Alii Drive is the spine of the restaurant scene — a mix of casual spots, resort dining, and a few local gems tucked behind the main strip. Kona coffee shows up everywhere, and fresh fish is the default choice. Most places are unpretentious and geared toward visitors, but a few are worth seeking out specifically.
Bongo Ben's Island Cafe (75-5819 Alii Drive) is a reliable breakfast and brunch spot right on the strip. Open-air seating, local fish eggs Benedict, and a Bloody Mary that earns its reputation. Open from 7am, breakfast served until 2pm.
Kanaka Kava (75-5803 Alii Drive, Space B6) is harder to find — look behind Alii Drive — but worth tracking down. Traditional Hawaiian food alongside kava, the ceremonial South Pacific drink made from the kava root. No real indoor seating, occasional live reggae, strongly local in feel.
Don the Beachcomber at the Royal Kona Resort (75-5852 Alii Drive) is unabashedly tiki but does it well. Outdoor lanai seating over the rocky shore of Kailua Bay, decent seafood, and Mai Tais that justify the resort prices. The hotel also runs an oceanfront luau on Mondays and Wednesdays starting at 5pm.