Huggo's on the Rocks

MaggieMagoo
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
10
Reviews
5
Photos

Great Location, Run Down Restaurant

  • November 25, 2009
  • Rated 2 of 5 by travelbug1115 from Kailua Kona, Hawaii
We ate at both Huggo's restaurant, as well as the more beachy restaurant below, Huggo's on the Rocks. The view is great, the live entertainment is great. Other than that, the place is dirty, the drinks are over priced, and the food is so-so. It has a sand bottom floor, which in theory sounds really cool. But you can tell the sand was brought in and who knows when they clean it. I wouldn't let MY child play in it that's for sure. If you look closely, you'll find old rib bones, discarded limes, and much much worse. We went there for lunch one more time to give it another try. We happened to go the day after it rained so it was still a little wet from the previous rainfall. The place smelled like a wet dog! Also, in the day, you can see how unsanitary everything REALLY is. They serve their food in baskets, which you don't notice at night, but during the day you can see that there is stuck on food and grime on them.

In saying all this, however, I will visit Huggo's again. You really can't beat the view. I definitely prefer other locations though.
Editor Pick

Prime Location for Sunset Dinner

  • September 17, 2009
  • Rated 4 of 5 by MilwVon from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Prime Location for Sunset Dinner

Huggo's is located right on the water, literally OVER the water, in Kailua-Kona. The open air restaurant allows for the sea breeze to blow back your air, and the rolling waves to provide nature's music as you enjoy perhaps the best fine dining experience in Kona.

We made a 6:00pm dinner reservation for a Friday night. Most of the tables are along the open-air windows but we didn't leave it to chance so our reservation also included that request. When we arrived, they had our table ready in what I thought was just about the best place in the house.

As we settled in, the cocktail waitress arrived to take our drink orders. With booze and a blender awaiting our return back at the timeshare, we opted for ice water. Not to mention, I was still feeling a bit dehydrated from all of the sun over the past couple of days.

Dick was our server, assisted by Chase. They stopped by next to run through the menu and evening specials. With a few more minutes reviewing the offerings, we were ready to order . . . for me it was the end cut of prime rib, 10 oz cut for $34. David went with the evening special which was mongchong fish (also $34) that was encrusted with a pistachio coating and pan fried in olive oil. Both entrees were served with their house specialty garlic mashed potatoes (not sure what makes them a house specialty, but they were good).

As a started, David selected a cup of the clam chowder that not only had decent sized clam strips in it, but also a couple of baby shrimp. I enjoyed my ceasar's salad, which was also served with hot sour dough rolls.

Our dinners were prepared for outstanding presentation and taste. I was surprised at just how large a 10 oz cut of beef was. I shared with David so that we both could sample a little surf n turf. His fish was exquisite! I had never even heard of mongchong before, but it was good. A hearty solid white fish, its flavor was actually very delicate and not overpowering.

With a pass on desserts (sorry Cathy, I know that disappoints you) we were out of there for right at $100. Yes it is pricey . . . but the meal was outstanding, the view one of the best in Kona . . . and the ambiance of the rolling surf beneath your table unlike anything we have here in Wisconsin. So yes, we were happy with our evening out at Huggo’s!

They do have limited parking (free) in front of the restaurant. Depending on the time you arrive, however, you may need to park out on Alii Drive and walk a block or two. Because this is at the far end of the road along the waterfront, most people do walk to Huggo’s. Given my injury the day before, we didn't want to risk that I couldn't walk back the mile or so after dinner so we did take our car.

Huggo's is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. They also feature a Sunday Brunch (10a-1p). If you are looking for breakfast or perhaps a little less formal dining experience, try their sister restaurant Huggo's on the Rocks which is adjacent to their larger restaurant.

More information including menus and online reservation assistance may be found at: www.huggos.com. Also please note that while they have an address that says "Kahakai Road" they are really right on Alii Drive.


From journal Week Two in Hawaii: The Big Island - Kona

Great Atmosphere and Good Prices!

  • May 25, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by jochro from Lincoln, Rhode Island
Good drinks, GREAT food, and good prices. Not to mention great ambiance with tiki torches at night and hula entertainment. Walked in on Memorial Day weekend at 7PM and had no problem getting a table. Highly recommend the Grilled Cheese and Bleu Cheese burger!
Editor Pick

Huggos Ocean Front Dining

  • July 30, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by MilwVon from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Huggos is right on the oceanfront and is well situated for a romantic and pleasurable dining experience. From the top of the restaurant, the waves are well lit as they crash over the lava rocks on the shoreline.

Service was very attentive, which you would expect from such a fine-dining establishment. The menu is expansive, featuring many fresh catches daily. I had the Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi, but subbed the garlic mashed for the rice that comes with the dish. No salad comes with the meal, so that is an a la carte item if you want one. The sour dough rolls are very good however, but don't fill up on them!

Huggos is also well known for their desserts. I shared the Onolicious Huno (turtle) Pie with one of my friends. It lived up to their hype and my expectations!!

We arrived at 7:45pm on a Friday without reservations. We had about a 45-minute wait. Parking is free outside the restaurant, although it can be very limited. Arrive early and enjoy a cocktail or brew at the bar.

From journal Big Island Dining Choices

Huggos Ocean Front Dining

  • April 30, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by MilwVon from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Huggos is right on the oceanfront, and is well situated for a romantic and pleasurable dining experience. From the top of the restaurant, the waves are well lit as they crash over the lava rocks on the shoreline.

Service was very attentive, which you would expect from such a fine dining establishment. The menu is expansive, featuring many fresh catches daily. I had the Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi, but sub the garlic mashed for the rice that comes with the dish. No salad comes with the meal so that is an ala carte item if you want one. The sour dough rolls are very good however, but don't fill up on them!

Huggos is also well known for their desserts. I shared the Onolicious Huno (turtle) Pie with one of my friends. It lived up to their hype and my expectations!!

We arrived at 7:45pm on a Friday without reservations. We had about a 45-minute wait. Parking is free outside the restaurant, although it can be very limited. Arrive early and enjoy an adult beverage at the bar.

From journal Kona One More Time - Spring Break!

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