Kenichi Pacific

Name: Kenichi Pacific
Address: 78-6831 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI, United States, 96740
Telephone: (808) 322-6400
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

1053 Reviews

$31 to $50

Japanese

Top Tags:

Kenichi Pacific will wow you with its highly praised Japanese Pan-Asian cuisine and sushi, and its contemporary ambiance. In a relaxed, elegant setting, Kenichi offers unforgettable original dishes, such as the Duck Confit, a Chinese five-spice cured duck leg served with russett potatoes and wild mushrooms in a delicious balsamic reduction sauce. The Ono tataki grilled rare, stands out as well, with mashed yams, green beans, Japanese mushrooms and a ponzu emulsion. Another must try is the Dynamite Shrimp, tempura shrimp baked with smelt aioli and teriyaki sauce.

The presentation and the flavors are equally superb. Of course, only the freshest fish and seafood are used, so the sushi is impeccable. The molten flourless chocolate cake is achieving legendary status, so save room for a delicious finish!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 18, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Japanese, Seafood, Steak
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sun 4:30 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(808) 322-6400
Website
http://www.kenichipacific.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Kenichi Kanada
Catering
Offers: Full sushi station with your private Chef Kenichi Kanada Bar station Sushi, food/pupus & more At least a week notice for smaller groups.
Private party facilities
Small Dining room hold up to 14 people.also we have Two out side patio (Covered) hold up to 20 and 30 people.
Private party contact
Ken Kanada: (808) 322-6400

Location
78-6831 Ali'i Drive Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Neighborhood
Kailua-Kona
Cross street
Kamehameha III
Parking details
We are located in Keauhou Shopping Center. We do have plenty of parking space.
Public transit
Keauhou shuttle Open-Air 44 seat trolley type shuttle. Between Keauhou and Kailua town eight times a day.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Avocado Mac Nut Salad (Seasonal)$13.00
Big island grown avocado, macadamia nut, organic greens, ponzu vinaigrette
Kenichi's Mixed Greens$11.00
Organic greens, hamakua tomatoes, pineapple, ginger vinaigrette
Raw and Local$14.00
Big island grown julienne vegetables, miso caesar dressing
Wakame Seaweed on Greens$11.00
Mixed greens, onions, wakame, tosazu dressing
Steamed Vegetables$9.00
Steamed vegetables & tofu in bamboo steamer with miso sesame dipping sauce
Tony's Tuna Poke Salad$19.00
Mixed greens, Hawaiian style poke with Tony's twist

Cool Tasting

Tenderloin Carpaccio

Thinly Sliced Filet Mignon, Truffle Ponzu$19.00
New Style Sashimi (6p)$19.00
Yellowtail, cilantro, serrano chili
Lettuce Wraps
- Grilled Chicken$17.00
- Crispy Soft Shell Crab$19.00
Sunomono$6.00
Thin sliced cucumbers, wakame seaweed, sanbai-zu dressing
- With Shrimp or Octopus$11.00
Edamame$4.50
Steamed whole soy beans
Kona Sea Salt Roasted Edamame$8.00

Agemono Fried

World Famous Dynamite Shrimp$8.00
Kenichi original baked jumbo tempura shrimp, smelt egg aioli
Crab Cake
Wrapped in phyllo dough, wasabi remoulade
- Blue Crab (3 Pc)$14.00
Spicy Kara'age Chicken$12.00
Japanese style boneless fried chicken
Mix Vegetable Tempura$16.00
Onion, shiitake mushroom, sweet potato, asparagus, pumpkin, eggplant
Firecracker Shrimp$13.00
Crispy shrimp with spicy aioli sauce

Salad Additions

for salad & entrees only

Grilled Fish$12.00
white fish, served rare
Oven-Roasted Chicken$10.00
mirin, sake, soy, ginger marinated
Grilled Kauai Shrimp
- 3 Pc$13.00

Hot (Warm) Tasting

Upside-Down Dimsum
Lean ground pork, wonton skin, steamed and seared
- 3 Pc$10.00
Kenichi Manapua$14.00
Slow cooked duck, pickled vegetables, miso hoisin sauce in steamed buns
Asian BBQ. Ribs$15.00
Hoisin sauce, plum wine, soy, miso. Aspen's original recipe
Miso Black Cod$16.00
Saikyo miso cured for 72 hours, then broiled
Age'dashi Tofu$7.50
Fried tofu, green onions, grated ginger, bonito flakes, dashi
Saka-Mushi (Manila Clam)$13.00
with sake, fresh ginger, touch of soy

Soup

Traditional Miso Soup$3.50
- With Clams$7.00
- With Tempura Crisp$5.00

Fresh Oyster on Half Shell

Seasonal

Pacific Oyster from Oregon with Traditional
ponzu, momiji-oroshi, scallion (5 pc)
- M/P

Fresh Wasabi

Fresh Wasabi$4.00
Freshly grated wasabi from Japan

What 1,053 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.3Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Hawaii / Big Island
Best Food
Hawaii / Big Island
Best Value
Hawaii / Big Island
Fit for Foodies
Hawaii / Big Island
Healthy
Hawaii / Big Island
Neighborhood Gem
Hawaii / Big Island
Special Occasion
Hawaii / Big Island
Vibrant Bar Scene

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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hands down best place to eat in Kona!
b
bobd
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the only places I will go out and spend my hard earned money on a great meal!
FS
FrankS
Hawaii
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
One of our favorite places on the Big Island. We are residents and recommend this restaurant often. Mac nut crusted lamb chops are outstanding as was the special sushi roll. Bananas Foster to finish perfect ending to another outstanding experience. Our waiter Maverick is always pleasant, fun and on top of it. We hadn't been to the restaurant in awhile but he recognized us and welcomed us back. Very nice.
AP
AnitaP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service! We had the Dynamite shrimp, special roll with tuna and avocado, BBQ ribs, miso black cod, and Seafood Trio. Flavors are amazing.
K
Kamaaina
Hawaii
42 reviews
vip
5.0
42 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had a wonderful meal and Maverick our server gave us great suggestions that were spot on.
k
konakate
Hawaii
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always love Kenichis. It is the most consistent restaurant in Kona. I had the carpaccio and it was delicious. The chef’s special, an Ono dish was fabulous, so full of flavor. We will return in a couple of weeks. It is our go to restaurant.
HG
HerbieG
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall4food5service2ambience4
Mother's Day dinner with a table of 7. Servers were running the kitchen was busy. Our Server was training a new hire. Understandably, service would be affected by the amount of guests they were waiting on. The poor rating on service based on the lack of communication. Often felt neglected or as if they were avoiding our table (as well as neighboring tables) due to the kitchen being backed up. Often both of our servers would look at us, make eye contact and slip behind the doorway. Waited an hour for our food order, then ordered dessert which required 15 minutes to prep. Dessert took more than twice that time. Kids were falling asleep on the table as we were there past 9 pm. Again we understand the service would be impacted, communication or just stopping by to check on us would've gone a long way. Been there before and will go back. The food is great and past servers were awesome. Based on previous dinners on the same Event or to celebrate special occasions.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service (ask for Kyle’s section; he’s new but awesome). Great sushi and sashimi. Prices are reasonable . All adds up to a great place for celebrating, a wonderful date, or just a weekday dinner in style.
K
Kelvin
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always good, from the food to the service. Overall will definitely return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tallahassee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful, friendly service
TS
TimS
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the more expensive restaurants in Kona but the food is well worth it. The service is excellent.
MK
MK2021
Central Coast
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall3food4service1ambience4
I’ll jump on and say what others are saying . The service is disrespectful. Arrived on time per our reservation and we sat alone no water, no menu, no service for at least 30 minutes. Totally lost our appetite. What we finally ordered was good, but the service killed the mood. Short staffed or not do not offer reservations if you cannot handle it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great experience. Food always yummy and our waiter is always so friendly and welcoming!
MP
MorganP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful top notch food with excellent service. Fish chef specials are always a delight.
MF
MarcF
Minneapolis
40 reviews
4.0
40 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Super fresh and nicely presented sushi in a strip center just south of Kona Town. Friendly staff, fantastic service, and excellent attention to cleanliness and COVID protocol, even without required restrictions. We were surprised by the reasonable (for sushi) prices that were no higher than what we find in Minneapolis. Excellent choices for beer and wine, too. If we lived here, we'd be regular customers.
N
Natasha
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Without a doubt, the best sushi and sashimi we’ve ever had. The special roll and tuna sashimi was unbelievably fresh! We finished our meal off with the Banana Foster, which was divine. Highly recommend!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Make a reservation and enjoy!
TJ
TimJ
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It don't get no fresher. Onolicious. The Kona Kanpachi was really onolicious.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food.
X
chgomomX2
Chicago
158 reviews
vip
4.0
158 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
We have been to kenichi a few times and this was our least favorite The food was ok…..it’s been better in the past. The octopus and kanapachi sushi were way too thick……Bleck. According to our server, the head sushi chef was was backed up and it took forever to get our last sushi dish. It’s been better and we are pretty sure we won’t be going back.
PC
PaulC
Dallas
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food! We picked this place based on the reviews and the menu! We loved the appetizers especially the miso black cod!! Exceptional! We did a couple of rolls and the cucumbers salad! The service was great and friendly. I will return 😀
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience2
The owner is present but has gone through staff turnover recently. It is a sushi restaurant. I was served sushi with cellophane in it. No apologies given. I was served sushi with shrimp shells still on the shrimp inside the roll. No apologies… they took it off the bill when returned to the kitchen like it was a favor to me. The service was slow and inexperienced. The owner is present, on site, but is not interested.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cincinnati
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Showed up at 6:27 for 6:30 dinner reservation for 2. Asked to sit outside because it was extremely noisy inside & spouse has a hearing disability. Watched 5 other groups come in after us be seated. Still waited 35 minutes, but left at 7:02. Ate at another nice place nearby. Quite a few empty tables throughout our wait (including patio) -- so not sure why they would not seat us.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Celebrated 39th wedding Anniversary with our kids! Love this place and Hayley our server is amazing. Thanks for another wonderful evening.
TR
TomR
Denver
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time at Kenichi, a real find. Delicious food served with grace and style.
B
Bert
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our dinner was excellent, everything from the Puous, entrée and dessert was amazing Lindsey our server was fabulous!! Great way to celebrate my birthday
TD
TobinD
San Francisco
18 reviews
vip
2.0
18 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall2food1service2ambience2
Nice server. Food was just so so. Ambience was poor. Expected more for the price.
GG
GregG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience2
Extremely loud inside DR other than that excellent
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall1food1service5ambience3
The meal was not what the menu stated.
KM
KunaM
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, food, drinks. We always love coming here! We make the drive from Waikoloa just to come here! Always will be back again
PD
dininginPDX
Portland
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always excellent. Save room for molten lava cake dessert.
BI
BigIslandRandy
Orange County
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our Reservations gave us a nice inside table on time. The waiter was great and the Toro special gave our experience a huge WOW factor. As usual the food was top notch as the service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Was a very pleasant meal
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience3
This restaurant is outside of Kailua Kona in a town called Keauhou. The restaurant is located in Keauhou shopping center next to CVS an L&L. Lots of locals and visitors come here and they are more a Japanese type of a restaurant. The sushi’s are ok and the sashimi is worth trying but ask if they have specials of the day try it. There molten lava cake is really good.
k
kuuipo
Orange County
14 reviews
vip
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 4, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Outstanding selections, every dish was delicious to the last morsel!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great place to dine. The food was fantastic!
g
glynne
Detroit
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
The spicy tuna roll special was the best! Fresh and flavorful! Other rolls we had were very good. Holly our server was excellent. We had the pineapple tempura ice cream for desert which was ok. Restaurant is located ina shopping plaza.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Lived in Kona 16 years and this was our first time to Kenichi Pacific. Excellent food (though a bit pricey), excellent drinks, and appetizers. We got the Asian BBQ ribs appetizer and dynamite shrimp, which we highly recommend. We got the Diver Scallop Curry and the Special - Inside Out Roll. Both were amazing. Scallops were tender and slightly crispy on the outside (and generous sized). Overall an excellent date night out. Tip, if you want to arrive early, you can get happy hour drinks at the bar (but not at your reserved table, just fyi).
NR
NancyR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fantastic food and service. Near happy hour it was loud but quieted once happy hour was over.
H
Heidi
Cincinnati
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was great and our server Camille was fantastic! We took all of her recommendations. She really made the whole evening special. A friend of ours from Washington just happened to eat at Kenichi Pacific the week before and sent Camille a gift when she got home. You have a very special employee in Camille. She represents your restaurant very well!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Kenichi Pacific is rated 4.5 stars by 1053 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 18, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

78-6831 Ali'i Drive Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Kamehameha III
Neighborhood
Kailua-Kona
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sun 4:30 pm–6:00 pm
Cuisines
Japanese, Seafood, Steak
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We are located in Keauhou Shopping Center. We do have plenty of parking space.
Public transit
Keauhou shuttle Open-Air 44 seat trolley type shuttle. Between Keauhou and Kailua town eight times a day.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Kenichi Kanada
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.kenichipacific.com/
Phone number
(808) 322-6400
Catering
Offers: Full sushi station with your private Chef Kenichi Kanada Bar station Sushi, food/pupus & more At least a week notice for smaller groups.
Private party facilities
Small Dining room hold up to 14 people.also we have Two out side patio (Covered) hold up to 20 and 30 people.
Private party contact
Ken Kanada: (808) 322-6400

Kenichi Pacific

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Sushi Combo

Sashimi Dinner

Miso Black Cod

Greens

Avocado Mac Nut Salad (Seasonal)$13.00

Kenichi's Mixed Greens$11.00

Raw and Local$14.00

Wakame Seaweed on Greens$11.00

Steamed Vegetables$9.00

Tony's Tuna Poke Salad$19.00

Cool Tasting

Tenderloin Carpaccio

Thinly Sliced Filet Mignon, Truffle Ponzu$19.00

New Style Sashimi (6p)$19.00

Lettuce Wraps

Sunomono$6.00

Edamame$4.50

Kona Sea Salt Roasted Edamame$8.00

Agemono Fried

World Famous Dynamite Shrimp$8.00

Crab Cake

Spicy Kara'age Chicken$12.00

Mix Vegetable Tempura$16.00

Firecracker Shrimp$13.00

Salad Additions

Grilled Fish$12.00

Oven-Roasted Chicken$10.00

Grilled Kauai Shrimp

Hot (Warm) Tasting

Upside-Down Dimsum

Kenichi Manapua$14.00

Asian BBQ. Ribs$15.00

Miso Black Cod$16.00

Age'dashi Tofu$7.50

Saka-Mushi (Manila Clam)$13.00

Soup

Traditional Miso Soup$3.50

Fresh Oyster on Half Shell

Pacific Oyster from Oregon with Traditional

Fresh Wasabi

Fresh Wasabi$4.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

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Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is Kenichi Pacific restaurant rated?

Is Kenichi Pacific currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information