When you want a quick meal made with flair using only the freshest local ingredients, you can get it all at Island Ono Loa Grill. Located in the heart of Kailua-Kona, this casual restaurant proudly serves flavorful burgers, plate lunches, and everything in between. They put a local spin on everything they do, too, always flexing their partnerships with ranchers, fishermen, and farmers from all over Hawaii.
When you get a grass-fed burger, you can rest assured that the beef patty always comes from Kuahiwi Ranch. The toasted sweetbread buns? They come from Punalu’u Bake Shop. Their produce comes from island farms – and the luscious goat cheese hails from a quaint dairy in Honokaa. They even cook the burgers right over lava rocks, bringing their island-centric approach full circle. Rest assured that they take this same approach with all their menu items, barring their hot dogs as they have a soft spot for Chicago dogs.
All that collaboration with local ingredient suppliers takes a whole lot of time. But their approach in the kitchen is the polar opposite. As soon as an order comes through the window, they hit the ground running to ensure the plate hits the table fast. They never skimp on quality either, despite speed running their preparations each and every time. They’re just able to breeze through it all due to their excellent morning prep and proven culinary techniques.
Despite their commitment to fast delivery of your food always, the team takes the time to spread their aloha spirit through the eatery. You’ll get a warm greeting right when you walk in, plus an invitation to browse the menu at your leisure. Then, when you’re ready to order, their counter service will leave you feeling like family. After that, you can find a comfy seat and your friendly server will bring out your order. Just remember to bus your own table after your meal since they’re not a full-service eatery.
Swing by to sample the:
PB & Bacon Burger
For sweet and savory decadence in each and every bite, order up the delightful PB & Bacon Burger. They create this masterpiece by grilling their 100% beef patty – or grass-fed patty for an extra charge. Then, they put it on a locally sourced bun slathered in peanut butter before piling on the bacon, tomato, and lettuce.
The Hot Mess Kalua Pork Sandwich
When you want it extra saucy, treat yourself to The Hot Mess Kalua Pork Sandwich. The chef definitely doesn’t hold back in building this fan favorite. It all starts with kalua pork slow roasted until pull apart tender. Then, they add Swiss cheese and a fried egg before slapping it on a bun. Big Island Pepper Company sauce lands on top right at the end to elevate the flavors even more.
Ono Loa Loco
If your appetite is larger than life, then only the Ono Loa Loco will do. This magnificent work of art starts with a hamburger patty and kalua pig. Then, it gets four scoops of mac salad and two scoops of rice. It doesn’t end there either. They also add two eggs, four onion rings, brown gravy, chili pepper spicy aioli, and green onions.
They’re serious about gluten-free fare. If you want to skip the wheat, just ask for a gluten-free bun for your burgers and sandwiches. Also, they have a dedicated deep fryer for their French fries, so there are no traces of gluten there either. Still not sure what to order? Go up to the front counter and request their top gluten-free recommendations.
Insider Tips:
-All burgers come out medium unless you tell them otherwise. So, speak up if you want yours rare, well-done, or somewhere in between.
-Their grass-fed beef patties are an extra charge, but well worth the expense.
-No matter what you order, definitely ask for a side of the ultra-yummy volcano sauce for dipping.