Drinks and puu puus

Question

Looking for favorite places in the south Kailua-Kona area for delicious drinks and puu puus. Nice view would be great but not required. Husband has a ridiculous sweet tooth though, so drinks need to be like a smoothie or milkshake. We have a couple days before the rest of the family arrives.

Answer

Aloha — great question! If you’re in south Kailua-Kona on the Big Island and want family-friendly spots for drinks (especially smoothies/“milkshake-type” drinks) and puu puus (appetizers / small bites), there are a few places I’d recommend that tend to hit the right vibe: casual, tasty, and often with good island-style food. Here are several good bets to check out while you have a couple of days to explore Kona.

Recommended places for drinks & puu puus in Kailua-Kona

— This is probably exactly what you’re looking for if your husband loves sweet drinks. They serve about a dozen fresh-fruit smoothies, Kona-coffee drinks, frappes and sweet drinks along with casual eats (sandwiches, wraps, pizza, melts, etc.).
- Good for kids and families — the vibe is relaxed and casual, and they have indoor + shaded-outdoor seating.
- If you want something indulgent, this is likely where your husband will get a “milkshake-style” treat or a fruit smoothie with island flavor.
— A more typical restaurant/bar, but with a broad menu and good “pupus” (starters/appetizers) plus drinks. They serve pizza, burgers, island-style dishes, and also have a large selection of beers and cocktails.
- They’re right on Aliʻi Drive, by the water — nice place for an easy dinner or early evening drinks.
- Good for a relaxed, laid-back meal; worth going for a mix of “local island + casual bar vibe + comfort food.”
— If you don’t mind a more pub-style vibe and want something a little lively, Humpy’s offers bar food, fish tacos or fish & chips, and “alehouse-style” eats that feel casual and fun — good for a pre-family arrival night out or when you want a no-fuss meal.
- They have ocean-front/patio seating, which can make for nice sunset views.
- Good if you want a relaxed, low-key vibe rather than a “fancy dinner.” Especially if you might get there after a day out or want live-music / more “local bar” energy.
— This is another good casual choice if you want water-side dining with a full bar. According to local guides, Papa Kona is “right on the water,” which means you get breezes and nice views along with your meal and drinks.
- Good for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and the atmosphere tends to be easygoing and welcoming.
- Appeals to a variety of tastes — you could grab a cocktail or something lighter while sampling local-style plates or pupus.

Why these places are a good match

Since you’re arriving before the rest of your family, having a mix of casual cafés and local-style restaurants gives flexibility — you can do a chill smoothie + snack day at Hungry Honu, or a more “dinner out” vibe at Kai Eats + Drinks or Papa Kona.
Your husband’s sweet tooth gets covered (Hungry Honu’s smoothies/frappes + Kona coffee drinks), and you still have spots with islandish food that kids or families would enjoy.
Many of these are on or near the water (or on the main Aliʻi Drive strip), so you get that “vacation in Hawaiʻi” feel without needing fancy resort-dining or reservations.

My suggestions for how to split the days

For a relaxed morning or early lunch — start at Hungry Honu for fresh fruit smoothie (or coffee + treat) and a light bite. Great for adjusting to the island rhythm and having a laid-back “first day” vibe.
For a casual dinner out while waiting for your family — go to Kai Eats + Drinks or Papa Kona: good food, drinks, and comfortable energy.
For a slightly more “local pub / dive-bar” feel with bar food and maybe some beers (if you want), try Humpy’s Alehouse — especially if you enjoy a livelier, less touristy scene.

Mahalo — hope you and your husband have a fun, tasty, and relaxing couple of days in Kona!