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Island Lava Java
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants American (Traditional) Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Coffee & Tea, American (Traditional), Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
75-5799 Alii DrSte A1
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-2161
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6:30 am - 9:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
293 reviews for Island Lava Java
Review Highlights
"The giant Cinnamon rolls are killer."
(in 22 reviews)
"Great service,great food and coffee and a great view."
(in 20 reviews)
"so soft & delicious especially with the coconut syrup."
(in 18 reviews)
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293 reviews in English
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Review from Matt C.
Kirkland, WA
12/7/2011
We are a family of 4 with two kids, a one year old and a three year old. We always struggle to find good places to eat in Hawaii. Either they are very expensive with good food or the food and venue tends to be limited and not good.
Island Lava Java was a great find for us! It's in a nice location with good seating. The food is very good, but not over priced. They have a kid's menu with some good items. We went for breakfast one morning and they had live music which was nice. Lunch on another day was just as good. The service is friendly and the place is pretty clean.
If you're looking for a laid back, casual place to eat that's more than just a tiny little stand somewhere, this is a great choice. Oh, and of course, great coffee too! -
Review from Mistress E.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2012
This place was our go to breakfast place in Kona. They have excellent coffee and their tropical waffle is amazing. I am not even into sweet stuff for breakfast and this waffle was amazing because it was covered in macadamia nuts, bananas and had a side of coconut syrup on the side.
They also have excellent array of ice cream. I highly recommend the lillikoi cheesecake ice cream. It's so good!! -
Review from Barry Z.
2/3/2012
Great Place for chillin' out in the morning with some excellent java. The place is very busy and the tables fill up fast. We have just had the coffee and pastries and order at the counter.
Very touristy but hey we are all tourists unless you live on the rock. Great view and great people watching.Listed in: Big Island grinds
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Review from Ash P.
Danville, CA
Updated - 2/2/2012
Live local band was there in the morning when we went there again.
Their papaya granola with yogurt was yumm!!
Oh! High alert to vegetarians, their Garden croissant has Ham and eggs, so don't get fooled like us. Upon request they will make you the garden croissant without meat or eggs!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/30/2012
Great location!!! Great ambience in the evening with live local musicians.
Great ,lively people. They… Read more »
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Review from Paige E.
Berkeley, CA
2/1/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Definitely worth the wait. Make a reservation on OpenTable if you plan to go during peak brunch hours. I had the vegetarian sandwich, which was fantastic. Freshly-squeezed OJ topped it off nicely. Minus one star for slow service, but that's probably just because the place was packed.
I will be back the next time I'm on the Big Island! -
Review from Heidi H.
Long Beach, CA
2/8/2012
We were on the island for over a week staying at a nearby hotel. This restaurant was a great find! We ate here a few times over the week. The food is great and not over priced. My other half is vegetarian and was able to eat very well here. If you are on the Kona side of the island, you should try this. If you are staying on the Hilo side, it is worth the drive over!
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Review from Jason H.
Seattle, WA
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
This review is for the espresso drinks and cinnamon pull-aparts. Espresso drinks were just not there - they don't use Kona beans and we ordered lattes but really got caffe au laits with espresso - no foam. The pull apart wasn't that out of the world.
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Review from Kate K.
Medford, OR
2/4/2012
Very yummy and very pricey for breakfast. I would probably just stick with their awesome-looking pastries that you can buy at the front.
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Review from Steve R.
Portland, OR
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great breakfast. Best we found in Kailua. Service can be slow. But hey everybody here seems to be on island time. Nice view of the ocean if you don't mind peeking through pedestrian and auto traffic. The latter can be a little distracting but great place to people watch. The food was great. The service... meh.
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Review from Minda B.
Davis, CA
1/25/2012
Terrific place to grab some giant banana pancakes with macademia nuts and a good cup of coffee. Staff is friendly and fun.
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Review from Ramsey K.
San Jose, CA
1/28/2012
Fantastic breakfasts, fresh breads and pastries. Also had incredible sandwiches foe lunch. Can't beat the view too. What an awesome find.
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Review from Carter F.
Newport Beach, CA
1/11/2012
It was hard to find a good breakfast spot in Kona that wasn't too overpriced for what you get. ILJ walks the line. Their prices are almost reasonable for the food you get, as is the quality. If I had to summarize, ILJ is probably the place I would choose to eat at regularly for breakfast given the other choices in town.
Oh, and the coffee selection is very extensive, and very good. -
Review from Tuan L.
Island Lava Java or Island Java Lava if you say it really fast..whatever the case, it's a place that won't be forgotten. This was my breakfast go to spot the whole time I was in paradise.
Lava Java is situated right on Kona's downtown strip facing the pacific ocean. There wasn't a spot outside that did not have a great view of the ocean.
The breakfast offerings was a good mix of items. Whether you're craving for sweet or savory breakfast items, there's options for everyone. Like their homemade cinnamon buns to Portuguese sausages. Then there is their basic items like pancakes and waffles, or eggs benedict served on home made croissant if you're seeking something more decadent.
If you're lucky you might get a table outside with a view of the baker inside making their homemade breads. How often do you run across a place that bakes their own bread for toast?
The servers are very friendly. On some days there is live music from a local playing cover songs while playing the ukulele. -
Review from Scott T.
Boise, ID
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Dropped in for breakfast. The hostess is a master at managing the crowd and this is the place to be for mornings in Kona.. Live music was enjoyable. The service was great. The food was good but didn't live up to all of the hype. My Island Pancake portion was huge and in those famous words: "in the battle of man vs food, food won!"
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Review from Seri L.
Oakland, CA
12/3/2011
I'm surprised this place is so highly rated and popular. I went there on two occasions - once for breakfast and another time to get ice cream after dinner.
I ordered a bowl of fruit for the table, a smoothie, and the fish breakfast with potatoes and eggs. I was expecting some papayas and strawberries, but it was mainly cantaloupe and some pineapples. Not super fresh, either. The smoothie that was the most popular (according to our server) was decent, but nothing special. The fish was overcooked/tough/dry and lacked in flavor while the potatoes were too seasoned and the eggs were just ok. I tried my friend's pancakes and those were pretty good. View was nice and service was pleasant for breakfast.
When we stopped by for ice cream another night, the person working clearly did not want to be there. She seemed annoyed that we were asking about the flavors, never offered us to try any (not that we asked for any), and on two occasions asked, "You guys are paying together, right??" More so in a way to tell us to pay together. And when she missed one of our friends in the group to pay together and we told her we wanted to pay for her, too, she seemed more irritated and just said, "I'm just multitasking." and just took her money separately. WTF. Ice cream was good, though.
So yeah... not sure why it's always busy and the reviews are so high for this place. -
Review from Austin A.
Philadelphia, PA
1/25/2012
Not sure why everyone is blown away. Decent food, but not world class. Cinnamon pull-apart was very good, eggs and pancakes were good. Coffee was acceptable, but not good enough that they should charge by the mug (which they do, and that's bullshit). Location is excellent, and service was acceptable. If you're nearby and hungry, I would say it's fine, but I would not recommend anyone go out of their way.
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Review from Michie R.
Los Angeles, CA
1/19/2012
This a great place to whale/dolphin watch with your morning kona coffee. For breakfast they have everything from fresh island papaya and granola to full hearty omelettes and pancakes.
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Review from Molly T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/26/2011
Yep! I AM a fan. Enjoyed the veggie version of a breakfast croissant sammy!
Also ordered a mixed berry smoothie, and I should have opted for something more "Hawaii" but I am not one of those yelpers that is going to "deduct a star" because of my own mistake, or the weather outside.
The location is great, you look out on the bay and can watch people enjoying watersports and the spinner dolphins play around them.
It is a popular place, just be ready for that ...
In addition to all that I can not stress enough the importance of spending your $$$$$$ locally! It makes a MAJOR difference in the communities that we visit.
Enjoy! -
Review from Carla T.
Philadelphia, PA
12/8/2011
Lava Java is a great spot to enjoy a relaxing day in Kona.
Depending on what you order, it can get a bit pricey but that is expected in Hawaii. If you're there for lunch, ask if they have any lunch specials (they usually have daily ones). Another plus, they offer free wi-fi! Just ask the person taking your order for the code.
Keep in mind that this is right on Alii drive so when the cruise ships come in this place is packed! That being said, sometimes there is a really long wait. I wouldn't recommend this place if you're on a lunch break unless you order ahead for pick up. -
Review from Vittorio L.
Oakland, CA
11/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good place for pancakes and waffles and such for breakfast on the island. The service was a little hit or miss, but the food was good once it came. The coffee was generous, crisp, and fragrant. The pancakes fluffy and sweet. It seems the place to go for pancakes in Kailua-Kona if you're a tourist. =)
Thanks to our server Jamie who suggested her favorite beaches on the island, drew us a map, and no doubt would show us how to get there if she weren't working! Kudos! Did i mention this place has Wifi? Lots and LOTS of places in town have wifi, too. -
Review from Vic M.
Chico, CA
1/13/2012
I had excellent coffee Americano and quality muffins for breakfast.
They don't offer wines for dinner however they encourage bringing your own wines and they'll open the bottle, provide glasses and don't charge for doing that.
Their pizza is good, it's in a nice location.
We received good as well as friendly service and their manager was really helpful when we first arrived for dinner. -
Review from Gail S.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/30/2012
We just had lunch at Lava Java; excellent! I had a turkey sand that came with arugula in it, the arugula combined with the really fresh turkey and the avo was outstanding. The green salad that came with it had a wonderful dressing. My spouse had another turkey sand which he also loved,with french fries. They were excellent too. We were there right at noon so the service was a little slow but the food was worth the wait.
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Review from avani p.
Marina del Rey, CA
1/10/2012
We stopped here for brunch one morning. The food and the service left a lot to be desired. The location cannot be beat though. It is indeed a beautiful location.
However, for me personally quality of the food is quite important and the service is very important too. The servers were not very attentive atall. We had to flag them down every single time. Firstly they screw up our orders. I specifically asked for extra crispy bacon and it was not every crispy. I don't like my bacon limp. The scrambled eggs were flavorless. We had to put in a ton of pepper and hot sauce in it to make it edible. Moreover, my husband asked for some toast and it took them so long to bring the toast out that we were almost done eating by then.
On top of that, the server didn't once pay any attention to filling our water glasses or any such courtesy.
Worst of all, I got an upset stomach right after finishing my meal. I ended up having upset tummy all day after this horrible meal. Save yourself some grief and don't go here.
The only reason this place has 2 stars is due to the location. -
Review from Sharr K.
-Free wifi
-Opens late 9:30 (most places close around the same time if not earlier)
-Eat outside
-Kona coffee (a must)
Papaya with vanilla yogurt and granola - 5stars
Veggie omelette - 3stars (too many red onions)
Beet salad - 3stars too much greens (not enough of the good stuff, i.e. more beets, cheese and nuts).
Wait staff - 3stars (very very busy)
**Food is a little pricey**Listed in: KONA!!!!!!!
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Review from Jimmy N.
9/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
First time I came here was in 2010. The wife and I had the kalbi butterfish and fish tacos to go from here during our honeymoon trip...it was the evening of July 4th, in fact. I remember because the line was out the door with people trying to get food and drinks to watch the fireworks along Ali'i Drive. The butterfish was sublime, fish tacos were fresh and good. Nothing like great food and fireworks exploding in mid-air over Kailua Bay with your new wife to sear a memory of a place into your mind so well.
Flash forward to Labor Day weekend 2011-- I was here for the Queen Lili'uokalani outrigger canoe races and some of my teammates wanted to grab some breakfast here. I had the breakfast sandwich, it was exactly what I was looking for- a substantial meal without being overly heavy. Nice, fresh croissant, enough meat, egg, and cheese to do the job. The place was packed, but service didn't suffer too much, and they were polite to boot.
Definitely a winner in my book. We'll be back for sure the next time we're in Kona town. -
Review from Tia S.
Kailua-Kona, HI
Updated - 1/6/2012
Horrible customer service! Horrible waiters! Horrible owner who takes there workers side after a customer complaint. This is a great place to go if u want to play tourist and pay too much money for bad service and food.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/5/2011
Prices are ridiculous, servers are rude, owner has no customer service skills, and the place is… Read more »
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Review from Autumn H.
Irvine, CA
11/9/2011 Seated via OpenTable 2 Check-ins Here
Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs both times we went here.
The coffee drinks are yummy and the breakfast foods are very rich, so you might not be able to finish everything, even if you want to.
Great views of the water and street for people watching. -
Review from Guy R.
Brentwood, TN
1/3/2012
Came hear straight from the airport after arriving and reading Yelp reviews. The view was terrific looking right out over the ocean. The service was good. The food was good but perhaps a little bland and the prices were reasonable, (a rarity in Hawaii).
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Review from Diane C.
9/3/2011
I've been driving by for a week and it's always full. I had to try it before we go back home. So we came by this morning.
My husband and I trying to get attention from the staff was impossible. The girls that work here seem like they're too busy posing for a camera than actually working. Being a blond, rude tattooed girl with a tan must be the prerequisite for working here. It took at least 5 minutes for one of them to rudely tell us to sit at any seat outside.
At this point, I was ready to just walk out. The only reason I stayed was because my husband said the food smells good.
The Waffles and Eggs Benedict were delicious! The coffee and pineapple juice we got were great. When we finished our coffee, the Barbie that was serving us, walked by several times and never asked if we wanted more coffee. When we asked for more coffee, she seemed shocked!
This is a split decision...
The food/coffee get 5 stars
The service less than 1 stars.
This is big since I'm always sympathetic to those that work on their feet and in the service industry. I could understand one person having a bad day and having a bit of an attitude. Not one person was pleasant or welcoming.
Very disappointed with the service. Enough that I won't be coming back. -
Review from Jackie H.
Orange County, CA
10/22/2011
Love going here every time I return to Hawaii to visit da family. I always like to try coffee shops that aren't Starbucks etc. and this won was a great choice when I first got their ice blended kona coffee mocha a few years ago. You could actually taste the coffee and enjoy it for that rather than having a hint of coffee and some ice.
I've usually just stuck with the coffee but on one occasion did actually order breakfast which was quite tasty, I love that it isn't your typical cafe, they have their own spin and take on things that are really enjoyable
You can go in for a quick bite or just grab a coffee and run. Great to sit outside on the patio and look over Ali'i Drive at the ocean, so relaxing. Service has always been great and I always look forward to stopping by on each visit back -
Review from brandi g.
Los Angeles, CA
9/16/2011
Food 3 stars, coffee shake 3.5 stars. Service was 5 stars. Sadly my fish sandwich was not as good as I hoped. I should have listened to the server who said to have the tacos. It was kinda fishy mahi, perfectly cooked, but maybe I just got a bad piece. My pineapple juice was excellent, as was the pineapple ginger blend. But the coffee shake, yum! So good I didn't get much before hubby drank it all! So I came back again later to get my own! It's all mine, honey, you can't have a drink!
Update: came back for my shake and it was tasty but not very coffee heavy. My hubby's earlier shake was much more coffee flavored and more delicious. Depends on the maker, I suppose.
Waaa. Whine. Whine. I'll shut up now and enjoy the view. -
Review from Hanneke F.
Burlingame, CA
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Finally posting from my draft in May...
FOOD: Seared ahi poke wrap was a mistake -- when they say "seared" here, it means "cooked all the way through until it's rubbery." Fish tacos w/ mango salsa was yummy.
DRINKS: Lilikoi (passion fruit) tea was good. When asked to describe the yerba mate, the waitress said, "It's like wet tobacco..." Even with that glowing review, we didn't order it.
PRICEY, as expected, being in tourist trap area.
AMBIANCE was great, since you're sitting under red umbrellas and have a great street-level view of the ocean, a mere 30 yards out. Feels very hip-and-local.
OVERALL: Still a tourist trap, but decent. -
Review from Rebecca P.
Washington, DC
9/26/2011
This place is worth a stop while in Kona. We had brunch there on Sunday and I can't wait to go back. Being gluten-free and vegetarian food options are not always readily available but Lava Java delivered and then some. The tofu scramble with brown rice was rich in flavors and prepared with excellent presentation and health in mind. My fiancé had the fish tacos and he mentioned they were some of the best he has ever had!
The view is excellent as this place is right on the water. The staff was very friendly and there was a guy playing the ukulele - he was so so good! Good enough that I bought his cd and would highly recommend him if you ever plan a wedding in Kona (I'll post his name when I look it up!).
I am looking forward to my next visit to Lava Java. -
Review from Chris S.
Palm Springs, CA
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Geat food and service a must eat if your hungry in Kona!!
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Review from Monica F.
League City, TX
8/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This little gem is located on Alii Drive and we are so glad we found it with help from fellow Yelpers!
For starters, any place that offers Stevia packets in lieu of Splenda or Sweet-n-Low is a-ok in my book.
Hubby got the organic burger and I got the fish tacos. No clue what hubs thought of his burger, but the fish tacos were pretty good. They come with black beans and a salad on the side. The fish is fresh and has no price, it's at FMV. The only thing I really didn't like was the corn tortilla that enveloped the fish ... it was thick and dry.
Hubs also got the coconut ice cream, which was tasty.
Restrooms are in the kitchen area, which is HOT, HOT, HOT!! I feel for the people working back there. -
Review from Marylu P.
Los Angeles, CA
8/31/2011 1 photo
Banana Nut Waffles were sooo good so were the roasted garlic potatoes!
I'd steer away from the hot chocolate though, it was wayyy watered down.
Parking is in the back and the farmers market and shopping village is right down the street, so you can walk that waffle right off.
The seating is perfect because you have the best view of the ocean! -
Review from Thelma Lee G.
Davis, CA
11/14/2011
Just delicious. Had the ahi wrap and my husband had the hamburger. Both were fresh and delicious. They make their own house salad dressing and they do not overdress their salad. The fries were good too. The waiter was so helpful, steering us away from things and listening to our likes and dislikes so that we would order things that were right for us. He was great. Highly recommend!!!!
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Review from Sareh O.
Kailua-Kona, HI
1/13/2012
delicious food options as well as yummy coffee choices. expresso @ bar was organic so that gave me a smile every time. service was friendly & helpful always. drank their own made organic ginger drink. yummy but added some peligrino for some fizz. They have the most amazing cinnamon pastries. must try. favorite drink: coconut mocha blended drink. amazing.
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Review from Kevin S.
San Jose, CA
12/12/2011
I was in Kona for a week on vacations and ended up getting breakfast here 4 times. Kona coffee is impossible to beat and good fresh food cant be topped. Great food for the price too.
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Review from Nichole F.
Playa Del Rey, CA
6/20/2011
We've enjoyed their cinnamon rolls many times, and just HAD to hit those fish tacos I have seen so many reviews on....well, the reviews were spot on! My mom is our resident fish taco expert. She gives them two thumbs up (and is still talking about the black beans that come with them). I had a half of their house salad, with added grilled fish and their lilikoi/ginger dressing. OMG, delicious.
To top-it-all-off, great views and live guitar to boot!
It's officially hit our list of favorite spots!!
