Christmas day arrival and food options

Question

We are arriving in Kona on Christmas day around 3pm. We will be picking up a rental car and driving to our accommodations in Hilo that same day. Are there any restaurants or grocery stores or convenience stores open in Kona or Hilo on Christmas?

Answer

Arriving on Christmas Day in Kona and needing food options can be a bit tricky, as many businesses will be closed for the holiday. However, there are still a few options for dining and stocking up on supplies in both Kona and Hilo. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

In Kona:

Restaurants: Some restaurants in Kona may remain open on Christmas Day, particularly those in major hotels or resorts. For instance, restaurants at the Kona Village Resort or Four Seasons Resort are likely to have special holiday menus, though reservations are usually required. You can also check for options like Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill or Huggo’s on the Rocks, which might be open for dinner.
Grocery Stores: Most grocery stores will be closed for Christmas, but some 24-hour convenience stores like 7-Eleven or the ABC Stores in Kona may be open for last-minute snacks or beverages. However, don’t expect fresh produce or substantial grocery shopping options at these places.
Take-Out Options: If you're arriving late and looking for something simple, consider take-out from eateries like Pai’s Italian or Kona Brewing Co. (although hours can vary on holidays, they may have options available).

In Hilo:

Restaurants: As in Kona, most restaurants in Hilo will likely be closed on Christmas Day, but some places in Hilo, such as Ken’s House of Pancakes or Hilo Bay Cafe, might have special holiday hours. It’s worth checking ahead or calling directly to confirm if they are open.
Grocery Stores: Hilo’s grocery stores, including Safeway and KTA Super Stores, are generally closed on Christmas Day. However, some smaller convenience stores might remain open for essential items. If you're arriving in the late afternoon, you might want to plan ahead and purchase any food supplies before the holiday closures.
Convenience Stores: As in Kona, some 7-Eleven or ABC Stores may have limited snacks, drinks, and pre-packaged food available if you need a quick bite to tide you over.

Important Tips:

If you plan to self-cater during your stay, it's advisable to stock up on groceries ahead of time, especially for the drive from Kona to Hilo. You may be able to find some essentials at open grocery stores before Christmas Day.
If you arrive late and have limited food options available, consider calling ahead to see if any restaurants are open for late dinner services or Christmas specials.
Since you will be driving from Kona to Hilo, you may want to stop at a convenience store on the way to grab some easy-to-eat snacks or supplies for the drive.

While Christmas Day can limit dining options, planning ahead can help ensure you have what you need for your arrival day. Enjoy your time on the Big Island!