restaurant/catering with very good vegetarian menu

Question

I’m helping organize a family event with 20-30 attendees of which half will be vegetarian (no meat, fish, eggs) and am looking for recommendations on restaurants which might be suitable venues themselves or provide catering for us (at a private residence) closest to Kailua-Kona.

Ideas?

Answer

For a family event near Kailua-Kona with a strong vegetarian/vegan focus, there are several excellent options for both restaurant venues and catering services that can accommodate a group of 20–30 people.

If you’re considering hosting at a restaurant:

Umekes Fishmarket Bar & Grill – While primarily known for seafood, they have a variety of fresh vegetable-based dishes and poke alternatives that can be customized for a vegetarian crowd. Private or semi-private dining options are available for larger groups.
Herbivores – A fully vegan restaurant in Kailua-Kona offering hearty and creative plant-based dishes. They have experience with group orders and can help coordinate special menus for events.
Island Naturals Market & Deli – They offer vegetarian and vegan prepared foods and sometimes host small gatherings. You could inquire about reserving space or arranging catered platters for your event.

If you prefer catering to a private residence:

Blue Ginger Catering – Offers customized menus including vegetarian and vegan options. Can handle large groups and will work with you to create a fully plant-based menu if needed.
Kona Vegan Cafe Catering – Specializes in 100% vegan cuisine with options like curries, bowls, and fresh salads. Perfect for a fully vegetarian/vegan menu for 20–30 people.
Hawaii’s Catering Companies – Many local catering services are willing to create vegetarian or vegan menus on request; examples include Big Island Catering and Kona Chef’s Table, both of which offer tailored menus for private events.

Additional tips:

Plan and confirm your menu at least 3–4 weeks in advance, especially if many guests are vegetarian or vegan.
Consider requesting tasting samples from the caterer beforehand to ensure flavors and presentation meet expectations.
If hosting at a private residence, check if the caterer can provide tables, linens, and serving staff; some restaurants also offer full-service catering delivery.

By selecting either a specialized vegetarian-friendly restaurant or a catering service with plant-based expertise, your event near Kailua-Kona can be both delicious and accommodating for all guests.