You’re standing on the sand at Anaeho’omalu Bay. The sun is doing that dramatic orange-pink fade into the Pacific. You have a Mai Tai in your hand. This is the vibe at Lava Lava Beach Club Kona, and honestly, it’s exactly what people imagine when they book a flight to Hawaii.
It’s not just a restaurant. It’s a mood.
Located on the Kohala Coast, about 25 miles north of Kailua-Kona, this place has become a bit of a legend. Most people call it "Lava Lava," and if you’ve spent any time on the Big Island, you know it’s the default answer when someone asks, "Where should we go for sunset drinks?" But here’s the thing—it's popular for a reason. It isn't just clever marketing or a lucky location. It’s the fact that they let you put your feet in the actual sand while you eat a burger. That's a rarity even in Hawaii, where many "beachfront" spots are actually separated from the ocean by a lava rock wall or a manicured lawn.
What You Actually Need to Know Before You Go
Don't just show up at 6:00 PM and expect a table. Seriously.
The biggest mistake people make with Lava Lava Beach Club Kona is underestimating the crowd. They don't take reservations for lunch or dinner. It’s all walk-ins. If you roll up during peak sunset hours, you might be looking at a two-hour wait. Now, waiting isn't the worst thing in the world here because they have a "Bloody Mary Beach Bar" and lawn games like cornhole, but if you're starving, it’s a problem.
Go early.
If you aim for 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM, you can usually snag a spot without the headache. Plus, the "Liquid Sunshine" happy hour usually runs in the afternoons, which makes those pricey tropical drinks a bit easier on the wallet.
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The Food Isn't Just "Tourist Food"
Usually, when a place has a view this good, the food is an afterthought. It’s usually some soggy calamari and a mediocre salad. But Lava Lava actually tries. The menu is "Island Style," which is basically a fancy way of saying they use a lot of pineapple, ginger, and fresh fish.
The Coconut Shrimp is a staple. It sounds cliché, but theirs is crunchy without being greasy. If you want something heavier, the "Hook, Line, and Sinker" is usually their fresh catch of the day. They source a lot of their produce locally from farms in Waimea, which makes a difference you can actually taste in the greens.
One thing that surprises people? The pizza. They have a wood-fired oven. It feels a bit weird to eat pizza on a tropical beach, but the "Big Island Carbonara" pizza with an egg on top is actually kind of incredible after a day of snorkeling.
Staying at the Cottages
Most people realize Lava Lava is a restaurant, but they forget—or never knew—that it’s also a hotel. Well, "hotel" is a strong word. It’s a collection of four individual cottages.
These aren't your standard Marriott rooms. They are free-standing, 700-square-foot luxury shacks.
- Outdoor showers: Each cottage has a private outdoor shower. There is something fundamentally "Hawaii" about showering under the stars while listening to the waves.
- The "Music" vibe: They provide a surfboard-shaped breakfast table and an ukulele in every room.
- Proximity: You are literally steps from the water.
Staying here is expensive. Let’s be real. You’re paying for the exclusivity of waking up on Anaeho’omalu Bay (often called A-Bay) before the crowds arrive. It's one of the few places where you can walk out of your front door in pajamas and be on the sand in ten seconds.
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The A-Bay Factor
The beach itself, Anaeho’omalu Bay, is a historical site. Long before the tourists arrived, this area was home to ancient Hawaiian fishponds. You can still see them today—the Ku’ualii and Kahapapa ponds. They are protected, and you’ll often see honu (green sea turtles) basking on the edges.
Lava Lava Beach Club Kona sits right on the edge of this history.
When you’re sitting there, look to your left. You’ll see the salt-and-pepper sands. It’s a mix of white coral and black lava rock. It’s not the soft, powdery white sand of the Caribbean; it’s rugged. It’s volcanic. It reminds you that you’re sitting on a pile of cooled magma in the middle of the ocean.
Common Misconceptions and Real Talk
Is it loud? Yes.
If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic, "I can hear my partner's heartbeat" kind of dinner, this might not be it. There is almost always live music. The musicians are great—usually local guys playing Slack Key guitar or ukulele—but the sound carries. It’s a party atmosphere. Kids are running around in the sand. People are laughing. It’s high energy.
Is it expensive? Yeah, it is.
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You’re in a resort area (Waikoloa) on an island that imports almost everything. A cocktail will run you $18 or more. An entree is going to be $30 to $50. You aren't just paying for the calories; you’re paying for the real estate.
Why Locals Still Go
You’ll hear some people say Lava Lava is just for tourists. That's not entirely true. You’ll see plenty of residents there, especially on Sunday afternoons. Why? Because the "toes in the sand" policy applies to everyone. It’s one of the few places on the Kohala Coast that doesn't feel stuffy. You don't need a collared shirt. You can come straight from the beach, salty hair and all, and no one will give you a second look.
Navigating the Experience
If you want to do it right, here is the move:
- Park at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott if the Lava Lava lot is full (it usually is). It’s a short, beautiful walk along the beach path.
- Check in with the hostess immediately. Even if you aren't hungry yet. Get your name on the list.
- Grab a drink at the beach bar. Take it to the Adirondack chairs.
- Watch the turtles. They love the shoreline near the restaurant. Just remember the law: stay at least 10 feet (sometimes more depending on local guidelines) away from them.
- Stay for the fire. Once the sun goes down, they light the torches. The vibe shifts from "sunny beach day" to "tropical night" instantly.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
To maximize your time at Lava Lava Beach Club Kona, keep these logistics in mind. The parking lot is notoriously small and fills up by 4:30 PM. If you're driving in from Kona or Hilo, plan to arrive mid-afternoon. If you are staying in the Waikoloa Beach Resort area, just take the "shopping shuttle" or walk. It'll save you twenty minutes of circling for a spot.
Regarding the weather: the Kohala Coast is the dry side of the island. It rarely rains here, but when it does, it's usually a quick afternoon mist. Don't let a few clouds scare you off. Some of the best sunsets at Lava Lava happen right after a light rain when the clouds catch the light.
If you have kids, this is arguably the best "nice" restaurant on the island. While you wait for food, they can dig in the sand right next to the table. It’s the ultimate babysitter.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the local sunset times for the Big Island before you head out. Aim to arrive at least 90 minutes before that time to ensure you aren't stuck in the waiting area when the green flash happens. If you're planning on staying in the cottages, book at least six to nine months in advance, as there are only four units and they stay at nearly 100% occupancy year-round. Pack reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to snorkel A-Bay before your meal; the state of Hawaii has strict regulations to protect the coral reefs surrounding the club.