Enjoy an upscale dining experience with Japanese and Pacific Rim fusion dishes that will appeal to a variety of tastes. While located in a shopping center, the interior and the menu offer a much higher quality than food court fare. Take your tastebuds on a journey while in Kailua-Kona and sample dishes at Kenichi Pacific.
Most visitors mention how busy Kenichi Pacific is during Happy Hour and dinner. This place is popular with travelers and locals and comes highly recommended by many in the tourism field, which is where many first heard about it. However, this Asian fusion restaurant is a genuine favorite among those in the area. It offers well-prepared foods and a menu that includes sushi and cooked entrees to satisfy your craving for familiar foods with a twist.
Many of the dishes on the menu take inspiration from Japanese food, such as udon soup and sushi. You will also find hearty entrees such as ribeye steak, macadamia nut-crusted lamb, and the restaurant’s signature duck confit.
Another signature of this restaurant is its extensive variety of drink options. You will find more than 40 wines, a variety of Japanese and domestic beers, and more than a dozen options from sake by bottle or glass. The bar also has ingredients for classic and signature cocktails, too, to complement the flavors of the fusion food. For instance, you can get a Coconut Ginger Mojito that uses coconut rum, ginger liquor, mint, and yuzu for a Pacific take on the classic mint-flavored mojito.
When you visit, don’t miss the following signature dishes and guest favorites at Kenichi Pacific:
Ono Tataki
Fresh island ono fish grilled rare and served with a side of mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, and ponzu emulsion-topped mushrooms. By using the freshest fish available, Kenichi Pacific can cook it to a rare level of doneness, giving you an unusual experience that brings out the fullest flavor of the fish. When you cannot decide on a seafood entree, try the Ono Tataki for a meal that brings the best of East and West together in one meal.
Kenichi Duck Confit
Kenichi Pacific’s signature dish is its Duck Confit. This must-try entree seasons a rich duck leg with Chinese five-spice. Sides include mashed potatoes, Alii mushrooms, and pea tendrils topped with a balsamic reduction and red pepper coulis. Visitors have described this dish as one of their best meals with a flavorfully crisp skin on the duck and good balance with the five-spice seasoning.
Dynamite Shrimp
If you crave appetizers, like many others who visit Kenichi Pacific, try the Dynamite Shrimp. The restaurant describes it as “World Famous” on its menu. This dish includes jumbo tempura shrimp baked to crisp perfection and served with a smelt egg aioli. For many, this is their favorite dish from their visit. The generous portion of this appetizer could easily fill someone with a light appetite or make a good start to a satisfying meal.
Kenichi Special Roll
Another draw for many to Kenichi Pacific is its sushi menu, and one of the most popular is the Kenichi Special Roll. This flavorful roll combines the best of a standard California roll with the tastes of a Spicy Tuna Roll. The Special Roll includes snow crab, tuna, avocado, cucumber rolled inside with smelt roe on the outside. It’s many visitors’ favorite sushi option.
Kenichi Pacific is the place to go for fusion Pacific cuisine, great drinks, and one of the most popular Happy Hours in Kona. For creative sushi and much more, make Kenichi Pacific your dinner destination in Kailua-Kona.
Insider Tips:
-Save money and make a meal of the delicious appetizers by enjoying the Happy Hour menu.
-Arrive just before Happy Hour starts because it becomes crowded quickly and the restaurant only offers a first-come, first-served for Happy Hour specials.
-Make reservations to get a spot at this highly popular and busy restaurant.