. The meal was ok. Nothing to really rave about. The Ahi steak looked very standard, plain, with white rice and steamed veggies, kind of like a "safe" plain meal a 70 year old would appreciate. It had no pizzazz, and it should have, for the expense. We should have stayed at the Beach bar. It was more lively and would've cost 1/3 of the price for the same view.
(4)Tiffany C.
Ugh this place was terribad. We were looking for a nice place to go and grab a drink and some food, came here. Here are my experiences: Positives (+): (+) Nice ambiance, they have a cool bar area and also a fake beach area overlooking the water, making you feel like you are sitting right on the beach (but I wonder how dirty that sand is!) I also liked the tiki torches (+) Decent selection of beers and food Negatives (-): (-) We ordered a regular cheeseburger to share, asked for the sauteed mushrooms and onions on the side, add bacon and a fried egg. Asked for the burger medium rare. When the burger came out, fried egg was...actually fried.. all the way through. No yolk. The burger patty was beyond well done, dry as a rock. The best part of the burger was the mushrooms and the onions that were on the side. They also serve it in the dim sum wooden steamer things, the most difficult thing to eat a burger in... Pretty much not at all how we wanted the burger (-) There was a highly mediocre amateur singer, singing a wide variety to oldies to Lady Antebellum. She completely butchered the Lady Antebellum, actually missing lyrics and just letting the music play for portions of lines, clearly reading from the sheet music. Because we went during a time when the singer was singing, we had to pay an extra $0.50 per drink. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for live entertainment, but don't make your customers pay extra - let them tip. If she is good (which she wasn't), we would have given her a tip on our own accord. But maybe that's why they make people pay. If you want to go for a drink, by all means go for it. I would rather go elsewhere if I can.
(2)Gaile C.
This place was an iconic Hawaiian tourist treat. How can anyone not write about the sand? Short tables and chairs to let you stretch out with your feet in the sand to enjoy the perfect sunset, waves lapping at the rocks. Great musicians with a hula dancer later. Fantastic food served in steamer baskets. I bought the Korean beef tacos with kimchi, coconut slaw as a side. Had the poke appetizer with a mound of perfect ahi that delicious seaweed salad on top, yummy wonton crisps and avocado at the bottom. Nice selection of beer on tap and a great slow paced, relaxing experience.
(5)Kelly B.
My husband and I moved to the Kailua Kona, HI 3 weeks ago. We have been to several restaurants and have been impressed with the food and atmosphere, the service has been okay. When we visited Huggo's on the Rocks tonight.....OMG, we were blown away! The service, Ally & Daniel, rocked it! They made us feel at home and like they cared! The atmosphere/view is the BEST we have seen so far on the Big Island. The food - hubby got the Mahi and the Seafood Bisque, LOVED IT! I got the Kailuae Drink, says it for 2, but I handled it by myself, hubby drove home. :-) I also ordered the salad with chicken and Ginger *and something* dressing, which was FABULOUS! Dessert, hubby got the Passion Fruit sorbet and loved it. It is not a Chicago portion of sorbet, like a spoonful, but a huge portion. OH!!! almost forgot to say..on Fridays they have a local guy singing with a hula dancer, backdropped by the ocean, awe inspiring. As we were walking out around 7:30pm, there was a group coming in with equipment that were going to play rock 'n roll with an Hawaiian flair. We have decided that this is our Friday, 'go to'. See you next Friday, Ally & Daniel!
(5)Diane S.
my family always loves going here!!! this is a must when your in kona. you get a old school hawaii feel.great view, food, and music. and the drinks are so yummy. i know people are mai tai fans, but i like the kona crunch. but i think and drimk is a winner on the menu. when your hungery any on the puo pous are good. like the poke or hummus. but i like having the fish tacos. soooooo good! i love going here and cant wait to go back
(5)Chau L.
Good happy hour! I made it just in time for some drinks! Got the bf a mai tai because he's been mentioning it for days during our trip lol...pretty good mai tai! Then I got a local Kona beer, which was nice. Bartenders and waiters were on point and so laid back. Situated on the ledge facing the ocean. We listened to live Hawai'in music, watched some hula dancing, and of course, the sunset descending upon the rocks and water.
(4)Stephanie S.
This place had a great happy hour with live music everyday!! I believe during the week it's from 4-6pm and 3-5pm in the weekends! They definitely had the best Mai Tai's, out of all the other spots in Kona! The only reason I would give it 4 stars in the food is not great. Bit other then that hands down the best place to grab a reasonable drink, and watch the sunset, with live music!
(4)Ingrid B.
Beautiful location, right by the water. I ordered fish, and it was little bit dry. My friend ordered tacos, and she said that it was delicious.
(4)Jacques L.
3rd night here and love. Great location, service can be slower than some expects but it depends on how busy they are. Quality is service is fine. Food has been been fine as well and we love the live music. Considering price, location and quality of food and service, 5 stars.
(5)Penny F.
We thoroughly enjoyed the service, water front lunch, and food at this place. We spent the AM snorkeling and took in a bite to eat( shrimp/fish tacos) with some local Hawaiian beers. Great eating in the sand with a phenomenal view.
(4)Joe B.
You're definitely paying for the view. It was nice to eat with your toes in the sand, but both my wife and I ordered the fish tacos were meh. The fish was cooked decent but lacked flavor. The tortillas were mediocre and the slaw was once again not very enticing to the taste buds. The volcano chips were decent and the potato Mac tasted like something out of a Sam's Club vat. Needless to say I wasn't impressed after having the fish tacos recommended. Great service though and cold beer!
(3)Jack M.
Fantastic seafood. Beautiful view. Priced high, but actually worth it. Great mai tais.
(5)Louis R.
Totally a tourist destination, right off Alii Drive. Its on the beach, has great views of the ocean, has a chill bartender, has live music. It has a dope happy hour...for drinks. Mahalo.
(5)Jennifer W.
We came here a few times while on vacation in Kona. I loved the mock beach setting (althought it was annoying to be trapped in a chair once it sunk deep into the sand), and being so close to the water was great. I love hearing the ocean waves at night! There was a band two nights that we were there, playing Island music. In Cleveland, I would have hated it. Here? Perfection. The Pina Colada was the best I've ever tasted! I am guessing it is made from actual coconut and pineapple and not from a mix. It was really delicious! We ate here once - I got the Korean tacos, my husband got the vegetarian panini and my brother got the poke pie. Nothing really stuck out to any of us.... It was a little on the expensive side, but then again, so is most everything downtown. All in all, a great venue that provided lots of great vacation memories. I will definitely be back to Huggos on the Rocks, probably every night, on my next trip to Hawaii!
(4)kahau m.
Neat spot to catch the sunset, have a beer ot cocktail, listen to live music with your toes in the sand! Staff is friendly. The bulgogi is my go to for food.
(4)Corinne H.
We went for drinks and appetizers and had a fabulous time. We had the pulled pork nachos and it was more then enough for two. The ambiance was great, good music fantastic views.
(5)Emily J.
No idea why so popular. Mediocre dinner. Fish tacos and BBQ special. Not bad. Not great. Just ok. Slow but friendly service. Mediocre drinks. Very processed and chemical tasting dessert. I liked the open air seating. Cool vibez with the live singing performer (dancer was meh). Possibly the only thing I really enjoyed. Not many people seemed to really enjoy him and that is a shame cuz he was very energetic and happy. If he wasn't there, I'd drop my review to a 2. Felt like a chain restaurant by the water. Definitely will not return after some awesome food I've had on the island at other places. But I would recommend for a cool vibe for drinking.
(3)Charlie O.
Great waterfront location, with a casual vibe. Sub par food with small portions. My "side salad" was shredded romaine with a slice of tomato. Wall to wall fanny packing tourists. Heading back to Hilo.
(2)Joanna S.
Impressed! I loved. I went alone; got bar table and great view. Food was good; service fast and the drinks were really good. Dress casual and you'll fit right in. Music was good (live) and I will def go back
(5)Geralyn Y.
Huggo's on the rocks because it's literally on the rocks. We ate here for our Christmas dinner because our luau was rained out. It may have been because I already polished off a couple of mai tai's at the luau, but the food was delicious! Maybe it wasn't because of the mai tais. Love the cute ono baskets they place our food in. Order the Kalbi ribs. Oh my, SF has some great Korean BBQ so I wasn't sure if it would be good at a touristy restaurant. Two words: flavorful and tender. The Key lime pie was pretty awesome too. Their drinks are also good and strong. Our waiter was really friendly. Look over your shoulder, and you have the ocean. What more could you want?
(5)Brittany G.
So rude. Came here for dinner with my mom, aunt, and cousins. We literally had 5 staff members ignore us, only to have the 6th say the kitchen was closed. Really happy we wasted 15 minutes waiting for nothing. Common courtesy isn't much to ask. I'm from LA and don't expect much from people, but there's no point in coming back here.
(1)Linda M.
Had a great time at Huggo's on the Rocks! The waiter's name was Derek. He was very attentive to our special lunch outing . We had the Poke appetizer that was superb! Try the coconut mojito. It was refreshing! The girls had the pork nachos. Paul had the Ahi burger! It was delightful!! I had the fish tacos !! All the meals were delicious! We were met by the manager Franky! He is a very warm, sincere gentleman! He made our experience worth coming back again! When your in Kona, be sure to stop by to experience their amazing view, delicious menu and warm genuine hospitality.
(5)Heidi M.
The excellent - view, bare feet in sand at tables, the Lilikoi Mojito and the Kailua pork quesadilla with added guacamole. The good - most of the food was good. Not amazing bit good. You can't really taste wasabi or coconut in the wasabi coconut coleslaw. The ugly - we had eaten there twice already, spending a good deal of money. Our last morning of vacation, I finished packing while hubby went and got a coffee drink. When I was done we decided to go to Huggos to see what they had for breakfast. We were rudely greeted with " I don't allow outside coffee in my restaurant". Seriously???? This rude mustachioed man turned business away because my husband had a half drunk coffee with him. That's two breakfasts, a drink for me and most likely another coffee for hubby plus tip for server. Did I mention how rude he was? Yeah.
(3)K M.
I thought I made reservation at on the rocks (planned to get the $12 ahi burger) but when got there told my reservation was for Huggos next door the restaurant rather than Huggos on the rocks bar(doesn't do resv) . They gave us a great table at the restaurant so we stayed even though was spendy menu. Got the st Patricks day $22 special corned beef but the meat was 80% fat. Watched whales in the bay and could hear some of the live music from the bar but if did it again would be sure just to go to the bar.
(3)Claire L.
Beautiful spot for drinks and sunset views but not worth it to eat the food. Their Mai tai is my favorite drink! $4 at happy hour! But we tried several appetizers, all mediocre bar food at best. And the service was awful. They do have live entertainment though... So worth a trip for a Mai tai
(3)Kathy R.
Went for lunch based on yelp reviews and was not disappointed. The view was spectacular! We got a parking spot right out front in one if their lots. We had fish tacos , sliders and key lime pie for dessert. Our server, Kat, was very friendly and helpful when we asked for recommendations of things to do. She even took it a step further and wrote down the recommendations for us.
(5)Ron k.
Wow this place has a wonderful view of the ocean. Right out side near the entrance they serve the most amazing dessert. Aloha snowflakes I don't know how to describe it it's cold fluffy light yummy, I told the chatty guy It tasted like frozen cotton candy he said that most people just don't know what to make of it but they come back several times and that's pretty amazing for people on a 4 day vacation. But I know why I'll be back! Only two more days left till I'm back of r&r tomorrow will be my third time haha get my snow on ! In Kona Ps you gotta try the Kona coffee / coconut combo with sweet mochi balls and condensed milk aka snow cap and nilla crumbles sure to make you say I heart snow!
(5)Jolene E.
The location of this place is excellent. The tables are outdoors and in a bed of delightful sand. Just over the edge was ocean, so the view was amazing. Service was good and the fish was fresh and well prepared
(5)Shawnee G.
This place was completely lacking and as a local, I feel it's a total tourist trap. I went with a couple visiting girlfriends on a Friday night for appetizers and drinks. Of course we expected it to be busy and we were told a 20 minute wait. We found an open table after 5 minutes near the bar, seated ourselves, and never saw the hostess that was supposed to come look for us when a table was available again. The service from our waitress was awesome although the wait for our drinks was ridiculously long. The view was amazing and the live entertainment was a nice touch, but the food was terrible. Maybe we just came on an off night? The chips in the kalua nachos were stale, sweet potato fries were stone cold, the fish tacos were flavorless and the fish was dry, and the sliders we had also tasted weird. Most disappointing was the $11 Hawaiian Rainbow drink I ordered. While pretty to look at, there was barely any alcohol in it, like it was watered down! The Kona coffee cheesecake redeemed the night though, while sweet & indulgent, it's a must try. All in all, while the view and entertainment in itself was great, I would NOT go back for the food. Maybe just for cocktails and I'd definitely order something different.
(2)Spice Master Duck Q.
Great drinks, nice atmosphere, live entertainment, and oceanside view. It is unbeatable as far as bars go in Kailua Kona.
(5)Kyle M.
Great drinks and LIVE music every night makes this a true winner.
(5)Christine E.
Location, location, location!! Wow, and who could ask for a better one than this? With the tables actually sitting in the sand, there is nothing better than taking off your shoes and putting your feet in the sand and sipping on a nice cold beer. Came here for lunch and was very impressed with the service and the food. Came again for happy hour, and while the drinks were not great, the fish tacos and ambiance were awesome. There was an amazing Hawaiian singer, the sun was setting over the water and drinks were cheap! The service was horrendous though. Every time we ordered something else, the server acted so annoyed. Tried to be friendly and make conversation but she just wasn't having it. The view was worth the shitty service though!
(3)Sarah H.
Best happy hour in Kona! Great food and drinks, but remember that it can get quite busy and you may have to stake out a table for awhile before getting to sit down!
(5)Colleen S.
Great view, great music, great mai tais, and really great food (I had grilled mahi mahi).
(5)Bonnie D.
Huggo's On The Rocks is a fantastic restaurant where you sit with your feet in the sand, under a giant umbrella, while listening to live music and sometimes a show. Their food was fantastic, their famous Mojito is delicious. The thing that will keep me coming back is their Ahi Burger. I had never tried one before my visit there, and I was not disappointed. It was the best thing I've had on the Big Island! So good! Definitely recommend!
(5)Heath E.
This place is awesome!! My friends and I were on vacation the week of the 2011 70.3 Honu Ironman and after the race, this was the place we needed to let lose. Between the live music and great libations, I completely forgot how soar my body was from the day before. We had so much fun that we decided to go again while we were there, even though our resort was 45 minutes away. I highly recommend Huggo's!!
(5)Andrew N.
I stopped in here once for an afternoon snack and drinks on the water. The view here is good but that's about it. The wait staff was slow and would forget to bring half the tables drink order. The food is nothing special but would do the trick. The drinks are more expensive here than other bars located within a few hundred feet of this place.
(2)Priscilla C.
Didn't try any of the food, but it can't be beat for the sunset view during their happy hour! They also had live Hawaiian music, and everyone there seemed happy and friendly.
(4)Diane E.
We had Mac Nut Martinis here as well as their Monchong fish sandwiches. Excellent!!! We plan on going back again tomorrow for another Mac Nut Martini :-)
(5)Michelle R.
We had an AMAZING time here! One of my favorite places to eat in Kona. Get here early for happy hour and enjoy a beautiful sunset and after the sun goes down enjoy some awesome live music. So cool!
(4)Krystie K.
Hated the over long wait, food was under sized and over priced, but well done food network style.
(3)Suzanne A.
We knew this was a toursity spot, and we really didn't come here thinking the food was going to be exceptional, we came here because we'd been walking all around all day in the sun, the sun was going down, we were hungry and thirsty and wanted to watch the sunset. They sat us right away in a great spot outside, overlooking the water and we sipped pina coladas, toes in the sand, listening to a few guys sing while we waited for our food. the food ended up not being too bad afterall, the service was good, and the sunset was exceptional, so overall, a good time was had by all!
(3)Ashley H.
My girlfriend and I went almost a week ago... Food was good. We got the garlic parmesan bread to start. The garlic was a little overpowering, so if you are not a huge garlic fan, don't get this! If you are, though, it's good :) I got the king crab legs with garlic mashed potato's, all of which was EXCELLENT. The view was amazing, right on the ocean, got to enjoy the sunset. Downside, service is a little slow, and the food took a little long (and I served for two years, so I know about these things and how the kitchen can become backed up, but our server was very nice.
(5)Norm F.
Make sure you go there Sunday or Monday night before sunset and listen to LT Smooth. Great music and cocktails while the sun goes down.
(5)Richard M.
I think most of the review have a theme, and I agree. The setting is fantastic. Who can beat the ocean lapping just feet away and a perfect place to watch the sun set into the ocean!!!! the food is just ok. It fills an empty spot for a tourist price. the drinks are good, bulk replicated drinks. beer by the plastic cup, foofy girl drinks complete with fruit slices and umbrellas. Entertainment, the best on Friday nights hot lava 808 cove band is great!!! It a lil tourist, but a nice place. The staff and management are not well versed in problem recovery. there is no "sorry you had a bad experience, here let me try to make it better." Then again most people will never have an issue here. so as long as your here to kick back drink a beverage and enjoy the cover band, your in the right place.
(2)Teri O.
Great burger and nice atmosphere! Live music started out great with a Hawaiian guy that had a great voice. Slowly dissolved into annoyance though once his partner started singing, Have you Never Been Mellow and Killing Me Softly. What's up with that? Can't we listen to old classic Hawaiian style music while in Hawaii??? It was beautiful. Anyway, the service was okay. My dining partners were less pleased but there ya go. The food and the location are what make this place good. Give it a shot.
(3)Kathy P.
Friends, being able to have your toes in the sand, a very delectable Mai- Tai, live music, Wahine's dancing on stage, live music, and the famous sunset NIGHTLY...well...changes in attitudes, changes in latitudes...how can you go wrong! Oh, and don't forget to try the Kalua Pork Nachos (minus the Ball Park Cheese or tell them you want it on the side...)
(4)Sheryl M.
I have not dined at the main Huggo's establishment. This review is only on Huggo's On the Rocks. Huggo's on the Rocks is an awful waste of time and not a good way to start a vacation. I was just on Hawaii to celebrate a birthday and my husband took me to Huggo's on the Rocks for sunset cocktails and pupus. An earlier reviewer said, "You don't go for the food. You go for the drinks and the oceanside experience." We didn't get to try the food but the drinks and service at Huggo's on the Rocks are awful. I had a very sub-par strawberry daquiri. My husband's pina colada had no flavor at all. No coconut. No pineapple. No rum. It just looked like light brown tinted shave ice. After trying to wave down our server for almost 15 minutes, she eventually came over and told us their dark rum makes it brown but had no explanation for why it only had a hint of sweetness and no flavor at all. She took it to the bar and came back with it a while later and said, "The bartender confirmed that it IS a pina colada." We told her that if that's how they make 'em, we don't want it. The server brought us a rail drink and took away the pina colada since it was so bad, but she copped an attitude about it. We hadn't jumped all over her about it and tried to handle it nicely. As a former bartender, I would have been embarrassed to have served up such a lousy drink. She completely ignored us after that so we never had an opportunity to order any food. When we were ready to go, they actually charged us $9 for the pina colada we sent back (and had only taken two small sips out of). I have lived in Hawaii for almost 5 years and this place wins for worst drinks and worst service I have experienced here. Don't let Huggo's on the Rocks ruin your evening - there are other good places to go in Kailua Kona. I have written a letter to Huggos' management to give them an opportunity to respond to our experience. ****Update 2/19/09: Both Eric, owner of Huggo's on the Rocks, and their manager, Greg, have contacted me regarding my experience at their establishment. Eric has addressed staff training on the issues that were a problem and both he and Greg have offered to make amends with a refund and/or comp pupus. Next time I am in town, I will surely give one or both of them a call to take them up on the opportunity to discuss their efforts. They were both prompt and courteous and Eric in particular expressed genuine concern that customers at Huggo's on the Rocks have a pleasant experience. I look forward to my next visit - which, unfortunately, might not be until next year - to see how things go and also look forward to updated Yelp reviews to see if improvement is noted. Kudos to Huggo's owner and management for their great follow-up.
(2)Jeremy M.
Great little place on the water. Drinks are fantastic, and the poke is awesome. They were also very accommodating when we wanted to replace the beef sliders with their bbq pork, which was quick tasty. Service was fast and friendly. Views are incredible.
(4)Cara H.
I love beach towns! Nothing beats eating fish tacos by the ocean with your feet in the sand. Love the ambiance! The fish tacos were great! Minus a star cause my fries were tooooo salty! Mac nut martini was ok, a little much! Fun beach dining!
(4)Brittany S.
Hey Huggo's, thanks for pulling through on our "hot date night" out on the town. Your tasty pina coladas (both traditional and with strawberry infusion) were the perfect way to kick the dinner off. We especially appreciated the open floor plan overlooking the water with flame torches along the patio and the cherry on top....a flame dancer out on a rock overlooking the ocean. Talk about stunning. The reflection of the flames whirling around on the water was pure artwork. As for the food, all diners are treated to complimentary warm bread served with herbed butter and white bean hummus. The bread was on the greasy side but I couldn't get enough of the butter. So much in fact that I shamefully added a dollop onto my chicken breast. Note: I'm allergic to seafood and the non-seafood options here are quite limited. Even the signature teriyaki steak is doused in oyster sauce (heads up). My chicken was served with asparagus spears and garlic mashed potatoes which I substituted for the tasty and earthy pumpkin risotto (highly recommend the risotto as a side alternative). We decided the food wasn't mind-blowingly good but it didn't matter so much because the atmosphere was just what we were looking for.
(4)Glenn P.
NOPE! Tried to stop for a nice sunset dinner and drinks (at least an hour before sunset) - and all the tables at the water were gone. We were okay with that and ordered drinks. They seated us right in front of the loudest, over-amplified band I have ever heard. They didn't even look that busy - so why we were sat at their least desirable table is beyond my comprehension. They finally brought us menus - and we expected the prices to be high. I wasn't having a good time at all, and with $10 drinks, and 'meh' food (looking at the few plates coming out) starting at almost $20 - I wasn't going to stick around for food. It's pretty much a beach bar attached to the fancy kitchen to the pricey restaurant to the south.
(1)Vic M.
Back again - Jan 2015 lunch Awesome location ON the wayer with sand at your feet. Ahi burger was excellent ($12.95) Poke was good.
(5)Russell S.
Nice breakfast spot along the water. Their iced coffee is good and the breakfast isn't bad either. I'm a bit of a stickler with my eggs, and the breakfast scramble wrap I ordered delivered. Light, fluffy, and silky eggs...something I rarely find in a restaurant. The price was a bit steep for breakfast, but those eggs were so good, I don't really mind.
(4)Dan A.
Came here for lunch twice in the last week. Easy free parking steps away is a big plus downtown! Great location in the water, a sand beach with tables. Service to the slow side at 130 pm. Nice varied food selection...i had crunchy beef tacos and they were good. Several sides available, I opted for Cole slaw, you opt for something else. (10.95). Spouse had kailua pork quesada appetizer...she had leftovers. Tasty pulled pork! (11.95). Beer (fire rock ale on draft) could have been colder. Spouses Mai Tai, tasty and pleasing. Location sells this spot!
(3)Julie H.
Came here several times during our week long stay in Kona. The food is good, the drinks great, the staff friendly, the view AWESOME. You are sitting on the edge of the ocean with sand under your feet. At night they had some live Hawaiian music with the occasional hula dancer. I was surprised that the food and drinks were so good since often places like this use their view to hide behind mediocrity. I loved the big Mai Tai for two, reasonably priced and packed quite the punch. Loved the Poke, and really enjoyed everything I tried on their menu. I will definitely return here when I get back to Kona!
(5)Debby S.
Yum! Great View of ocean!
(4)Scotty Dog J.
While my wife were staying next door, we thought we would give this place a try. Went for an early dinner and everything was outstanding. We both had taco plates, hers was short rib that were big portions and delicious. Mine was fish, blackened Mahi Mahi with mango salsa, excellent!! She also tried different flavored margaritas guava and passion fruit were her favorite. For desert we shared a Kona coffee cheesecake that was delicious. Setting is relaxed and beautiful view right on the beach. Would recommend this place to anyone, seems service gets a little slow when real busy, but it's island time bra relax.....all in all great food, and atmosphere we will be back.
(4)Amanda C.
How this place gets four stars is absolutely beyond me. The food is DISGUSTING and so overpriced. The burgers, the nachos, the Mediterranean platter...all bad. I have tried many things here, so have my friends, and every time ends in disappointment. On the other hand, Happy hour is good with $2 Primos, but it's only from 3-5. After that the prices skyrocket! All the drinks become so expensive I am upset with myself that I've spent so much money there. There are pluses about this place though: great live music, good happy hour prices, wonderful atmosphere and friendly service. I wish I could give different reviews for the food and for everything else. Honestly... Food: 1 star Drinks and Atmosphere: 4 stars (minus prices)
(2)Mel O.
This is a must stop place. Great view, great service, good bands and all you need is one drink. The bombucha.
(5)Brandon S.
Decent food. Happy hour is a joke. Great view and good live music. A real Hawaiian feeling here.
(4)Dennis D.
The chips, salsa, and beer were good; and the service was good too. We came for happy hour which didn't start until 3pm and had a very limited menu. I give the food 3 stars; service 4+ stars; but the poor beer, drink, and food options on the happy hour menu only 2 stars. Chips and salsa were not on the happy hour menu; bud and coors were about the only beer.
(3)Katie R.
I was in Kona for 5 days and ate here for 3 of my dinners. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive (even when the joint is jumpin'). The food came out perfectly cooked every time. You are right on the beach with your toes in the sand. The sunsets (easily viewable from every table) are memorable. The prices are appropriate and reasonable. The drinks (though served in plastic cups--egh) are great and exceptionally strong. You must eat the: Shrimp Lettuce Cups, Fish Tacos, and Korean Tacos.
(5)Tim H.
Ended up going here several times because it was walking distance from time share and we had such a great time the first lunch. They have some drinks designed for two, but I'd stay away on the basis that they were hard to handle with such a tall bamboo "glass." Everyone seemed to like their food, but the ambiance of sand under your feet and the ocean view probably sold me on the place. Our visit coincided with the visit of the hurricane, Huggo's didn't close early like many other places on the strip. Hurricane turned out to be a nothing-burger, I've sneezed bigger. First time I walked there after dark, I walked into Huggo's, not "On the Rock's." Caused a bit of confusion, totally different atmosphere and menu. Plain old "Huggo's" might be fine, looked jazzy and more upscale, but totally different place and I never tried it.
(5)Matt O.
Fantastic spot! Great Music! Aloha spirit is strong! Thanks to Tim Criswell and all the staff for making this the best evening of our holiday!
(5)Jaena J.
The location was Awesome, right on the beach and overlooking the ocean! The live music was also fantastic. On the other hand, the food was nothing special. I probably wouldn't go back.
(3)Audrey R.
Such a great place to drink a cold cocktail with your feet in the sand. Fish tacos, shrimp wraps a must! A cool vibe, live music all around perfect Hawaiian vaycay! Our sever Hanna was so sweet! Lots of great reconditions, super cool chick!
(5)Cassy R.
Nice outdoor, sandy floor bar, and such a great spot to watch the sunset! The cocktails were amazing, especially The Chee-Hoo Tini with Lychee, and the Pineapple Mojito...Didn't love the food though, so I would suggest Huggo's Restaurant next door for dinner, but if you're looking for just a sunset cocktail, On The Rocks is your place!
(4)Tim A.
This review is based just on the bar, we did not eat here. The drinks were really good and being right on the water made this place great. Definitely try the passion fruit coloda.
(4)Leora M.
The live music was great, service was great. Food was ok. My fiancé got the fish tacos, I got the catch of the day fish plate; comes with two sides, I choose the salad and potato/Mac good combination.
(3)Amy F.
Pretty good food although I'd say servings were small. Nice atmosphere, despite the surly waitress. Great view and nice music.
(4)Margareg G.
Great set up right on the beach. The food is decent however servers had inconsiderate and careless attitudes. We went there multiple times food the live music and fun atmosphere but the service left much to be desired.
(2)Mindy N.
We liked this spot at night a lot! We generally don't repeat places on vacation, but this place we did! Live music that was great, yummy cocktails and tasty eats! The Big Bamboocha Mai Tai is no joke - so good, probably our fav on the island. Their regular mai tai is good too. Great spot on the water, toes in the sand (not all seating) - just great atmosphere to kick back and listen to good live music. From the two times we tried: Ali'i Quesadilla , The Rocks Taco Salad, Bulgogi Friend Rice Bowl, Kona Fish Tacos, Rock's Classic Burger and the Wanna Manapua Burger. Everything was tasty and the service was great!
(5)Sam p.
Great view; close-in; great happy hour; sand floors. I always go here when in Kona. I recommend it.
(5)J B C.
It was our last night and I found Huggo's on yelp. We had a seaside table with a great view of the sunset. Even caught some ocean spray with the waves. The waves were really crashing hard that night. The food was good, like most tourist places on the island, the extra $$$ is included. But over all very good food for the price. The mahi mahi was enjoyed at the table as was the seafood pasta. There are two sections, the bar with more beach and sand and the restaurant more upscale casual - LOL, but they do take reservations.
(4)Dotti B.
Best lunch I had on Hawaii and the most yummy drinks. Sit right by the beach with your feet in the sand. Waitress was outstanding! Would go back again... and again :)
(5)Jackson H.
This is a great place to have dinner with your loved one while watching the sun go down. They have live music, not sure if it is only for weekends or not but they were there when I dined there with my girlfriend. It was a nice place to be. It is not as pricy as the next door, Huggo's Restaurant, and offer some great food varieties. The tables and chairs sit right on the sand so be careful where you put your feet.
(4)Laura M.
I have a difficult time rating this place. The location could not be better. Literally the floor is sand and the ocean is right in front of you. But the food is bar food at best. And the service is very spotty. We went for happy hour. The Mai tai was tasty. We ordered fish tacos, nachos, and a slider. For four dollars each, expect what you pay for, not gourmet obviously. The server was friendly enough but good luck catching them to bring you a refill of water. As the sun got lower, there was no shade, I was burning up, and we sat and sat for the bill. I would go again for the atmosphere and drinks but that's about it.
(3)Candace H.
You cannot beat this view! Stopped here for a drink and an appetizer on our way to the airport. We ordered the nachos and they definitely left something to be desired (they used actual nacho cheese, which reminded me of the food you'd get at a baseball game or arena or something). But the location was lovely, they have sand on the ground to give you the real beach experience, and live entertainment around dinnertime. Worth a stop for sure!
(4)Vincent D.
Great place, great food, and Dustin the bartender is awesome. Mahalo huggo's for a great overall experience
(5)Emily E.
Great location and amazing food. We were glad we waited the extra 15 minutes so we could sit on the sand with a sea view. The fish tacos and Kalua pork sandwich were excellent and the live music was fabulous and it had a few people up dancing. Only problem was that we had to wait for over an hour for our food. Our server was great and told us that the kitchen was having issues and apologized, I just sort of wished they had let us know that before we sat down. I would still recommend Huggo's because of the location and food
(4)Paulette M.
Don't confuse this place with Huggos Restaurant! This place you can dig your feet into the sand and seems to have its own kitchen! Great service and food. Ahi burger was yummy chopped ahi and formed onto a burger. Bulgogi fried rice bowl was super tasty too! Especially the pineapple!
(5)Christopher E.
Have stopped by there for lunch about 3 times during my one week stay in Kona. I really appreciated the restaurant's uniqueness of having its tables and chairs half buried in sand as much as its up front ocean view, sounds & breezes. The service was phenomenal & friendly. Some evenings have live music. The food was excellent, Fish Tacos, Bulgogi Freid Rice Bowl, Guava Bbq Ka' Lua Pork Sandwich, Mezze Platter were big hits.
(4)Julie K.
This place is all about the ambiance. The food is very good but sometimes the service Is flaky. We had a party of 8. They brought 7 entrees out and we were waiting for a hamburger for one of the kids. We all had finished our dinner and we were still waiting for her hamburger. The waitress swore it was the kitchens fault and the manager said he would have a talk with the kitchen. We were on our way to the airport with a bit of a time crunch which was inconvenient, but making an 11 year old wait that long for her food left her feeling bad. They did comp us some desserts which was kind (and probably appropriate). Really enjoyed their location, poke, Korean beef tacos, and drinks. Just wish their service was a bit more reliable.
(3)Michael K.
Our friend took us here our first night in Hawaii because she liked the "chill vibe" (consisting of live music and a perfect location), but we enjoyed it so much we went back a second and nearly a third time. Given the amazing location, overlooking the bay with a perfect view of the sunset, it's not surprising that we experienced 30-40 minutes waits both times we were there for dinner; you are given a pager and are free to wander the nearby shops, though the range isn't necessarily long enough if you stray too far. There were different musicians on our two visits there but both were enjoyable in their own way: first a two-person band playing synth/guitar covers of popular songs, later an acoustic guitar player. Finally, we tried a few different things off the menu and everything was excellent - I tried the Wanna Manapua (?) burger-a mix of local grass-fed beef and pork-and the fresh catch of the day while my wife opted for the bulgogi bowl both times. We didn't find the food to be particularly expensive given this spot's prime tourist location and they don't skimp on the portions either. Service was fairly slow, especially on our second visit when we didn't order alcohol (could have just been a coincidence) but it's not the kind of place you should be going if you're in a rush. Also note that unless you're at the bar, you will be sitting in on chairs in the sand so feel free to wear sandals. If I am ever in Kona again this would be the first place I go for dinner!
(5)Tom C.
Fun place to have a drink or to while right over the rocks in Kailua Kona. Good umbrella drinks and local brews. Great views.
(5)C A.
Right by the water and service with aloha. I underestimated this place, but I was wrong! The wanna manapua was outstanding, he said its one of the best burgers he has had. I had bulgogi rice bowl which was also outstanding. I'm sad we tried this place the day we were leaving the big island. Ambiance, food and drinks were Ono!
(5)Chy L.
So this is Huggo's Restaurant's blue collar, less fancy sister. The bonus is you get to be entertaine and d by the live music (a hula dance while we dined) eat with your feet in the sand surrounded by the ocean. We loved the bargin of al fresco dining but the food was just okay. It served it's purpose as we just wanted to experience the sea side dining.
(3)Riverside G.
Great drinks, beautiful view overlooking the water especially when the sun sets. Shortened tables and chairs on a sandy floor with live entertainment. Now for the bad news. At the time of this writing the Yelp page for this place allows you to make online reservations which turns out not to be true. Instead it's for Huggo the restaurant next door, Huggo On The Rocks doesn't take reservations. So we put in our name with the maitre d' and she gave us a pager to let us know when our table is ready. After a half hour at the bar we checked the status of our table and she informs us that she paged us three times but we didn't answer because the pager didn't work. It never occurred to her to call out our name to check because the five of us didn't hear it. Then she gives us another pager and said we'll get the next table. Fifteen minutes later a table opens up and she give away the table to another party. WTF! The next table that opened up we just took it because she was just clueless if we waited for her. The food was just so so for burgers and sandwiches. Just a bad experience.
(1)Matt O.
Went here last night with my girlfriend. The location is absolutely amazing, it's right next to the ocean, in the middle of downtown Kona. There is sand all over the dining room floor so it's just like eating on the beach. We started with drinks, and all of the different ones we tried were tasty and well mixed. For food, we shared a Caesar salad. I am a Caesar junkie, and it did not disappoint. For entrees, I got the roast beef sandwich, while she got the blackened fish tacos. The sandwich was very tasty, tender slices of beef and came with jus, which was great as well. Only complaint for that was the container the jus came in was a bit smaller than the sandwich so dipping it was a chore. My girlfriend didn't like her tacos too much, the mango salsa was watery which is a bummer as mango is a local fruit. Also came with two corn torts per taco, which overpowered the flavor of the fish. That was an easy fix though. Her tacos are the only negative I really have to say. I would definitely go back just for the view, drinks and music. And I am sure she can find something she will like for next time.
(4)Jessica C.
Mauna Kea burger super flavorful blue cheese crispy bacon grass fed beef highly recommend it would order it again. It was a burst of flavor in my mouth
(4)Allie P.
The location of this establishment is so unique! Tables in the sand, right on the ocean and a great open layout but the food was an utter disappointment. Had the ahi burger.. the Ahi didn't taste fresh and I was expecting a beautiful seared piece of fish rather I got a bland moosh of "fish"... The service was also extremely slow. Infact, 4 parties that got seated after us all got their dishes before we did. Our server came back to explain that they lost our ticket and apologized. Honestly though we should have been comped for something or have been given a free drink because waiting 40 mins for our sub par meals is inexcusable.
(1)Gary W.
A great place to kick off your sandals and have dinner and drinks. One thing you gotta try - the Furikake encrusted Ono plate. These guys know how to do it.
(4)Joey K.
I would probably give this place five stars, except I felt rushed. Not intentionally rushed, but it seems like the restaurant operates at a really high pace, likely to turn tables over quickly. However, the experience was good. We got sat fast, our server was friendly an attentive. Not overly friendly, but he was clearly busy. He was a great server, just again, seemed rushed to get things done. Makes me wonder about the management, but I digress. The place is cute. Completely open air, even the kitchen. They also have a sandy dining area so you can feel like you're eating on the beach. It sits right on the rocks so you can listen to the waves crashing, which is a really nice biance. I got the ahi burger. I ordered it rare, and was told it was pre-made. Which probably meant frozen. I was slightly disappointed that it was a ground burger. There's no way to know if I was yellowfin or albacore. It was really good either way. It was good size and full of flavor. I cleaned the plate of so that means something. He had the black and bleu burger. My understanding that it was amazing. I don't eat it, so I'll take his word for it. Overall, we loved this place and will definitely be back when we're back in Kona.
(4)Bruce H.
Best spot for a lunch on Kona. Ask for Hannah as your server and you are in for a treat.
(5)Randy C.
The first restaurant we stopped at after getting off the airplane, and it was a great choice. Informal, waterfront view, and the outside tables were shaded and in sand. Service was fine. The food was decent enough but overpriced, hence the 3 stars.
(3)James M.
Outstanding service and great food. My wife had the catch of the day and it was amazing. I had the tacos and they were also very good. They make the best drinks on the waterfront.
(5)Qian Z.
We visited this restaurant twice during our stay in Kona. It is very unique that they fill the floor with soft sand, so you feel like you are actually eating on a beach. We had dinner and lunch here, both good food. Mai tai and lava flow are good alcoholic drinks, you can also order virgin lava flow, which is a nice non-alcoholic beverage.
(4)Patrick J.
On our last day in Kona, we were trying to burn some time before our flight home. We stopped in for a drink and ended up getting dinner. The view of the bay from the bar and tables is beautiful. Entertainment was mellow, jazz-like music, being performed live. The vibe here is definitely relaxed and friendly with a lot of locals present. We ordered the classic burger with Swiss, onions, and mushrooms and a bulgogi beef and fried rice bowl. The burger was perfectly cooked on a slightly toasted roll. It had a nice cruch as I bit into the sandwich. The onions and mushrooms were delicious, although, I ended up taking some of the onion off. There was a little too much for me, but they were caramelized and tasty. The Bulgogi rice bowl was amazing. The beef had been marinated and cooked perfectly. It was juicy and very flavorful. The fried rice could have been a dish by itselt. It was that good. We had a great meal, excellent drinks, relaxing music and a gorgeous sunset while were there. I'd highly recommend coming to Huggo's if you can. It was a really fun place. with a lot of locals present.
(4)Todd G.
Atmosphere is great. Whales jumping in the bay. Great place to relax with a beverage but wouldn't necessarily recommend the food. Don't order the pork nachos unless you want a big piece of fat plunked on top of cheese whiz.
(2)Eve P.
Great and very friendly service, amazing view, quality food.
(4)Andrea V.
1. Everything is quite tasty. I give it 4 stars. It's basically Hawaiian-y bar food. 2. The location and view! Right on the ocean. Total Hawaii vacation feel. 3. Full bar. 4. Live Music pretty much every day. 5. It's casual and relaxed.
(4)Pam H.
Cute place in the town of Kailua-Kona. We were meeting friends for drinks and music, so we decided to get there a bit earlier and have dinner ourselves and get a table. The tables are in the sand, which is cool. The food was decent- not spectacular, but OK. We ordered some nachos, then Bill had a salad with shrimp and I had a burger. Service was good and they were good about delivering food, checking on us, seeing if we were ready for another drink and refilling out water. Our friends arrived right as we finished dining and then we relaxed and enjoyed the live entertainment. A very good band and we enjoyed ourselves. All in all a good night out on the town for Kona.
(4)Carolyn A.
Gorgeous beach front location. Enjoyable live music. The decor of cheap outdoor/patio sets in sand was weird and awkward. My knees hit the bottom of the table (I'm 5'7"), and the employees looked amazingly ungraceful trying to waddle around in the giant sand box. In contrast, the oversized bamboo steamers for serving were cute and practical (they stack). Food and drinks were hit or miss. For drinks, go for the beers on tap or a piña colada (dark rum, yum). Skip the lava flow and mai tai. The burger was good, the fresh fish not so much. The coconut wasabi cole slaw lacked a coconut or wasabi flavor. So, it's just ordinary cole slaw. The side salad was fresh.
(3)Eric F.
A solid, chill place for drinks before/after a meal in downtown Kona right by the water. While the Mai Tais were consistent with their sister establishment, Lava Lava Beach Club, the view's not nearly as nice and the seating area was much less spacious and comfortable.
(3)Len B.
Absolutely one of the best dinners of my life, and I've had everything from 8 dollar fast food dinners to 800 dollar top class formal meals. We ate simply, burger for me and Ahi burger for my date, but both were outstanding. But what truly set the place apart, was the atmosphere. Waves crashing, amazing guitarist/singer playing (go on Thursday -seriously ) tiki torches and toes in the sand... oh yeah, and it's in Hawaii, folks. Does it get much better than this?
(5)Evan A.
Very unique location extremely close to the water. Apparently, zoning laws instituted since Huggo's was built guarantee that no new business could ever be this nearby the sea. A section of seating is literally in the sand, which is certainly a unique experience, although somewhat awkward in actual practice since your chair legs sink into the sand, making it hard to adjust. We just went for happy hour (3-5) so can't speak for the quality of the food other than the mini-nachos with Kahlua pork (generous with the pork but not very hot). Mai-Tais and Hawaiian Sunrises were $5 and didn't seem too watered-down as might be expected at a touristy place like this. Overall, a great ambiance, prompt service, and reasonably-priced drinks mean we would be more than willing to enjoy another afternoon here.
(4)Amanda M.
I'm visiting Kona for the ironman 2014 world championship and because this is so close to ironman village I've eaten here 4 separate times during my 1 week trip. (That alone should say something about this place!) I keep coming back for the location and the drinks. The food is good, but didn't "wow" me. The view is incredible and the tables in the sand are nice because you can take your shoes off. My favorite drink here was the piña colada- perfectly frozen and just enough alcohol to enjoy it. I would come again!
(4)Amy M.
They don't take reservations even tho it's on the yelp page. Our hostess gave away our dinner table three times and it was just not a cool 40 minute wait. The only good thing! This place has a kick butt happy hour and so many different yummy drinks!
(3)Marina V.
We went to Huggo's for our anniversary dinner a couple of years ago, and I am only now getting to write a review. Better late than never:) What a great place. The setting is absolute paradise. We sat on the terrace overlooking the ocean waves crashing on the rocks, and watched the sunset. Does it get better? I don't think so :) It was magical! The food was outstanding, the service quick and waiters polite and considerate, and the atmosphere was relaxed and happy. As soon as I'm back to Kona, we'll be back to Huggo's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
(5)Jay S.
A great place to watch the sun go down while eating dinner with someone you love. The live music is a nice plus. My only complaint was that the dessert was just mediocre.
(4)Roxanne A.
The night we went to Huggo's we were treated to a fantastic Hula and soothing island musical act. The food is good , but not pricey considering the view and entertainment. Try happy hour 3-5 for mini nachos and inexpensive beers. The desserts we tried were the Mauna Kea ice cream pie and lime pie both were yummy.
(5)Ashley K.
The best bar in Kona, period. It's perfect. I can't say anything else that hasn't been said or that the pictures won't elucidate. Come here and take it all in. If there was anything remotely comparable to this back home in California, I would be a useless, happy, tan little drunk.
(5)Mary Ann B.
Eaten at Huggo's On The Rocks twice, both good experiences. We were seated closest to the ocean both times in those short beach chairs and shortened tables in the sand. Difficult for my tall husband to sit down and get up. But otherwise, great view! Neither of us has had mediocre food there. Their menu is varied enough to appeal to most everyone. Yes, it's a bit on the high side, but it is Hawaii and a busy tourist town. They also have specials and we recently both got the papaya stuffed with shrimp and salad. It was fantastic! Never get sugary specialty drinks, so can't review those, but their local beer is good. The musicians are a nice touch, and they are talented and skilled, not amateurs.
(5)Seamus O.
The band "Damn Straight" brought us in Thursday with there sound. Now we are back to close out our vacation. Bar is fun, the band is really good.
(4)Joana V.
Best happy hour in town ! Very reasonable and the view is spectacular . We saw spinner Dolphins and manta rays feeding near the rocks! Perfect afternoon! I strongly recommend the beef tacos and Hawaiian Rainbow!
(5)Ds A.
Loved this place! The location is amazing. It's right on the water and the tables are almost all in the sand. I got the ahi burger and it was so tasty. All the drinks I tried were really good too. Probably my favorite place I went to in Kailua Kona.
(5)Shell A.
I really love this place! The views are just gorgeous!! I love diggin my toes in the sand while drinking a yummy tropical drink! The prices are a bit expensive so we dont normally eat there but do enjoy a drink or two while watching the sunset! Its a tradition while visiting Kona :-)
(5)Andreas N.
Came for a late dinner and enjoyed the fish tacos and very good drinks. Most drinks sp far has literally been juice+alcohole but here they make an effort and the result is really good! The bar staff was very friendly and they had live music that night. We had a great fun evening here.
(4)Steve K.
We came for lunch on Sunday. I had a cheeseburger with mushrooms, with a small salad, and my wife had another burger with bleu cheese and a salad. They were delicious, local beef. You cannot beat the location with your toes in the sand, a beautiful view, and the waves down below adding a cadence. This and Kona Inn are our go to lunch spots when we are able to get away on a weekend together for lunch. Our server (Jeff?) was a bright young man that was quite entertaining and very happy. We have usually come in the past for music at night or happy hour music with cheap drinks, and been quite happy, but I also think their burgers compare with the best on the coast, and the location ups it by a star.
(4)Becky R.
My husband and I live here in Kona, and we go here quite frequently. This is also a favorite spot to bring out of town guests - the view, the food, and atmosphere can't be beat, especially at the affordable prices they offer. They also have a great variety of tropical drinks - all delicious - and all way more affordable than any you'll find on the water's edge. We have a few favorites on the menu, but pretty much everything is good here. I personally love the Ahi Burger - which a delicious patty of spiced GROUND ahi - honestly a refreshing and interesting way to serve ahi (and I am surprised at the one reviewer who commented on this dish, who didn't seem to know what to expect, since I have never ordered it without the server asking me if I was aware that it was ground ahi, and not a single piece of ahi). The fish tacos and pulled pork are also fantastic, but really, there are lots of tasty things on the menu. The only thing that I am personally disappointed about is the loss of their killer sweet potato fries. It seems that their frier was taken away around hurricane time, and has not been replaced (please find a way to bring them back! They were AMAZING). They still offer lots of tasty and interesting sides, and have added a couple of alternatives, which are probably healthier, and still delicious. The tables in the sand, down by the water's edge are beautifully situated and relaxing, but not too great for anyone who has trouble getting in and out of low chairs. However, they offer seating just above on hard ground - perfect if you have older folks in your party or anyone with an injury that makes maneuvering in low and sandy places difficult. In short - you really can't go wrong here. I love going here for lunch, but evening is when you get the live entertainment, and superb sunset views....
(5)Mervat O.
We had a different experience, our waitress Briteny was a little on the not cooperate side . The food was less than what we expected . Sorry I cannot give stars
(1)Sue S.
Good food, great atmosphere with the outdoor seating and sand floor, good live music, good, friendly waitress!
(4)Holly M.
We waited all week to come here for our last night on the island. We read the good reviews and were stoked; however, when we arrived the entire staff seemed completely overwhelmed and stressed. The hostess could barely take our party's information. The bartender was incredibly rude and wouldn't make a virgin daiquiri for the young one (9 yo) in the group saying "she has to come to the bar to drink her drink." What?! We had a wonderful week in Kona and we experienced some awesome food- this was a real let down though. Hopefully just a bad night but families beware. The view is killer but not worth ruining your spirits.
(1)Heidi M.
I visited Hawaii for a week and went back to this place four times! Delicious food, amazing drinks, live music, gorgeous view of the ocean and sunsets, live music, friendly staff what's not to love?!
(5)William W.
Came for lunch. Tasty and delicious! Came here and enjoyed a beautiful view. You can watch the waves and enjoy the serene sounds of the water. Highly recommend the Guava Pulled Pork sandwich.
(5)Caitrin O.
Fantastic view; terrible food. Nacho chips were extremely stale and the blackened fish tacos were over seasoned and didn't taste fresh. It was incredibly disappointing to go to an oceanfront restaurant in Kona and eat fish that tasted like it had been frozen.
(1)Jacki C.
Love, love this place and visit it every time we are in Kona. It has the best mud pie ever. In fact, it is probably the place where my bf discovered his obsession with mud pie. They have two versions, one with Kona coffee ice cream and one with macadamia nut ice cream. The last time we visited, in February, we went two nights in a row. The first night, we had already had dinner and we went for a drink and dessert only. They were out of the mac nut version, so we got the coffee and it is humungous.......chocolate cookie crust, a hard chocolate over the ice cream and whipped cream on top. We shared it, which normally we do not share desserts..... ONO. The place was pretty busy. We sat in the bar and luckily were low maintenance. Live music is always great, accompanied by the crashing waves on the rocks, hence the name........romantic and fun atmosphere. The second night, we met some friends for dinner at the other side. We ate dinner at sunset (about 6pm, gotta call for reservations if you want to guarantee you are sitting at sunset) outside on the patio. AGAIN, it is the PERFECT location for romantic and cliché Hawaiian experience. Before we knew it, the place emptied out and we realized we had been sitting at the table for over 2.5 hours. This was nice, because we felt no pressure to leave, even if we must have had the best table on the patio. The food was excellent, service was nice, but we were disappointed to find that they were out of that mac nut ice cream mud pie again. Oh well, we had another of the coffee ice cream kine...no worry, be happy! I have been going to Huggo's since I was a little girl and unless it closes, I will continue to go there for my stays in Kona. It makes me happy.
(4)Lori C.
I love this place on the nights when they have live music. If you start with dinner you get a lovely sunset view right on the water. The food is tasty. Drinks are a little pricey. The vibe once the band starts is a lot fun!
(4)Tony K.
The food was tasty but portions were small for the price. You'll likely leave hungry. What annoyed me the most was that they don't have any Sriracha or Asian type hot sauce. Only Tabasco. If you are going to serve Asian food at least make sure you have some sort of Asian hot sauce. Otherwise you are just a wannabe. They have good views if you are into that.
(3)Bill D.
Great drinks, great view, great waitress "Kat" Good homemade chips What else do you need? "Meow halo "
(4)Rebel H.
The view and ambiance is wonderful. The drinks are good. Food doesn't taste good until happy hour prices :) . I like the pork nachos. I've had the sliders, they are ok. The mango mango cocktail is sweet. Mai Thai good. The Lilikoi mojito is pretty tasty.
(4)Chris M.
3 stars for the location and good service. Other than that the food was crap. I was the only person who was pretty happy with my happy hour fish taco. It was pretty good and well worth the three bucks. The other dishes, nachos, hummus plate, poke, were not good. Take this place for what it is.
(3)Lisa E.
You are paying for the atmosphere. Period. The food wasn't anything special. I got a pina colada and I don't think there was any alcohol in it (disappointing). I got the kalua pork sandwich and it was impossible to eat, just a big mess. I gave up on the sandwich and ate the pork with a fork. It was tasty but nothing special. My boyfriend got the nachos and they were good but would have been better had it not been mysterious "cheeze sauce" instead of real cheese. Service was pretty good. View is wonderful!
(3)Lara T.
This was a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon. My husband and I wanted somewhere on the water where we could enjoy a drink and some lunch. The drinks were very good and the food was great. Our server was exceptionally positive and friendly, although a bit slow at times. We weren't in a rush so this didn't bother us! We didn't feel pushed out the door as soon as we finished our meals, either. Very nice and relaxing.
(4)Eve K.
Killer casual spot on the water for good drinks, eats, and nightly entertainment. 4.5 stars Food: 4.25, Service: 3.5, Atmosphere: 5 Cost to worth it rating: 4 (very affordable, apps: ~$12, entrees cap at $18) Return worthiness: yes Eve award: best view for the tallest mai tai Highlights: - Atmosphere: right on the water with sand underneath the tables. Amazing sunset view in a casual atmosphere - Entertainment: mellow singer guitarist with hula on an early sat night I enjoyed a lot - Furikake crusted fish: fresh and just enough flavor so it wasn't bland but didn't overpower the fish - Big bamboocha mai tai: tall bamboo-like glass. Glad the waitress let us in on it being big enough to share. It didn't say that on the menu - Macadamia nut martini: purely delicious clear concoction - Plating: like over-sized dim sum items in bamboo circular receptacles - Bulgolgi beef: hub loved this with the fried rice - Kalua pork quesadilla: large portion of this cheesy, salty good appetizer. Bonus points for some cheese running over to the top and getting extra crispy. - Waitress: friendly, welcoming, and helpful. She admitted she forgot to order our app but was apologetic and nice about getting it to our table. Lowlights: - Unless you time it right, you'll miss the sunset as tables can become scarce Was worried about it being a tourist trap being in all the magazines, but it's worth a stop and my favorite Kona dinner experience.
(5)Christian E.
"One Ring to Rule them All" Sorry... I couldn't help myself. This place has THE best onion rings I have ever had. Huge rings of onion fried to a golden crisp in a dill sauce, they then have a chipotle-ranch dipping sauce. The combination is amazing. I then had their special, a fish wrap, and it was pretty damn killer as well. The restaurant overlooks the water, so we enjoyed our food while watching the waves crashing down. The servers are all gorgeous, which leads to some questions about their management and hiring, but hell, the outcome is a very attractive staff. Very glad we stopped here.
(5)Scott W.
Among the best places I've been to for great sunset, music and laid back atmosphere. Sunsets are outstanding, too!
(5)Nick H.
Great Happy Hour. They make some good drinks. The restaurant has a beach theme and the whole restaurant is on sand. The live music was great as well.
(4)Caroline R.
Love this place. Great place to have cocktails at sunset with your feet in the sand. Live music and hula too.
(5)David L.
Great casual location with good food and a great view. Right in Kona on the beach with literal beach/sand dining. We were so close there was literally some ocean spray that was misting on us.
(4)Michelle B.
Really good happy hour, if I remember right some beers were $3.00-$4.00 and food was $6.00. Try to get there before 6pm or else you will be paying $1 each per drink to help pay off the music/dancing entertainment. Beautiful view. Seating is ON THE SAND
(4)Daniel W.
Absolutely best fish tacos on the island. Service is slow but only because they're busy. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The margaritas are tasty and they don't short you on the alcohol. I highly recommend and we'll come back for more. Awesome!!
(5)David S.
This is a dive lets be real, but its on the water in hawaii, MANGO MANGO...get the mango blended drink at bottom of menus sooooooo gooood
(5)Sherri B.
We had lunch at The Rocks. The service was Wonderful and the food was Delicous! Also the view couldnt be better. We were actually at a table in the sand and were just feet away from the ocean. We would be delighted to go back there again our next time in Kona, Hawaii. Thank You for the Fantastic Service!
(5)Ford S.
I liked Huggos on the rocks because the food was delicious and you have a great view of the sea, plus live music almost every day! I ordered soup of the day which tasted good and creamy so I drank the bowl up in a few minutes. There was no one playing music the first time we went, but there was the second time. The second time we went we had already gone to two happy hours so we were stuffed when we got there but ordered Kona coffee ice cream and there was music and a hula dancer. The service both times were very good; both of our waiters were very nice.
(5)Amy M.
Great sunset views and live entertainment. The happy hour and drink specials are pretty good as well. We actually enjoyed this experience more than when we ventured to the "formal" Hugo's next door.
(3)Jenny L.
Worst of worst Worst of worst Im telling you i have worst experience ever!!!! I went to so many restaurant before but this place is the worst of worst. Food was okay maybe three star. They let the big insect moving on your table. I got freaked out three time and they are like " oh! Its harmless or do you have allergy on bugs???"" They also gave that bug to other customer next to us and let him play with it and " by accidentally" or purposely send insect back to our table. I couldn't eat my food or focus on the view or anything. How can you eat the food when big mantis is flying around on your head??????? I had to get up from my table four times while harassing customer was laughing every time when they send me the mantis. Of course when finally the waiter came to table and took mantis away my food got cold. Horrible restaurant in earth
(1)Jamey M.
It's too bad I had to leave a one star review but the service was disgusting. By far the rudest and slowest service I can honestly say I have ever received. Wish I remembered the name of our waitress but all I know was that she was blonde and maybe in her 40s. The food was good but portions were small The live music was amazing and we decided to give all our tip to them instead of the waitress.
(1)Robert T.
Not hungry yet, you will be by the time you get your food. Want your credit card stolen, go here. Waited one and half hours for burgers. When we complained we were kicked out and they kept our credit card. Had to call police to get the card back.
(1)Maureen K.
My first go to when we land in Kona! Great drinks and food, love the love music! Always a good time! My husband and I usually get the mai-tai's, mojitos, fish and/or Korean need tacos!!!! So yummy!!
(5)Bobby D.
Fun atmosphere and directly on the water. Half the bar has sand in it, as if it were the beach. Had the Ahi sashimi for appetizer and it was very good. Tacos were ok, but the taco shells themselves were doubled up and a bit too much. Flavors were good though. Live music and hula. Overall would absolutely go back. Next time we want to go for sunset.
(4)Raizel G.
This is a great place to grab a bite if you're in Kona. It's definitely geared toward tourists, but it's pretty cool. I went here with a group of 5 after we spent a day shopping and exploring Kona. Huggos is right on the shore, so you get a great view of the ocean. There are even tables on the sand so it's an interesting dining experience. They have plenty of drinks and food to choose from from sandwiches to fish tacos to salads. They also have live entertainment sometimes. I had the Bulgogi Fried Rice Bowl and it was much better than expected. The Guava Lava drink was good too and refreshing on a hot day. Even though they are outdoors, they have a lot of shade so you don't have to worry about it being too hot. The presentation of the food is great also, for those of you who like taking pictures of your food! In all, I would go back. I think it's a cool place to bring your friends who are on vacation!
(4)Cathy W.
Let me just make it clear now by saying that Huggo's On the Rocks is NOT (I repeat, NOT) the same as Huggo's the restaurant right next door. Huggo's is the actual dining room for dinner only, while Huggo's On the Rocks is the bar + open seating on sandy balcony/patio that is open for lunch until midnight. I think that was never made clear on Yelp when I was SO excited about eating lunch at the famous Huggo's after we went snorkeling one morning...only to discover that Huggo's is only open for dinner! Nevertheless, we decided to give Huggo's On the Rocks a try despite knowing the place has a lower rating than the actual Huggo's. If it's the same establishment, how bad can it be, right? *sigh* I ended up with the fish tacos + fries while my boyfriend got a burger + potato-mac salad on the side. My tacos were SUPER soggy from all the sauce/juice - I was VERY disappointed because here I am eating a fish taco in Hawaii next to the very beach where the fish comes from, and the taste can't even come close to anything I've ever had in California. My boyfriend's burger was a lot better and I'm totally not a red-meat person! I would come back again - but NOT for Huggo's On the Rocks...I want to try the real Huggo's that's only open for dinner please!
(2)Markie W.
Service was slow and food was nothing special and was overpriced. The view and entertainment was great.
(2)Kate E.
My husband and I went to Huggo's On The Rocks for a late lunch on the second day of our honeymoon. We had a great time! It was super relaxing to sit in chairs nestled into the sand. The view is wonderful. There was a happy hour special drink that day - the Ginger Juju. This was the hands down the most delicious cocktail of our entire honeymoon! Hopefully they will make it a permanent addition to the menu! For food we split the Meze Platter and the Fish Tacos. It was more than enough for lunch! It was all delicious. We would highly recommend this restaurant. We did not stay for the sunset, but we heard it was great.
(5)Elyse W.
Just visited this restaurant on my last afternoon on the Big Island - wish I hadn't. Of course the view is great but that was about it. Ordered a burger which had way too much pepper in it and the volcano chips which used way too much paprika. Family members ordered a taco salad (ok - but how can you ruin that), and fish tacos (they thought they were good). Would not return here on my next visit. If you want a good meal, go next door to Huggo's for dinner.
(1)Gina S.
The food is def not the saving grace of this place, but the beachy casual atmosphere, the live music, and the hula dancing show (we got lucky to be there on the right night) made me feel good about our decision to have dinner/drinks here. As a tourist, I was able to enjoy this spot and apparently a few locals make it a regular place to go as well. We sat at the bar and enjoyed the company of the native bartender who was happy to serve us our cocktails and extra water! His small talk might have even won an extra .5 star for this place. He fit right in with my general consensus about people on the Big Island - friendly and hospitable. I will spare the details of the mediocre plates served and just reinstate that the music and 'get up and dance because you're on vacation' vibe really made our visit to Huggo's enjoyable.
(3)Lorelei D.
Was here quite a bit during my stay. Nice view of the water, very relaxing. Loved the burger and the mac salad.
(3)Cristy D.
The food was good and the location was awesome. I would have given a 5 star review had it not been for the terrible service. Our waitress was soooo slow. We were sitting there for 20 minutes before our order was taken. My bfs beer was empty for the whole meal and she didn't ask if he wanted another one until he had finished eating. Our bill came to 39.47 we gave her 60 and asked for change and she only gave us 10 back. She decided to tip herself 25% for her horrible service. I wanted to go back and say something but my boyfriend just wanted to get out of there. Our waitress was the old woman with really short brown hair. Your experience will probably be a lot better if you sit in someone else's section.
(1)Jessica S.
I definitely recommend going huggo's on the rocks. It has great food and a casual atmosphere with live music. We loved it so much that we went twice during our vacation there. Great prices and great food you just can't beat it.
(5)Jason P.
Wouldn't serve us because we had a bottle water with us. Needless to say we took our money elsewhere. Plenty of other great places on the strip with better selection of beers on tap.
(1)Victoria N.
Ants all over my table!! That was the first impression I had as I sat down at our table. Since it's outdoor seating, there were little ants running all over my placemat and silverware. I was a bit disgusted and I asked the waiter to wipe down our table again. Even though he wiped it down, there were still a few ants lingering around. I can't complain about the view though, we had an awesome table with an amazing beach front view. Ambiance, ambiance, ambiance. That's why this place gets the hype. But the food is another story.. I wasn't impressed at all with our dishes. I don't mind paying for a pricey meal if it's good but the food here was average at best. We ordered the Cioppino with lobster, mussels, prawns for a whopping $37 and Penne pasta with prawns $32. Both dishes were pricey and both were mediocre. There was really nothing about either dishes that made them spectacular. Save your money and go somewhere else. There's plenty of other restaurants that have the same nice, waterfront views that tastes better.
(3)Sophia C.
Ahhhhh Beware. You are eating on the sand right in front of the beach, be ready for cockroaches and ants. Food was very good I ordered the tacos, and subbed in chicken. Mmmmm. My hubby ordered a roast beef, bread became soggy very quick. we ended up sharing tacos. There was a live band, the sound of the water and beautiful sea breeze. Would def go back.
(4)George S.
Very nice view. We got nachos, there they were just so-so. They use canned cheese on it which just took away everything. Service was okay
(3)Paul S.
Had a great meal at Huggo's On The Rocks. Enjoyed a great Mai Tai and local grass fed beef burger. Great to see a mix of locals and tourist. You can't beat the location, an unobstructed view of the sea.
(5)Michael P.
Happy Hour..best in Kona. The food here is solid, especially the aps: nachos, fish tacos, pork sliders, etc. A+ to the bartenders who make any drink you can imagine. Very relaxed vibe.
(4)Dana Z.
We were staying at some condo close by and we asked the front desk person where the best Mai tai was with great views, but not too expensive. He didn't even hesitate, "Huggo's on the rocks". So with the intention of not driving home, we walked down to this pleasant place and had a rocking good time! (Good thing we walked!) First off, the place has the killer views! Second, the floor in the restaurant is all sand, which I loved,(but I saw a few women in high heels that were a bit upset about it) and third, they have live music after dark. How good can it get? Oh I almost forgot, there is an excellent happy hour from 3-6 pm with mai tais and selected Pupu's (appetizers) half off. The food is very decent for a cool beach bar. Not excellent but decent. I recommend the Caesar salad with fresh fish of the day and the ahi burger. Ono. If there was one drawback, and the reason why I am giving the place 4 stars, it is the seating arrangement. There is no wait list, they do not take reservations and it is VERY popular come sunset. You have to wait, in a lurking sort of way, for some table to pick up and leave, then you swoop down and garb a seat before someone else arm wrestles you for it. I suggest arriving about 4-5pm so you can enjoy happy hour and waiting patiently with drink in hand till a table opens up. Or arrive AFTER sunset and a bunch of people leave right then and the music starts. We found that if you strategically position one person at each end of the restaurant, then you can pounce on a table from either end. Awkward? Yes. Worth it? Yes. We went back three times while we were there.
(4)Becky R.
All about the happy hour. Perfect atmosphere for happy hour and decent drink prices and some food specials. The part of the retaurant closest to the ocean is in the sand! Standard pool/patio furniture. Nothing fancy but a great view of the water, good live music, and brews make this place a nice place to unwind.
(4)Nick H.
Huggo's on the Rocks isn't too remarkable, but is worth a stop simply to relax by the water, down some tropical beverages and watch the sunset. The prices were reasonable, all things considered (there are some tourist traps on Ali'i drive that charge as much or more and deliver less). I was in the mood for something light and enjoyed the quesadilla grande. It was a little gooey/messy, but arrived hot and was tasty. I tried their premium mai tai and margaritas. Both were good, though neither particularly stood out to me. You might save a few bucks and get one of their regular varieties. Show up by 5pm if you want to get a table and watch the sunset, otherwise you may find yourself standing. The service was fast and friendly, and overall I was impressed by this tourist spot.
(4)Kelvin C.
According to my girl, this place had the best pina coladas in Kona. Then again, her lightweight self was one-beer in, so take it for what it's worth. There was live music when we went so that was pretty awesome. Beers are standard price at $6 each. I'd definitely return if I ever make the trek back to Kona.
(4)Sophia C.
So this place was on our guide book, as well as recommendations from people in the area to go check out. We thought it was a tourist trap, but since the couple of blocks where our hotel was at was essentially a tourist trap, we decided to check it out. We came here on a Monday evening prior to sunset. We tried coming here on a Sunday at sunset and the place was packed. Well, Monday early evening, we got here and was able to find a table right on the sand to get out drinks on and to get some dinner as the sun was about to set in ~45 minutes. The ambiance here was mellow on a weekday evening, with a singer crooning his best interpretation from Maroon 5 to any other generic alternative band out there these days. We ordered our drinks, mai tai's and they came out pretty well. So well, we ordered 2 rounds. Now, me being asian, that asian glow was a glowing beaker. I hope my glow didn't blind people as we watched the sunset! And it's a great spot to catch it. We had the Kona poke, which was fresh and was decen,t but not the best. And yes, eating poke for 2 weeks at every stop we came across during our honeymoon, we had a sense of which places were good and not. For dinner, the hubby ordered the manini burgers place with french fries. He loved the mini burgers, but WE both loved the fries here! Damn, I couldn't stop eating them! As for me, I stuffed myself with the kalbi rib plate with potato mac salad. I should have stuck with the fries though! Anywho, their entrees come out in giant dim sum steamers, which I thought was amusing. However, the service here was definitely slow and unresponsive. We probably sat about ~5-7 minutes before our waiving of our hands caught the attention of the staff.
(4)Andrew H.
We found this place to be quite exceptional. We were visiting from 5/15 to 5/22 and actually came here 4 different nights for happy hour and some food. Loved the location and the friendly staff was awesome. Eric, I heard you read all these reviews and I just wanted to say you run a class operation. I am sure you have made your parents proud by continuing such an excellent operation. Good training definitely shows through the good service as well as good food. On our last visit we actually decided to ask to speak with the manager. Star (manager on duty) came over and we let him know that he probably hears a lot of complaints but probably is seldom called to a table to hear a compliment. Great to chat with him he was thankful. If you want a relaxing, friendly spot with good food and drinks this is it! Thanks Huggos team for giving us a great experience 4 separate times!
(5)Ju B.
We went here last night and had a great time! Great food, good drinks and live entertainment all with a gorgeous view right on the ocean. They had a really good band playing. Our waiter, Tyler was excellent! He was very knowledgeable and attentive. Definitely recommend this place and will be back. Thanks for a great evening out.
(5)Tom S.
Went here for a happy hour visit. Great location overlooking the bay and nice live music. The drinks were ok. The food was ok as well, just wish the happy hour menu was a bit bigger. The little birds are bold. Saw one grab a bite off the bar before it could be served. Kind of amusing.
(4)Fred D.
Typically touristy waterside bar and restaurant. We had Mai Tai's which were pricey and shared really bad nachos which were soggy and covered in Velveeta like cheese and lacking in beans (we had opted for a veggie version). The music was too loud and we were happy when it finished. Our waiter was friendly and outgoing and didn't really hassle us for staying long enough to watch the sunset. Great view but I wouldn't go back again.
(2)Jen F.
Nice view, good food & drinks, live entertainment, and people watching... We went here on our first night in town for dinner per the recommendation of friends and it didn't disappoint. It probably has one of the nicer settings in Kona, right on the ocean, and probably one of the better mai tais that I had on the trip. It also had one of the best kona ice cream pies that I've tasted in years. And the poke app with a side of rice made for a delicious dinner.
(4)Diane K.
Go here for the view, music, and atmosphere, but not the cocktails or food. Next time I will definitely opt for beer, since their cocktails are typically small. Service was okay. We were a party of five and needed split checks. We got a face (disgusted) from the waitress when she learned this, but accommodated us. I ordered the rice bowl with beef, which sounded interesting. It wasn't bad, but certainly not a culinary highlight of the trip. There was enough for leftovers in the morning, which I did finish. Beautiful sunset, but you can get the same at Daylight Mind with better drinks, sans music.
(3)Mindy N.
We liked this spot at night a lot! We generally don't repeat places on vacation, but this place we did! Live music that was great, yummy cocktails and tasty eats! The Big Bamboocha Mai Tai is no joke - so good, probably our fav on the island. Their regular mai tai is good too. Great spot on the water, toes in the sand (not all seating) - just great atmosphere to kick back and listen to good live music. From the two times we tried: Ali'i Quesadilla , The Rocks Taco Salad, Bulgogi Friend Rice Bowl, Kona Fish Tacos, Rock's Classic Burger and the Wanna Manapua Burger. Everything was tasty and the service was great!
(5)Sam p.
Great view; close-in; great happy hour; sand floors. I always go here when in Kona. I recommend it.
(5)Candace H.
You cannot beat this view! Stopped here for a drink and an appetizer on our way to the airport. We ordered the nachos and they definitely left something to be desired (they used actual nacho cheese, which reminded me of the food you'd get at a baseball game or arena or something). But the location was lovely, they have sand on the ground to give you the real beach experience, and live entertainment around dinnertime. Worth a stop for sure!
(4)Vincent D.
Great place, great food, and Dustin the bartender is awesome. Mahalo huggo's for a great overall experience
(5)Pam H.
Cute place in the town of Kailua-Kona. We were meeting friends for drinks and music, so we decided to get there a bit earlier and have dinner ourselves and get a table. The tables are in the sand, which is cool. The food was decent- not spectacular, but OK. We ordered some nachos, then Bill had a salad with shrimp and I had a burger. Service was good and they were good about delivering food, checking on us, seeing if we were ready for another drink and refilling out water. Our friends arrived right as we finished dining and then we relaxed and enjoyed the live entertainment. A very good band and we enjoyed ourselves. All in all a good night out on the town for Kona.
(4)Caitrin O.
Fantastic view; terrible food. Nacho chips were extremely stale and the blackened fish tacos were over seasoned and didn't taste fresh. It was incredibly disappointing to go to an oceanfront restaurant in Kona and eat fish that tasted like it had been frozen.
(1)Ford S.
I liked Huggos on the rocks because the food was delicious and you have a great view of the sea, plus live music almost every day! I ordered soup of the day which tasted good and creamy so I drank the bowl up in a few minutes. There was no one playing music the first time we went, but there was the second time. The second time we went we had already gone to two happy hours so we were stuffed when we got there but ordered Kona coffee ice cream and there was music and a hula dancer. The service both times were very good; both of our waiters were very nice.
(5)Elyse W.
Just visited this restaurant on my last afternoon on the Big Island - wish I hadn't. Of course the view is great but that was about it. Ordered a burger which had way too much pepper in it and the volcano chips which used way too much paprika. Family members ordered a taco salad (ok - but how can you ruin that), and fish tacos (they thought they were good). Would not return here on my next visit. If you want a good meal, go next door to Huggo's for dinner.
(1)LuLu M.
I had heard this was the place to go to when on the Big Island, but I hate to say it, but I was not impressed, other than the location on the water and the friendly customer service by the bartender Jeff. We came for happy around 4pm and the deals were not that great, I think only $1 or $2 off the regular price and the happy hour food choices and prices were not spectacular either. Overall, compared to other bar/restaurants we experienced, this was near the bottom of the list.
(3)Fiona S.
Lovely view, decent food, nice wait staff, but be warned, if you come here as a woman with a child you will be given a second tier table even if there are lots of tables by the rail with a view. Evidently the host discriminates.
(3)Donna E.
The view and sunset is amazing. We saw whales in the distance along with dolphins jumping out of the water. Huggo's has a relaxed ambiance and awesome food. I recommend the ahi tuna burger.
(5)C. W.
Great "Happy Hour" here!!! This was the best "happy hour" we had in Kona. Amazing view of the sunset, good drinks and the nachos (large size, NOT the small happy hour size) was so yummy with shredded pork and guacamole and it was enough for the 5 of us! Sliders were basic, but nothing special. The ladies ordered the rainbow happy our special drink...pretty and tasty, but on the sweet side. Outdoor seating with sand on your feet, great music and what a good time! Service was really good, too. If we stayed longer in Kona, we would definitely have gone back for another one of their "Happy Hours"...or two...or three. So fun!!!
(5)Rachel C.
There's always something going on at Huggo's. First class dining, unmatched view of the ocean, and live music. Don't miss this Kona gem! The seafood chowder is some of the best I've ever tasted and the portions are generous, making the meal well worth the price.
(5)Caitlin C.
Our group went here for happy hour today and everything was EXCELLENT!! 3$ drinks, 6$ appetizers. The rainbow is the best thing to get!!! Our waiters was a tall thin blonde girl, she was GREAT!!!!
(5)Danielle M.
Huggos on the Rocks...where do I begin?? This place is an absolute gem. The food is delicious, cocktails are awesome (Rainbows especially), Happy Hour can't be beat and the atmosphere is heaven. The Korean Beef Tacos and Onion Rings are to die for. Our group ate here at least 6 times during our 10 day stay...it's everything you could hope for and more. Hannah was our server and she deserved a gold star every single time...she's the best! We cannot wait to come back to the islands and hit up Huggos again.
(5)Shawn C.
This place gets a solid 5 stars for their incredible service. We misread the menu and thought we were ordering one thing when it was really part of something else. The something else had goat cheese, which my wife can't eat. When the waitress brought out a new one, we discovered it also had pancetta, which my wife can't eat either. The waitress brought ANOTHER new one without those ingredients. While the food is certainly very good (4-5 stars for that, my mahi mahi with pumpkin risotto was exceptional as was the final dish for my wife), service like we received tonight is far more memorable and appreciated. We will be talking about Huggos for a long time.
(5)Nabil A.
Lovely site with consistently good music. Salad with fresh catch of the day used island crisp lettuce, beets, cucumbers, beets and carrots. Healthy food along with great fries and burgers. Drinks are so so but who cares when you're at a restaurant that has one of the best Kona views and a feel good vibe.
(4)Steven B.
Enjoyed a happy hour at Huggo's, in the bar, and got fast and friendly service, great ale on tap, plus yummy fish tacos. Great view too and a live music, so what's not to love?!
(5)Nhung H.
This place is located inside Huggo's On The Rocks, but they actually only rent out the place in the mornings from 7am (or 6am) till 11:30am. It's actually called "Java On The Rocks". It's a bit pricey for just okay breakfast. A small plate of fruits is $10 and a decent "American' breakfast is $11 bucks....there's definitely other breakfast places near by that is wayyyy better. Cheaper and you get more for what you pay for. I think we went here a couple of times in the morning just because it was so close to our hotel. The coffee was just kona coffee that you can pretty much get anywhere on the island. Of course, the staffs were friendly and pretty funny.
(3)Gloria B.
I came here a couple of weeks ago and was on a mission for a great mai tai. Found it! Oh yeah, there was food too. The veggie panini was an expected disappointment. Fish tacos, score! Live music and optional sandy dining were big pluses. Service was a little slow, but like everyone else who was there, I kind of just didn't care. Still, keyword: MAI TAI
(4)Melanie B.
Back from our vacation now for more than a month, I still find myself thinking fondly of our sunset happy hour at Huggo's. Toes in the sand, inexpensive drinks on the table, live music, ocean right there...we couldn't have picked a more picturesque place to enjoy the sunset. And the food wasn't bad, though perhaps not great; the onion rings weren't anything special, but the fish taco was really tasty. We found ourselves comparing each new bar to this one, and I'm not sure anything else lived up.
(4)Joanne H.
Huggo's is a great place to grab a beer, watch the sunset and listen to the live music. I went here twice during our visit to meet up with friends. The tables are all in this sandy area and the food is tasty and casual.
(4)Julie L.
Looks a bit like a beachy dive bar, but the food was surprisingly good and reasonably priced. I had the bulgogi and fried rice alongside a mango mojito, and it was all downright tasty. We got a table in the sand, and the views are great. The service was a little shaky - we had food brought to our table that wasn't ours (this happened twice during our lunch), and one person's order was completely lost, but they were apologetic and tried to get it taken care of quickly.
(4)Sassy So Cal S.
Awesome entertainment with The Tiki Dolls on Monday 8/19/12! Fantastic variety of songs. The ahi poke was super yummy and drinks were great! Wish the Kahlua pork nachos had real cheese but it was still good.
(5)Korbett C.
This place is all about the happy hour Mai Tai's, but not the happy hour food menu. The Mai Tai's are strong and tasty, and the sandy beachfront bar is a great place to have a few while watching the sun set and listen to live music. We saw LT Smooth here, -uhmazing! Unfortunately, the happy hour food is not very good. I recommend you don't come hungry, and if you do eat here, order off the full menu. Fish and chips were generous and great ballast for two. Don't forget another Mai Tai...
(4)Kim P.
Great atmosphere, great view for watching the sunset. However, I advise to stay away from their $14.00 nachos appetizer for the following reasons: 1: the cheese is not real cheese and we were told by our server that it's stadium cheese. My rely was we are not at a stadium. 2: we told our server we were allergic to pork and asked to substitute chicken. Well those nachos ended up costing us $17.00 for cheese wiz. If you want real nachos for a reasonable price and same size go to happy hour at the marriot courtyard down the street.
(2)Jody M.
This is a MUST go to place in Kona. Simply perfect! It is right in front of the water, with a Hawaiian singer, tropical setting oh so relaxing, you could watch your fave team while enjoying mai tais and burgers, the breathtaking sunset, wonderful warm weather and the waves crushing. A GREAT Hawaiian experience. I LOVE this place.
(5)Curtis V.
This is a must go to place on the Big Island. Be sure to check out their live entertainment calendar to know who will be performing or just pop in and ask. View is amazing, you can even spot some dolphins swimming on a good day! Remarkable views, very nice staff. When I think about eating at a restaurant in hawaii Huggos on the Rocks is it. Feet in the sand, cold beer, great view. Check it out.
(5)Vee V.
Beautiful view for a quick cocktail...saw this pretty set up in the downtown-strip and had to stop. Took a few very nice photos of the beach. I like the huge billboard of a hula girl right outside the bar, couldn't resist and jumped on it =). There's not a whole lot of parking available so be prepare to circle several times. The bartender is great. Come on and grab an ice cold beer!!
(4)Crystal W.
If seats are available, you are practically sitting on the ocean and able to put your feet in the sand while eating a fabulous meal and enjoying cocktails. Vacation heaven, as far as I'm concerned. I was with a party of four and not one of us had a complaint about anything. I drank a delicious, kick-you-in-the-pants Mai Tai and ate flavorful fish tacos, both of which happened to be on special. Happy holidays to me! Service was efficient and friendly. My spouse calls me the "bathroom inspector" because I have to use it everywhere I go (out of necessity, not nosiness, thank-you!). I was very happy to see that thought was put into the restrooms here in that they are decorated well and kept up despite the fact that they are single patron restrooms basically off of the beach. Not all establishments care about this but in my opinion, it says a lot about them. If the weather is nice, Huggo's is a no-fail situation. If I ever were to return, I'd hope the experience would be the same.
(5)Marc W.
Food is average and beer selection is limited. Atmosphere is among the best anywhere though. Right on the beach, happy little bar/grill with a sand floor and umbrellas over the tables. Expensive and has a very limited Kids' menu. Excellent service and the cocktail list was amazing. (We didn't try them but we saw a couple if impressive examples.) But really, you're sitting in a pub in Kona. On the water. With beer and burgers. And five kids. It doesn't get much better.
(4)Tanya F.
Decent food for a bar, I had the fish tacos. The view is nice as well as the entertainment. The night we were there they had a ukelele player and hula dancer. Good service. We had a huge party and they were generally accommodating and our server was very nice and on top of her game. Would return for a bar on the beach atmosphere.
(4)Lisa E.
You are paying for the atmosphere. Period. The food wasn't anything special. I got a pina colada and I don't think there was any alcohol in it (disappointing). I got the kalua pork sandwich and it was impossible to eat, just a big mess. I gave up on the sandwich and ate the pork with a fork. It was tasty but nothing special. My boyfriend got the nachos and they were good but would have been better had it not been mysterious "cheeze sauce" instead of real cheese. Service was pretty good. View is wonderful!
(3)Lara T.
This was a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon. My husband and I wanted somewhere on the water where we could enjoy a drink and some lunch. The drinks were very good and the food was great. Our server was exceptionally positive and friendly, although a bit slow at times. We weren't in a rush so this didn't bother us! We didn't feel pushed out the door as soon as we finished our meals, either. Very nice and relaxing.
(4)Daniel W.
Absolutely best fish tacos on the island. Service is slow but only because they're busy. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The margaritas are tasty and they don't short you on the alcohol. I highly recommend and we'll come back for more. Awesome!!
(5)David S.
This is a dive lets be real, but its on the water in hawaii, MANGO MANGO...get the mango blended drink at bottom of menus sooooooo gooood
(5)Sherri B.
We had lunch at The Rocks. The service was Wonderful and the food was Delicous! Also the view couldnt be better. We were actually at a table in the sand and were just feet away from the ocean. We would be delighted to go back there again our next time in Kona, Hawaii. Thank You for the Fantastic Service!
(5)Julie B.
This restaurant has an amazing view over looking the water. A large group of us went here for dinner and drinks. We went on a Thursday night and there was live Hawaiian music! I got the fish & chips & it was delicious! A few other people in our party enjoyed sampler platters, tacos, tostadas, ahi, & burgers with no complaints!! The server was very nice & kept the drinks flowing! I loved the "mango mango" which had captain Morgan & mango...yumm!! I will definitely come back here if I ever come back to the big island!!
(4)Amy M.
Great sunset views and live entertainment. The happy hour and drink specials are pretty good as well. We actually enjoyed this experience more than when we ventured to the "formal" Hugo's next door.
(3)Cathy W.
Let me just make it clear now by saying that Huggo's On the Rocks is NOT (I repeat, NOT) the same as Huggo's the restaurant right next door. Huggo's is the actual dining room for dinner only, while Huggo's On the Rocks is the bar + open seating on sandy balcony/patio that is open for lunch until midnight. I think that was never made clear on Yelp when I was SO excited about eating lunch at the famous Huggo's after we went snorkeling one morning...only to discover that Huggo's is only open for dinner! Nevertheless, we decided to give Huggo's On the Rocks a try despite knowing the place has a lower rating than the actual Huggo's. If it's the same establishment, how bad can it be, right? *sigh* I ended up with the fish tacos + fries while my boyfriend got a burger + potato-mac salad on the side. My tacos were SUPER soggy from all the sauce/juice - I was VERY disappointed because here I am eating a fish taco in Hawaii next to the very beach where the fish comes from, and the taste can't even come close to anything I've ever had in California. My boyfriend's burger was a lot better and I'm totally not a red-meat person! I would come back again - but NOT for Huggo's On the Rocks...I want to try the real Huggo's that's only open for dinner please!
(2)Martha B.
Went here one night for dinner--kind of fun that the floor is sand and the tiki torches and view are nice, but the food was just ok and the band was TERRIBLE! We obviously didn't see the one with the hula dancer that others describe. We saw a sorry Supremes wanna-be group who had bad harmonies, corny moves and kept forgetting the lyrics to their songs. We left shortly after they came on because they sort of ruined the atmosphere. Our server was nice.
(2)Missy F.
Great food, music, atmosphere, and service! I also got to keep my novelty coconut cup ;)
(5)J B C.
It was our last night and I found Huggo's on yelp. We had a seaside table with a great view of the sunset. Even caught some ocean spray with the waves. The waves were really crashing hard that night. The food was good, like most tourist places on the island, the extra $$$ is included. But over all very good food for the price. The mahi mahi was enjoyed at the table as was the seafood pasta. There are two sections, the bar with more beach and sand and the restaurant more upscale casual - LOL, but they do take reservations.
(4)Dotti B.
Best lunch I had on Hawaii and the most yummy drinks. Sit right by the beach with your feet in the sand. Waitress was outstanding! Would go back again... and again :)
(5)Jackson H.
This is a great place to have dinner with your loved one while watching the sun go down. They have live music, not sure if it is only for weekends or not but they were there when I dined there with my girlfriend. It was a nice place to be. It is not as pricy as the next door, Huggo's Restaurant, and offer some great food varieties. The tables and chairs sit right on the sand so be careful where you put your feet.
(4)Markie W.
Service was slow and food was nothing special and was overpriced. The view and entertainment was great.
(2)Kate E.
My husband and I went to Huggo's On The Rocks for a late lunch on the second day of our honeymoon. We had a great time! It was super relaxing to sit in chairs nestled into the sand. The view is wonderful. There was a happy hour special drink that day - the Ginger Juju. This was the hands down the most delicious cocktail of our entire honeymoon! Hopefully they will make it a permanent addition to the menu! For food we split the Meze Platter and the Fish Tacos. It was more than enough for lunch! It was all delicious. We would highly recommend this restaurant. We did not stay for the sunset, but we heard it was great.
(5)Laura M.
I have a difficult time rating this place. The location could not be better. Literally the floor is sand and the ocean is right in front of you. But the food is bar food at best. And the service is very spotty. We went for happy hour. The Mai tai was tasty. We ordered fish tacos, nachos, and a slider. For four dollars each, expect what you pay for, not gourmet obviously. The server was friendly enough but good luck catching them to bring you a refill of water. As the sun got lower, there was no shade, I was burning up, and we sat and sat for the bill. I would go again for the atmosphere and drinks but that's about it.
(3)Emily E.
Great location and amazing food. We were glad we waited the extra 15 minutes so we could sit on the sand with a sea view. The fish tacos and Kalua pork sandwich were excellent and the live music was fabulous and it had a few people up dancing. Only problem was that we had to wait for over an hour for our food. Our server was great and told us that the kitchen was having issues and apologized, I just sort of wished they had let us know that before we sat down. I would still recommend Huggo's because of the location and food
(4)Tasha H.
I had a mixed experience here. Food was average and we didn't feel well treated by the manager. It was raining when we came here (As it does in Hawaii. All the time.) but for some reason it seemed like this OUTDOOR restaurant was caught completely by surprise. They did not have enough umbrellas to cover each table (what?) and the manager was extremely unhelpful in finding a solution. Nachos were very standard. I am always disappointed when nachos ordered at a restaurant use the bright orange "cheese" goo instead of real cheese. The Kahlua pork was very delicious though! Sashimi was fresh and good quality. It was not cut very professionally, however, and I wish the portion was bigger. Fresh Catch of the Day (Mahi mahi) was a very small portion of fish. The sides were generous, but I would rather have a larger piece of fish! Also, I asked for it as rare as possible, but the edges were still dry. Ahi Burger was interesting; I've never had a ground fish burger. It was pretty average, nothing special. Overall - would not return here.
(2)Matthew B.
This was not my kind of place at all. If you're going just to drink and listen to live music... it might work. However, if you plan to have dinner, you'll likely find it very loud and hard to talk at all. The waitress asked us if we minded the sand. She forgot to ask if it was also ok to be next to a children's birthday party with 15+ children on one side (seriously... at a bar?), a band on another side, and a noisy bar rounding out the mix. The food and drinks were just ok, and not worth the price paid. We won't be going back.
(2)Jen L.
This is really difficult to rate! Outdoor bar is great. Live music is great. View is also amazing. Happy hour cocktail drinks were way too sweet and we had to water them down. The happy hour nachos included a small paper tray with stale chips with cheese whiz and canned jalapeños. Gross. We didn't touch it. Happy hour tacos were also disgusting. Bathroom was also disgusting. We left immediately to find a new place. The real restaurant next to the bar looked decent but I can't say how the food is.
(2)Jackie M.
I came here for Happy Hour. The oceanfront and sandy floor ambiance was a 5 stars. However, the food was not enjoyable. The fish taco was dry. The cocktail was presented in a shade of rainbow, but it looked better then it taste (watered down). Thank goodness it was happy hour price, otherwise you are really there to hang out in front of the oceanfront.
(3)Ted W.
Caught the sunset here after a long day at the beach. Food was decent and beers were cold. Sunset was absolutely out of this world. Getting seated was a little disorganized. We put our name in and waited patiently but it seemed like people were just walking in and sitting at the (many) empty tables. But the sunsets though..
(4)Ann B.
A mostly typical touristy spot, this place will hit the spot for most people looking for a huge selection of Hawaiian drinks, live music and ocean views. I cannot fully judge it on food, as I only went here for happy hour, but the happy hour food was pretty laughable. Granted, it was only $4 for *a* slider, mini nacho, or a taco. I second another's review of the nachos - stale chips, cheese whiz and a few canned jalapenos, it tasted like something you would receive at a not even semi-pro baseball field's snack shack. Yech. I did indulge in a couple Hawaiian style drinks and found them to be yummy, though not at all stiff. The live music is always great, but the sneaky .50 "entertainment" charge in small print on the menu is just tacky. I wish I had the chance to try the lunch/dinner fare, but I was being pretty selective on where to spend my money. Hawaii is expensive and you really want to make your restaurant choices carefully. I think I made the right choice by sticking mostly to the drinks and view here.
(2)Keegan B.
Warm beer, soggy chips and awful service. The beer was nasty, the chips took 30 minutes and were soggy and the service was nonexistent. This place blows!
(1)M S.
Decent happy hour deals - food portions are quite small, but drinks are tasty :-). Sitting in the sandy section while listening to the entertainment (LT Smooth) was the best part.
(4)Shant H.
Came to On The Rocks right before sunset as others have recommended. It was definitely a beautiful location and they had live Hawaiian music. Those were the only two things that I liked about this place.
(2)Cara H.
I love beach towns! Nothing beats eating fish tacos by the ocean with your feet in the sand. Love the ambiance! The fish tacos were great! Minus a star cause my fries were tooooo salty! Mac nut martini was ok, a little much! Fun beach dining!
(4)Brittany S.
Hey Huggo's, thanks for pulling through on our "hot date night" out on the town. Your tasty pina coladas (both traditional and with strawberry infusion) were the perfect way to kick the dinner off. We especially appreciated the open floor plan overlooking the water with flame torches along the patio and the cherry on top....a flame dancer out on a rock overlooking the ocean. Talk about stunning. The reflection of the flames whirling around on the water was pure artwork. As for the food, all diners are treated to complimentary warm bread served with herbed butter and white bean hummus. The bread was on the greasy side but I couldn't get enough of the butter. So much in fact that I shamefully added a dollop onto my chicken breast. Note: I'm allergic to seafood and the non-seafood options here are quite limited. Even the signature teriyaki steak is doused in oyster sauce (heads up). My chicken was served with asparagus spears and garlic mashed potatoes which I substituted for the tasty and earthy pumpkin risotto (highly recommend the risotto as a side alternative). We decided the food wasn't mind-blowingly good but it didn't matter so much because the atmosphere was just what we were looking for.
(4)Glenn P.
NOPE! Tried to stop for a nice sunset dinner and drinks (at least an hour before sunset) - and all the tables at the water were gone. We were okay with that and ordered drinks. They seated us right in front of the loudest, over-amplified band I have ever heard. They didn't even look that busy - so why we were sat at their least desirable table is beyond my comprehension. They finally brought us menus - and we expected the prices to be high. I wasn't having a good time at all, and with $10 drinks, and 'meh' food (looking at the few plates coming out) starting at almost $20 - I wasn't going to stick around for food. It's pretty much a beach bar attached to the fancy kitchen to the pricey restaurant to the south.
(1)Vic M.
Back again - Jan 2015 lunch Awesome location ON the wayer with sand at your feet. Ahi burger was excellent ($12.95) Poke was good.
(5)Russell S.
Nice breakfast spot along the water. Their iced coffee is good and the breakfast isn't bad either. I'm a bit of a stickler with my eggs, and the breakfast scramble wrap I ordered delivered. Light, fluffy, and silky eggs...something I rarely find in a restaurant. The price was a bit steep for breakfast, but those eggs were so good, I don't really mind.
(4)Dan A.
Came here for lunch twice in the last week. Easy free parking steps away is a big plus downtown! Great location in the water, a sand beach with tables. Service to the slow side at 130 pm. Nice varied food selection...i had crunchy beef tacos and they were good. Several sides available, I opted for Cole slaw, you opt for something else. (10.95). Spouse had kailua pork quesada appetizer...she had leftovers. Tasty pulled pork! (11.95). Beer (fire rock ale on draft) could have been colder. Spouses Mai Tai, tasty and pleasing. Location sells this spot!
(3)Julie H.
Came here several times during our week long stay in Kona. The food is good, the drinks great, the staff friendly, the view AWESOME. You are sitting on the edge of the ocean with sand under your feet. At night they had some live Hawaiian music with the occasional hula dancer. I was surprised that the food and drinks were so good since often places like this use their view to hide behind mediocrity. I loved the big Mai Tai for two, reasonably priced and packed quite the punch. Loved the Poke, and really enjoyed everything I tried on their menu. I will definitely return here when I get back to Kona!
(5)Debby S.
Yum! Great View of ocean!
(4)Scotty Dog J.
While my wife were staying next door, we thought we would give this place a try. Went for an early dinner and everything was outstanding. We both had taco plates, hers was short rib that were big portions and delicious. Mine was fish, blackened Mahi Mahi with mango salsa, excellent!! She also tried different flavored margaritas guava and passion fruit were her favorite. For desert we shared a Kona coffee cheesecake that was delicious. Setting is relaxed and beautiful view right on the beach. Would recommend this place to anyone, seems service gets a little slow when real busy, but it's island time bra relax.....all in all great food, and atmosphere we will be back.
(4)Amanda C.
How this place gets four stars is absolutely beyond me. The food is DISGUSTING and so overpriced. The burgers, the nachos, the Mediterranean platter...all bad. I have tried many things here, so have my friends, and every time ends in disappointment. On the other hand, Happy hour is good with $2 Primos, but it's only from 3-5. After that the prices skyrocket! All the drinks become so expensive I am upset with myself that I've spent so much money there. There are pluses about this place though: great live music, good happy hour prices, wonderful atmosphere and friendly service. I wish I could give different reviews for the food and for everything else. Honestly... Food: 1 star Drinks and Atmosphere: 4 stars (minus prices)
(2)Mel O.
This is a must stop place. Great view, great service, good bands and all you need is one drink. The bombucha.
(5)Brandon S.
Decent food. Happy hour is a joke. Great view and good live music. A real Hawaiian feeling here.
(4)Dennis D.
The chips, salsa, and beer were good; and the service was good too. We came for happy hour which didn't start until 3pm and had a very limited menu. I give the food 3 stars; service 4+ stars; but the poor beer, drink, and food options on the happy hour menu only 2 stars. Chips and salsa were not on the happy hour menu; bud and coors were about the only beer.
(3)Katie R.
I was in Kona for 5 days and ate here for 3 of my dinners. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive (even when the joint is jumpin'). The food came out perfectly cooked every time. You are right on the beach with your toes in the sand. The sunsets (easily viewable from every table) are memorable. The prices are appropriate and reasonable. The drinks (though served in plastic cups--egh) are great and exceptionally strong. You must eat the: Shrimp Lettuce Cups, Fish Tacos, and Korean Tacos.
(5)Tim H.
Ended up going here several times because it was walking distance from time share and we had such a great time the first lunch. They have some drinks designed for two, but I'd stay away on the basis that they were hard to handle with such a tall bamboo "glass." Everyone seemed to like their food, but the ambiance of sand under your feet and the ocean view probably sold me on the place. Our visit coincided with the visit of the hurricane, Huggo's didn't close early like many other places on the strip. Hurricane turned out to be a nothing-burger, I've sneezed bigger. First time I walked there after dark, I walked into Huggo's, not "On the Rock's." Caused a bit of confusion, totally different atmosphere and menu. Plain old "Huggo's" might be fine, looked jazzy and more upscale, but totally different place and I never tried it.
(5)Matt O.
Fantastic spot! Great Music! Aloha spirit is strong! Thanks to Tim Criswell and all the staff for making this the best evening of our holiday!
(5)Jaena J.
The location was Awesome, right on the beach and overlooking the ocean! The live music was also fantastic. On the other hand, the food was nothing special. I probably wouldn't go back.
(3)Julie K.
This place is all about the ambiance. The food is very good but sometimes the service Is flaky. We had a party of 8. They brought 7 entrees out and we were waiting for a hamburger for one of the kids. We all had finished our dinner and we were still waiting for her hamburger. The waitress swore it was the kitchens fault and the manager said he would have a talk with the kitchen. We were on our way to the airport with a bit of a time crunch which was inconvenient, but making an 11 year old wait that long for her food left her feeling bad. They did comp us some desserts which was kind (and probably appropriate). Really enjoyed their location, poke, Korean beef tacos, and drinks. Just wish their service was a bit more reliable.
(3)Michael K.
Our friend took us here our first night in Hawaii because she liked the "chill vibe" (consisting of live music and a perfect location), but we enjoyed it so much we went back a second and nearly a third time. Given the amazing location, overlooking the bay with a perfect view of the sunset, it's not surprising that we experienced 30-40 minutes waits both times we were there for dinner; you are given a pager and are free to wander the nearby shops, though the range isn't necessarily long enough if you stray too far. There were different musicians on our two visits there but both were enjoyable in their own way: first a two-person band playing synth/guitar covers of popular songs, later an acoustic guitar player. Finally, we tried a few different things off the menu and everything was excellent - I tried the Wanna Manapua (?) burger-a mix of local grass-fed beef and pork-and the fresh catch of the day while my wife opted for the bulgogi bowl both times. We didn't find the food to be particularly expensive given this spot's prime tourist location and they don't skimp on the portions either. Service was fairly slow, especially on our second visit when we didn't order alcohol (could have just been a coincidence) but it's not the kind of place you should be going if you're in a rush. Also note that unless you're at the bar, you will be sitting in on chairs in the sand so feel free to wear sandals. If I am ever in Kona again this would be the first place I go for dinner!
(5)Tom C.
Fun place to have a drink or to while right over the rocks in Kailua Kona. Good umbrella drinks and local brews. Great views.
(5)C A.
Right by the water and service with aloha. I underestimated this place, but I was wrong! The wanna manapua was outstanding, he said its one of the best burgers he has had. I had bulgogi rice bowl which was also outstanding. I'm sad we tried this place the day we were leaving the big island. Ambiance, food and drinks were Ono!
(5)Chy L.
So this is Huggo's Restaurant's blue collar, less fancy sister. The bonus is you get to be entertaine and d by the live music (a hula dance while we dined) eat with your feet in the sand surrounded by the ocean. We loved the bargin of al fresco dining but the food was just okay. It served it's purpose as we just wanted to experience the sea side dining.
(3)Riverside G.
Great drinks, beautiful view overlooking the water especially when the sun sets. Shortened tables and chairs on a sandy floor with live entertainment. Now for the bad news. At the time of this writing the Yelp page for this place allows you to make online reservations which turns out not to be true. Instead it's for Huggo the restaurant next door, Huggo On The Rocks doesn't take reservations. So we put in our name with the maitre d' and she gave us a pager to let us know when our table is ready. After a half hour at the bar we checked the status of our table and she informs us that she paged us three times but we didn't answer because the pager didn't work. It never occurred to her to call out our name to check because the five of us didn't hear it. Then she gives us another pager and said we'll get the next table. Fifteen minutes later a table opens up and she give away the table to another party. WTF! The next table that opened up we just took it because she was just clueless if we waited for her. The food was just so so for burgers and sandwiches. Just a bad experience.
(1)Matt O.
Went here last night with my girlfriend. The location is absolutely amazing, it's right next to the ocean, in the middle of downtown Kona. There is sand all over the dining room floor so it's just like eating on the beach. We started with drinks, and all of the different ones we tried were tasty and well mixed. For food, we shared a Caesar salad. I am a Caesar junkie, and it did not disappoint. For entrees, I got the roast beef sandwich, while she got the blackened fish tacos. The sandwich was very tasty, tender slices of beef and came with jus, which was great as well. Only complaint for that was the container the jus came in was a bit smaller than the sandwich so dipping it was a chore. My girlfriend didn't like her tacos too much, the mango salsa was watery which is a bummer as mango is a local fruit. Also came with two corn torts per taco, which overpowered the flavor of the fish. That was an easy fix though. Her tacos are the only negative I really have to say. I would definitely go back just for the view, drinks and music. And I am sure she can find something she will like for next time.
(4)Jessica C.
Mauna Kea burger super flavorful blue cheese crispy bacon grass fed beef highly recommend it would order it again. It was a burst of flavor in my mouth
(4)Christopher E.
Have stopped by there for lunch about 3 times during my one week stay in Kona. I really appreciated the restaurant's uniqueness of having its tables and chairs half buried in sand as much as its up front ocean view, sounds & breezes. The service was phenomenal & friendly. Some evenings have live music. The food was excellent, Fish Tacos, Bulgogi Freid Rice Bowl, Guava Bbq Ka' Lua Pork Sandwich, Mezze Platter were big hits.
(4)Eve P.
Great and very friendly service, amazing view, quality food.
(4)Andrea V.
1. Everything is quite tasty. I give it 4 stars. It's basically Hawaiian-y bar food. 2. The location and view! Right on the ocean. Total Hawaii vacation feel. 3. Full bar. 4. Live Music pretty much every day. 5. It's casual and relaxed.
(4)Joey K.
I would probably give this place five stars, except I felt rushed. Not intentionally rushed, but it seems like the restaurant operates at a really high pace, likely to turn tables over quickly. However, the experience was good. We got sat fast, our server was friendly an attentive. Not overly friendly, but he was clearly busy. He was a great server, just again, seemed rushed to get things done. Makes me wonder about the management, but I digress. The place is cute. Completely open air, even the kitchen. They also have a sandy dining area so you can feel like you're eating on the beach. It sits right on the rocks so you can listen to the waves crashing, which is a really nice biance. I got the ahi burger. I ordered it rare, and was told it was pre-made. Which probably meant frozen. I was slightly disappointed that it was a ground burger. There's no way to know if I was yellowfin or albacore. It was really good either way. It was good size and full of flavor. I cleaned the plate of so that means something. He had the black and bleu burger. My understanding that it was amazing. I don't eat it, so I'll take his word for it. Overall, we loved this place and will definitely be back when we're back in Kona.
(4)Bruce H.
Best spot for a lunch on Kona. Ask for Hannah as your server and you are in for a treat.
(5)Randy C.
The first restaurant we stopped at after getting off the airplane, and it was a great choice. Informal, waterfront view, and the outside tables were shaded and in sand. Service was fine. The food was decent enough but overpriced, hence the 3 stars.
(3)James M.
Outstanding service and great food. My wife had the catch of the day and it was amazing. I had the tacos and they were also very good. They make the best drinks on the waterfront.
(5)Qian Z.
We visited this restaurant twice during our stay in Kona. It is very unique that they fill the floor with soft sand, so you feel like you are actually eating on a beach. We had dinner and lunch here, both good food. Mai tai and lava flow are good alcoholic drinks, you can also order virgin lava flow, which is a nice non-alcoholic beverage.
(4)Patrick J.
On our last day in Kona, we were trying to burn some time before our flight home. We stopped in for a drink and ended up getting dinner. The view of the bay from the bar and tables is beautiful. Entertainment was mellow, jazz-like music, being performed live. The vibe here is definitely relaxed and friendly with a lot of locals present. We ordered the classic burger with Swiss, onions, and mushrooms and a bulgogi beef and fried rice bowl. The burger was perfectly cooked on a slightly toasted roll. It had a nice cruch as I bit into the sandwich. The onions and mushrooms were delicious, although, I ended up taking some of the onion off. There was a little too much for me, but they were caramelized and tasty. The Bulgogi rice bowl was amazing. The beef had been marinated and cooked perfectly. It was juicy and very flavorful. The fried rice could have been a dish by itselt. It was that good. We had a great meal, excellent drinks, relaxing music and a gorgeous sunset while were there. I'd highly recommend coming to Huggo's if you can. It was a really fun place. with a lot of locals present.
(4)Evan A.
Very unique location extremely close to the water. Apparently, zoning laws instituted since Huggo's was built guarantee that no new business could ever be this nearby the sea. A section of seating is literally in the sand, which is certainly a unique experience, although somewhat awkward in actual practice since your chair legs sink into the sand, making it hard to adjust. We just went for happy hour (3-5) so can't speak for the quality of the food other than the mini-nachos with Kahlua pork (generous with the pork but not very hot). Mai-Tais and Hawaiian Sunrises were $5 and didn't seem too watered-down as might be expected at a touristy place like this. Overall, a great ambiance, prompt service, and reasonably-priced drinks mean we would be more than willing to enjoy another afternoon here.
(4)Amanda M.
I'm visiting Kona for the ironman 2014 world championship and because this is so close to ironman village I've eaten here 4 separate times during my 1 week trip. (That alone should say something about this place!) I keep coming back for the location and the drinks. The food is good, but didn't "wow" me. The view is incredible and the tables in the sand are nice because you can take your shoes off. My favorite drink here was the piña colada- perfectly frozen and just enough alcohol to enjoy it. I would come again!
(4)Amy M.
They don't take reservations even tho it's on the yelp page. Our hostess gave away our dinner table three times and it was just not a cool 40 minute wait. The only good thing! This place has a kick butt happy hour and so many different yummy drinks!
(3)Marina V.
We went to Huggo's for our anniversary dinner a couple of years ago, and I am only now getting to write a review. Better late than never:) What a great place. The setting is absolute paradise. We sat on the terrace overlooking the ocean waves crashing on the rocks, and watched the sunset. Does it get better? I don't think so :) It was magical! The food was outstanding, the service quick and waiters polite and considerate, and the atmosphere was relaxed and happy. As soon as I'm back to Kona, we'll be back to Huggo's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
(5)Jay S.
A great place to watch the sun go down while eating dinner with someone you love. The live music is a nice plus. My only complaint was that the dessert was just mediocre.
(4)Roxanne A.
The night we went to Huggo's we were treated to a fantastic Hula and soothing island musical act. The food is good , but not pricey considering the view and entertainment. Try happy hour 3-5 for mini nachos and inexpensive beers. The desserts we tried were the Mauna Kea ice cream pie and lime pie both were yummy.
(5)Ashley K.
The best bar in Kona, period. It's perfect. I can't say anything else that hasn't been said or that the pictures won't elucidate. Come here and take it all in. If there was anything remotely comparable to this back home in California, I would be a useless, happy, tan little drunk.
(5)Mary Ann B.
Eaten at Huggo's On The Rocks twice, both good experiences. We were seated closest to the ocean both times in those short beach chairs and shortened tables in the sand. Difficult for my tall husband to sit down and get up. But otherwise, great view! Neither of us has had mediocre food there. Their menu is varied enough to appeal to most everyone. Yes, it's a bit on the high side, but it is Hawaii and a busy tourist town. They also have specials and we recently both got the papaya stuffed with shrimp and salad. It was fantastic! Never get sugary specialty drinks, so can't review those, but their local beer is good. The musicians are a nice touch, and they are talented and skilled, not amateurs.
(5)Seamus O.
The band "Damn Straight" brought us in Thursday with there sound. Now we are back to close out our vacation. Bar is fun, the band is really good.
(4)Joana V.
Best happy hour in town ! Very reasonable and the view is spectacular . We saw spinner Dolphins and manta rays feeding near the rocks! Perfect afternoon! I strongly recommend the beef tacos and Hawaiian Rainbow!
(5)Ds A.
Loved this place! The location is amazing. It's right on the water and the tables are almost all in the sand. I got the ahi burger and it was so tasty. All the drinks I tried were really good too. Probably my favorite place I went to in Kailua Kona.
(5)Shell A.
I really love this place! The views are just gorgeous!! I love diggin my toes in the sand while drinking a yummy tropical drink! The prices are a bit expensive so we dont normally eat there but do enjoy a drink or two while watching the sunset! Its a tradition while visiting Kona :-)
(5)Andreas N.
Came for a late dinner and enjoyed the fish tacos and very good drinks. Most drinks sp far has literally been juice+alcohole but here they make an effort and the result is really good! The bar staff was very friendly and they had live music that night. We had a great fun evening here.
(4)Steve K.
We came for lunch on Sunday. I had a cheeseburger with mushrooms, with a small salad, and my wife had another burger with bleu cheese and a salad. They were delicious, local beef. You cannot beat the location with your toes in the sand, a beautiful view, and the waves down below adding a cadence. This and Kona Inn are our go to lunch spots when we are able to get away on a weekend together for lunch. Our server (Jeff?) was a bright young man that was quite entertaining and very happy. We have usually come in the past for music at night or happy hour music with cheap drinks, and been quite happy, but I also think their burgers compare with the best on the coast, and the location ups it by a star.
(4)Becky R.
My husband and I live here in Kona, and we go here quite frequently. This is also a favorite spot to bring out of town guests - the view, the food, and atmosphere can't be beat, especially at the affordable prices they offer. They also have a great variety of tropical drinks - all delicious - and all way more affordable than any you'll find on the water's edge. We have a few favorites on the menu, but pretty much everything is good here. I personally love the Ahi Burger - which a delicious patty of spiced GROUND ahi - honestly a refreshing and interesting way to serve ahi (and I am surprised at the one reviewer who commented on this dish, who didn't seem to know what to expect, since I have never ordered it without the server asking me if I was aware that it was ground ahi, and not a single piece of ahi). The fish tacos and pulled pork are also fantastic, but really, there are lots of tasty things on the menu. The only thing that I am personally disappointed about is the loss of their killer sweet potato fries. It seems that their frier was taken away around hurricane time, and has not been replaced (please find a way to bring them back! They were AMAZING). They still offer lots of tasty and interesting sides, and have added a couple of alternatives, which are probably healthier, and still delicious. The tables in the sand, down by the water's edge are beautifully situated and relaxing, but not too great for anyone who has trouble getting in and out of low chairs. However, they offer seating just above on hard ground - perfect if you have older folks in your party or anyone with an injury that makes maneuvering in low and sandy places difficult. In short - you really can't go wrong here. I love going here for lunch, but evening is when you get the live entertainment, and superb sunset views....
(5)Mervat O.
We had a different experience, our waitress Briteny was a little on the not cooperate side . The food was less than what we expected . Sorry I cannot give stars
(1)Sue S.
Good food, great atmosphere with the outdoor seating and sand floor, good live music, good, friendly waitress!
(4)Holly M.
We waited all week to come here for our last night on the island. We read the good reviews and were stoked; however, when we arrived the entire staff seemed completely overwhelmed and stressed. The hostess could barely take our party's information. The bartender was incredibly rude and wouldn't make a virgin daiquiri for the young one (9 yo) in the group saying "she has to come to the bar to drink her drink." What?! We had a wonderful week in Kona and we experienced some awesome food- this was a real let down though. Hopefully just a bad night but families beware. The view is killer but not worth ruining your spirits.
(1)Heidi M.
I visited Hawaii for a week and went back to this place four times! Delicious food, amazing drinks, live music, gorgeous view of the ocean and sunsets, live music, friendly staff what's not to love?!
(5)Paulette M.
Don't confuse this place with Huggos Restaurant! This place you can dig your feet into the sand and seems to have its own kitchen! Great service and food. Ahi burger was yummy chopped ahi and formed onto a burger. Bulgogi fried rice bowl was super tasty too! Especially the pineapple!
(5)Allie P.
The location of this establishment is so unique! Tables in the sand, right on the ocean and a great open layout but the food was an utter disappointment. Had the ahi burger.. the Ahi didn't taste fresh and I was expecting a beautiful seared piece of fish rather I got a bland moosh of "fish"... The service was also extremely slow. Infact, 4 parties that got seated after us all got their dishes before we did. Our server came back to explain that they lost our ticket and apologized. Honestly though we should have been comped for something or have been given a free drink because waiting 40 mins for our sub par meals is inexcusable.
(1)Gary W.
A great place to kick off your sandals and have dinner and drinks. One thing you gotta try - the Furikake encrusted Ono plate. These guys know how to do it.
(4)Todd G.
Atmosphere is great. Whales jumping in the bay. Great place to relax with a beverage but wouldn't necessarily recommend the food. Don't order the pork nachos unless you want a big piece of fat plunked on top of cheese whiz.
(2)Sophia C.
Ahhhhh Beware. You are eating on the sand right in front of the beach, be ready for cockroaches and ants. Food was very good I ordered the tacos, and subbed in chicken. Mmmmm. My hubby ordered a roast beef, bread became soggy very quick. we ended up sharing tacos. There was a live band, the sound of the water and beautiful sea breeze. Would def go back.
(4)George S.
Very nice view. We got nachos, there they were just so-so. They use canned cheese on it which just took away everything. Service was okay
(3)Paul S.
Had a great meal at Huggo's On The Rocks. Enjoyed a great Mai Tai and local grass fed beef burger. Great to see a mix of locals and tourist. You can't beat the location, an unobstructed view of the sea.
(5)Michael P.
Happy Hour..best in Kona. The food here is solid, especially the aps: nachos, fish tacos, pork sliders, etc. A+ to the bartenders who make any drink you can imagine. Very relaxed vibe.
(4)Mary H.
Great location, you can eat on the patio or on tables in the sand, pretty cool, and you can't beat the view. I was there for happy hour and had the sliders. Unfortunately the food was marginal at best, condiments on the burger were sparse (onion rings, dressing) drink was good and servers were super. Go for the drinks and the view. Desserts sounded great but the prices were crazy high $14.00 for a PIECE of ice cream pie!
(3)Michael M.
How is there no one here? Great seating all along the coast line. Plenty of seats. Get here for a great view. Ordered two lava flows they were awesome - lilikoi and guava. I saw there was live music at some pt....that's the only thing that could make it better. Buddy got caesar salad he loved it. Other drinks the group got they loved - Was also a big fan of the Gillilan's girl.
(5)Silke M.
Great view, good Happy Hour Snacks (Fish Taco-Hummus) Bulgogi plate for lunch was very good but husbands Pork sandwich mediocre & little dry and minus 2 stars for absolute horrific music , like bad Kareoke tunes, ranging all over the place from Hawaiian bad chinese opera sounds to sleepy home recording songs...would have ordered another drink but the music cant get us out of here fast enough...CHANGE it! How about Hawaiian Reggae:)
(3)Carolyn A.
Gorgeous beach front location. Enjoyable live music. The decor of cheap outdoor/patio sets in sand was weird and awkward. My knees hit the bottom of the table (I'm 5'7"), and the employees looked amazingly ungraceful trying to waddle around in the giant sand box. In contrast, the oversized bamboo steamers for serving were cute and practical (they stack). Food and drinks were hit or miss. For drinks, go for the beers on tap or a piña colada (dark rum, yum). Skip the lava flow and mai tai. The burger was good, the fresh fish not so much. The coconut wasabi cole slaw lacked a coconut or wasabi flavor. So, it's just ordinary cole slaw. The side salad was fresh.
(3)Eric F.
A solid, chill place for drinks before/after a meal in downtown Kona right by the water. While the Mai Tais were consistent with their sister establishment, Lava Lava Beach Club, the view's not nearly as nice and the seating area was much less spacious and comfortable.
(3)Anna D.
Nice bartender.. She thought I was under 21! That's a nice compliment if I didn't say so myself. The bartender recommended the lilikoi and coconut mojito. Im grateful she was trustworthy. It was absolutely delicious. Not too sweet and just a perfect amount of fruitiness. They close their kitchen early so if you're looking for food you might want to order it early on in the night.
(5)Tim A.
This review is based just on the bar, we did not eat here. The drinks were really good and being right on the water made this place great. Definitely try the passion fruit coloda.
(4)Leora M.
The live music was great, service was great. Food was ok. My fiancé got the fish tacos, I got the catch of the day fish plate; comes with two sides, I choose the salad and potato/Mac good combination.
(3)Amy F.
Pretty good food although I'd say servings were small. Nice atmosphere, despite the surly waitress. Great view and nice music.
(4)Margareg G.
Great set up right on the beach. The food is decent however servers had inconsiderate and careless attitudes. We went there multiple times food the live music and fun atmosphere but the service left much to be desired.
(2)Jujulik A.
I really liked the set up of the place. This is the type of local hang out that I was looking for. I am very surprised that others on the island are not the same. Yes, I took my sandals off and buried my toes into the sand while I ate my dinner. What a better way to exfoliate your feet while eating... LOL The food is pretty good but I think the portions are a tad bit small. I had the Potato Mac salad and I loved it but it was only a small portion. I think for the price they charge, they should give more of the 1 side they offer or provide 2 sides. The sandwhich I had was incredible and the bread was fresh. There was a guitar playing man and a dancing girl. It was a nice relaxing dinner with some great music. If you go to the Big Island, you must go here. TIP: Go at night. It's much more fun!
(4)Naomi H.
Good price for happy hour drinks - $4 mai-tai's. And they went to the trouble of making mine without pineapple (since I am most unfortunately allergic). Wings were pretty tasty. Poke was fantastic. We also ordered the $3 slider and $3 fish taco...really tiny for that much money. And apparently it was supposed to be a happy hour deal? It was the worst deal of everything we ordered. Service was pretty shabby - our guy seemed to have our table and one other and he spent a long time chatting up the other table while we still hadn't even gotten to order. Little birds all over the place, under my chair, around my feet, looking for crumbs. Startling at first, but they grew on me. :)
(3)Bruce N.
Great Happy Hour and sunsets
(4)Len B.
Absolutely one of the best dinners of my life, and I've had everything from 8 dollar fast food dinners to 800 dollar top class formal meals. We ate simply, burger for me and Ahi burger for my date, but both were outstanding. But what truly set the place apart, was the atmosphere. Waves crashing, amazing guitarist/singer playing (go on Thursday -seriously ) tiki torches and toes in the sand... oh yeah, and it's in Hawaii, folks. Does it get much better than this?
(5)Kathy G.
Love this place! Our most favorite place at Kona! Awesome sunsets, good food and great entertainment! Could use a few fans at the bar to cool things off a bit!
(5)Annie A.
Awesome tiki bar, real deal with live music. You can relax with a drink at the bar and when a table is ready be ready to sink your feet in the sand. It's relaxing on the water. Great Tilki bar
(4)Sofie D.
Love that you feel like you are having a "picnic" at the beach. You can kick off your shoes, bury your feet in the sand, and have casual eats like burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. Is it the best tasting? No. But it's priced right and you can't beat the location & friendly service.
(4)Debra J.
We got into Kona in the early evening and wanted something casual and inexpensive but could still get the feel of being in hawaii. Our front desk guy at the Sheraton quickly recommended this and he was spot on. Food was great, atmosphere was great. We plan to go back at least one more time while here!
(4)Sheila C.
This is a tourist trap, but a beautiful one at that! At least the scenery. Right on the water, with a sand floor, so you feel you are right on the beach. They have a great selection of drinks and meals. A little pricey, but all the food on the island seems that way. Service was fast and easy. I ordered the mai tai, very tasty. For an appetizer we ordered the Kona Poke Pie, very delicious as well. My daughter claimed that it was the best one she had the week we were there and we ordered poke almost every meal! I had the Oneo Bay Salad with the fresh fish of the day which was good, my daughter had the 'Opae (Shrimp) and Chips which was awesome and my husband ordered the Kona Fish Tacos, they were ok, they lacked flavor. This place was recommended by the locals and it did not disappoint. Definitely try it out!
(4)Roland H.
Great drinks. Great drinks. Great drinks. The service was friendly and not slow. Food was above average for sure. Appetizers were all tasty, and the hamburgers were perfectly cooked. Right on the beach/rocks to soak in all of Kona.
(4)Chris C.
Love the atmosphere here, Make sure to arrive early and get a table in the sand, take advantage of the happy hour menu, chill out, listen to some good live music and watch the beautiful sunset. The food seems to be hit or miss. The Bulgogi I ordered was really good and the Kalbi ribs looked really good. Unfortunately our waiter didnt seem to really pay much attention to us but thats ok because we had a great time anyways. Pretty fun place just to relax and wind down your evening.
(4)Joe O.
I'm only commenting on the location of this place since we only stopped in for beers but man, is it awesome. There was great live music (that my daughter loved), we sat right on the sand/beach/deck overlooking the sunset and were lucky enough to get there right as happy hour was rocking! Sick spot, definitely hit it up.
(5)Wayne I.
Its one of my favorite locations to watch the sunset and have a cocktail. You sit on the sand by the water and enjoy the Kona fresh air. The prices can be pricey depending on what you order but I usually go for happy hour and there is a good selection of pupus and drinks at discounted prices. I think its a good deal during Pau Hana especially the pork nachos and fish tacos.
(4)Elise S.
Entertaining band and hula show! Lava flow with Iilikoi and Kona Brewery beers were both excellent additions to the meal. Guava BBQ pork was a little disappointing, though. Besides the bar (both bartenders were on the stick), service was slow. Definitely a fit for a leisurely dinner, no time constraints.
(3)Lo J.
Came here with a group of friends on a Sunday night. We had an amazing time listening to amazing live music of current and old music. The drinks were great and huge and the food was delicious and more than enough. Would definitely come here all the time if I was a local.
(5)Mike W.
Great place for some happy hour while you watch the sunset. We ordered fish tacos and the mini nacho with pork. Both were perfetly fine, nothing spectacular. The drinks were great, view over the water was sensationa, and the staff was icnredibly friendly.
(4)Pat D.
Ahi meal terrific... home made chips, salad. Good music and great to hear the waves hitting the shore.
(5)Regina W.
Happy hour food is a super small portion, and wasn't super impressed with the Mai tai, even though they're supposed to be famous. But nice view & good music. Got the fish tace, which was watery, the nachos, which had processed can cheese on them, and the sliders. The sliders were okay, but when I got a full portion, the mac salad that came with it was not good, especially for Hawaii standards.
(2)Sue T.
After a long flight we arrived in Kona town, which was lively, musical, busy, right at sunset. The sun went down in honey, and the moon came up in wine. we wanted to soak in the scenery but not go somewhere too fancy. We popped into Huggos on the Rocks. Got a seat at a counter with stools, overlooking the beach patio and water. They had a 3 piece hawaiian band playing with a young woman doing hula. Soft and breezy. Drinks were great. The menu was standard, light, "bar fare." We decided to try popping next door to Huggo's more upscale restaurant for our first dinner in Hawaii. The service was very good. Very pricey. Brace yourself a bit. We had a table on a patio deck, surrounded by tiki torches, with a beautiful view. I had the Ahi Steak with Macadamia nut salsa and my husband had the steak. The meal was ok. Nothing to really rave about. The Ahi steak looked very standard, plain, with white rice and steamed veggies, kind of like a "safe" plain meal a 70 year old would appreciate. It had no pizzazz, and it should have, for the expense. We should have stayed at the Beach bar. It was more lively and would've cost 1/3 of the price for the same view.
(4)Chau L.
Good happy hour! I made it just in time for some drinks! Got the bf a mai tai because he's been mentioning it for days during our trip lol...pretty good mai tai! Then I got a local Kona beer, which was nice. Bartenders and waiters were on point and so laid back. Situated on the ledge facing the ocean. We listened to live Hawai'in music, watched some hula dancing, and of course, the sunset descending upon the rocks and water.
(4)Stephanie S.
This place had a great happy hour with live music everyday!! I believe during the week it's from 4-6pm and 3-5pm in the weekends! They definitely had the best Mai Tai's, out of all the other spots in Kona! The only reason I would give it 4 stars in the food is not great. Bit other then that hands down the best place to grab a reasonable drink, and watch the sunset, with live music!
(4)Ingrid B.
Beautiful location, right by the water. I ordered fish, and it was little bit dry. My friend ordered tacos, and she said that it was delicious.
(4)Tiffany C.
Ugh this place was terribad. We were looking for a nice place to go and grab a drink and some food, came here. Here are my experiences: Positives (+): (+) Nice ambiance, they have a cool bar area and also a fake beach area overlooking the water, making you feel like you are sitting right on the beach (but I wonder how dirty that sand is!) I also liked the tiki torches (+) Decent selection of beers and food Negatives (-): (-) We ordered a regular cheeseburger to share, asked for the sauteed mushrooms and onions on the side, add bacon and a fried egg. Asked for the burger medium rare. When the burger came out, fried egg was...actually fried.. all the way through. No yolk. The burger patty was beyond well done, dry as a rock. The best part of the burger was the mushrooms and the onions that were on the side. They also serve it in the dim sum wooden steamer things, the most difficult thing to eat a burger in... Pretty much not at all how we wanted the burger (-) There was a highly mediocre amateur singer, singing a wide variety to oldies to Lady Antebellum. She completely butchered the Lady Antebellum, actually missing lyrics and just letting the music play for portions of lines, clearly reading from the sheet music. Because we went during a time when the singer was singing, we had to pay an extra $0.50 per drink. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for live entertainment, but don't make your customers pay extra - let them tip. If she is good (which she wasn't), we would have given her a tip on our own accord. But maybe that's why they make people pay. If you want to go for a drink, by all means go for it. I would rather go elsewhere if I can.
(2)Kelly B.
My husband and I moved to the Kailua Kona, HI 3 weeks ago. We have been to several restaurants and have been impressed with the food and atmosphere, the service has been okay. When we visited Huggo's on the Rocks tonight.....OMG, we were blown away! The service, Ally & Daniel, rocked it! They made us feel at home and like they cared! The atmosphere/view is the BEST we have seen so far on the Big Island. The food - hubby got the Mahi and the Seafood Bisque, LOVED IT! I got the Kailuae Drink, says it for 2, but I handled it by myself, hubby drove home. :-) I also ordered the salad with chicken and Ginger *and something* dressing, which was FABULOUS! Dessert, hubby got the Passion Fruit sorbet and loved it. It is not a Chicago portion of sorbet, like a spoonful, but a huge portion. OH!!! almost forgot to say..on Fridays they have a local guy singing with a hula dancer, backdropped by the ocean, awe inspiring. As we were walking out around 7:30pm, there was a group coming in with equipment that were going to play rock 'n roll with an Hawaiian flair. We have decided that this is our Friday, 'go to'. See you next Friday, Ally & Daniel!
(5)Diane S.
my family always loves going here!!! this is a must when your in kona. you get a old school hawaii feel.great view, food, and music. and the drinks are so yummy. i know people are mai tai fans, but i like the kona crunch. but i think and drimk is a winner on the menu. when your hungery any on the puo pous are good. like the poke or hummus. but i like having the fish tacos. soooooo good! i love going here and cant wait to go back
(5)Jacques L.
3rd night here and love. Great location, service can be slower than some expects but it depends on how busy they are. Quality is service is fine. Food has been been fine as well and we love the live music. Considering price, location and quality of food and service, 5 stars.
(5)Penny F.
We thoroughly enjoyed the service, water front lunch, and food at this place. We spent the AM snorkeling and took in a bite to eat( shrimp/fish tacos) with some local Hawaiian beers. Great eating in the sand with a phenomenal view.
(4)Gaile C.
This place was an iconic Hawaiian tourist treat. How can anyone not write about the sand? Short tables and chairs to let you stretch out with your feet in the sand to enjoy the perfect sunset, waves lapping at the rocks. Great musicians with a hula dancer later. Fantastic food served in steamer baskets. I bought the Korean beef tacos with kimchi, coconut slaw as a side. Had the poke appetizer with a mound of perfect ahi that delicious seaweed salad on top, yummy wonton crisps and avocado at the bottom. Nice selection of beer on tap and a great slow paced, relaxing experience.
(5)Joe B.
You're definitely paying for the view. It was nice to eat with your toes in the sand, but both my wife and I ordered the fish tacos were meh. The fish was cooked decent but lacked flavor. The tortillas were mediocre and the slaw was once again not very enticing to the taste buds. The volcano chips were decent and the potato Mac tasted like something out of a Sam's Club vat. Needless to say I wasn't impressed after having the fish tacos recommended. Great service though and cold beer!
(3)Jack M.
Fantastic seafood. Beautiful view. Priced high, but actually worth it. Great mai tais.
(5)Louis R.
Totally a tourist destination, right off Alii Drive. Its on the beach, has great views of the ocean, has a chill bartender, has live music. It has a dope happy hour...for drinks. Mahalo.
(5)Jennifer W.
We came here a few times while on vacation in Kona. I loved the mock beach setting (althought it was annoying to be trapped in a chair once it sunk deep into the sand), and being so close to the water was great. I love hearing the ocean waves at night! There was a band two nights that we were there, playing Island music. In Cleveland, I would have hated it. Here? Perfection. The Pina Colada was the best I've ever tasted! I am guessing it is made from actual coconut and pineapple and not from a mix. It was really delicious! We ate here once - I got the Korean tacos, my husband got the vegetarian panini and my brother got the poke pie. Nothing really stuck out to any of us.... It was a little on the expensive side, but then again, so is most everything downtown. All in all, a great venue that provided lots of great vacation memories. I will definitely be back to Huggos on the Rocks, probably every night, on my next trip to Hawaii!
(4)kahau m.
Neat spot to catch the sunset, have a beer ot cocktail, listen to live music with your toes in the sand! Staff is friendly. The bulgogi is my go to for food.
(4)Corinne H.
We went for drinks and appetizers and had a fabulous time. We had the pulled pork nachos and it was more then enough for two. The ambiance was great, good music fantastic views.
(5)Emily J.
No idea why so popular. Mediocre dinner. Fish tacos and BBQ special. Not bad. Not great. Just ok. Slow but friendly service. Mediocre drinks. Very processed and chemical tasting dessert. I liked the open air seating. Cool vibez with the live singing performer (dancer was meh). Possibly the only thing I really enjoyed. Not many people seemed to really enjoy him and that is a shame cuz he was very energetic and happy. If he wasn't there, I'd drop my review to a 2. Felt like a chain restaurant by the water. Definitely will not return after some awesome food I've had on the island at other places. But I would recommend for a cool vibe for drinking.
(3)Charlie O.
Great waterfront location, with a casual vibe. Sub par food with small portions. My "side salad" was shredded romaine with a slice of tomato. Wall to wall fanny packing tourists. Heading back to Hilo.
(2)Joanna S.
Impressed! I loved. I went alone; got bar table and great view. Food was good; service fast and the drinks were really good. Dress casual and you'll fit right in. Music was good (live) and I will def go back
(5)Geralyn Y.
Huggo's on the rocks because it's literally on the rocks. We ate here for our Christmas dinner because our luau was rained out. It may have been because I already polished off a couple of mai tai's at the luau, but the food was delicious! Maybe it wasn't because of the mai tais. Love the cute ono baskets they place our food in. Order the Kalbi ribs. Oh my, SF has some great Korean BBQ so I wasn't sure if it would be good at a touristy restaurant. Two words: flavorful and tender. The Key lime pie was pretty awesome too. Their drinks are also good and strong. Our waiter was really friendly. Look over your shoulder, and you have the ocean. What more could you want?
(5)Brittany G.
So rude. Came here for dinner with my mom, aunt, and cousins. We literally had 5 staff members ignore us, only to have the 6th say the kitchen was closed. Really happy we wasted 15 minutes waiting for nothing. Common courtesy isn't much to ask. I'm from LA and don't expect much from people, but there's no point in coming back here.
(1)Linda M.
Had a great time at Huggo's on the Rocks! The waiter's name was Derek. He was very attentive to our special lunch outing . We had the Poke appetizer that was superb! Try the coconut mojito. It was refreshing! The girls had the pork nachos. Paul had the Ahi burger! It was delightful!! I had the fish tacos !! All the meals were delicious! We were met by the manager Franky! He is a very warm, sincere gentleman! He made our experience worth coming back again! When your in Kona, be sure to stop by to experience their amazing view, delicious menu and warm genuine hospitality.
(5)Heidi M.
The excellent - view, bare feet in sand at tables, the Lilikoi Mojito and the Kailua pork quesadilla with added guacamole. The good - most of the food was good. Not amazing bit good. You can't really taste wasabi or coconut in the wasabi coconut coleslaw. The ugly - we had eaten there twice already, spending a good deal of money. Our last morning of vacation, I finished packing while hubby went and got a coffee drink. When I was done we decided to go to Huggos to see what they had for breakfast. We were rudely greeted with " I don't allow outside coffee in my restaurant". Seriously???? This rude mustachioed man turned business away because my husband had a half drunk coffee with him. That's two breakfasts, a drink for me and most likely another coffee for hubby plus tip for server. Did I mention how rude he was? Yeah.
(3)K M.
I thought I made reservation at on the rocks (planned to get the $12 ahi burger) but when got there told my reservation was for Huggos next door the restaurant rather than Huggos on the rocks bar(doesn't do resv) . They gave us a great table at the restaurant so we stayed even though was spendy menu. Got the st Patricks day $22 special corned beef but the meat was 80% fat. Watched whales in the bay and could hear some of the live music from the bar but if did it again would be sure just to go to the bar.
(3)Claire L.
Beautiful spot for drinks and sunset views but not worth it to eat the food. Their Mai tai is my favorite drink! $4 at happy hour! But we tried several appetizers, all mediocre bar food at best. And the service was awful. They do have live entertainment though... So worth a trip for a Mai tai
(3)Kathy R.
Went for lunch based on yelp reviews and was not disappointed. The view was spectacular! We got a parking spot right out front in one if their lots. We had fish tacos , sliders and key lime pie for dessert. Our server, Kat, was very friendly and helpful when we asked for recommendations of things to do. She even took it a step further and wrote down the recommendations for us.
(5)Ron k.
Wow this place has a wonderful view of the ocean. Right out side near the entrance they serve the most amazing dessert. Aloha snowflakes I don't know how to describe it it's cold fluffy light yummy, I told the chatty guy It tasted like frozen cotton candy he said that most people just don't know what to make of it but they come back several times and that's pretty amazing for people on a 4 day vacation. But I know why I'll be back! Only two more days left till I'm back of r&r tomorrow will be my third time haha get my snow on ! In Kona Ps you gotta try the Kona coffee / coconut combo with sweet mochi balls and condensed milk aka snow cap and nilla crumbles sure to make you say I heart snow!
(5)Jolene E.
The location of this place is excellent. The tables are outdoors and in a bed of delightful sand. Just over the edge was ocean, so the view was amazing. Service was good and the fish was fresh and well prepared
(5)Shawnee G.
This place was completely lacking and as a local, I feel it's a total tourist trap. I went with a couple visiting girlfriends on a Friday night for appetizers and drinks. Of course we expected it to be busy and we were told a 20 minute wait. We found an open table after 5 minutes near the bar, seated ourselves, and never saw the hostess that was supposed to come look for us when a table was available again. The service from our waitress was awesome although the wait for our drinks was ridiculously long. The view was amazing and the live entertainment was a nice touch, but the food was terrible. Maybe we just came on an off night? The chips in the kalua nachos were stale, sweet potato fries were stone cold, the fish tacos were flavorless and the fish was dry, and the sliders we had also tasted weird. Most disappointing was the $11 Hawaiian Rainbow drink I ordered. While pretty to look at, there was barely any alcohol in it, like it was watered down! The Kona coffee cheesecake redeemed the night though, while sweet & indulgent, it's a must try. All in all, while the view and entertainment in itself was great, I would NOT go back for the food. Maybe just for cocktails and I'd definitely order something different.
(2)Spice Master Duck Q.
Great drinks, nice atmosphere, live entertainment, and oceanside view. It is unbeatable as far as bars go in Kailua Kona.
(5)Christine E.
Location, location, location!! Wow, and who could ask for a better one than this? With the tables actually sitting in the sand, there is nothing better than taking off your shoes and putting your feet in the sand and sipping on a nice cold beer. Came here for lunch and was very impressed with the service and the food. Came again for happy hour, and while the drinks were not great, the fish tacos and ambiance were awesome. There was an amazing Hawaiian singer, the sun was setting over the water and drinks were cheap! The service was horrendous though. Every time we ordered something else, the server acted so annoyed. Tried to be friendly and make conversation but she just wasn't having it. The view was worth the shitty service though!
(3)Sarah H.
Best happy hour in Kona! Great food and drinks, but remember that it can get quite busy and you may have to stake out a table for awhile before getting to sit down!
(5)Colleen S.
Great view, great music, great mai tais, and really great food (I had grilled mahi mahi).
(5)Bonnie D.
Huggo's On The Rocks is a fantastic restaurant where you sit with your feet in the sand, under a giant umbrella, while listening to live music and sometimes a show. Their food was fantastic, their famous Mojito is delicious. The thing that will keep me coming back is their Ahi Burger. I had never tried one before my visit there, and I was not disappointed. It was the best thing I've had on the Big Island! So good! Definitely recommend!
(5)Heath E.
This place is awesome!! My friends and I were on vacation the week of the 2011 70.3 Honu Ironman and after the race, this was the place we needed to let lose. Between the live music and great libations, I completely forgot how soar my body was from the day before. We had so much fun that we decided to go again while we were there, even though our resort was 45 minutes away. I highly recommend Huggo's!!
(5)Andrew N.
I stopped in here once for an afternoon snack and drinks on the water. The view here is good but that's about it. The wait staff was slow and would forget to bring half the tables drink order. The food is nothing special but would do the trick. The drinks are more expensive here than other bars located within a few hundred feet of this place.
(2)Priscilla C.
Didn't try any of the food, but it can't be beat for the sunset view during their happy hour! They also had live Hawaiian music, and everyone there seemed happy and friendly.
(4)Diane E.
We had Mac Nut Martinis here as well as their Monchong fish sandwiches. Excellent!!! We plan on going back again tomorrow for another Mac Nut Martini :-)
(5)Michelle R.
We had an AMAZING time here! One of my favorite places to eat in Kona. Get here early for happy hour and enjoy a beautiful sunset and after the sun goes down enjoy some awesome live music. So cool!
(4)Krystie K.
Hated the over long wait, food was under sized and over priced, but well done food network style.
(3)Suzanne A.
We knew this was a toursity spot, and we really didn't come here thinking the food was going to be exceptional, we came here because we'd been walking all around all day in the sun, the sun was going down, we were hungry and thirsty and wanted to watch the sunset. They sat us right away in a great spot outside, overlooking the water and we sipped pina coladas, toes in the sand, listening to a few guys sing while we waited for our food. the food ended up not being too bad afterall, the service was good, and the sunset was exceptional, so overall, a good time was had by all!
(3)Ashley H.
My girlfriend and I went almost a week ago... Food was good. We got the garlic parmesan bread to start. The garlic was a little overpowering, so if you are not a huge garlic fan, don't get this! If you are, though, it's good :) I got the king crab legs with garlic mashed potato's, all of which was EXCELLENT. The view was amazing, right on the ocean, got to enjoy the sunset. Downside, service is a little slow, and the food took a little long (and I served for two years, so I know about these things and how the kitchen can become backed up, but our server was very nice.
(5)Norm F.
Make sure you go there Sunday or Monday night before sunset and listen to LT Smooth. Great music and cocktails while the sun goes down.
(5)Richard M.
I think most of the review have a theme, and I agree. The setting is fantastic. Who can beat the ocean lapping just feet away and a perfect place to watch the sun set into the ocean!!!! the food is just ok. It fills an empty spot for a tourist price. the drinks are good, bulk replicated drinks. beer by the plastic cup, foofy girl drinks complete with fruit slices and umbrellas. Entertainment, the best on Friday nights hot lava 808 cove band is great!!! It a lil tourist, but a nice place. The staff and management are not well versed in problem recovery. there is no "sorry you had a bad experience, here let me try to make it better." Then again most people will never have an issue here. so as long as your here to kick back drink a beverage and enjoy the cover band, your in the right place.
(2)Teri O.
Great burger and nice atmosphere! Live music started out great with a Hawaiian guy that had a great voice. Slowly dissolved into annoyance though once his partner started singing, Have you Never Been Mellow and Killing Me Softly. What's up with that? Can't we listen to old classic Hawaiian style music while in Hawaii??? It was beautiful. Anyway, the service was okay. My dining partners were less pleased but there ya go. The food and the location are what make this place good. Give it a shot.
(3)Kathy P.
Friends, being able to have your toes in the sand, a very delectable Mai- Tai, live music, Wahine's dancing on stage, live music, and the famous sunset NIGHTLY...well...changes in attitudes, changes in latitudes...how can you go wrong! Oh, and don't forget to try the Kalua Pork Nachos (minus the Ball Park Cheese or tell them you want it on the side...)
(4)Jodie P.
We had just arrived into Kona and Huggo's was the only place still open. The live music was really nice, the drinks were great and the service was fine. The fish tacos were really dry and the calamari was just ok. But this could be due to the fact we were ordering so late. Might be better if you came earlier.
(3)Shane A.
The service was extremely slow. I ordered a mojito, but I would've called it mint water even after I asked for more rum to be added - and I'm not a huge drinker. The potato soup lacked taste, the pork sandwich was too salty, and did I mention the service was extremely slow? The sunset was the best part of the meal.
(2)Julie K.
Great view, awesome food, friendly service and live music every night. Tables in the sand, so where sandles (what else in Hawaii!). Great fun for my kids too. Definitely check this place out. You will not be disappointed!
(5)David S.
Huggos on the Rocks is great to hang out ,feel the mist of the sea breaking, catch a sunset, listen to music of variable quality. The criticism here makes me think that if the Hotel bars in Kohala are your favorite you wont like this. There is a mix of people- Seasonal residents,full timers ,vacationers some Hawaiians. It is a bar folks so treat it that way. If you need the sand pristine ,the music only background and the service ingratiating stay away. The music varies from the best ( LT Smooth) to typical hawaiian tourist. sound to rock on the weekends.
(4)Joe P.
Went several times times and the only reason I am not giving 5 stars was because of the service one night.It was poor on the one occasion.But again the food was good and the view even better.They have some very tasty drinks that will take the edge off if you need it !Great place to RELAX !
(4)Mark G.
Greek breakfast was good. Nice place!
(4)amy m.
Sunset here is the best. We go here every time on BI. I usually just order a Hamburger and it's comparable to something you may find at a Red Robins, but the view is priceless! right on the water, sunset, and a live Hawaiian band (with a hula dancer) what more can you ask for?
(5)Kama K.
Kona is boring and not a place for night life. Went here twice during our visit. On a Friday nite we went to meet up with people we heard the music so we checked it out. There was great dancing music by 3 Girls. We sat on the bar. There were 3 Male Bartenders. Unfortunately, it took more than 5 min for anyone to even acknowledge us. Cocktails were weak but Kona really has no choices. The second time we went on a Wed during sunset. It was so beautiful! Wonderful Hawaiian music from a 2 man band and a hula dancer. We had the Happy Hour Pupus. $2 Fish tacos, $3 nachos. Again service was very slow and cocktails were weak but beautiful setting and live music! But the bottom line is you get what you pay for.
(3)Allison A.
Yes, this is the perfect place on the beach for delicious drinks and people watching. Decent entertainment and an amazing Ahi sandwich that was devoured within, I kid you not, 1 minute. Almost had to order another...but went with another drink instead. It was the right call.
(4)David W.
We were afraid we couldn't get in, but got a great table (in the sand). Live band was really good, and so was food (burgers and salad) and drinks. I wish we would have danced. Great place for sundowners.
(5)M R.
You go here for the view and the sandy floor. The food is mostly average, tho I had a nice ahi burger. The bun was soggy, but the ground fish patty was thick. I had the pupu appetizer platter, and it was not worth 16 bucks. The kalbi ribs were thin, tough, and dry. The happy hour fish tacos were extremely dry as well. With all that I might go back except for the servers. I was there during the day since I was with family and kids, and it took forever to get anything like water, knapkins, the rice I ordered that they forgot... The servers would go to the table right next to you and never look over your way to see if you needed anything. You would have to yell to get their attention. Thats just rude. Maybe they wouldn't be running around so much if they methodically stopped by each table when they would come down by the water instead of racing by everyone else with tunnel vision.
(3)Mais S.
Great food and great views but super slow service (even for island time). Hawaiian entertainment with dinner so can get crowded. Or come at 3pm when tacos, sliders, etc. are $3 apiece. It is also the only time when you can get a table by the ocean.
(4)Erich R.
Great location right on the water. Decent music and the staff is friendly. The other people in this bar tend to be friendly, we met people both times we were in here and spoke with them most of the evening. Food is just average and a little pricey but so is everything in this area.
(4)David H.
A - List. Highly Recommended. Location - 5 stars - Best View For Sunset. Waves crashing. Sand beneath your feet. Ambiance - 5 stars - Tropical holiday, lets-have-some-fun atmosphere Happy Hour - 5 stars - 3 to 6 pm; the ice cold beer in good sized cups are $3 - You will likely not find anything better Decor - 5 stars - Part Tiki Tiki Bar, Part tables in the sand, and then the ocean and sunset. Paradise in Kona Heaven. Food - 3.5 Stars - some good items on the menu - beware of the squeezable cheese product that ruins a really good taco dish. Ask first before ordering** Music - 3.5 Stars = local musicians play and dance into the evening. I thought it was awesome, although on the night I went the singer/guitar player did bend, mute words to popular songs. If you want some new cutting edge sound, this is not the place for you. They play, sing and dance to a variety of 70s 80s and 90s tunes with some Hawaiian classics thrown in. This must be one of your stops while on the Big Island!
(4)Valerie C.
Good food..great atmosphere, handsome bartender, Matt..awesome job of suggesting the ahi sandwich and getting just what I wanted..great customer service....Will definately go back
(5)Kyle M.
Great drinks and LIVE music every night makes this a true winner.
(5)Megan S.
Portion size of drinks were half way filled, drink prices not worth paying for the quantity received. Service is ok, bartender seemed snobby and didn't care to greet. Live music is great and the surrounding is nice but a little cheesy.
(3)Ali I.
Service, food, and ambiance were all perfect. We were in Kona for our Honeymoon and this was one of the restaurants we went to - it was fantastic! Don't forget to get a "back-scratcher" drink. The cioppino was delish! The area is so cute too - walk around and take it in.
(5)Pete F.
I cannot visit the Big Island without dining at Huggo's. I love sitting right next to the ocean and feeling the spray from the waves hitting the rocks and boulders. I don't drink mixed drinks so I cannot comment about fancy beverages with parasols. I would rather have a beer with my burger and fries. This is real Hawaii.
(5)Mike S.
Been coming here for years amd love it. The outdoor venue has local entertainment and you can enjoy that while being a few feet from the surf. It's very relaxing. The food is good as well buy the prize is the venue. We always come to Huggos on our first day for a ceremonial Mai Tai.
(5)Barbara S.
Wouldn't recommend for happy hour or just cocktails ... almost no ocean view seating in the bar area, service was fair, mai tai was sub-par and not part of the happy hour specials, and the appetizer menu was uninspiring. Why two stars? well, cuz anything in Hawaii just seems better ;-)
(2)Brynne M.
First of all, this is where my husband proposed to me, so I may be a little partial because of that. But seriously, we were in Kona for 10 days and ate here twice... it was that good. The service was excellent, food was great, and apparently, you can't get a closer ocean view. In fact, depending on the tide and where you are seated, you can get a little bit of ocean spray at the table. This may or may not sound good to you but when you're in Hawaii, sitting in a romantic restaurant at sunset, a little bit of sea water jumping up to say hello is actually quite lovely.
(5)thb t.
At this restaurant you're pretty much paying for the view and ambiance. We ordered a tuna sashimi appetizer which was decent, nothing really special. We actually finished that appetizer before we even got any bread at our table. However, our waiter made the mistake of giving us a second plate of the sashimi and then quickly left. We flagged him down the next moment to tell him what had happened but he said we could keep the sashimi since it would've been thrown away in the kitchen. As for the entrees, we ordered one crab-crusted ono and one macademian nut crusted mahi mahi. The mahi mahi was overcooked to the point that it was very dry and the ono was cooked to the point that it almost turned into mush. The highlight of the evening was when we saw 3 eels playing in the rocks right by the railing area we were sitting at. It provided a nice distraction from the poor service despite the fact that it wasn't very full. Our waiter pretty much just dropped our food, never re-filled our water glass, and made us wait 10-15min for our bill. All i can say is thank goodness for the eels, otherwise the experience would not have been worth it.
(3)Monica P.
Great view. Live music. Good food. Yeah, service was a bit slow, but hey, you're in Hawaii what's the rush?! Highly recommend you give this place a shot. There's a blues band that plays every Monday night - they're amazing!
(5)Sally H.
This is simple. Good food, good prices, good views, good people. Go anywhere else and be disappointed.
(4)Sheri M.
Fun place but Halloween sucks there. Live music is good and food is good but not great. Fun place with a great view.
(4)Sheryl M.
I have not dined at the main Huggo's establishment. This review is only on Huggo's On the Rocks. Huggo's on the Rocks is an awful waste of time and not a good way to start a vacation. I was just on Hawaii to celebrate a birthday and my husband took me to Huggo's on the Rocks for sunset cocktails and pupus. An earlier reviewer said, "You don't go for the food. You go for the drinks and the oceanside experience." We didn't get to try the food but the drinks and service at Huggo's on the Rocks are awful. I had a very sub-par strawberry daquiri. My husband's pina colada had no flavor at all. No coconut. No pineapple. No rum. It just looked like light brown tinted shave ice. After trying to wave down our server for almost 15 minutes, she eventually came over and told us their dark rum makes it brown but had no explanation for why it only had a hint of sweetness and no flavor at all. She took it to the bar and came back with it a while later and said, "The bartender confirmed that it IS a pina colada." We told her that if that's how they make 'em, we don't want it. The server brought us a rail drink and took away the pina colada since it was so bad, but she copped an attitude about it. We hadn't jumped all over her about it and tried to handle it nicely. As a former bartender, I would have been embarrassed to have served up such a lousy drink. She completely ignored us after that so we never had an opportunity to order any food. When we were ready to go, they actually charged us $9 for the pina colada we sent back (and had only taken two small sips out of). I have lived in Hawaii for almost 5 years and this place wins for worst drinks and worst service I have experienced here. Don't let Huggo's on the Rocks ruin your evening - there are other good places to go in Kailua Kona. I have written a letter to Huggos' management to give them an opportunity to respond to our experience. ****Update 2/19/09: Both Eric, owner of Huggo's on the Rocks, and their manager, Greg, have contacted me regarding my experience at their establishment. Eric has addressed staff training on the issues that were a problem and both he and Greg have offered to make amends with a refund and/or comp pupus. Next time I am in town, I will surely give one or both of them a call to take them up on the opportunity to discuss their efforts. They were both prompt and courteous and Eric in particular expressed genuine concern that customers at Huggo's on the Rocks have a pleasant experience. I look forward to my next visit - which, unfortunately, might not be until next year - to see how things go and also look forward to updated Yelp reviews to see if improvement is noted. Kudos to Huggo's owner and management for their great follow-up.
(2)Jeremy M.
Great little place on the water. Drinks are fantastic, and the poke is awesome. They were also very accommodating when we wanted to replace the beef sliders with their bbq pork, which was quick tasty. Service was fast and friendly. Views are incredible.
(4)Paul S.
Had a great couple nights here till last night when the blonde female bartender spent 5 minutes fishing out something black from a happy hour drink then topped it off and sent back to the customer. This alone made us leave but the other nights we would rate 8 stars.
(4)Chris G.
Had a nice lunch here on a recent trip to the Big Island. The cool ocean breeze was great after walking around Kailua-Kona and even better were the cold mai tais. We came at the tail end of the lunch rush and service was slow even though the crowd was thinning out. The server was apologetic at least. Tried the kailua pork sandwich and loved it. The rib special (only available on certain days I think) was also pretty good - the ribs were huge! The taco salad was just ok - nothing special. Would have gone with 4 stars if the service had of been more prompt - but I wouldn't hesitate to visit Huggos again on my next visit to Kona.
(3)Marielle H.
Good food and good place to see the sunset. Nice staff but a bit hard to get seating since it can get pretty full around sunset time
(4)William W.
Came for lunch. Tasty and delicious! Came here and enjoyed a beautiful view. You can watch the waves and enjoy the serene sounds of the water. Highly recommend the Guava Pulled Pork sandwich.
(5)Jacki C.
Love, love this place and visit it every time we are in Kona. It has the best mud pie ever. In fact, it is probably the place where my bf discovered his obsession with mud pie. They have two versions, one with Kona coffee ice cream and one with macadamia nut ice cream. The last time we visited, in February, we went two nights in a row. The first night, we had already had dinner and we went for a drink and dessert only. They were out of the mac nut version, so we got the coffee and it is humungous.......chocolate cookie crust, a hard chocolate over the ice cream and whipped cream on top. We shared it, which normally we do not share desserts..... ONO. The place was pretty busy. We sat in the bar and luckily were low maintenance. Live music is always great, accompanied by the crashing waves on the rocks, hence the name........romantic and fun atmosphere. The second night, we met some friends for dinner at the other side. We ate dinner at sunset (about 6pm, gotta call for reservations if you want to guarantee you are sitting at sunset) outside on the patio. AGAIN, it is the PERFECT location for romantic and cliché Hawaiian experience. Before we knew it, the place emptied out and we realized we had been sitting at the table for over 2.5 hours. This was nice, because we felt no pressure to leave, even if we must have had the best table on the patio. The food was excellent, service was nice, but we were disappointed to find that they were out of that mac nut ice cream mud pie again. Oh well, we had another of the coffee ice cream kine...no worry, be happy! I have been going to Huggo's since I was a little girl and unless it closes, I will continue to go there for my stays in Kona. It makes me happy.
(4)Lori C.
I love this place on the nights when they have live music. If you start with dinner you get a lovely sunset view right on the water. The food is tasty. Drinks are a little pricey. The vibe once the band starts is a lot fun!
(4)Tony K.
The food was tasty but portions were small for the price. You'll likely leave hungry. What annoyed me the most was that they don't have any Sriracha or Asian type hot sauce. Only Tabasco. If you are going to serve Asian food at least make sure you have some sort of Asian hot sauce. Otherwise you are just a wannabe. They have good views if you are into that.
(3)Bill D.
Great drinks, great view, great waitress "Kat" Good homemade chips What else do you need? "Meow halo "
(4)Rebel H.
The view and ambiance is wonderful. The drinks are good. Food doesn't taste good until happy hour prices :) . I like the pork nachos. I've had the sliders, they are ok. The mango mango cocktail is sweet. Mai Thai good. The Lilikoi mojito is pretty tasty.
(4)Chris M.
3 stars for the location and good service. Other than that the food was crap. I was the only person who was pretty happy with my happy hour fish taco. It was pretty good and well worth the three bucks. The other dishes, nachos, hummus plate, poke, were not good. Take this place for what it is.
(3)Eve K.
Killer casual spot on the water for good drinks, eats, and nightly entertainment. 4.5 stars Food: 4.25, Service: 3.5, Atmosphere: 5 Cost to worth it rating: 4 (very affordable, apps: ~$12, entrees cap at $18) Return worthiness: yes Eve award: best view for the tallest mai tai Highlights: - Atmosphere: right on the water with sand underneath the tables. Amazing sunset view in a casual atmosphere - Entertainment: mellow singer guitarist with hula on an early sat night I enjoyed a lot - Furikake crusted fish: fresh and just enough flavor so it wasn't bland but didn't overpower the fish - Big bamboocha mai tai: tall bamboo-like glass. Glad the waitress let us in on it being big enough to share. It didn't say that on the menu - Macadamia nut martini: purely delicious clear concoction - Plating: like over-sized dim sum items in bamboo circular receptacles - Bulgolgi beef: hub loved this with the fried rice - Kalua pork quesadilla: large portion of this cheesy, salty good appetizer. Bonus points for some cheese running over to the top and getting extra crispy. - Waitress: friendly, welcoming, and helpful. She admitted she forgot to order our app but was apologetic and nice about getting it to our table. Lowlights: - Unless you time it right, you'll miss the sunset as tables can become scarce Was worried about it being a tourist trap being in all the magazines, but it's worth a stop and my favorite Kona dinner experience.
(5)Christian E.
"One Ring to Rule them All" Sorry... I couldn't help myself. This place has THE best onion rings I have ever had. Huge rings of onion fried to a golden crisp in a dill sauce, they then have a chipotle-ranch dipping sauce. The combination is amazing. I then had their special, a fish wrap, and it was pretty damn killer as well. The restaurant overlooks the water, so we enjoyed our food while watching the waves crashing down. The servers are all gorgeous, which leads to some questions about their management and hiring, but hell, the outcome is a very attractive staff. Very glad we stopped here.
(5)Scott W.
Among the best places I've been to for great sunset, music and laid back atmosphere. Sunsets are outstanding, too!
(5)Nick H.
Great Happy Hour. They make some good drinks. The restaurant has a beach theme and the whole restaurant is on sand. The live music was great as well.
(4)Caroline R.
Love this place. Great place to have cocktails at sunset with your feet in the sand. Live music and hula too.
(5)David L.
Great casual location with good food and a great view. Right in Kona on the beach with literal beach/sand dining. We were so close there was literally some ocean spray that was misting on us.
(4)Michelle B.
Really good happy hour, if I remember right some beers were $3.00-$4.00 and food was $6.00. Try to get there before 6pm or else you will be paying $1 each per drink to help pay off the music/dancing entertainment. Beautiful view. Seating is ON THE SAND
(4)Jenny L.
Worst of worst Worst of worst Im telling you i have worst experience ever!!!! I went to so many restaurant before but this place is the worst of worst. Food was okay maybe three star. They let the big insect moving on your table. I got freaked out three time and they are like " oh! Its harmless or do you have allergy on bugs???"" They also gave that bug to other customer next to us and let him play with it and " by accidentally" or purposely send insect back to our table. I couldn't eat my food or focus on the view or anything. How can you eat the food when big mantis is flying around on your head??????? I had to get up from my table four times while harassing customer was laughing every time when they send me the mantis. Of course when finally the waiter came to table and took mantis away my food got cold. Horrible restaurant in earth
(1)Jamey M.
It's too bad I had to leave a one star review but the service was disgusting. By far the rudest and slowest service I can honestly say I have ever received. Wish I remembered the name of our waitress but all I know was that she was blonde and maybe in her 40s. The food was good but portions were small The live music was amazing and we decided to give all our tip to them instead of the waitress.
(1)Robert T.
Not hungry yet, you will be by the time you get your food. Want your credit card stolen, go here. Waited one and half hours for burgers. When we complained we were kicked out and they kept our credit card. Had to call police to get the card back.
(1)Maureen K.
My first go to when we land in Kona! Great drinks and food, love the love music! Always a good time! My husband and I usually get the mai-tai's, mojitos, fish and/or Korean need tacos!!!! So yummy!!
(5)Bobby D.
Fun atmosphere and directly on the water. Half the bar has sand in it, as if it were the beach. Had the Ahi sashimi for appetizer and it was very good. Tacos were ok, but the taco shells themselves were doubled up and a bit too much. Flavors were good though. Live music and hula. Overall would absolutely go back. Next time we want to go for sunset.
(4)Raizel G.
This is a great place to grab a bite if you're in Kona. It's definitely geared toward tourists, but it's pretty cool. I went here with a group of 5 after we spent a day shopping and exploring Kona. Huggos is right on the shore, so you get a great view of the ocean. There are even tables on the sand so it's an interesting dining experience. They have plenty of drinks and food to choose from from sandwiches to fish tacos to salads. They also have live entertainment sometimes. I had the Bulgogi Fried Rice Bowl and it was much better than expected. The Guava Lava drink was good too and refreshing on a hot day. Even though they are outdoors, they have a lot of shade so you don't have to worry about it being too hot. The presentation of the food is great also, for those of you who like taking pictures of your food! In all, I would go back. I think it's a cool place to bring your friends who are on vacation!
(4)Gina S.
The food is def not the saving grace of this place, but the beachy casual atmosphere, the live music, and the hula dancing show (we got lucky to be there on the right night) made me feel good about our decision to have dinner/drinks here. As a tourist, I was able to enjoy this spot and apparently a few locals make it a regular place to go as well. We sat at the bar and enjoyed the company of the native bartender who was happy to serve us our cocktails and extra water! His small talk might have even won an extra .5 star for this place. He fit right in with my general consensus about people on the Big Island - friendly and hospitable. I will spare the details of the mediocre plates served and just reinstate that the music and 'get up and dance because you're on vacation' vibe really made our visit to Huggo's enjoyable.
(3)Lorelei D.
Was here quite a bit during my stay. Nice view of the water, very relaxing. Loved the burger and the mac salad.
(3)Cristy D.
The food was good and the location was awesome. I would have given a 5 star review had it not been for the terrible service. Our waitress was soooo slow. We were sitting there for 20 minutes before our order was taken. My bfs beer was empty for the whole meal and she didn't ask if he wanted another one until he had finished eating. Our bill came to 39.47 we gave her 60 and asked for change and she only gave us 10 back. She decided to tip herself 25% for her horrible service. I wanted to go back and say something but my boyfriend just wanted to get out of there. Our waitress was the old woman with really short brown hair. Your experience will probably be a lot better if you sit in someone else's section.
(1)Jessica S.
I definitely recommend going huggo's on the rocks. It has great food and a casual atmosphere with live music. We loved it so much that we went twice during our vacation there. Great prices and great food you just can't beat it.
(5)Jason P.
Wouldn't serve us because we had a bottle water with us. Needless to say we took our money elsewhere. Plenty of other great places on the strip with better selection of beers on tap.
(1)Victoria N.
Ants all over my table!! That was the first impression I had as I sat down at our table. Since it's outdoor seating, there were little ants running all over my placemat and silverware. I was a bit disgusted and I asked the waiter to wipe down our table again. Even though he wiped it down, there were still a few ants lingering around. I can't complain about the view though, we had an awesome table with an amazing beach front view. Ambiance, ambiance, ambiance. That's why this place gets the hype. But the food is another story.. I wasn't impressed at all with our dishes. I don't mind paying for a pricey meal if it's good but the food here was average at best. We ordered the Cioppino with lobster, mussels, prawns for a whopping $37 and Penne pasta with prawns $32. Both dishes were pricey and both were mediocre. There was really nothing about either dishes that made them spectacular. Save your money and go somewhere else. There's plenty of other restaurants that have the same nice, waterfront views that tastes better.
(3)Dana Z.
We were staying at some condo close by and we asked the front desk person where the best Mai tai was with great views, but not too expensive. He didn't even hesitate, "Huggo's on the rocks". So with the intention of not driving home, we walked down to this pleasant place and had a rocking good time! (Good thing we walked!) First off, the place has the killer views! Second, the floor in the restaurant is all sand, which I loved,(but I saw a few women in high heels that were a bit upset about it) and third, they have live music after dark. How good can it get? Oh I almost forgot, there is an excellent happy hour from 3-6 pm with mai tais and selected Pupu's (appetizers) half off. The food is very decent for a cool beach bar. Not excellent but decent. I recommend the Caesar salad with fresh fish of the day and the ahi burger. Ono. If there was one drawback, and the reason why I am giving the place 4 stars, it is the seating arrangement. There is no wait list, they do not take reservations and it is VERY popular come sunset. You have to wait, in a lurking sort of way, for some table to pick up and leave, then you swoop down and garb a seat before someone else arm wrestles you for it. I suggest arriving about 4-5pm so you can enjoy happy hour and waiting patiently with drink in hand till a table opens up. Or arrive AFTER sunset and a bunch of people leave right then and the music starts. We found that if you strategically position one person at each end of the restaurant, then you can pounce on a table from either end. Awkward? Yes. Worth it? Yes. We went back three times while we were there.
(4)Becky R.
All about the happy hour. Perfect atmosphere for happy hour and decent drink prices and some food specials. The part of the retaurant closest to the ocean is in the sand! Standard pool/patio furniture. Nothing fancy but a great view of the water, good live music, and brews make this place a nice place to unwind.
(4)Nick H.
Huggo's on the Rocks isn't too remarkable, but is worth a stop simply to relax by the water, down some tropical beverages and watch the sunset. The prices were reasonable, all things considered (there are some tourist traps on Ali'i drive that charge as much or more and deliver less). I was in the mood for something light and enjoyed the quesadilla grande. It was a little gooey/messy, but arrived hot and was tasty. I tried their premium mai tai and margaritas. Both were good, though neither particularly stood out to me. You might save a few bucks and get one of their regular varieties. Show up by 5pm if you want to get a table and watch the sunset, otherwise you may find yourself standing. The service was fast and friendly, and overall I was impressed by this tourist spot.
(4)Kelvin C.
According to my girl, this place had the best pina coladas in Kona. Then again, her lightweight self was one-beer in, so take it for what it's worth. There was live music when we went so that was pretty awesome. Beers are standard price at $6 each. I'd definitely return if I ever make the trek back to Kona.
(4)Sophia C.
So this place was on our guide book, as well as recommendations from people in the area to go check out. We thought it was a tourist trap, but since the couple of blocks where our hotel was at was essentially a tourist trap, we decided to check it out. We came here on a Monday evening prior to sunset. We tried coming here on a Sunday at sunset and the place was packed. Well, Monday early evening, we got here and was able to find a table right on the sand to get out drinks on and to get some dinner as the sun was about to set in ~45 minutes. The ambiance here was mellow on a weekday evening, with a singer crooning his best interpretation from Maroon 5 to any other generic alternative band out there these days. We ordered our drinks, mai tai's and they came out pretty well. So well, we ordered 2 rounds. Now, me being asian, that asian glow was a glowing beaker. I hope my glow didn't blind people as we watched the sunset! And it's a great spot to catch it. We had the Kona poke, which was fresh and was decen,t but not the best. And yes, eating poke for 2 weeks at every stop we came across during our honeymoon, we had a sense of which places were good and not. For dinner, the hubby ordered the manini burgers place with french fries. He loved the mini burgers, but WE both loved the fries here! Damn, I couldn't stop eating them! As for me, I stuffed myself with the kalbi rib plate with potato mac salad. I should have stuck with the fries though! Anywho, their entrees come out in giant dim sum steamers, which I thought was amusing. However, the service here was definitely slow and unresponsive. We probably sat about ~5-7 minutes before our waiving of our hands caught the attention of the staff.
(4)Andrew H.
We found this place to be quite exceptional. We were visiting from 5/15 to 5/22 and actually came here 4 different nights for happy hour and some food. Loved the location and the friendly staff was awesome. Eric, I heard you read all these reviews and I just wanted to say you run a class operation. I am sure you have made your parents proud by continuing such an excellent operation. Good training definitely shows through the good service as well as good food. On our last visit we actually decided to ask to speak with the manager. Star (manager on duty) came over and we let him know that he probably hears a lot of complaints but probably is seldom called to a table to hear a compliment. Great to chat with him he was thankful. If you want a relaxing, friendly spot with good food and drinks this is it! Thanks Huggos team for giving us a great experience 4 separate times!
(5)Ju B.
We went here last night and had a great time! Great food, good drinks and live entertainment all with a gorgeous view right on the ocean. They had a really good band playing. Our waiter, Tyler was excellent! He was very knowledgeable and attentive. Definitely recommend this place and will be back. Thanks for a great evening out.
(5)Tom S.
Went here for a happy hour visit. Great location overlooking the bay and nice live music. The drinks were ok. The food was ok as well, just wish the happy hour menu was a bit bigger. The little birds are bold. Saw one grab a bite off the bar before it could be served. Kind of amusing.
(4)Jaimie B.
This is what I call "a happy place" it doesn't get much better than this. Sand in between your toes, Mai Tai in hand, sunset, Jimmy Buffet style music, good service....AHHH I'm tearing up just thinking about Huggos on the Rocks. Happy hour prices make this place over the top. If you on the big island, this is a must at sunset, preferably with someone special, family or friends. It's the quintessential tropical bar, perfect escape from the grind that most of us are stuck in. Sit back, relax and pretend for just a moment that you could have a mai tai at sunset everynight for the rest of your life. Side note....the food is decent but there's better in Kona (Humpy's has better food) otherwise I'd go all out and give 'em 5 stars.
(4)Kelli H.
We came here after driving around the island. The service was pretty terrible. Our lunch came out before our drinks, which is just bad... The food was okay. Drinks were decent though and priced pretty well. They also had a pretty good happy hour. If you come here, you're coming for the view, because everything else is lacking.
(3)Mishmish L.
Average. Casual, pretty fresh, great view, standard food. Hubby loved the fish tacos. Went once, it was enough. Nice spot to grab a drink, though. Especially during happy hour.
(3)Liz T.
Food was ok, service was pretty good, though clearly overwhelmed. Food is expensive, portions are small and drinks were low in alcohol. You sit on a mock-beach, in low chairs that I found uncomfortable. The sand is none-to sanitary, with lots of cigarette butts (and who knows what else) it it. I was creeped out in sandals. Music was too loud. I imagine the view everyone keeps going on about would be great, had we arrived at sunset or during the day. For a late dinner though, its just dark. . .so who cares? I don't see how a place can get by on view alone. Huggo's on the rocks feels like a tourist trap, no matter how much they advertise, their food is fine, but nothing spectacular. I am glad I got out-voted, and we didn't go to the more expensive Huggo's
(2)Michael S.
If you're looking for that oceanfront, laid back beach bar that serves some great dishes too... Huggo's is that place. And the kicker: the floor is sand that you can bury your toes in while those happy hour drinks keep comin'! We had a blast every time we came out to Huggo's on our vacation. Live music, great happy hour specials and some of the best food (honestly) on the strip. It's attached to it's sister restaurant Huggo's but we never ventured to go inside when the outside area was too awesome to leave and had all the amenities we could ask for. Ask for Hannah; if she hasn't been appointed by Prince Kamehameha to be the island's official server. She's that great and made our experience that much more enjoyable! So grab a Mai Tai and some onion rings (WOW!) and have a chill at Huggo's on the Rocks.
(5)Patti P.
Four of us went for happy hour drinks and appetizers and everyone was disappointed. Warm beer, watery Mai Tai's and the appetizer nacho's were a joke. Tiny paper tray with a few chips, fake cheese and horrible guacamole. It does have a great location but there are lots of other nice spots. None of us would go back.
(1)Jeff N.
To start. Great view and a live music area is pretty cool. The Mai ties are good and the beer is cold. Now the food...ranges from forgettable/regrettable to uneatable. The sweet potato fries are the best sides and if you like sweet potato fries then these will be the lowest on your list of places for good fries. I've tried the blackened "fresh caught" fish. I am not a celebrity chef but even I know that was frozen badly. Seriously tastes like Gordens from the freezer section. Another time I tried the Hawaiian BBQ sandwich. Being an airline pilot, I eat dinner at restaurants 300 day or more a year. I probably return food to the kitchen once every other year. This was one of those cases. It tasted like there was an accident in the kitchen where the top of the salt shaker fell off while cooking. It was uneatable. The bar isn't located in a regular building. Really it is more just a hut exposed on most sides to the open air. With that....the unexpected visiting cockroach was not cool and had to be neutralized inches from my food. I get that many people may have had good experiences here but this is my third time I've given this place a chance and there won't be any more chances.
(1)Aleta G.
Great view, strong drinks and great food. We went on a Friday night at sunset and had to wait 15 minutes for a table. Not too bad considering. They had live music and a hula dancer. We enjoyed our time here.
(5)Michael M.
This was our go-to Happy Hour joint, 3-6pm 7 days a week. $3 beer and well pours, $4 house wine and coctail specials, $3 dollar nachos and one or two other snacks. Comforatble patio seating right on the ocean, just a perfect spot. Kick off your flip-flops and wiggle your toes in the sand! I also recommend their view at sunset, it's lovely, but regular drink prices apply. And you need to know that after 8pm, there is a 50 cent per drink surcharge for entertainment. This place gets very busy at night with live music and dancing; one of the few hot-spots in sleepy Kailua-town. We always stop here for a drink right after the plane lands and before we check in. This time I was hungry, so I ordered the Bulgogi sandwich: Korean spiced beef on a roll topped with kim chee. The beef was delicious, although the bread was a bit spongy (not easy to find really good bread in Hawaii, maybe it's the humidity). Her Majesty usually gets a gin Martini, which she says is strong and cold the way it should be. She also likes the iced tea here when she desires an alcohol free choice. Someone below complained about the plastic glassware. Hello....we are in the sand barefooted! I don't want to risk cutting my foot on a shard of glass. Huggo's OTR, please stick with plastic. Someone else below complained about the cheese sauce on the pork nachos---read the menu and you won't be surprised, they plainly tell you about the cheese sauce. A few below clearly intended to review Huggo's rather than Huggo's OTR. These are two separate establishments providing two separate experiences, don't be confused.
(4)Melinda P.
Perfect end to a day of hiking. Super casual, eat with your feet in the sand while you listen to ukulele music. Good selection of beers. Fish tacos and ahi burger are fantastic!
(5)Mike M.
Now to save everyone time, I'll get right to the point... For party time: If you want the best party spot on the big island, go to Huggo's.. Disclaimer, it closes early (by 12am), and Saturday night is the main night to go, the rest of the week is just dead so find something else to do to waste your time (keep in mind we went here around the end of September, supposedly the slow sense, so it may very other times throughout the year). Dress was very casual (t-shirt and shorts), although the locals were in dresses and tshirt/jeans (hello people its 75 degrees and 100% humidity - crazy). The music is basically a local band playing various popular songs (which most drunk cougars are dancing too, lol) but it isn't anything to write home about, although it does make you feel like your in Hawaii. The ratios were the same as most places (30:70 - girls to guys), more locals than tourist. Drinks were moderate in price (about $6-7 for a bud light) and bartenders were a little slow, some are more receptive and attentive than others. For getting your grub on: The food is good and pretty pricey, although keep in mind your paying for the view and the luxury of being right on the beach. Also, it has one of the best views in Kailua. If you don't care about the view and want a little cheaper meal, then go across the street to LuLu's. Overall, I'll return to Huggo's next time I'm on the big island on a Satruday night :)
(4)Albert H.
It's a bar on the beach and it definitely gets the job done. Happy hour is pretty happening ( though it was an older crowd the afternoon we stopped in ). We elected to avoid the sand seating and found a couple stools at the bar. Service was fast and friendly. And the happy hour fish taco was really pretty decent. Drinks - especially on happy hour - are cheaper here than at the sit-down restaurant next door ( which also happens to have a bar with an overlapping cocktail list ) - and the view is just as good ( if not better from the bar ). Be aware that they tack on a small charge when there's live entertainment after 8pm. We had live entertainment at happy hour for free, though. :) Parking can be had - no need to risk it in the lot across the street - their lot extends randomly down toward the Sheraton for quite some distance.
(4)Chuck N.
Tuesday, 6:30PM. **Repeat review on other listing Crew was ready for a nicer dinner. Huggo's was also close to our condo. Wooden cut-out of a hula dancer welcomes patrons. Venue sits over the ocean. They've got the location on lock! Quickie: *Mediocre food (potential of using fresh seafood was lost, bland) - Service was overly slow and unresponsive +Live music (Bula Akamu rocked it on the mic/guitar) +Literally over the water, crashing of waves = melodic +View of sunset is EPIC And then...? Good for novelty. Second chance when I'm in the area again. ********** Stuffed my face in: 1. Catch of the day - ono *Fish was fresh, firm, and juicy, but no flavor *Macaroni and sauce = soggy
(3)Lo P.
This has long been one of my favorite places in Kona. Huggos on the Beach has a great happy hour -- specials include $4 Mai Tais and $3 beers, $2 fish tacos, and live music. It's a relaxing place to sit and eat and/or drink -- it's right on the water, and you can watch the sunset. The food is pretty good for happy hour/bar standards. We enjoyed everything we had, but it's not exactly a "foodie destination." Nachoes, burgers, etc...all satisfying, especially with a few Mai Tais. Service is quick and friendly, too. Even if you're not there to drink, it's a great place to stop by for food if you want to avoid the screaming children found often at the more crowded restaurants across the street.
(5)Paul S.
Wonderful location, that the family loves. Great for a sunset drink. Good music. Food is ok. Staff is inconsistent. But this is all about the ambience, and it delivers.
(5)Drew M.
Love this place, regular stop for us in Kona. Great HH and some unique dishes (try the bugolgi and rice.....phenomenal!
(5)Chauffeur Mom S.
We really liked this restaurant, but the food wasn't that great. Pros: - Fabulous setting, nice view of sunset right on the beach, sand on your feet. - Parking easy, across the street, along the road. - Fun music (had a band when we went, and I think they always have music). - Waitress was good and efficient. - Happy Hour with $3 beer. Cons - The food. Mediocre at best. We recommend going for drinks at sunset because it's very Hawaiian... then you don't have to eat much of the food.
(3)Erin G.
Despite no reservations and no waiting list - you have to hawk your table first come first serve - it was worth the wait. We went at 6:00 with a party of 10 and were able to grab a few tables in the bar, then when some opened up, moved down to two tables in the sand right on the waterfront. The place isn't very big, but so fun and RIGHT on the water. AMAZING for sunset views, good drinks (the mai tai's were very good) and fun live entertainment. The band played contemporary music and Hawaiian music and had a hula dancer for several numbers... even invited audience participation which our daughter loved. The dinners come in bamboo steamer boxes and were quite good. I enjoyed the mahi mahi tacos (very good) and we also tried the korean short ribs (a little salty), meatloaf and panko crusted catch of the day (must have been excellent - my husband ate it all before I could even try a bite!) Overall excellent ambience if you are patient enough to wait for a perfect table.
(5)Flash Z.
Love this place! Bartender hooked me up. When the sun sets the people watching is amazing. I think this might be a local gay bar too but don't quote me on that cuz I'm an out of towner. Live music and watching thw dancing was a fun night! A lot of older people which was even better for people watching! Good times!
(5)Magnus S.
[06.16.2012] **Currently the Duke of Huggo's** BOW TO YOUR SENSEI! I went to Huggo's on the Rocks several times during my stay in Kona back in May (how am I still the Duke?!?!), and I must say, this is the BEST beachfront dive bar in town! A little tip of advice, show up no later than 7 if you want to catch the sunset (happy hour is from 3-6). It fills up quickly. Clearly the best part of Huggo's is the location. One of the nights I was there, my server was TERRIBLE (well I had the bad waitress twice actually). I had to ask several times for a glass of water, and I never knew there were happy hour specials until another visit. Aside from the one lousy waitress I had, the experience was great. The food comes in generous portions, and is generally quick to be served. The drinks are stiff, and reasonably priced. Some nights they have live music, and if you stay for the music show, expect a charge on your bill (a cover basically). I don't mind paying a cover for live music, but just beware if you're cheap. SERVICE: 2/10 AMBIANCE: 10/10 FOOD: 8/10 PRICE: 7/10 UNIQUENESS: 9/10 OVERALL SCORE: 72 Service: Graded by the "Keep my cup full principle". Ambiance: Pretty self-explanatory Food: A high food score does not always indicate it is a place for foodies. It is weighted based upon the establishment - thus bar food can receive a high score Price: Price is graded based upon what I believe is fair value for the food you are receiving. A high score does not necessarily indicate the establishment is cheap. Uniqueness: Higher scores indicate desire to return.
(3)Dave M.
Went here on our first night on Big Island and it was a good place to grab a bite to eat, have a beer or two, and watch some really nice hula while listening to music. This is not a locals hang out by any means, but the atmosphere is fantastic since it right on the water, the drinks are cold and the food is decent. We had the fish tacos and the mahi mahi is blackened, not fried, which was nice and the portion was well worth the $15 (ish) price tag. About 5 different local beers from Kona Brewing Company was on tap and service was good as well.
(3)V R.
The food is good, they even have gluten free options! And their Lava Flow is delish! The only downer was seating. The sign says, "seat yourself" and if there aren't any spots you usually hover until one opens up. But, one night, the rules had suddenly changed. Some guy working there had a line of people, and he was finding them seats. So, when another young couple offered me their table because they were leaving, I took it. And then this "host/bouncer" ousted me from the fairly won table (according to their usual rules) and seated another family there. That family didn't want it. So, then another couple ahead of us in "line" (by that time we had given up and joined the line of people waiting to "seat themselves") was given the table. THEN, that couple was kind enough to offer for us to join them. So, we ended up having a good night, but it was off to a confusing, frustrating start!
(3)Ken M.
We spent at least part of 8 of our 10 days in Hawaii at Huggo's on the Rocks. I am so glad that the Expedia Local Expert at our resort recommended Huggo's and we decided the wait was too long and came next door to On The Rocks. The bar and seating are all open air, with either thatch roof or canopies over much of it. The "floor" is mostly sand except for directly adjacent to the bar. The view is killer. Perfect sunsets nearly every day. It can be noisy and some of the patrons can get a little trashy, but it is a bar. The food is served in steam baskets, which is kind of interesting, but does make some of the dishes hard to eat. The staff were generally really friendly and nice, but sometimes a little slow to come to the table. I thought the food was pretty good and the drinks are good and reasonably priced for the area.
(5)Cynthia M.
First time in Kona (6/15), got hungry and spotted Huggo's. Saw the chalk board menu (Clam Chowder) and we were in. Wonderful atmosphere, over looking the ocean. Prices were terrific and the portions on spot. Tried the Rainbow Happy Hour drink, sweet, colorful delish. My daughters had virgin Pina Colada's that they loved. Husband said, Chowder was the best. I had the Ahi Tuna Burger, nice size portion, wonderfully season and drizzled with wasabi/mayo spread on foccacia roll. Of course had fries that were just the right amount of crisp and seasoning. Girls had sliders and pasta with clams - both enjoyed their food. Saved room for dessert, Coffee Mud Pie - enough for all four of us to share! The whole meal was made perfect by the setting, excellent music and hula dancer. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful. Manager came by to ask if everything was okay. Would definitely go back!
(5)Summer B.
This is the place to be on a warm Kona night! Nothing says Aloha more than watching the sunset, with a Mai tai in your hand and your toes in the sand. The food was good (not the best on the Big Island, but still good). The drinks were exceptional. The live entertainment was enjoyable. We will definitely be back.
(5)Barry Z.
Huggo's is one of a kine. Live local music on the water. Grab a table (good luck!) and order one of the 17 dollar Mia Tia's and chill........ soon you will forget about everything.
(4)Rick B.
Best happy hour on the strip by a long shot. When you think about what an island bar serving Mai Tai's should look like, you probably picture a place like Huggo's on the Rocks. $3 drinks and $3 fish tacos during happy hour. Nice! And the servers we had each time were really friendly. That's why we went back twice.
(4)Tony Y.
This place has this wonderful sitting area on the sand, and 151 for 11 bucks. The 151 drink deceptively did NOT taste at all like 151. Very cool, very dangerous. The bartenders here were younger, but I guess after being hit on by tourists constantly they're pretty icy. I asked my bartender where she got her necklace, a puka shell variation because I wanted to get one and she hurriedly responded "my boyfriend made it for me", so i called back "can he make me one too?" which was typical drunk banter for me, but i was pretty annoyed by that response. overall this place is fairly reasonable with nice entertainment every night, again an older crowd.
(4)Christopher B.
This place failed me. I didn't have high expectations coming in and it barely reached those I had. For beginners, I will saw that the views and atmosphere are unmatched in Kona- just a great setting to be right on the ocean. The entertainment was good as well so another plus. The beer selection was very weak not to mention the few beers I did want were those they didn't have on tap! The fresh fish was an absolute joke- I would never order that again. Save your money and go somewhere else. The ahi option, however, was quite good so I can't knock it there. Finally, the service was average at best. Our waitress was running around with her head cut off and it took quite a while to get what we ordered. Just know what you're getting here- overpriced food and bad service for great views of the sunset/ocean.
(3)Jesse P.
I only give it 3 stars because I don't really think the food is that good, but the view and happy hour are a different story. Happy hour from 3-6 offers some pretty good deals on drinks and with the ocean right there it can't be beat. Come here and have a few pre-dinner drinks on the ocean and then move on. Food 3 stars, view 5 stars, happy hour 4 star.
(3)Paul B.
Great open air place on the water. Good food , drinks, and music. Drink prices are great for being on the beach in Kona.
(5)Rick B.
A delightful place right on the water. The ribs and sizzling mushrooms were good and reasonable. Waitress Diana is charming and friendly and will take good care of you. I just wish they had some draft beer on tap, but all they had were bottles.
(4)Some G.
Awesome happy hours. $5 for real cocktails in a pint+ size container. Both their Mai Tai and Hawaiian Rainbow cocktails were great. Beef or Fish Tacos are $3 a piece and it was tasty and filling. Best part is you get to enjoy live music while you sip on cocktails with your feet in the sand. Best bang for the buck so far. Happy hour is from 4-6pm I think.
(4)Dia C.
The live music and location were amazing! The beat boxer entertained us for a long while.. He was amazing! The name was Logan Martin i think. The mai tais rock too and the staff is very friendly!
(4)Ed E.
The self seating system sucks,the waitress don't know if your coming or going.so that makes the wait really long for service!!!
(3)Robert R.
This place is to be enjoyed, have Billy make ya a strong mai tai put your feet in the sand and enjoy the music in paradise
(5)Tina S.
We had a wonderful time at Huggo's On The Rocks...The music was great. Good vibes and what an awesome view...The food was good....No complaints!!! Put your feet in the sand an enjoy the ride...
(5)Terry W.
The music is too loud, the restaraunt is too close to the Ocean, and the people were having way too much fun.... Huggos was a great way to end our vacation. I took the reccomendation of a friend of mine, and Kharma was on my side. (I just had a bad experience at the Boss Frog Snorkel place, and this restaraunt experience saved the day) Even though the place was packed on a Sunday afternoon, it felt like you could basically share tables, sit where you needed and enjoy yourself. We luckily found a table right on the water and listened to some great music. Even though it was very much a bar like atmosphere, my two daughters were very comfortable. (So much so, they wound up doing the Hula on stage) Food was good (best on the Island? no, but reasonable and pretty fair for the price) Mai Tai's were good. And the letting sand run through your toes as you watch the water, and listen to the music is a great way to spend the night. I highly recommend this place.
(4)Mascha B.
Both times we stayed in Kailua-Kona we have enjoyed a lunch and dinner at Huggo's OTR. Feet in the sand, beautiful view, great staff and delicious food. What more do you want when you're on holiday. Our 4year old son also loves it for the food playing in the sand and dancing to the live music at night. Food is realy great and served in the cool and giant steaming baskets. We'll be back next time on the Island.
(4)Michelle S.
We've been here for a week and this quickly became one of our favorite happy hour spots. Great sunset and fast friendly bar service. Go in and say hi to Denis - he pours a mean mai tai. We walked here almost every night not only for the drinks but the music is fantastic! Happy hour is until 6pm with food and drink specials. Huggo's is worth a visit!
(5)Earlene C.
What a lovely restaurant on the beautiful Kona Coast Shore. Total tiki bar with good ol' American eats and tropical cocktails. The Chicken Nachos are the bomb and so is the Hawaiian Rainbow Cocktail! We just arrived today and we're probably coming back one more time before leaving. There's something refreshing eating next to the water with your toes in the sand!
(4)Liv H.
We came here for drinks and appetizers. The drinks were a little weak, but they were still good, and the appetizers were delicious. The reason I gave this place 5 stars though is for its location and atmosphere...it is located on the rocks right above the beach and there is sand under all of the tables so it is as if you are sitting on the beach enjoying your drinks, listening to music and just relaxing. Cant wait to go back :)
(5)Meredith R.
Great spot on the water - super fun in the evenings and a chill lunch spot for the day should you find yourself roaming the streets of Kona town. The menu is huge and has something for everybody - the portions are equally huge so you definitely won't leave hungry. I had the Reuben for lunch and it was surprisingly excellent! My friends enjoyed their fish and chicken sandwiches and their cocktails as well. At night we came back once and the place was hoppin' with people of all ages - pretty cool. Live music was playin' and people were throwing back cocktails having a grand ole time. But beware: the place shuts down at 11pm - yup - even on the weekend.
(4)Crissy K.
I have to admit, after experiencing a pretty mediocre meal the day before at Bongo Ben's across the street, I wasn't expecting much from Huggo's on the Rocks. But the two places couldn't be more different! Whereas the service and ambience need more than a little work at Bongo, they couldn't have been better at Huggo's. You can't ask for much more in Kailua Kona than to have your chair and your feet literally IN the sand, the sound of the waves crashing into the rocks just a yard away, as you savor the best-selling (for a reason!) blackened mahi tacos. (Get 'em with the potato chips -- they're Kona style and also rock.) The servers cater to your every need without being overbearing. It's open air, Kona-style relaxation at its best.
(4)Jason H.
Delicious fries and turkey panini!!! Awesome service!!! And I HIGHLY recommend the local brews as well as the Lilikoi Margaritas and the Lilikoi Martinis! The entire staff was friendly and the views were great! Also, the live entertainment was actually pretty awesome!!
(5)Mike S.
My wife and I had a great evening, good local food and an amazing view from our table.
(4)Sara P.
We came to Huggo's for lunch. It was easy to find seating and the view is fantastic! My mango bbq pork sandwich was great and a huge portion. Manfriend really enjoyed his burger, I didn't even get a chance to taste it. He was already finished by the time I asked. However, my favorite part of this lunch was the alcohol. It was greatly needed after losing my luggage. Good thing they make their mai tais extra strong.
(4)Sherry S.
You put your feet right in the sand. Love that! Had the fish tacos and they were good. I cannot remember which hawaiian fish I had but it was truly yummy. Ambience wonderful as you are right out there by the water. Waiter was easy going and so was the drink.
(4)Charles G.
Quintessential tourist bar. Entertainment with added surcharge for drinks. Very good burgers. Stick with the beer and definitely avoid the coconut martini! Overpriced and not much booze. Always hate to have a drink come and the glass 1/3 full.
(4)Kristin D.
Went for lunch. Great view and friendly service. Had a grass-fed Hawaiian beef burger that was really good. I would eat there if the food was bad (which it is not!), the location is that great.
(4)Andy G.
Bulgogi Tacos were delicious, as were the drinks. Great place to watch the sunset. I want to write a long review, but why bother? The food, drinks, and view are top notch, and our server was friendly.
(5)Gary G.
Great place to watch the waves and enjoy happy hour. Good prices on happy hour drinks and snacks. Waitresses were very friendly and helpful, would definitely go back!
(4)Peg H.
Really enjoyed the ambiance next to the water, Mai Tais, and kalbi ribs. Great ending to our vacation before heading to the airport
(5)Michelle P.
I came here with a friend for their happy hour (3-6pm). I got the Hawaiian Rainbow and my friend got the Mai Tai. Both were good, but the Mai Tai was definitely much stronger. They also had some small dishes for half price, and I think this menu changes everyday. We just got drinks though, and enjoyed the ocean view. Huggo's main strength is the atmosphere. They are situated right on the coast of Kona, the whole place is outdoors with some straw roofed sections, and they brought in sand to cover what would have been the floor so it's like you're sitting at tables on a sandy beach. Good view of the ocean, and they have live music at night. Can't say anything for the food since we didn't have any but it's a bit pricey... I think the cheapest item I saw on the menu was $15. So ask for the happy hour deals for food if you come between 3-6pm!
(4)Jim R.
This is a must to get the real island feel in a casual dining experience. Good food and drinks with music and hula dancing in the evening hours.
(4)Jenn G.
LOVE this restaurant!! We were only in Kona 4 days and ended up eating here 2x for breakfast and 2x for dinner! AWESOME location...right on the water. At night they have live music and a hula dancer. Great views, great atmosphere, great food.
(5)Jay D.
It's been many a year since I visited the Big Island and still cannot believe that yesterday was the first time I supped at Huggo's On The Rocks. It was a wonderful, relaxing experience made even better by friendly staff, fresh fish and what a view! As my dear readers will note from other of my reviews, I am always in search of a great taco and fish tacos are particularly prized. As mentioned above, Huggo's fish is lovely and additional additives are rather nice. My one and only lament and, at same time, suggestion to Huggo's is to please and kindly consider using a hard-shell tortilla to lovingly cradle your brilliant fish and then wrap a soft tortilla around the hard shell. I was 2 bites into what started out to be a beautiful fish taco when the bottom fell out, the brilliant fish and condiments laid on my plate and I was left holding the two halves of 2 soggy tortillas in either hand. NOT ON! I did not order 2 bites of a delicious fish taco that without much effort transforms into fish taco goulash. Yes, I admit it. I am going on a bit about my taco experience but Huggo's is so close to fish taco perfection that a simple, non-descriptive review would not suffice. If you're not into tacos, try the deliciously fresh fish, soup of the day and take in the relaxing atmosphere offered by Huggo's On The Rocks.
(3)Lina P.
I had an oriental chicken salad (?), and it was surprisingly good. It stood out to me more so than any other salads I've had recently. The fried chicken strips has an almost sweet orange glaze and is served with cold noodles (in addition to the salad). I have to have it again sometime. We sat in the bar area. The bartender didn't seem particularly slammed but was busy setting up perhaps? It was awkward to ask him for anything, but when we asked another server, the bartender promptly came over and told him we should ask 'him' if we needed anything. He seemed alittle burned out, never smiled, and had a queer expression on his face I cant put my finger on.
(4)Arthur H.
Using TripAdvisor and Yelp, we decided on this place and taking the volumes of advice, chose to go really early to dinner to try to get a good seat near the water. We nearly achieved that by going in just before 5:00 pm. We ended up sitting near the bar at a tall table just next to the sand seating area with the great water view. We could see very well from the elevated table, and although not in the "preferred" area, it was quite sufficient for us. But, the seats at the tall table were really uncomfortable and two of the four chairs were wobbly. Other than that, the menu choices are quite decent and we can recommend the burgers and the fish and beef tacos. The food was served hot and tasty, but I would say it was nothing particularly special. The band that played that evening was very good. It was a two-man show, and later a hula dancer also joined to help the entertainment, but we left just as she was arriving. Overall, if you can get a seat-with-a-view at this place, we would recommend it. It gets really busy (it is a small-ish joint), and I would try to go early for the best options.
(4)Shawn A.
The ambiance was great- cant beat the view. Nice piano standards player creating a nice vibe. Service was horrid. Very slow and inexperienced staff. I thought the ribs and flatbread pizza were average.
(3)Josh D.
The view from this place during the sunset is amazing. The food was decent. I had an ahi burger, but it wasn't that memorable. 5 stars for the ambiance, 3 stars for the food. Averaged at 4. This place is much more fun to just sit at the bar and relax.
(4)Stacey B.
Location is nice with feet in the sand looking at the ocean, but the food and service were mediocre at best. Fish tacos were cold and soggy from sitting too long in the kitchen with salsa on them. Service was exceedingly slow, in fact the waiter is ignoring my credit card sitting on the table as I write this. Meh. Won't be back on this trip. Spent $100 on 4 orders of fish tacos and 2 top shelf Mai Tais.
(2)A. L.
Getting decent gluten free food in the Big Island has been less challenging than I expected. Huggo's was the first place we had dinner. I was pleasantly surprised to see gluten free hamburger buns available for their delicious burgers. The waitress seemed readily able to answer my GF-related questions. The sunset was beautiful, and I enjoyed the live music. This is a great, chill spot for a meal.
(4)Mistress E.
Great drinks and right on the water. A bar where you can put your toes in the sand? awesome. We went a few times for drinks and desserts and were not disappointed. They also had a pretty sweet girl group cover band that was really fun.
(4)Laura S.
Bartenders are great. The Onolisious Pupi platter is outstanding.
(4)Kim Z.
Great place. Went for dinner just before sunset. What a view! Food was terrific! Everyone in our group enjoyed their meal from prime rib to fresh tuna... Terrific waiter, Woody! Would really recommend!
(4)Kelton J.
Yeah I know. Us residents aren't supposed to be hanging out at the tourist spots. Let alone enjoying them. But dammit, I can't help it. I love Huggo's. I love their food. I love their service. I love going to watch my musician friends play there. All of the above. Plus, you're right there on the water. Come on, what's not to love?
(5)Mark S.
Over many vacations to Kona, have walked past this place many times. Never been in before. Have dined at Huggo's, and enjoyed the music coming from the adjacent On the Beach, but you don't hear well due to the distance and the surrounding noise. Pros: -Nightly entertainment. -Sunset on the beach. -Interesting food preparations. The spicy popcorn shrimp salad with saimin noodles was spicy (not hot) with a slightly sweet dressing that worked well. The vegan panini was also nicely seasoned, and the fries were fine. -Drinks, if you like sweet fruit juice types. Cons: -No assigned seating; you fend for yourself. They call it "stalking." -Oily onion rings. -Lawn furniture on the sandy beach part of the establishment, or bar stools on the concrete patio. This is one of just a few places that has nightly Hawaiian music, usually from 6 pm to 9 pm. For a total experience of music, cocktails, and good food, Huggo's on the Rocks will deliver.
(4)Jan C.
I have never been here for dinner. I have never been here for dancing. I have never been here for a drink. The only thing I have EVER been to Huggo's for, and the only thing that will forever keep me coming back to Huggo's whenever I'm in Kona, is the KONA MUDD PIE. A humongous, heaping, hunk of lightly-flavored coffee ice cream, soft, smushed Oreo crust, and the perfect amount of fudge drizzled atop a fluffy mountain of whipped cream. Everything just comes together perfectly to create the most amazing dessert known to mankind. Do I have a tendency to exaggerate? Yes. Am I exaggerating about this mudd pie? Hell no. Try for yourself (preferably with one or two other people to help) and send me a compliment promising me your firstborn child later. Come during sunset and enjoy one of the finest moments of your entire life.
(5)SacBelle S.
Enjoyed a sunset cocktail there. Margarita on the rocks was great. Also ate at On the Rocks earlier in the week. I had the fresh catch and enjoyed it. The main draw is the great setting sitting on the rocks looking into the bay. Both had live music which was very nice.
(4)Dorothy B.
Huggo's has a lively, good energy. The music was fun and tons of people were dancing. The location on the water can't be beat. Favorite drinks: Jungle Juice (comes in your very own take-away coconut), Hawaiian Rainbow (tastes *just* like a rainbow), and Mango Mango.
(4)Greg F.
Wow! I"m not a burger expert, but when I have my mind set to a good burger, that's what I want. Huggo's delivered on this. This place is located right on the water and ambiance in the evening was friendly, calm and quite inviting. I was in the mood for a good burger this night and after sitting at the bar and having an ice cold draft beer, I ordered the Classic Burger, based on the bartenders recommendation. I have to say it was one of the best burgers I have had and though somewhat pricey, I was very satisfied. I also spoke to one of the hotel desk travel service people and they highly recommend Huggo's for all of their food. I would certainly give Huggo's a first try at any menu item.
(4)Robin N.
This is a great beach bar. Much better than the exceedingly snobby Huggo's next door. Considering you get the same view as the restaurant with the addition of live music and sand I would probably come here over the more expensive option. We had the fish tacos and they were hot and fresh. The service was slow, but friendly. Considering the place was packed out, we felt the wait was justified.
(4)Kimberly M.
Pay for a drink.. grab a happy hour fish taco or two. Enjoy the music and view. Get there early before happy hour starts to grab a ocean front table in the sand. This place is basic. Paper plates, plastic chairs..but good basic food. Bummed that we (airline crew) no longer receives the discount.. but that is okay..when your in Hawaii one must pay. Happy hour begins at 3p.. goes to 6.. I've had the nachos here.. they are very 'Taco Bell' in taste..nothing special. The fish tacos are okay..but better up the street. The pulled pork sandwiche..yummy.. The drinks are strong.. service is great..
(3)David S.
Only went there for drinks in the bar and lunch. Can not beat the view, so pretty. Food was very good too so what is not to like? prices very reasonable and the drinks were good. Had a nice duo that plays in the evenings so had nice Mai-Tai's eating good food, watching beautiful sunsets, listening to great music. in three words, "Fun, Fun, Fun" wishing I were there now, instead of dreary Seattle.
(4)tiffany l.
4 stars for the location. 3 stars for the food. Our friend ordered the special which was recommended by the waitress and later was told they ran out the special. Our food was average.
(4)Jiajia C.
I am ok with sitting outside with feet in the sand, next to crashing waves and torches around my table, with live Hawaiian music in the background, any night. It's a bit campy, but at times that's the best of the island's charms--- taking silly, overly atmospheric decors to the max. And I ate it all up, happily. Then I ate it all up, literally, my delicious dinner. In addition to carding me for ordering a Mai Tai... (excellent customer service, haha!), I cleaned my plate of poke and Korean BBQ dinner to the last grain of rice. And the price is super friendly as well. By all means, if you're in Kona, check this place out!
(5)Aubrey G.
In my personal opinion any place that puts cheese sauce on nachos is pretty lame :( Especially on kalua pork nachos?? It was just wrong. Other than that happy hour was pretty good. $3 drafts (including Stella!) Beautiful view of the Kona sunset with a live band that started out good with some Hawaiian classics but quickly turned to corny tourist music ( lots of jimmy buffet :Q) I'd come back for the beer and the view.
(2)Trish R.
We had dinner there tonight. The setting was absolutely beautiful. We sat a table over looking the ocean. Dinner was very good and the service was exceptional! Wonderful. Would definitely go again.
(4)Brenda B.
The view is unbeatable and the sand under feet so great. The Guava pulled pork sandwich is so delicious. The Lilikio Mojito is awesome. Make sure to order one of the ice cream desserts-we ordered the Macadamia Nut ice cream pie, yummy! We could have eaten here everyday! Definitely, a place to eat while on the Big Island.
(5)D K.
Excellent inexpensive food option with a beautiful view, and laid back yet attentive staff. One of the best meals we had in Kauai!
(5)Marina S.
I was here 3 times during my week in Hawai'i and it has not disappointed me. Great view of the water, relaxing live music and good vibes. Their mahi mahi tacos are excellent!
(5)Layla A.
Quite an experience. We sat on the ocean front with our feet in the sand. Food was above average but the band and atmosphere are awesome. I even got to hula . Fun times!
(4)Andrea H.
Atmosphere was wonderful -- on the ocean (which is even lit up some at night so you can enjoy it in the dark and watch the eels in the rocks), feet in the sand, a great hula show, and both times we went the live music was enjoyable and not overdone. The menu is somewhat limited, but everything we ate was delicious. The virgin pina colada was light years beyond what we got at Kona Inn, and the Kahlua-ice cream-drink was amazing!
(5)Chris K.
This place is fantastic. But don't come here because you may take the last seat and I hate waiting.
(5)Sandra R.
We missed our flight home and needed to drink. We ended up having a great time! Met a couple from Seattle, chatted away and had many many MaiTais!! Sometime throughout the night I remember ordering a burger and salad. I obviously needed food and it was a good tasty burger. We sat at the bar and the bartender was great. Fun music and dancing. A great place to have fun and unwind for whatever reason!
(5)Gary W.
What should have been a romantic 37th anniversary dinner ended up a disappointment when our double lobster dinners were fired prematurely. Apparently it was more important to get off than to prepare a properly cooked meal. We had been to Huggos years earlier and it was fine... We will never return even though the wait staff was excellent, gave us a free dessert and they took an appetizer off the bill. The point is that this place has no sense of timing or flat out don't care that they are rushing diners out of the door.
(2)Derek S.
Great view - beach seating. Food - blah.
(3)Kimber W.
Best part of this place is it is on the water.. awesome and they have live music. I cannot comment on the food but the pina colada I had was really nothing great.. and I really like pina coladas it just tastedmore like mooshy cocoa that was white:( I think when your an island hotspot you should make mixed drinks people will remember and want to write poetry about. The ladies on stage had a great sound but the stage was to small and they did not have enough light or sound system to show off their talents. Go here but get some draft beer.
(3)Del S.
Out of all the places at Big Island that I found through great Yelp reviews, Huggo's On The Rocks was the only one that I was disappointed about. First of all, at $36 per entree, this is definitely not a $$ place. It should be at least $$$. And for $36, I did expect that the food should be somewhat impressive but it's not. We had the fish special. They have fish on the top of the purple sweet mash potato in coconut sauce. The fish was good, the potato was good, the coconut sauce was good, but they just didn't work well together. The coconut sauce and the potato were so overpowering that you can't really taste and appreciate the fish. It was a shame because it was a good fish. The potion was overall kind of small and I felt that everything was kind of overpriced. The view was nice but that's about it. Overall the experience wasn't that impressive for the money we spent, just didn't seem worth it.
(2)Debbie M.
Stopped in to listen to the music & have a drink. The service was good, the drinks were good & the music was good. Didn't have any food so I cannot comment on that. All in all a fun evening.
(5)Catherine C.
Heading to Kona? Don't skip Huggos! While the view can't be beat, the service is even better! If you're a very lucky duck, you will be sat where you can be served by KIM- he is a total gem, and I guarantee you will be walking out with a smile on your face! Kim is super friendly, super funny, and won't steer you wrong with your food and beverage choices! Always ask for Kim if heading to Huggo's- he will make your day/vacation/life! If you're there to imbibe some of the nectar of life (i.e. boozing it up) don't skip the Ali'i Mai Tai- it packs quite the punch, and is tasty to boot! If you're staying in a nearby hotel, be sure to check out the live music and dancing in the evenings! We stopped in on a Friday night and enjoyed wonderful music and hula dancing, and later on the dance floor was PACKED! A great time had by all!
(5)Nathanael G.
Love Huggo's on the Rocks. Have been here everyday, sometimes twice! Killer 151 Mai Tai!! However, don't expect to hit the 151's for lunch and feel very active for the day :) this is a comfortable place to hang and have a drink and eat some good food!
(5)Larry L.
Went to Huggo's on the Rocks a couple years ago and had to come back. However, it was very disappointing this time. The location and entertainment were excellent but the food and service were not. It is worth going for a drink but I would not do dinner again with so many other quality restaurants around.
(3)Carter F.
Dinner: Food was ok, price didn't really match up with what we expected to get. I expect that you are paying for the view and not the quality of the food. However it was late when we visited and couldn't see a view. Drinks were good as was the music. Breakfast: Should be avoided at all cost.
(2)Dawn O.
Loved it. Great atmosphere, food was delicious. Had music and hula which we didn't expect. Great place.
(5)Keisha A.
There IS a nightlife in Kona! Granted, this place closed at 11pm on a Friday night, but while they were open it was tons of fun. Boyfriend and I sat at the bar overlooking the ocean at sunset - it was a fantastic view. The bar reminds of a typical beach bar with a Hawaiian flavor, very laid back, upbeat atmosphere, and a good mix of regulars and tourists (me being one of them) and there are tables in the sand which is nice to wiggle your toes in. Our waitress was incredibly friendly and accommodating. We ordered the pupu platter which included a mix of 3 different items from their appetizer menu and several tropical mixed drinks. The Rocks Jungle Juice was very tasty and comes in a coconut cup that you get to keep - a great souvenir for visitors. The best part of the evening was the live entertainment. An all girl singing group, Hot Lava 808 performed. They sang and danced to hit songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s including Tina Turner, The Doobie Brothers and The Supremes. The crowd loved it. I saw people moved to dance who probably would be better off saving their dance moves for the privacy of their own homes. All in all, a fun place to go for happy hour, appetizers and some impromptu dancing.
(4)X X.
I wanted to give this place a higher score really! The coffee ice cream cake (only reason I came here) was a huge disappointment. The cookie crust was really, really hard, the ice cream had no taste, and the size was much smaller than I anticipated. I saw another table order the same thing when I was about to go and it was much bigger, came with more chocolate, and they got a cherry! I spent $15 on a not very good ice cream cake. :( The positives: 1. great view. I got a table right away outside and it was very, very relaxing 2. nice servers 3. cute vacationers come and go in here I would go back to Huggo's, but not for dessert.
(3)Olga C.
Sheer fun, if you can get a table. The place seems to be very popular in the evenings and if you come here, you know why. Just dip your toes into the sand, order one of those tropical drinks and enjoy great live music Oceanside. If you wish, you can even show off your dance moves, seems like no one's judging here. This place was recommended to us by our friends, and since we could not get reservations at the Huggo's (different place, they take reservations for dinner and have different menu), we came over here after dinner for drinks and tunes. We did try one of their desserts, a brownie with some ice cream on top; it was just ok. With the exception of some drunken 20-somethings in front of us who kept on trying to smoke at the table regardless of numerous comments from the wait staff, noting that they should step outside for smoking, we had an amazing evening.
(5)Linda M.
The view is spectacular you can forgive a lot just by the location . The Server had very little food or alcohol knowledge I asked about oysters on the half shell which I had had previously in Huggos Restaurant she said they did not serve them on that side I'm good with that but she also told me they came frozen which is absolutely not true . I asked her the drink specials she said the Chi Chi is good I asked if it was almost the same as a Pina Colada she said no so I'm game for something new it is and was a Pina Colada with vodka after all . We Had sliders that were overcooked dry, the Portuguese bean soup was excellent though and the Long Island Ice tea was great . I recommend it for the view and the music and try the local brews .
(3)Miicha G.
Great place with a great view if you're going for some drinks around sunset. Friendly service, but you better be on the bar if you expect your second drink to be there quickly. The night we were there the live music was great.
(4)Natasha P.
Great bar, live music, skip their fancy restaurant and go straight to the "On the Rocks" bar next door.
(4)H T.
great place to get 100% Kona coffee in the morning with great beach views! I got my coffee here in the mornings and enjoyed the views. At night there is a live band and it's all outdoor seating.
(4)Robert E.
Right on the beach, and not so expensive that it's not fun! Good food, friendly staff and reasonable prices. Always make at least one trip to Huggo's when I am in Kona.
(4)Douglas O.
Eric (the owner) is awesome! This has been in their family for years and the food is still very tasty. As mentioned, the place is a bit "fancy" and expensive but always nice for a break from island food. I enjoyed the Teriyaki Beef with rice/vegetables. The Mud Pie Ice Cream for Dessert is ONE-of a KIND!!! I highly recommend it! The view of the sunset is one of the best, and they feed the stingrays at night.
(4)Eric U.
Good food and nice ambiance with great music . Too bad the drinks are served in plastic glasses. Wine is so-so. They have a good selection of local beers.
(3)Amelia A.
funky beach ambience and live music with hula dancing. great food and fun vibe. fish tacos, bulgogi fried rice and kids grilled cheese sandwich were hits. good service too. definitely stop at huggos on the rocks!
(5)Kai T.
How could you not love a place where you can sit with your feet in the sand with the sunset and live music...oh and of course great drinks! My girls and i had such a great time at this place and it was exactly what we needed in Kona. love the ambiance if you want something fun but not crazy atmosphere. I got the sampler which came with short ribs and poke which was huge and soo good.
(5)KRock S.
Excellent food, great service and great entertainment from the band LT Smooth. We went with our three kids and they had a great time. Eating dinner on the sand and listening to the great music. Wonderful evening. Go at sunset to sit outside and see the gorgeous views.
(5)Crystal D.
Great view but you pay for it. Poke is awesome. Drinks are light which is disappointment considering you pay more for them then for other places.
(3)Meagan O.
Amazing happy hour - $3 Mai Tais, delicious sliders and 1 pound of fries makes Meago a happy camper. We watched the sunset while enjoying live music and burying our toes in the sand. It really is as simple and as wonderful as that. Regular menu prices are a bit steep so we'll just stick to HH.
(4)Kimberly Q.
I loved Huggo's On The Rocks! Sadly, my hubby and I didn't discover this gem until our last night in Hawai'i, but I'm happy we were at least able to try it once. The location is awesome, set right--you guessed it--on the rocks. With the ocean only feet away from you, you find yourself with your feet in the warm sand as you browse the menu. If you go after 5pm, a live band or a musician plays and it's REALLY relaxing and provides an awesome atmosphere. The menu is pretty diverse. They have fish dishes, burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of unique main courses. My fiance had the roast beef melt and said it was delicious. We shared the kalua pig nachos (AMAZING!) and I had the Korean short ribs (to die for). I'm not much of a drinker but I did have a mango margarita that was alright...definitely not the best I've ever had and it was kind of small for the price. We loved this place because of the setting and the food, and the service was friendly and quick. Definitely a place I'd revisit!
(4)Ryan W.
This is a nice little bar in town with a view (waterfront). The location is good, but you are paying for the location. The bar service was average. The bartender serving us was a bit short. The food looked terrible, so we opted to pay for our drinks and head down the road for food. I am glad we did. This is definitely a place to come for happy hour and a sunset view. Other than that, I wouldn't recommend it based on my experience.
(3)Erin O.
Great Happy Hour! Delicious Mai Tai and tasty Sliders was a great ending to a day at the beach! It was also great to make the stuffy people at the table next to us uncomfortable by our "off the beach" attire! (we were all perfectly presentable to be in a barefoot bar, trust me!) Loved the live music and the amazing sunset view! I want to go back every night!
(5)Jay D.
Arrived for dinner on Wednesday night. Our server was polite and friendly. Food was so so. Def not worth the price. Def would not recommend this place.
(2)Brian L.
Nasty ahi . Not fresh and looks old. Tasted worst. I would only come here for drinks and view.
(1)Laura R.
I give this place a three only because the view and the service. Both were great. The food...I wouldn't go back for. It was just okay. Although typically I prefer a more local eats joint. The mushrooms small plate was delicious.
(3)Malia H.
I have the fondest memory from about 25 years ago... (I know, you're thinking how could she have memories from before she was born?!)... Watching the eels writhe up on the rocks to eat a bite of the lobster carcass I had been working on for dinner, which was DELICIOUS by the way. It all happened just as the sun was setting over the ocean. Huggo's has a special place in my heart and they didn't blow it when I went there a couple years ago with my hubby. I suggest making a reservation to make sure you get as close to the ocean as possible and watch the sunset!
(4)Anthony E.
Absolutely loved this place, was on vacation there and just happen to walk past and looked fun, so we had lunch there. Nothing better than having lunch on the beach with the most beautiful view. The food was wonderful, so we decided to come back there again for lunch. Can't wait to come back to Kona and relax and eat there again!
(5)Suzanna L.
Great cocktails and great service! My husband and I almost went broke going back there over and over again on our honeymoon... but what a view. The entertainment on the weekends was nice too. I have nothing but sweet memories of this place. Be careful though, it's an easy way to blow it if you're on a budget!
(5)Bill O.
Sat down. Looking at the menu. Guy comes out from behind the bar and says we can't sit there because my son has a shaved ice from a vendor outside the front door. Place was not full. Plenty of open tables. We said we were planning to order. He said we had to leave. Even if we had brought in a bottle of water. We took our business across the street.
(1)Raj S.
I will give this place 5 star just because of the ambience, live music and the service. It is a bar for god's sake and not a fine dining restaurant. If you want fine dining, go to Huggo's. We loved it so much that we went there twice - back to back. Parking is a little bit hard as it is right in downtown Kona. Seating is first come first served. There was ample seating both the days. Live music was on. The first day the singer was really really good - haven't heard such good live music in a bar before. And not to mention the ambience was perfect - chairs right on the beach so that I can feel the sand with my bare feet. Lots of people were dancing - really having a good time. The food was good (great compared to bar food). I ordered burger the first day and Fish Tacos, the next. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Service was prompt and immediate. Next time I go to Kona, I am going here again. I love this place...
(5)Beth R.
At least three out of five work days (and sometimes on Saturday) I take a break from my desk and go just down the street to Huggo's on the Rocks. It's our "other" lunch room. Pretty neat to sit and look at the ocean and surf and sky for a few minutes. In recent weeks we've had front row seats for the canoe races. Life is good. The staff wave, shake hands and pretty much know exactly what we'll be ordering every day. Franny, Kim, Hana and Beth are top-notch wait persons. Always cheerful, always attentive. Sure, the Mudd Pie looks impressive, but the BEST dessert was the Haupia Cake. It was to die for! Really sorry they don't have it anymore. Taco salad, poke tower, and the ever-pleasing Paddler Burger are some of my favorites (and I usually split with my husband). Friends tell me the Portuguese Bean soup is pretty good too. Anyway, get outside! Watch the ocean. Enjoy. 365 days of the year. Guaranteed.
(5)Betsy D.
This is a favorite place, feet in the sand, protected by colorful canopies, excellent Mai Tais, terrific views, friendly staff. Happy hour food is average, but the above reasons are why we keep going back.
(5)Lori S.
BEST spot for consistently fabulous food and ocean views. Brian the bartender will truly make your night so do yourself a favor and sit at the bar.....his energy and aloha spirit will leave you energized and the delicious seafood in front of the crashing waves finishes out the perfect night.
(5)Aaron D.
you cant really go worng. Enough said!
(5)Julian H.
We had a great time here on our first night in Kailua-Kona. We got a water-side table with views of the sunset, the coast, and the water. It was magic! Good food and service, too. Good if you've got the scratch!
(5)Sheryl Y.
Thursday night the music is the best. Wonderful ambiance. Good food.
(5)Dave B.
We had a relaxing lunch on the beach, watching the sand crash against the rocks just a few feet away. This place had amazing food, and the best part was that you sat on tables and chairs on the beach! Who doesn't love sand between their toes in Hawaii!
(5)Annie C.
Gist: Huggo's fine dining is the way to go for satisfying gourmet food with friendly service and beautiful views. And for some entertainment, feed the animals that like to swim close to shore in the evening. In our reservation we noted we were celebrating our anniversary. To our amazement, they gave us what we think is the best seat in the house. A quiet table for two right at the water's edge. The restaurant is basically covered but outdoors which makes for wonderful ocean breezes. Our waiter was one of the best we ever had as he gave us his food recommendations and was so flexible with our desire to alter some of the side dishes that came with our individual entrees. And despite the busy-ness, he took the time to give recommendations of must-see and must-eat places in Kona. The food is really amazing. The fish is one of the freshest I've ever eaten. Totally recommend the Seafood pupu platter which is filled with Ahi of all different styles. The Teriyaki might seem mundane at first glance but it is THE best I've ever had. The steak is REAL steak, very tender and fully marinated. We also ordered fish for one of the entrees, which like the pupu platter was one of the freshest you will find. The ono was meaty but buttery flaky at the same time. And don't forget to try the macadamian mashed potatoes just to remind yourself you're in Hawaii :) To wrap us our dinner, we were given a coconut cake ON THE HOUSE. It was delicious! Even my husband, who doesn't usually like sweets, really liked it. For extra fun, sea eels come out at night and like to swim right up to where the water meets the restaurant. You can throw bits of bread out and watch them wriggle around. The restaurant was so accommodating about us staying at our table for 2+ hours. We never felt like we need to leave!
(5)Paul B.
This place gets 5 stars for decent food, awsome location, great ambiance, good music, good crowd of mixed locals and tourists. The location is worth it alone.
(5)perris f.
gave it four stars cause some food dishes aren't great. more like convenience store type fare. (what is that cheese sauce???). the bbq pork was good. poke only so so. BUT great for drinks, live music, and location (right on the water). 5 stars if you go for happy hour. ladies get the hawaiian rainbow!! best night, every night.
(4)Lux P.
By the time I got to Huggo's I had my fill of overly sweet drinks, so I went for beer. What is up with the plastic cups? It made the beer get warm quick and I drink fast enough to usually double fist it( they don't allow this in Hawaii because everytime I tried to order two drinks at once they wouldn't let me). The view is great and it was outside and by the water. I just wish the band didn't start playing "Margaritaville"- sorry parrotheads.
(3)Ellie P.
Yummy food and Hula dancing. You sit right on the beach, great sunset!
(4)Eric Z.
The best thing about Huggo's is the sand! Put your feet in and have a mai tai! Also, if you get there before 6, ask for the $3 Happy Hour menu..limited but yummy!
(5)Steve S.
Three and a half stars. The location is the best in Kona; they literally built the place right on the rocks, so you can't get any closer to the ocean than this. Plus they have a cool little sand area next to the water so it feels like you're on the beach. The drinks are actually really good; the mai tais and margaritas were the best we had in Kona. Of the food, we only had the fish sandwich, and it was really good; fish was light and flavorful, and it was served on perfectly crisped ciabbata bread. So what wasn't good? As others have noted, the service was slow. Also, there were a lot of ants in the sand area that were devouring food that was dropped on the floor. I even found an ant crawling on me. Gross. And finally, the bill. They definitely make you pay for the view - our fish sandwich was $16 and it was pretty small. The same bill at Lulu's across the street would've been half the price. Basically, I would recommend coming here for happy hour if it's nice weather and there's gonna be a good sunset. Otherwise, there are probably other places that are more worth your while.
(3)Jason H.
Love this place! There is an indoor resteraunt and an outdoor bar that also servers food. We didnt venture to the indoor resteraunt, but we hung out at the outdoor bar many nights during our stay on the Big Island. Fun place to hang and drink..also notice many locals at this spot, so that's probably good for something.
(5)Annette M.
Best place to go on the Big Island for a casual cocktail and bite to eat. The food is not great or uber high end - we are talking burgers, nachos (baked pork nachos are really good) etc. The staff is great - attentive - and the price is reasonable for the food, location right on the water and delivering a killer sunset. No place better than this after a day of diving or surfing!
(5)Leon C.
This is a great place to hang out and have drinks at the end of the night. You sit at the tables which are on the sand. You order drinks and watch the musicians play. It's nice. They do charge an extra fifty cents if you just order drinks after 8pm for "entertainment cost." this is a nice place to chill at night though.
(4)Dianna M.
I ate at both Huggos and Huggos on the Rocks. The Rocks is a fun, outdoor bar restaurant with live music. The Kalbi ribs were great but the fish tacos were a little too fishy for my taste. Big, fun, tropical drinks, awesome wait staff and dancing on the beach. A definite must for a good time & food was much tastier than Huggos.
(4)Robert C.
The food here is decent, but you're not here for an amazing culinary experience. You're here to watch the sunset from one of the best locations in Kona. The drinks are good, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere can't be beat. Get here about 90 minutes before sunset to grab a table closest to the ocean.
(5)Lucretia W.
Food was so-so (greasy happy hour) and the waitress seemed to want to rush us out so she could seat more people, but other than that this is a nice place to rest your feet in the sand, have a mai tai and watch the sun set.
(3)Brian B.
Great place! Live music onstage with the Kona sunset as a backdrop. Drinks are expensive but worth the extra money. One drink I had was macadamia nut liquor and ice cream. Tasty! Their island fried rice is the bomb. I ordered it twice. This place is always busy and you need to fight for a table in the sandbox. Just enjoy a drink at the bar until a table opens up. What's the hurry anyway, you're in Kona damn-it!
(4)Cynthia C.
This place is the best! It's the first place I think about when we land. The servers are fun and nice, the food is good and the view, well, the view is the best! We see dolphins literally jumping and playing right in front of us! Try and go on a Sunday or Monday and see LT Smooth play. He is the greatest! Such a beautiful man, a great voice and a superb guitar player. I would avoid it during the morning hours when it is "Java on the Rocks", staff is grumpy and rude, we didn't even stay to eat.
(5)Paul M.
location location location.... take off your slippers, as the locals call them put your feet in the sand, sit and watch the ocean and scoop down a few beers. a great bar, with tremendous service, and a spectacular view. my only criticism is they don't open until like, 11.00 or 11.30 a.m. - come on, it's 10.00 am and I'm on vacation and I need a beer !
(4)Aaron S.
Food is well below average and overpriced beer is served in plastic cups (one of my peves)
(1)M. Odette D.
This is a beautiful place to enjoy a meal. It's right on the water with sand at your feet. Service was friendly and the coffee was yummy. The food was delicious too. We had a great time spending our morning here. I wish the menu had more choices and it would have been five stars for me.
(4)Grace T.
My fiance and I came here for dinner during our last night on the island. It was the perfect place to spend the evening. We came after sunset (I would imagine that this is an awesome spot to enjoy the sunset) and scored a table that was in the sand. There's something to be said about being able to wiggle my toes in the sands while I'm enjoying a drink and some good food. We each order a mixed drink, I had a blended mango daiquiri, which was a little light on the booze. We got the kalua nachos to start and I got the pupu sampler as my entree and he got the quesadilla. It get quite packed here on a Friday night, because there's a live band, but the food comes to the table fairly quickly. Everything tasted fantastic! We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. It was the perfect place to savor our last evening on the island.
(5)Whitney E.
Okay read the yelps and thought well what the hell roll the dice. We had to wait a long time for our table even with reservations. The staff seemed elsewhere like everyone had being somewhere else on their mind rather then at work...which is fine but you gotta put on your game face at work folks eh! While we were waiting a delicious smelling platter of sizzling mushrooms was whisked by an we went mmm. The hostess turned her nose up and said...no not if you have to smell it all the time you get sick of it, who says that to customers??? We finally got our table which was very close to the water and the tiki torches were lit nice appearance but looks are not everything. Drink order taken right away drinks were average nothing special with small glasses with tons of ice...both sodas and mixed drinks. Then after that the staff just vanished.Finally, they came and took our order. We both went with pasta with chicken and veggies, and waited and waited. Food was okay not great not gross, better than kastu again. Once our food arrived we were forgotten again having to ask for the dessert menu. Dessert was huge chocolate ice cream pie...but the whip cream tasted frozen and stale. Waited for the check forever, waited for the credit card to be ran forever. The view could not entertain us forever we were there from 6-8. All for $200 bucks! The bar on the other side seemed lively.
(2)Soo S.
Came here with our friends to celebrate our last night in Hawaii. Ordered the Poke appetizer, which was decent. Our waitress recommended the fish of the day, which I ordered. There wasn't anything special about the dish. It was bland without much flavor. The fish of the day was some white fish, one that I never heard of. It was fresh, just very bland, as if they simply steamed it. Over priced.
(2)Steve H.
One of the best places to watch a sunset in Hawaii, except for a beach of course. The floor is sand, so kick off your flops, order a beer and some food and watch the sunset. Food is your general bar food type, but they have some great beer to choose from. The place is really loads of fun. Live music and the people working there are tons of fun as well. Have been here everytime we've come to the big island and love it. In the morning its called "Java on the Rocks". Great place to have a cup of joe and get the morning going. Read "Tiffany C."'s review, she sums it up pretty well in the first part of her review! Its a cant miss place.
(5)Julie U.
Yes, yes, YES! Sign me up. Huggo's is fantastic... one of those places I'll be thinking about for a good few weeks and wishing there were something even close to this much fun here in San Diego. We chose a waterfront table in their barefoot bar. Slip off your shoes and voila! You're on the beach, except that you have a really comfy chair that you didn't have to carry down there, and someone to bring you mighty good mai tais, scrumptious poke, and an unbelievable Mahi taco platter. Later in the evening the live Hawaiian music starts up, and little children learn Hula from a native pro right there before your eyes, and sea turtles play on the rocks right there along the edge. We went to Huggo's at around 4:00 on July 4th, and we didn't leave until after 9:00, just in time to see the fireworks over the ocean. We just couldn't seem to pry ourselves from that table.
(5)Maryrose S.
Live music, oceanside breeze, great drinks, awesome food - what's not to love. I felt like I was truly on vacation in Hawaii when we went here our first night. Service was great and there was so much on the menu that I enjoyed. I was bummed that we didn't have the opportunity to come to Huggos again. We had several appetizers, but the Chicken Nachos really stood out for me. Great taste and great presentation! I'd definitely recommend to a friend.
(5)Julie Z.
Love the $3 Happy Hour menu! Putting my feet in the sand and watching the sunset from this location is just heaven.
(4)Rose O.
Went there for drinks and pupus during their happy hour on Saturday. Great nachos and fish taco for $3 each. Local beer and sitting right next to the water watching the sunset. What can be better than this?
(4)R G.
I'm giving it a 4 solely because of the atmosphere. It's literally on the ocean and everyday beginning around 6pm live music is offered. This is the place to get an unobstructed view of the sunset. Food is very average and so are the drinks. Despite this we went here 3 nights of our 7 night visit to Kona. Definitely worth a visit!!
(4)Mackenzie O.
The location is great, the drinks are strong and food is fresh and delicious. We stopped by for lunch and grabbed the end table in the sand overlooking the water. Our waiter was helpful with drink and food recommendations. We stayed for several hours soaking up the rays (there was an umbrella for shade as well). I would suggest stopping in for lunch because the place looks pretty packed around sunset.
(5)CA S.
Piña colada was great, but the food was mediocre. We liked the outdoor seating with sand under our feet and the view. The service wasn't the friendliest and it took awhile to get our lunch. We won't be going back.
(2)Jenn W.
I was less than impressed with the service at huggo's on the rocks. We had to try extraordinarily hard to flag our waiter down to send soup back that was cold and bland when it came out. The view is amazing and the drinks are good-- that's where the two stars I gave it came from. Go for drinks and sunset, not dinner.
(2)Tina D.
Right on the water, good food, good drinks, live music...can you really go wrong?
(4)Meatball J.
Toes in the sand, pupu plater on the table, tropical drinks, beautiful view, tiki lighting, ocean breeze, coconuts in the trees, live music and a hula dancer! very chill, yet at the same time, very exciting! I really loved this place.
(5)Chris L.
Nice view, very parrothead like place. Live music, etc. The drinks could be better but certainly not the worst. I think we expected something a little more exotic than just mai tai's. Services seemed a little scattered but it could've been worse.
(3)Jims L.
I like this place - there actually aren't very many places in Kona that are so close up on the ocean as Huggo's.. the outdoor seating area is so open and beautiful. And the place is very low-key and relaxed. I liked coming here just for something to drink, a light meal, and good conversation.
(4)M.J. C.
We love Huggo's! The view is one of the best in Kailua Kona. Get there at sunset and enjoy a mai tai before a delicious dinner. We've eaten there for lunch too and always had good food, good service. Not too expensive, either. The view is second to none! We'll be back this fall!
(4)Darlene W.
The only redeeming factor here was the live guitarist who performed Hawaiian tunes and some R&B. The service was awful, and all we had was two Longboard beers and a plate of nachos. It took forever to get the waiter's attention. Worst of all, we ordered the plate of nachos without the "stadium cheese sauce", so our server informed us that our nachos would be cold because they couldn't put it in the oven without the stadium cheese sauce. Really?!? I think the oven would work just fine without "stadium cheese sauce". And trust me, these tortilla chips needed to be dried out in an oven, because they were pretty stale. Yes, the ocean view is nice, but it isn't worth the high prices and the bad service.
(1)Vive l.
I'm a big fan. Couldn't ask for more from a little beach joint- fantastic location, friendly and efficient service, pure beachtime enjoyment with a classy menu. The hawaiian style potato chips are made daily on site with big salt, kept thinking of them days later...
(4)Kari L.
Celebrated the B'Day last evening at HOTR....had the 15.00 ice cream pie---it was good but the last time I had that it was half the price. What are you doing Huggos? Have you no shame? Anyway, EVERYTHING was really really great. People from all walks of life dancing up a storm...from 80 something seniors to children. The Band was absolutely incredible...all I know is the guitarist's name is Jeff Bach...anyone know the name of the group and when and where else do they play? I feel like I want to be a groupie ;-)......Not really, but they were that great......
(5)MB K.
YUM YUM! Try the Mahi grilled tacos! Went with the kids and they loved it. The chef was awesome and he bent over backwards for our veggie guests. Yummy drinks, great location. A must stop on your visit to Kona.
(5)Nick K.
Maybe I just came here on a bad day, but the food was fairly mediocre and service was terrible! They took "island time" to a new level. We ended up leaving a huge undeserved tip because we were too queasy to wait another half hour for our change. The location is spectacular of course. I'm sure that there's no way anyone would be allowed to build so close to the water anymore, so you have to try and savor these places that have been grandfathered in.
(2)Melissa V.
What a great find! We headed here as our first stop in Kona. We got a primo spot on far right corner, table for 4 - view of sunset was the best! Can't beat $3 mai tais and fish tacos at happy hour!
(4)D G.
Lousy food, great location. We chose this place primarily because of the yelp ratings. That's the reason why I am actually posting because this place does not deserve 4 stars. Yes the location is excellent and yes the band that is playing is pleasant (though the charge 50ct per drink after 8 for the entertainment) but if you are considering to have dinner at this place beware. The food is really lousy. I recommend dropping by for a beer or a cocktail but go for food somewhere else.
(2)Shari D.
This restaurant gave our little group one of our happiest dining memories for our entire trip to the Big Island. The service was outstanding! The servers were so nice to use. The view out on the deck was breath-taking, especially when the sun went down. We were treated to one of Hawaii's famous sunsets that evening during our dinner feast. Their house teriyaki steak was soooo delicious! I made my hubby get that, and boy was he glad. I think it was a flank cut. It was so tender and delicious! I got the macadamia nut encrusted ono, which was good, but not as good as the steak. I kept sneaking pieces of Ant's food off his plate! I don't remember what the dessert was, but that might be because I was buzzed from my drink, and had a happy little Godson asleep in my lap. The staff was really wonderful about accommodating his needs. (Milk and a small kid plate of food, and a booster seat.) We were never self-conscious about having him, but maybe because he was really well-behaved? Anyway, we had a blast here, not just the food or the lovely ambience, but because the people here made it feel welcoming, relaxed.... well, very Hawaiian!
(5)Dustin H.
This place is so completely over priced. I know this is a tourist spot but really? 6 bucks for a 14oz beer? Really? Why you got to do me like that?! This place would have less then one star if not for the amazing setting and the lovely live Hawaiian music. "Hot Lava 808" is my new favorite cover band. Still, it's going to take more then a cover band, no mater how good, to get me to come back here.
(1)E G.
Definitely get the Guava BBQ pork sandwich. We had to go back to try it again :) Loved sitting in the sand by the ocean...
(4)Vin F.
This place had the great advantage of being located next to my hotel, and thus the natural target for a much needed drink (see my review of the Royal Kona Resort). An open bar with thatched roof and scattered tables, looking out over the water, it wasn't bad. But it was your classic Hawaiian tourist gouger. The fish tacos were passable but must have come from an Ahi the size of a goldfish. More egregious was the $7 beer that came in a glass shaped like your typical pint glass but actually was only about 8 ounces. When I pointed this out to the waitress that it was pretty lame to have such small glasses, she said unconvincingly, "Oh, I hadn't noticed." She also hadn't noticed the drink specials, or the types of beer on tap, that the bartender had previously told me about. I wonder if she noticed how little a tip I left.
(2)Andrew K.
There are actually two adjacent "Huggo's" in Kona, one is a large restaurant and the other is "On the Rocks" next door. This review is of the restaurant itself. The view of the ocean was spectacular. The terrace is directly over the water and spotlights reveal the deep blue color. There was live music audible from Huggo's on the Rocks, there is a cover band that plays versions of classic-rock and early-1980's songs. Their talent is pretty good but their repertoire is very predictable. The food was good but not outstanding. We went there only once so can't speak for most of the menu. In the cocktail menu there were some creative drinks. The dessert was excellent. This restaurant is directly adjacent to one of the largest tourist hotels in Kona, and can be thought of almost as an extension of the hotel for that reason, and is jam-packed with tourists. In our experience this was a major detraction from the overall experience for several reasons: Crowded and therefore a long wait for a table. After being seated, at the table directly next to ours were two obnoxious tourists in "Hawaiian shirts" who were having an obscenity-laced argument. Also an injured tourist actually collapsed on the ground directly inside the entrance and had to be taken to the Kona Hospital, causing something of a commotion. The service was very poor. The first server did not bring two of the items which had been ordered and had to be reminded to do so. He then left for the night and passed the task on to a different server. This server was even worse because he ignored very explicit instructions about how a dish should be prepared and brought the wrong thing anyway. Overall we chose "3 stars" as the rating: excellent view of the ocean, food and drinks are pretty good. However it is something of a "tourist trap", and in our case the service was unsatisfactory.
(3)Pamela R.
This place is right on the beach and they have live music at night. I would suggest going here for drinks only though because the food was lacking. The pizza was disgusting. It was served on a greasy focaccia bread and made with parmesan cheese. It was greasy and gross. My mom's ceasar salad dressing was way too fishy and garlic-ey. they have great ambiance though and are close to all of the hotels so this place is a plus for evening drinks.
(3)Dryw F.
While the view was incredible, the food was sadly disappointing. The night before, my family ate across the street at Bongo Ben's. Three adults shared an appetizer sampler which was delicious and left us all fully satisfied. At Huggo's, two of us shared a fish entree which was fairly dry and way more fries than fish. The fish portion would have been on the small side of sufficient for one and definitely would not have been enough for two without the fries as filler. I was a little disappointed that the waitress didn't say anything about the portion size when we told her we would be sharing. Everywhere else we went in Kona had at least twice the portion for the same price, plus the food tasted better. The wait staff was also much more friendly and attentive at Bongo Ben's. Aside from the view, I would definitely not go back to Huggo's, especially when there are better options so readily available.
(2)Cathy B.
We were searching for a cocktail on the beach in Kona when we stumbled upon this place. The location directly on the beach overlooking the crashing surf cannot be beat. We stayed for dinner, and I had a scrumptious mushroom burger with potato mac salad. Others in my party raved about the fish sandwiches and mai tais. There was also live entertainment, including hula dancers. A great time had by all.
(5)John H.
Came here after a long drive from Hilo. No seats available on the patio dining area but told we could sit at the bar and order from the full menu. Well, at first, no seats at the bar either, so sat at a lounge table and looked at a limited menu. After a couple minutes, spots at the bar opened up. I had the baby back ribs which were good, girlfriend had prime rib which was excellent. View also amazing, bartender/ our waiter was excellent. Yes, expensive, but I would rather pay for good food and awesome ambiance than expensive meals and poor quality/quantity that we have been getting in Waikoloa with a few exceptions. We made a reservation to come back the following night if that says anything.
(4)Whitney M.
Prepare to get sandy feet. But it is all part of the atmosphere of an ocean side casual place. Awesome turkey bacon wrap. Try the macnut martini. I had the normal mai tai which was fine. I wish our waiter had told us about the happy hour specials though. I ordered before I heard another server telling her table and they sounded like good deals. Handled our large party rather well. There was live music.
(4)Tina L.
Food was forgettable, but not horrible. I had a couple of kona macs and a mac nut martini and they were good. You're definitely paying for the location and we knew that going in, but it was our first evening in Kona and I wanted to eat, drink, and stare at the ocean. We sat right up front in the "sand" area, which would have been perfect if it weren't for a fat guy on his cell phone on one side and an annoying family with a toddler on the other side. I hate tourists, even though I am one. Finally, the night's entertainment (don't remember the guy's name) started singing Hawaiian songs and I was happy.
(4)Beckah K.
I LOVE this place... Ocean View... Local Hawaiian music.. The best food and drinks..... Very laid back...
(5)DJ L.
Huggo's on the rocks is exactly what you want in Hawaii. Laid back, relaxed, fresh food, great cocktails, and live music. My wife and I stopped for drinks one night and came back two days later for dinner. I would reccommend to anyone visiting Kona who wants a relaxing dinner.
(5)Mimi J.
Great service, Good food. Great location.
(4)monica w.
Huggos is the place to go to view the beautiful kona sunsets, listen to great live music and sip amazing mai tais. Happy hour has good deals. The only down side is their wait staff can be on the rude side- if you get past this then you'll have a great start to your evening.
(4)Mark H.
Huggo's on the Rocks is not the kind of place I'd usually go to. It just screams "tourist trap." But it was happy hour, my wife and I were both thirsty, and the view was great, so we went in anyway. Big mistake. What attracted us to take a chance on Huggo's was the sign at the entrance advertising their happy hour. It said, "All well drinks and domestic draft beers $3." You'd think that was pretty clear and unambiguous, but apparently in Hawaii things are done differently. There was a board above the bar with a handwritten listing of all their draft beers. Ruling out the Pilsner Urquel and Heiniken (not domestic), I asked for one of the Kona Brewing beers listed, but the waitress said it wasn't included in the happy hour. I asked why not, and she said the happy hour doesn't include "microbrewery" beers. Hmmm. OK, then how about a Sierra Nevada? Nope, that's not included either, and no real explanation as to why. The waitress finally told us the only beers available at happy hour prices were Bud Lite, Miller Light and Coors Light. I asked her to bring us two Miller Lights, and she returns with two bottles of beer. What happened to the "draft" beer? Oh, we only have bottles. I asked to speak to the manager. His attitude was basically "I don't care," although he did acknowledge that other customers have complained about the misleading happy hour sign. So apparently, Huggo's interpretation of "All domestic draft beers" is "only the cheapest American beers, in bottles." I can't comment on the food at Huggo's. After this experience, we decided this was not a restaurant where we wanted to spend any more money. Any place that has such contempt for its customers doesn't deserve my business. It shouldn't deserve yours, either. (By the way, Bongo Ben's isn't much better, as the drinks there were pretty watered down, even my martini.) Avoid Huggo's on the Rocks.
(1)Tony W.
The sign for this place really doesn't do it justice. At first glance, it seems like a sea-side casual lunch place/bar. And indeed, there is an open air bar that is nice and simple. But right next to it is the restaurant, which is another story! The restaurant boasts a fantastic higher end dinner experience. Set on pylons directly over the shore, eating dinner around sunset is truly a majestic experience -- so try to go there around sunset. The menu offers a variety of mainland and local Hawaiian cuisine, much of which is sophisticated enough to satisfy those with a "foodie" taste palate. Waitstaff was fun and friendly. Decor is still relatively casual (I wore khaki shorts, sandals and short sleeve button down - my girlfriend wore sandals and a cotton summer dress) but has the feel of a "nice" dinner. If you're looking for a romantic, classy dinner but still with that causal island vibe -- this is the place for you.
(5)Albert A.
Love the views, sit near the ocean side, enjoy the great attitude! hey, your in Kona Hawai'i! what else can you ask for? food is great, drinks are good and a must have for dessert? of course you must have the chocolate volcano lava cake! big enough for...a lot of people..lol Arrive early, make reservation, ( opentable.com ) and park in the lot across the road from Huggos. it gets packed fast.
(5)Guy B.
Fun and friendly, with tables "in the sand" above the wall overlooking the ocean. Great service, good food, available on-site parking. The burger joint across the street has more "beach flash," and some very good burgers, but the service was awful.
(4)Kaaren D.
My friend and I had a great time here, but there's not much for vegetarians on the menu. We ordered the nachos, and had them serve the chicken on the side. She ate that, and we shared the nachos. They pride themselves on having the same cheese sauce as at the ballpark, but for me that was just saying they have "plastic" cheese on the menu. It was syrupy and ok, but not the greatest. The Maitai's were nummy, and the location makes up for any other failings. You can't beat sitting in the sand, listening to Hawaiian music with the sun setting over the water. Heaven.
(4)Becky C.
The food here is awful, the drinks are decent and the ambiance is perfect. This was our second time visiting Huggo's On the Rocks and it was just as pleasurable - there's something that makes everything seem right with the world while you've got your feet buried in the sand, mai tai in hand and local Hawaiian singers crooning to the crowd.
(4)Michael G.
GREAT place to catch the sunset while having great local beers and great Mai Tai's! They have great Pu Pu's for happy hour too! The entertainment in the bar nightly, but the girls on Friday night are hilarious! Overall - fun times.
(4)Bienvenido A.
After arriving in the early afternoon, getting your luggage situated and running down to the beach for a few hours, THIS is the place to get Konafied! The attire is of course Hawaii local. Show up a bit before happy hour so you get a table in the sand to get a front row seat of the sunset right on the water. Enjoy the authentic Hawaiian musicianship as you sip your tropical frou frou drink and watch the sun settle into the horizon with a couple of orders of tasty pupus. Relax, because dis is Dakine place to chill Brah!
(5)William L.
Love this place, especially at sunset!
(5)A C.
I was a little hesitant when the guy at the front desk of the hotel reccommended it since it seemed to be part of the hotel at Royal Kona Resort. We ended up going here for a birthday dinner and it was a lot of fun. Where else can you go eat dinner and listen to live local music with the warm white sand beach in your toes and the waves crashing into the rocks right next to you. This is the best place to have an evening drink and enjoy the sunset. A couple of us had the Taro burgers and they were surprisingly tasty. We also ordered a big Kona coffee ice cream dessert and it was s o big our table of 6 was able to share it and still have leftovers. Definitely a good place to visit.
(4)Farrah H.
Fantastic view and great location for a sunset dinner. The food is average and service needs help as well. Overall a B- experience.
(2)Thomas A.
i must say i had a good time at huggo's on the rocks til there was a beat down, we sat on a table that still had someone elses condiments, cups, and bill tab (both customer copy and merchant copy), 3 waiters passed us and not one asked if we needed another drink, bothered to not clean the table knowing the condiments weren't ours, not even asking how were doing..it's like we were invisible to them or something but i was upset and had to talk to manager. that's so rude and awful customer service for those three waiters. Other than that the food is good, entertainment is awesome
(2)Lauren M.
This is probably one of the more "fancy" places in Kona and their prices will reflect this. The food is great though and the bar is nice too. I personally really enjoyed the mac nut crusted Ono with wasabi mashed potatoes! Awesome! Also, sometimes they're throw some food scrapes over there balcony into the water and you can watch the eels swarm to the food. They have lights that shine out on the water as well attracting plankton, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a Manta Ray! After dinner would be a great time to go next door to their outdoor bar, Huggo's on the Rocks. Friday night they have great live music. There is a small area to dance and a number of tables surrounding a circular bar. There are tiki lamps lit around the entire area and you can hear the waves crashing against the lava rocks! On the Rocks is also a great spot for breakfast! I wouldn't miss it if I were you!
(5)Dan R.
We stopped by the Huggo's on the rocks for lunch after flying in. The best thing about the spot is that you can sit with your table in the sand, right on the water. That rocks. The food is ok. We had the Kalua Pig nachos and they were pretty good. We all ordered fish for lunch, the Mahi and it was fine. For the $$ it was nothing to return to, but the location makes the place a decent bet in a tourist trap section of Kailua.
(3)Allison G.
This is the spot to get loaded up in the afternoon!!! I was blessed today to sink into the sand in my chair. Scarf down a really decent Ruben with mac salad and sip down two knock your butt Tootie Fruitie $8 drinks. Ideal afternoon delight with out the tourist buzzing around. I am telling you with the island being a ghost town. It was awesome to not have to worry about parking or finding a decent table here. A+!!! Cute friendly waitress made the relaxing moment more so. Not a fan of way over priced Huggo's, but I will hang on the rocks anytime.
(3)Robyn d L.
What makes Huggo's a great place is the atmosphere and location. It's located right at the water's edge, and if you don't mind walking over rocks, you can go down to the beach. It's a perfect place to watch the sunset. If you're on vacation, this is a wonderful place to catch a tropical breeze and experience the subtle beauty of Hawaii. The food at Huggo's is pretty good too. But the only dish that was truly memorable was the macadamia nut pie, made special by the pie lady.
(4)Marie E.
LOVE this place! Great place to dine by the ocean. Great live music. My kids have always been treated very well.
(5)Pamela S.
This is a great casual place with wonderful, friendly service. Located right on the ocean, this outdoor, sandy-floored restaurant is the place to go for lunch, so wear slippers (as the locals put it, aka flip flops) and don't forget your camera. The Mauna Kea burger is awesome and their Reuben is a wonderful second choice.
(4)Lucija K.
The nachos include cheese whiz... Need I say more? However the Hawaiian guitarist we saw was charming and of course the location location location can hardly be beat. Nevertheless I can now say "been there, done that" and leave it at that.
(2)Vince V.
We went to go check out another restaurant on a tuesday evening but it was closed so we wound up at Huggos. I already knew about it and seen reviews on yelp so was looking forward to some chicken nachos and drinks, but my girlfriend was hoping for a more formal dining experience so we went to the main restaurant. We had excellent seats near the rail overlooking the water and rocks. Great ambience and dining room. Wine list, eh....ok. Food, eh....ok. Price....uh, yeah, expensive. Had the scallops/shrimp in butter appetizer. The scallops were pretty good, but the shrimp were overcooked. Overall an appetizer than anyone with a skillet, stick of butter, and some store bought seafood could make. I believe I remember getting a salad and I don't remember it being bad, but I also don't really remember what kind it was so maybe it wasn't very good either. The grilled mahi mahi with crab meat on top was okay but must have been sitting in the window too long because it was sort of dry, and the vegetables were cold and the rice wasn't very hot. We did go for a brief walk and then headed down to Huggos on the Rocks, the little bar with live music next door, for some after dinner drinks, etc. The live music was great and the drinks were pretty good and I soon realized that this was the Huggos we should have eaten dinner at. They have appetizers and sandwhiches etc. So overall I would pass on the fancy Huggos and just go down to the bar for a snack and some drinks.
(4)Gina B.
This was a great place for dinner. Our party ate burgers (which were yummy), and mahi mahi tacos (which were equally good). The rice side was delicious and the views are wonderful. Kicked off our sandals and let our feet rest in the sand while we listened to the great music. Great evening!
(4)Joey N.
ok i'm going to break this out - ambiance was a 4-5.. great music, sandy beach feeling. food absolutely sucked - well if you are expecting asian tastes.. which is what this place portrays. their kalbi tasted like well bland - which was greatly disappointing. rice was hard so old (2wice) we went back for the music knowing the food was sub par. And the drinks were not good at all... no alchohol or too much. booo
(3)Richard H.
If you're anywhere on the Kona coast then Huggos is worth the drive. I didn't eat at "On The Rocks" but had an amazing dinner at Huggo's proper. You really can't beat the location, it's nestled just south of "downtown" Kona in a great little cove. If sitting on the patio (and really, most everyone is) you can enjoy an amazing sunset as well as the surf lapping up against the pilings. Cocktails were great, food was great. Go just for the location and ambiance.
(4)KC N.
Great location right on the beach. Service was ok, not great, not awful; pretty typical island time. Burgers and fries are good. Chicken sandwich wasn't all that... kind of tough and overly sweet teriyaki sauce. Drinks are pretty and tasty, but have a very weak pour on alcohol. BEWARE the up-charge on drinks... on the drink menu, in red print on a yellow background (hard to see since the rest of the menu is in black print) that there is a 50 cent premium charge on every drink after the live music starts at 8 p.m.! Not a huge deal money-wise, but it chaps me that it is definitely meant to be easily overlooked (we call that a "drunken sunburn charge" in the resort industry). Waitress was more than a bit put out that we didn't notice it and questioned her about the difference in drink prices. She gave a little sniff about "it's clearly written on the menu" (and we weren't being impolite, we thought it was a simple mistake in pricing at the time). Other than that, she was friendly, but not very visible (again, this place definitely runs on island time, so kick back and enjoy the view). Music was fun; sand in your toes and waves next to you is great. Go for the music, dancing, fun and atmosphere, but definitely not for the food, drinks or service.
(2)David S.
Huggo's is a really nice place. They have an expansive bar, and pretty much all the seating is on the water. However, it is a little pricey, even by Hawai'i standards (of course, you should be bringing some money, after all it is Hawai'i). The food is really good. Beware of the parking situation--it's a little sketchy.
(4)cindy c.
what a great spot to end an early day! i went to huggo's on the rocks saturday night after a looong hike to captain cook and had a wonderful time. it's right on the water and has a great view of the sunset! they get pretty busy and the service, although friendly and nice, is a little slow, but with the view and the great music, who cares?! i highly recommend the polynesian passion and the awesome nachos to share!
(5)Shannon C.
Absolutely wonderful experience. Great place to watch sunset while enjoying drinks and appetizers. The fish tacos ate $3 during happy hour (until 6) and they are the BEST fish tacos. Spicy, fresh and cooked to perfection. Mai-Tai's for $4, plus lots of other fun $4 drinks. Skip the Nachos ("mini" ones anyways - huge but gas station type cheese).
(5)Michal E.
You don't go for the food, you go for the drinks and the oceanside experience. A great place for a big group, dancing is a must after you have had a few drinks in you!
(3)Wendy S.
Kalua tostada and the haupia cake - drool! And you MUST have a mai tai...
(4)Salma S.
Prepare to get sandy feet - ocean type feel. Great view. The Ahi burger was awesome!! The waitress was great and accomodating! Food was affordable and not crazy expensive. It is a great place to dine!
(4)John S.
This is the only restaurant on the Big Island that sit right on the water. Come for the sunset. Food is outstanding and service is very entertaining. Ask for Island Johnny as your waiter, this guy is worth the show. One of my favorites on the Big Island.
(5)Kona Boy P.
location ,location , location. you can not be any closer to the ocean. good food . a little pricey some of the wait staff is great others seem to ask you for a tip befor you order. but that happens any where. Sun set is great but evening on a moon less night you can watch the manta rays play. "on the ROCK'S " the outside bar. there is a girl group that is a semi regular. that a+++ did I mention you are on the beach. p.s. eat the fresh fish.
(3)David W.
Stopped for lunch to grab something light. Good service. Food was good and well presented. The location is excellent; right on the water with a nice view of the town. Parking is tricky. Not too much problem at lunch, but evenings are another matter. Did not try dinner; we ate at their restaurant next door. Would definitely return for a nice leisurely lunch or even for dinner.
(3)Kate C.
Perfect place for our first vacation meal. Right on the water, sand to sink your toes into and delicious food. The kailua pork tacos were delicious!
(4)Karen M.
My husband and I love to go here! The music at night is fabulous and you can't beat the sunsets. I love the casual feel of the sand on my feet The MaunaKea burger is amazing!! I would give this place 5 stars if they served fries with the meals, or if they even had fish and chips.
(4)Kathy S.
First night in Kona. There was a band playing oldies, Elvis, Beatles and of course they had me there! Great drinks, Oceanside table, dancing and fish dinner. It was all good.
(5)Jules S.
Great food and cold drinks on the water. Watching the sun set and relaxing after a fun day in Kona! One of my favorite spots to visit each time I am here!
(5)M P.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!!!!!!! And its awesome when the food is great too! This place is right on the water. You can put your feet in the sand. Nice casual menu, I had the beef sliders with homemade volcano chips. Sliders had 1000 island, fried onion string, cheddar, on a nice roll. Everyhing was grand. The waitress was attentive and nice. Very nice ambiance!!
(5)Angela A.
Food was just "ok". Granted it was damp & a bit drizzly, but food was soggy and lacked taste. We had a group of 6, waitress forgot one persons drink order and screwed up someone else's food order. Never checked on the group for refills or how they liked their meal. Overrated experience.
(2)Susan W.
Went here while on vacation to take in the sunset & some live music, dancing, food & drinks. It is "seat yourself" which is uncomfortable. We lucked uopn a couple leaving & were able to grab their table. Sitting in the sand might seem cool but it is actually hard to get up & your chair sinks. The food was not very good. The sell here is the location. I had a salad with shrimp. The shrimp were good the salad was a salad. Hubby got the fish tacos. Probably the saddest fish tacos ever. Did not like eating out of the plastic steamer bowl. I would go again just for a drink & to listen to music & watch the sunset.
(3)John J.
Food is decent. However I think they are betting in location and setting on the water. $10 for a slice of pie....small slice of pie at that...plus, wait staff is ehhh, less than entertaining.
(2)Gene H.
Service was appalling. Literally a full fly in my wife's drink, wings and all!! Brought it to their attention and barely a sorry. Lots of other places with a view to go. We suggest the bar at Royal Kona.
(1)Julie M.
We have been there the past two nights for dinner and we may go back tonight. It's a cool atmosphere with great live music. Get the fish tacos or the crunchy beef tacos, or one of each! Also the sweet potato fries are a must! Enjoy!!
(5)Dave B.
Used to love this place, but prices for Mai Tai's are way up and the liquor level is waaaay down. Need to find a new Happy Hour spot!
(3)Jason A.
This was our favourite place to visit during our trip to Kona. We went to a happy hour maybe 5 of the 7 nights we stayed in Kona due to the great atmosphere and really nice servers. The happy hour drinks are not quite as big as bongo ben's but it was okay as they never got to hot before you finished them. The sliders and fish tacos for happy hour are really good and if you are like us then the heat doesn't really make you that hungry and 2 fish tacos and a slider was all I needed and it came to $9.00. Would come back again in the future for sure.
(5)Michael P.
This was our favorite restaurant/bar in Kona. It became our go-to place. On our first day, Hannah, our server, demonstrated what the aloha spirit is all about. Her service, along with what I consider to be the best food in "downtown" Kona, with solid drinks to boot, made us instant fans. This is also right on the rocky beach (not across the street like many of the other restaurants in the area). So the environment is excellent. Note: We felt the fish was a little overcooked the first time we ate here. From then on we ordered medium-rare and it came out much better. Looking forward to our return.
(5)Justin K.
Crappy menu from the 90's. Horrible outdated drink selection, the smell of stale beer wafts from behind the bar overpowering the ocean air. Fyi: this is NOT Huggo's. This is the outdoor bar. All the 4 & 5 star reviews you see here are from idiots that went to the restaurant and don't know the difference. The bartender doesn't know the difference between a real Mai Tai and a Hawaiian tourist one. He couldn't even answer the question, just poured me a taste of the mix. I'll admit it's nice to be on the water, nice view, music, partying and all... But what a waste of a great space.
(2)Jessica H.
We came at around 8 pm on Friday night. The wait was estimated at about 40 minutes, but I think we only waited around 20. We decided to get drinks at the bar while we waited and the signature Mai tai was strong and delicious. Bartenders were friendly. Once seated, we had a great view of the ocean. All of us got burgers. I had the ahi burger (it's not a steak, it's ahi meat ground into a patty) and it was delicious and nice and juicy. Our server Tyler was very attentive even though he was pretty busy. I have no complaints whatsoever and hope to be back again!
(5)Scott A.
Good music and a nice overlook
(4)Kat S.
Yummy food, good drinks. Feet in the sand while you eat, watch the sunset and listen to music... What more could you ask for? Prices overall are average compared to other places on Alie drive. Food and service was good.
(5)Jenna C.
Came in here and danced on the sand barefoot in dresses to a good cover band. So much fun!
(4)Sara N.
We had tried the fish (catch of the day) which was highly recommended by the server, the beef tacos and beef fried rice. All were okay, pretty average. Service was fast and ambience was nice- being right by the beach the view of waves crashing in was nice. We got in right before kitchen closed at 10pm so we were lucky!
(3)Suzanne H.
Best view for sunset dinner, live music. Waitress kind of ditzy and trying to rush us out. Food was ok.
(3)Maria N.
Good view and good entertainment but the food is bad and overpriced. We have been here different 3 times so we are not basing this review on one bad meal, each time we left more disappointed than the last. We really love the environment and that's solely the reason we have been back a 2nd and 3rd time. Also, having been to a majority of the restaurants and bars on the island, the service here is also mediocre. We came at lunch, sat at the bar, and the bartender spent 90% of his time stocking. It is Thursday, at noon, why wouldn't the bar be stocked prior to opening so the bartender can focus on serving the paying customers? Strange. I can live with OK food, I can't live with poor service.
(2)Jonathan R.
What a great place!!! Reasonable Drinks done well. Excellent Food Done Extremely Well. Fun entertainment including live music and a Hula Dancer. Barefoot in the sand on the water....what more can you ask for? Fried Rice with Marinated Steak is a must try! Korean Short Ribs were excellent....pupu platter was enough for 4 people....at $26 a bargain. Definitely worth the trip from the Kohala Coast.
(4)Chris C.
It has a really cool atmosphere, the floor is sand, it overlooks the water and has live music. However the food was below average. I had the tacos which tasted like they had no seasoning. It was just meat and sour cream. Fish tacos with potato salad was also not good. After we were seated it took 20 minutes before anyone came to greet/serve/bring water to us. We almost walked out because of it. Our server was good once she arrived, I will give her that. I would not eat here again.
(3)Marcy D.
They are only getting one star as I can't rate it any lower. All I can say was the beer was cold and served out of a plastic cup for $6.50! Cleanliness at the bar was a big issue for me. If you're looking for ambiance equivalent to a college party this would be the place for you!
(1)Angie A.
My kids and I ate here at sunset. What a gorgeous view. Seriously. Big laurels to them for getting us a great table on a busy Sunday night without much advance notice. My son had the guava ribs, which he loved. My daughter had the bbq chicken kids meal, which was a bit overcharred on the outside which detracted from the flavor. I had a two lobster tail dinner, and that was pretty delicious. I had the big mai tai which was alright, not out of this world, and I felt things were a bit overpriced. But the service was awesome, so was the view, and most of the food was great. We'd go back.
(4)Suzanne N.
Absolute worst service we have had in all of our many trips to the islands! The reviews were always good, so thought we would give it a shot. We got seated immediately, however, didn't receive waters or any acknowledgement by the many passing waiters/waitresses. We had to finally ask for one. She took our orders then we never saw her again. The kitchen staff brought the food out. We didn't have any silverware or napkins. Sat for awhile and had to ask the hostess for silverware. The food was bland, unseasoned and very underwhelming. Had the fish tacos and paddler burger. Simple things we couldn't imagine could be messed up! Then sat for another 15 minutes after finishing and tried to get our waitress and she just passed us on numerous occasions even as we rose our hands smiling. Funnily grabbed her and gave. Her our card immediately. We will never return!!
(1)Teri W.
Amazing views, our server was attentive and knowledgable about food and recommendations. Sizzling garlic shrimp is tasty starter. Pear lychee martini is delicious! Reasonable wine list prices. Much less than our resort. Cioppino was the best! Cut lobster with a spoon. Their signature teriyaki steak was very good. Will come back here for sure.
(4)Chris G.
Can't beat the view. Drinks and food are fairly average. Avoid the greasy pork nachos. If you want a Mai Tai in a sandy beach setting, this is your place. There is parking just up the road near a beach sports shop, if the pedestrians part ways for your car to get through.
(3)William R.
So good. Food and music on point tonight. Good people watching. Hippie chick up front was really getting her grove thing on about 1 foot from the band. Good people watching! Korean Ribs, Paddler Burger, Pork Sandwich, and Caesar salad for us.
(5)Tuong N.
Nice fun place for drinks and people watching only, my Burger was dried and hard, fruit bowl side order came out in a tiny cup normally used for ketchup in McDonald, very disappointing. The ocean view is awesome.
(3)Cynthia C.
This should be the first place to stop if not just to jump start your Hawaiian experience. Great Fish tacos, a great fruity drink with an umbrelli in it....with feet in the sand. Who needs more?
(5)Liz V.
The look & vibe is cool but the food was not good at all the chips were stale the kona fish tacos weren't good very plain taste
(1)Janice I.
4 stars for location by the water and the live performer, 1 star for the food. I rounded up to a 3 for the performer. Did the HH, ordered a couple of sliders and fish tacos with the mind of possibly ordering an entree after for dinner. Slider was dry and hard and super salty.. basically the worst slider I've ever had. I can do so much better at home, and I'm not much of a cook at all! The fish in the taco was decent, but the taco was hard and chewy at the same time? I'd recommend going there for a beer or two, if watching the sunset and a live music performance is your thing. It's worth the $5-10 for that. I wouldn't do the food.
(3)Kim S.
We only waited 10 min for a table. The table was not clean when she took us to it. The fish tacos were pretty good. Our party enjoyed the atmosphere and our server was good and the music was good. Good was alright being next to the ocean made it better.
(3)Catherine W.
This place is right downtown on the water. You can listen to bad bands do covers. Haha I mean, it's not baaaaad. But, let's face it. They're no BACKSTREET BOYS. Nawmsayin?? Ok, seriously though. This place is cool and chill if you want to just grab a drink or 2 or 10 and chat with your buds or love. Hang out, relax. It's packed sometimes. It's just that it's alllllllll tourists and you can tell. So if you want some place to go to where there are less people wearing Hawaiian shirts you'll have to yelp another spot. Their Hula Pie dessert is the shit though. Get on that. Ice cream covered in fudge and nuts in the shape of an enormous slice of pie, more like a mountain pie. That's wussup.
(3)Jasper S.
Great food, good drinks, fantastic place to catch the sunset, toes in the sand, cool music, and amazing service. Seriously, our waiter (Tyler) is quite possibly the best waiter we've had anywhere - on or off the island. You can't go wrong here. On our last day on the Big Island (8/26/2014) I was fiending for some fish tacos. We chose Huggos On The Rocks (OTR) for our last meal. Just know there are two restaurants right next to each other - Huggo's (which is their fine dining area and does take reservations) and Huggo's OTR (which is their casual area and does not take reservations). From this point forward I'll just say "Huggo's" when I mean Huggo's OTR. We walked in around 6pm hoping to get a good spot to enjoy the sunset and we were not disappointed. Near the bar area they have several tables sitting in sand. You can sit down, kick off your sandals, and put your toes in the sand. The drink and food prices were all very reasonable - and quite a lot less than the resort where we were staying. I had a Mai Tai (very good) and fish tacos. The fish tacos were everything I was hoping for in a fish taco. However, the standout service from Tyler is what really put the evening over the top for us. My wife is pregnant and can't eat certain fish (no raw fish, no fish that isn't cooked all the way through, and certain fish not at all). Tyler asked us for our list of fish that she couldn't eat - and he knew exactly why certain fish were on that list. From there, he suggested several different fish (and certain cuts of those fish) that they might have up at the adjacent Huggo's restaurant. Although none of this was on the menu and we certainly didn't expect our waiter to be so knowledgeable, he totally came through for us. Throughout the evening a band played some songs of their own and other cool jazzy songs with a Hawaiian twist. They did a great job of keeping everyone entertained. When they took a break a dance troupe from a local hula school performed some traditional dances. My only regret is not having tried Huggo's On The Rocks our first night on the island, rather than our last night.
(5)Bee J.
The perfect location. Toes in the sand and a drink in your hand. The Mai Tai is huge and awesome! The Mac Nut martini is tasty too. Burgers are cooked to perfection and the ahi salad is a delight. Service both times was on point.
(4)Rain Greg J.
What a great location! Drinks are responsibly priced, and even better during happy hour! I was part of a group of four, we all enjoyed the dinner. I tried a bite of the Korean tacos, very good! I had the vegan panini delicious! My husband had the turkey panini, very good. Music was great! I gave it four stars because we had to ask for more drinks, which took so long we had to remind them that we ordered them. We will still be back.
(4)Camille H.
If you're not ordering alcohol, don't worry about ordering food either. We waited 25 minutes for our server to stop & take our order. Even though she passed our table several times with trays of drinks, no time to for us. Too bad, we are excellent tippers!
(1)carol b.
Great casual breakfast. Eat with a wonderful view of the water and your feet in soft sand. My veggie omelette wrap was luscious and came with a fresh fruit salad.
(4)Leslie B.
Excellent location, great food and good service. We agreed the onion rings were the best we've had. Also enjoyed the beef short ribs and Korean beef tacos. The sliders were good, as well.
(5)S K.
Came to have dinner and hear Brian Vasquez perform.. Setting is beautiful right on ocean. Food was reasonably priced. I had fish and it was well prepared and very good. Brian Vasquez is talented and entertaining. Our whole party enjoyed the dinner and the evening very much.
(5)Diane B.
The management is trying to adress my concerns and I am hopeful that the next time I visit they will have their MacNut Martini available. I was assured it is not being removed from the menu. :) If you havent had one you are really missing out!
(3)Do Y.
We stopped here on 4/17 after the lack of service at Lava Java just across the street. I ordered an ahi burger and the wife ordered soup and salad. Soup of day was cheddar potato with bacon soup. My ahi burger was delicious, and I'd go out of my way to stop by to have it again. It's the best fish sandwich I've ever had. The food gets four stars, but the service is definitely lacking, which brings it down to three.
(3)RW A.
Expensive. Drinks weak. My dining partner and I ordered a drink a piece. Mine came out and server informed my dining partner they were out of his. By the time his second choice finally arrived, I was finished. Nothing was said, no apology or anything. This was a good 15 minutes between my drink being dropped off and his second one arriving. Also, we wanted something light to snack on. Ordered some "homemade chips". Stale, old, out of the bag and $4.50. Avoid this place. Only redeeming thing is location.
(1)Bob G.
Happy Hour was a super value. Excellent Mai Tai for 5 bucks and having your feet in the sand is a bonus. Nice service too, very friendly. We will definitely do that spot again.
(4)Tony A.
Do not mistake this for Huggo's Restaurant. This restaurant is next door. I have to say, the view is fantastic! Literally right on the ocean. You smell the ocean scent and feel the breeze pass through in spite of the humidity. We read the reviews and thought we would try this place out. We decided to try it for breakfast and let me say that aside for the views, this place was a MISS for us. The food and the service....lacking. I had the American omelet which was microwaved. My partner had the lox and bagel. You picked your own bagel, you sliced it and toasted it yourself. They brought us our food on paper plates. I got a cup of coffee that was luke warm. We had to get our own water. The lady that brought our food seemed annoyed that we asked her to wipe down our table. To top it off, they ask that you bus your own table. Come on, I'm on vacation. I don't want to clean my table before I eat and then bus my table after it. I certainly didn't want to toast my bagel and refill my own water. This is not what I expected! What got me is they expected a tip. I understand the spirit of Ohana but that's pushing the concept. The American omelet (which came with bagel, cream cheese and 'tropical fruit" which was really just a slice of papaya with 2 grapes), the bagel and lox (which came with cream cheese and a slice of papaya with 2 grapes), and a large coffee: $30.45. Come on. We had lunch at Lava Java down the street with the same great views with a burger, a sandwich and two ice teas for less than $30. Here's a tip: for the amount of money they charged, go to Lava Java or some other restaurant on Ali'i Drive. They all have great ocean views and provide great food with the service you would expect and are more likely less expensive.
(2)Victoria T.
Poor service waitress couldnt even get our main entree correct dont order the poke tower or the guava ribs unlesd u like to eat burnt chips and over cooked ribs. Drinks are watered down with too much cream. Only the sauces tasted good.
(1)Sarah B.
Huggo's is tasty and entertaining option, right on the beach. The view is fantastic, and there is live music nearly every day! The service is good, and very receptive to food allergies (gluten-free and vegan options already listed on the menu!) Their drinks are fantastic, and even the locals make a point to come here! I loved their quesadillas as our pupu, and then the sliders and fries for dinner. It was all totally fantastic! This joint is great for friends and family, and parties of any size!
(5)Pierson L.
Seeing the four star rating on here, my wife and I were excited to enjoy some food and live music with a beach feel. When we show up, we are told seating was about 30-45 minutes but we could find seating in the bar and get food there. We found a covered seat in the bar and enjoyed the music, planning on ordering dinner there. We sat there for a good 10-15 minutes (4-5 songs sung by the musicians) and were not able to get any service. My wife put our names back on the list for a regular table and we continued to wait. During our wait 2 more groups sat by U.S. And also waited. We also heard 2 couples tell the hostess that they were going to go and turn in their pagers. After another 10 minutes or so, a waiter comes over and apologizes and takes our order and those of the three tables around us. He was very helpful and seemed like he knew we had waited a while so he took our order. About 5 minutes after we order our pager goes off and so does the pager of the group behind us. My wife finds out that our table would be right by the beach and the live music so we choose to move. The manager comes over and tells us we need to close out our tab to move, even though the group behind us got their tab transferred to their new table. The manager had been just walking around all night and didn't seem to be helping his crew out. We said ok and paid our tab and then moved our own drinks over to our table. We were greeted soon by our new server and told him what was going on with our food. About 15 minutes later we get our food and I look around to try and get another drink. I finally get the attention of our waiter and it takes him 10-15 minutes to bring me a beer. I noticed later all the reviews on yelp commenting on bad service. These seem to be the experience we received and the food was average. The two stars are for the location and the live music which we enjoyed.
(2)Sanford J.
One of the best places in old town Kona. You can't beat the location, it's on the water. Great entertainment while you eat. We had Hula dancing, and live guitar. The hamburgers are made from Angus Beef, and so are very flavorful.
(5)Liz O.
What a memory this place left us with! OTR locked a good location down for travelers, nestled on the rocks of the coast (who would have thought?!). What I wasn't expecting was phenomenal food, incredible libations served by a personable bartender (thanks Dylan!), live music by two soulful guys, and just overall good vibrations. Had the cajun-seared ahi at Dylan's request, along with the blue-cheese burger that was an instant hit according to my tastebuds.
(5)Audrey R.
Such a great place to drink a cold cocktail with your feet in the sand. Fish tacos, shrimp wraps a must! A cool vibe, live music all around perfect Hawaiian vaycay! Our sever Hanna was so sweet! Lots of great reconditions, super cool chick!
(5)Cassy R.
Nice outdoor, sandy floor bar, and such a great spot to watch the sunset! The cocktails were amazing, especially The Chee-Hoo Tini with Lychee, and the Pineapple Mojito...Didn't love the food though, so I would suggest Huggo's Restaurant next door for dinner, but if you're looking for just a sunset cocktail, On The Rocks is your place!
(4)Tori B.
Really enjoyed an impromptu dinner at Huggos on the Rocks during a recent trip to the Big Island. We actually had book a reservation at another restaurant, but after scoping out the view from Huggos, we decided to give it a try instead of the other place (with no view). Sitting on the sand offered some challenges at six months pregnant, but it was a fun experience non-the-less. We found the service to be attentive and helpful... all that you could ask for. The food was good. The Hubs and I shared the pork nachos, which were great, and a fish plate. The fish was just ok... nothing great there, but the nachos were fabulous. We had some drinks (virgin for me) and I really enjoyed mine, as did the Hubs. The best part of all was the Kona Coffee Cheesecake. I'm still dreaming of this baby. It was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I want a piece now. In addition to the good view, we witnessed the most beautiful sunset of our entire stay on the island. It was gorgeous and completed the meal perfectly. The restaurant also had live music and a Hula Dancer, which was an even better touch. Highly recommend Huggos on the Rocks to anyone in the area - get the cheesecake!
(4)Jennifer R.
Definitely a spot to mark off when you're at the big island! My bf and I walked in to grab some drinks and some pupu. There was a live cover band that was awesome!! They covered songs with a Hawaiian twist and it was done so well. It was great because it was an outdoor patio feel with a beautiful ocean front and sunset. There is sand on the patio so you can take off your flip flops and sink your toes into the sand. We ordered a pupu platter with Asian lettuce wraps, quesadillas, poke, and bbq. The wraps were light yet satisfying with the perfect amount of sauce and my bf said they were generous with meat in the quesadillas! The poke had just the right amount of shoyu sauce and it didn't mix with bbq, everything was great on that platter, definitely recommended! So delish! Loved spending some time here watching the sunset.
(5)Sergei N.
I hate to write this but the food was basic bar food. I ordered a burger and it was very plain. For a grass fed, local beef I expected so much more. Their home made potato chips were pretty flavorless. Someone in our party ordered fish tacos and thought they were good. On the upside, the live music and the view totally fix all the food issues. You can get tables closer to the beach and eat with your feet in the sand. The parking seemed limited so I would try to walk here if at all possible. Personally I wouldn't come back here. It just seemed like generic food with a different name on the front of the building.
(3)Heather R.
This place is a perfect big island spot. Drinks were great. Food was good. Music was great. Service was great and really friendly. Awesome place to relax enjoy a beer or a cocktail and listen to the music and the waves. We will be back in our next trip.
(4)Jin M.
MEH. All right, so the setting is super cool. The restaurant floor is SAND. All of it! It's like you're eating on the beach. Cool, right? If only the food was just as awesome. I ordered the fish tacos, which came in corn tortilla... I wish there were choices! Flour tortilla is so much better. The fish was ok, the seasoning was bland, mac salad was average. But, my friend ordered the Ahi burger, which was super delish! So definitely order that instead. My other friend ordered this BBQ pork dish which was a bit disappointing. It's super crowded, especially on weekends and holidays since it's located right in the touristy neighborhood so be prepared for the long wait & slow service. On the plus side- there's live music and sometimes hula dancing!
(3)Britt B.
Excellent choice for lunch on the beach in Kona! Order the Ahi Burger for $12.95. It's not a filet of fish, but rather ground tuna pressed into a patty after they add whatever magic they do. Simply served on warm and fresh Focaccia with aioli, tomato, white onion and lettuce with your choice of side. I had a very nice green salad with shredded carrot, beets, cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Outstanding meal all the way around. Great view. Great, friendly staff. Clean highchairs for your Keiki.
(5)Laura C.
1st night in Kailua and we were pretty pooped! On The Rocks was only a few steps away from our condo. Seemed to have lots of seating but we chose to dine at the bar. Very friendly bartender and nice live music. I opted for the fish tacos. Standard, didn't wow me. Loved the potato-mac salad tho! Hubby had the Wanna Manapua buger. Don't even hesitate about ordering this one! Pork and grass-fed beef patty, baked bao bun and asian pickles. Unique and perfectly balanced. Our beers were flat. Minus 1 star!
(3)Mindi N.
Fantastic. Thank you Woody for an awesome dinner. Acknowledging our anniversary was so special. Terrific food (abalone) and service. Can't wait to come back!!!
(5)Mousa H.
Great little spot within walking distance of our hotel... The service was great, Dylan behind the bar was phenomenal with suggestions and mixing of drinks... the live music during the sunset was incredible... TV's were in a good spot and bar was a great place to meet and talk to other folks which is always a plus... The Cajun seared Ahi was delicious and wasn't something I would have picked normally (Thanks, Dylan!)... the burger was good, but over done for a medium... The board listing the beers was a little out of date as they no longer serve Longboard products but they were listed... Overall a great spot if you're on vacation in Kona!
(4)Grace E.
If there is one place I miss in Hawaii, it is sipping a drink at this little gem. My friend who lives in Kona brought me here and I fell in love with everything about it. Everything from the drinks, the scenery, the environment, the service, is perfect. Feeling the sand in between your toes while sipping on an icy drink, nothing can beat that. Definitely a place to wine down at the end of the day.
(5)Christine K.
I really want to like it,but i cant. Totally saw this place on yelp, and also drove by. Wanted to give it a shot so i stopped by. of course, in the evenings, its packed. i get that. front person told us that it would be 15 minute wait, with one of the buzzers. so we waited at the bar, hoping to get a drink, 10 minute passes by, impossible to order drinks. seats opened up, so we walk over, but the bartender says its reserved and reserves it for their friends. (who wasnt there to take the seats right away). another 15 minutes passes by, still no one takes our drink orders. at a corner of my eyes, i see all these other people who came in after us, being seated right away, while we were still waiting at the bar for the past 30 minutes. total of 45 minutes, no table, no one takes the drink orders. left the place immediately after that. honestly, i really wanted to like this place with all the reviews and such, but i cant. it was honestly one of the most horrible experience ever.
(1)Donna S.
Locals sent us here for bar snacks with a great view. It sits right on the lapping water. The floor is half cement and sand Great sliders. Cheapest drinks we have had in the area all week
(3)Josh K.
The location can't compete with anywhere else. You sit in tables placed in the sand where you overlook the bay and have the opportunity to bask in the regular "wow" sunsets. The food was outstanding. The burger was real tasty, their potato and Mac salad was great, the Korean bbq ribs were rich and the coconut shrimp was my personal favorite. Save room for the Mauna Kea ice cream - soooo good!!! Good for 6 people. And our waiter was so sweet. She was extremely personable and lovely. And we loved our entertainment. The singer was absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend making this stop for dinner one night.
(5)Benjie K.
Horrible service! Actually beyond horrible. I asked politely 5 times over 45 minutes for a glass of water to drink between the 3 beers I had. Never got any water. They were not slammed when I was there. Just horrible service. No excuse for this in my opinion.
(1)John M.
The service killed the experience. We were here for almost 2 hours total. The wait after ordering the food to the point of receiving the food was a solid hour. We asked the hostess if this was normal and she said yes. The food was cold even though we were literally 5 feet from the kitchen. We've had some good food and good service in Kona, but this definitely was not where we got it.
(1)Donald A.
Great location friendly staff and amazing view. Tables are in the sand so wear flip flops sandals or slippers for best experience.
(4)Ron W.
Great food, good service and a great location. Poke wrap was excellent. Wife did not like the reuben but the burger two days later was great.
(4)Will C.
Visited on a lark because we got the Sheraton Luau date wrong. Awesome mistake on our part...Huggos is the bomb! Live music, Hula lessons, nice people, good drinks, etc. great cap to my week long vacation! Go there! Talk to the Dude who runs the show there, Nakies Constantinou, he was really friendly and cool, making sure our experience was superior. Photos of food and drinks don't do much for me. It's all about the reality of the atmosphere, service, eating and drinking to render the experience, and reviews. Take pleasure in Hawaii and make sure you visit Huggos when you are in Kona.
(4)Tracy R.
Food was good and the view is amazing! Loved sitting in the sand and watching the sun set while enjoying dinner. I had the fish tacos which were a little spicy and hubby had the ahi tuna burger which was more like a crab cake burger.
(4)Linda D.
Waterside is what this place is about. Maybe the 5,00 Hawaiian rainbows at happy hour too. Food was average and entertainment terrible tonight.
(3)Chuck D.
This is first one star I've ever given a eatery. Poor service, food was cold, tasteless and the drinks were just watered down hype. The only place I would never return too while in Kona. Many other places locally to find better food and better service. Enjoy the sunset somewhere else and save your stomach and wallet. Applebees with a view...pass
(1)Millard Z.
Another fantastic place in Kona. Kona is really a great little town and if you are staying towards Waikola it would be a mistake to blow off this town while you're here. We went for lunch and the fish tacos and Korean BBQ steak platter are both great options while sitting in the sand watching the turtles. Like mostly all, this is a very casual place and perfect for lunch or sunset dining with friends. The prices are very good, the drinks are good and the service is very good as well. We just thought, why not go again before we hit the airport? Mahalo...
(4)Lissa W.
Service was a little slow at first but once you get that first drink in the party is on! The Chee-Hoo Tini is wonderful x3 hehehe! They have sand near the wall of the water so after dinner we let the kids play for a little. Between 4 people we shared one of the appetizers and it was more than enough. I did read the that service was slow or she had another place that be. But she was wonderful and we talk a lot since we are from Texas. I highly recommend this place! I did notice drinks go up after a certain time.
(4)Janet O.
Breakfast cooked college style in a microwave (Like eggs and bacon) Went back for for dinner and sat by the water. There was a band and a singer/dancer. Funny thing: Seated next to us by the water was a mother/daughter roach :( FYI the place looks prettier at night than during the day. Save your day for hiking and come here for somewhat a romantic night if you're a couple of lovebirds. Lastly, this is a good place to get wasted at night. there is a bar and it looks inviting :)
(3)Paula G.
If you want to feel like you're In the mainland come to Huggos on the rocks. Asked about the menu, owner couldn't be bothered and answered In a rude condescending way. Skip this spot. Menu looked mediocre. We walked right out after we felt disrespected. Not a good idea to be hostile towards tourists visiting your restaurant.
(1)Jeff W.
Funky bar on the water in Kona. No problems getting seated on a Wednesday afternoon. Fish tacos and pork nachos were great. Drinks were tropical and fruity as should be. Highly recommended.
(4)Tom H.
This restaurant is excellent. Went there for dinner last night and again for lunch today. Sat at the bar both times; last night Kaitlyn worked and today was Jeff. Both bartenders were incredibly friendly and conversational. The food and drink are both excellent. The ahi poké pie is the best poké that I've had, between four restaurants and two islands. Food is priced in the market of the competition. Eat here!
(5)Marjorie G.
The view and location is fantastic. The food and service is OK. Been there, done it, will not go back.
(3)