Great diner and great food. We had breakfast here. Staff were very friendly and never let our coffee cups empty! Our party ordered the loco moço, omelete and also pancakes. We enjoyed all of it. If you are looking for a casual place to eat breakfast or lunch. Don't pass this place up.

If you're cruising down Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona and blink, you might miss this unassuming little gem of a diner. No neon signs, no flashy gimmicks--just a classic local spot where the vibe is chill, the food is real, and the coffee is as Hawaiian as it gets. This place is pure old-school, tucked into a small outdoor shopping center that feels like it hasn't changed since the '70s--in the best possible way. Walk in, and it's all family-style seating, warm aloha spirit, and that unmistakable smell of comfort food sizzling away in the kitchen. It's the kind of spot where locals hang out, chatting over plates piled high with food that feels like a hug. Tourists? Rare. That's your first sign you've struck gold. I thought to try their loco moco. Let's start with their loco mocoa quintessential Hawaiian classic that feels like breakfast, lunch, and dinner rolled into one. The waitress bought this huge plate of white rice (fluffy and perfect), topped with a juicy hamburger patty, two perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs, and smothered in savory brown gravy. It's rich, hearty, and hits every comfort food note you're craving. Every bite is a reminder that simple, well-done food can be downright transcendent. I couldn't resist also ordering their Chantilly Belgian waffle. This thing deserves its own billboard. It's not just a waffle; it's an experience. Golden brown, light yet substantial, topped with sliced bananas, a generous sprinkle of diced macadamia nuts, and a drizzle of chantilly cream that's decadently smooth without being overly sweet. Add a cloud of whipped cream on top, and you've got a breakfast masterpiece that's indulgent without feeling over the top. And of course, the Kona coffee. Bold, smooth, and with that unmistakable nutty finish that only Kona beans deliver. This is the kind of coffee that makes you want to linger and order another round, just because you can. So when the waitress came around asking if I wanted my coffee, all I could do was nod, as my face was constantly stuffed with food. In a town known for beaches, sunsets, and tourists looking for the next big spot for selfies, this diner is refreshingly authentic. It's not trying to be anything but what it is--a spot where you can roll in, grab a plate of soul-soothing local food, eat and talk, and leave happier than when you arrived. For someone like me--a foodie who appreciates eating like the locals--it's exactly the kind of place that makes travel worth it. Whether you're chasing nostalgia, looking for a hangover cure, or just wanting to eat like a local, this diner delivers. This is Hawaiian comfort food at its finest--no pretense, no nonsense, just really good food. If you're in Kailua-Kona, it's a mandatory pit stop. Don't overthink it; just go. I highly recommend.

We love eating at local places even though we are "tourists". This place has a wonderful homey vibe. Husband had the moco loco with Portuguese sausage. The gravy was so good! I had fish and eggs because HI is the only place where I've been able to order fish and eggs for breakfast. I don't know what kind of fish it was but it was super fresh and cooked perfectly. They also have wonderful coffee and our server made sure our cups were always topped off. We will definitely come back next time we visit the big island.

Service was excellent, the staff work together to make sure everyone is taken care of like family. Our table was taken by another group and the staff immediately took care of us. No worries for my shellfish allergy, they offered to cook my food separately if needed. The Loco Moco was so hearty and delicious! Pancakes were super fluffy. They serve basic maple syrup. I wish they had the tropical syrup options available. Great spot, we will visit again.

Ok wow. This place doesn't look like much from the outside - it's in an old Pizza Hut maybe - but the food was soooo good. I don't even like pancakes but I got the macadamia nut pancakes with eggs and bacon and wow. They were fantastic! Huge and fluffy, I recommend sharing with a friend. Our eggs were cooked perfectly, one ordered over easy and the other scrambled, and the bacon was perfection. Crispy without being greasy - seriously yum. Service is quick and friendly. Eat here if you're looking for breakfast in Kona!

Went back for the first time since COVID. I was very disappointed in the fish sandwich. No flavor at all! I ended up eating some of my husband's meal which was great! He had the teriyaki beef which was one of our usual dishes before.

Came here for the loco moco and it was a great way to start the morning! Perfect hearty plate. The place was pretty busy but a very chill environment.

I always wonder if this place is open when I drive past it, but it seems to be operating with consistent hours. The parking lot was super crowded, but I was able to get a stall. I came here for breakfast around 10am on a Saturday in August and had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. I got the loco moco with Portuguese sausage. Most places only use hamburger patty as their loco moco meat, so I definitely appreciate Big Island Grill for using my favorite breakfast meat instead! The Portuguese sausage was super juicy and there was lots of gravy. This meal was super filling and delicious! Service was quick and friendly. It reminds me of a classic Hawaii breakfast place, and I appreciate the homey feel. I would definitely recommend this place for a solid breakfast!

Absolutely love this place and wish of these types of restaurants were still around. The interior exudes a more local atmosphere that's reminiscent of how Hawaii used to be. The menu is simple and service relaxed with a smile. Our breakfast of bacon, eggs, pancakes, Portuguese sausage and waffles was quite enjoyable. The bacon crispy. The Portuguese sausage mildly spiced and meaty. Eggs perfectly runny in the middle. Pancakes and waffles were sooo good. Fluffy buttery pancakes. Everything so good. Pay cash over credit to save on the surcharge.

This is one of our go-to places in Kailua Kona. The food here is reasonable and the staff is very friendly. They serve breakfast all day, so if you have a craving for some incredible Macadamian Pancakes for lunch, they're available! I had the Kalua Pork and Cabbage, brown rice, and grilled vegetables. The veggies are cooked with the Kalua Pork, so the taste is infused in the medley. My wife had the Macadamian pancakes, which consist of 2 pancakes, the size of the plate, and delicious.