How is Sam Choy's Kai Lanai restaurant rated?

Sam Choy's Kai Lanai

4 (1364)

$30 and under

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

78-6831 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

About this restaurant

Great for scenic views
Great for outdoor dining
Romantic

You'll experience the wonderful hospitality of the Hawaiian culture, the sensational aromas of fresh, island cooking and the innovative recipes created by Hawaii’s culinary ambassador, Sam Choy.At Sam Choy's Kai Lanai, a stunning 230-degree view of the Pacific stretches out in a beautiful blue oasis before you. “The Short Bait” bar is a fun place to meet friends for pupus or sit by the fire pits and watch spectacular sunsets. The superb service and warm Aloha welcome will make this your top dining choice at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Hours of operation
Serving Daily - Lunch and Dinner, Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday 11:00 am - 9:30 pm Saturday 7:00 am - 9:30 pm Sunday 7:00 am - 9:00 pm HAPPY HOUR - Daily 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Phone number
(808) 333-3434
Website
http://www.samchoy.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Sam Choy
Private party facilities
If you have an intimate party or a large gathering, you will select your menu or defer to Chef Choy’s suggestions and life-long experience in preparing custom, creative and undeniably delicious food.

Location
78-6831 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Neighborhood
Kailua-Kona
Parking details
Lot plus over flow parking lot with cart service between over flow lot and restaurant.
Additional
Beer, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,364 people are saying

Sam Choy's Kai Lanai reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

4.0

4.0 based on all time ratings

4.0Food
4.0Service
4.3Ambience
2.2Value

Noise • Moderate

1,363 Reviews

KP
KayP
California Central Coast12 reviews
2.0
Dined on March 17, 2020
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
My husband’s dinner was good, I however had the worst dinner we’ve ever encountered there. I ordered a Chrispy Duck dish but half of it was chicken. Duck is dark meat & half of this overly breaded & then fried dish had white meat in it. They were trying to save $$ by doing it. It is an expensive restaurant so you expect good food. DON’T ORDER THIS DISH!!
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BR
BarbieR
Las Vegas5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 17, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful view! Great drinks and pupils! Friendly staff!
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M
Malibujim VIP
California Central Coast39 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 16, 2020
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The former Wendy’s location is impressive; great sunset view. The food is good, not spectacular. The service was attentive and thoughtful. There was a mix up on our wine order and they comped us 2 glasses; nice gesture. Their fish is fresh and well prepared...Fish trio was nice combo. Suggest reservation for front row table.
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LD
LinoD VIP
Tahoe / Reno Area25 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 14, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was fantastic except for the weather. We tried a couple of their signature drinks and three menu items. The Mai Tai was typical, but Hawaiian Mimosas were outstanding. Fried rice with eggs was good, but the Beef Stew omelette was inspired. Everything about a Sunday dinner with family wrapped in an omelette. We ended with coconut pineapple fritters, which turned out to be a perfect end. The local honey matched the fritters perfectly. Next time we’re on the big island it’s worth the two hour drive from Hilo.
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RH
RobertH
Hawaii10 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 13, 2020
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Had lunch there. 3 of the five meals were very good. The out door view is amazing
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G
Greatbrunch
Las Vegas20 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 13, 2020
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Food not bad, waitress left a lot to be desired. Asked for a suggestion and she told me “I’m funny” - wasn’t trying to be.
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LH
LesH
Austin1 review
3.0
Dined on March 12, 2020
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
Read many of the reviews on Yelp. Decided to form my own. And I give it an official...meh.
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FH
FromHawaii2Maine
Hawaii1 review
2.0
Dined on March 12, 2020
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Poor wait staff, over priced and underwhelming tasting entree. Thought maybe it was just a bad night, gave it a second try and it was just as bad.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii1 review
4.0
Dined on March 10, 2020
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Food was great. Service was sub-par.
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CD
CyndyD
Hawaii2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 8, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai restaurant has awesome views. The food is excellent. There are plenty of selections on the menu. It's great that breakfast may be ordered all day Saturday and Sunday. My favorites are the fresh fish sandwich and house salad with Oriental dressing.
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FAQs

Sam Choy's Kai Lanai is rated 4 stars by 1364 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

78-6831 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Additional information

Neighborhood
Kailua-Kona
Hours of operation
Serving Daily - Lunch and Dinner, Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday 11:00 am - 9:30 pm Saturday 7:00 am - 9:30 pm Sunday 7:00 am - 9:00 pm HAPPY HOUR - Daily 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Lot plus over flow parking lot with cart service between over flow lot and restaurant.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Sam Choy
Additional
Beer, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.samchoy.com/
Phone number
(808) 333-3434
Private party facilities
If you have an intimate party or a large gathering, you will select your menu or defer to Chef Choy’s suggestions and life-long experience in preparing custom, creative and undeniably delicious food.