Kaleo's Bar & Grill

Kaleo's Bar & Grill

15-2969 Pahoa Village Rd, Pāhoa, HI 96778, United States

+1 808-965-5600

Restaurant, Bar, Bar & grill
(1698)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Pāhoa, Hawaii, Kaleo's Bar & Grill offers an enticing blend of Island-inspired comfort food and warm aloha spirit, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and travelers. This vibrant restaurant and bar brings together the best of Hawaiian flavors with a diverse menu that showcases fresh, perfectly cooked seafood, hearty prime ribs, and beloved island favorites.

From the first bite, Kaleo’s cuisine delights the senses. Their Coconut Shrimp boasts a crisp, golden crust that gives way to tender, juicy shrimp, paired beautifully with brown rice and sautéed vegetables. The Fish & Chips serve up generous portions of flaky, tempura-battered fish alongside crispy fries and tangy tartar sauce—a dish praised repeatedly by guests for its satisfying freshness and perfect balance of textures.

For those craving bold flavors, the Korean Kal Bi Short Ribs offer a tender, marinated sensation that melts in your mouth, while the Huge Prime Rib is famously cooked to perfection, delivering a juicy, savory experience that invites you to savor every bite. Lighter options like the Cobb Salad and fresh Ceviche keep the menu versatile and appealing for all palates.

Complement your meal with one of Kaleo's expertly mixed cocktails, such as the tropical Mai Tai or the luscious Lava Flow, which perfectly capture the island vibe in every sip. Desserts like the tangy-sweet Lilikoi Cheesecake provide a refreshing finish to any dinner.

The atmosphere inside Kaleo’s Bar & Grill radiates the welcoming, laid-back charm of Hawaiian culture. With vibrant, island-themed décor and beautiful artwork adorning the walls, the space feels both lively and intimate. Friendly, attentive staff enhance the experience with genuine hospitality—guests frequently note how well the servers anticipate their needs, striking the perfect balance between professionalism and warmth.

Many visitors return time and again, as reflected in glowing reviews: Michel called it “our favorite meal from a 2-week trip across the Big Island and Kauai,” praising everything from the Fish & Chips to the attentive service. Nick Shaw highlighted the “delicious food, fast service, and friendly folks,” savoring a prime rib cooked just right alongside fresh, Cajun-spiced mahi mahi. Regulars like N Clever have been dining here for years, loving the consistent quality, affordability, and welcoming vibe.

Whether you’re seeking a casual meal with family, a night out with friends, or a taste of authentic Hawaiian island fare, Kaleo’s Bar & Grill delivers an experience rich in flavor, warmth, and aloha. The perfect place to unwind, indulge, and make lasting memories.

Location: 15-2969 Pahoa Village Rd, Pāhoa, HI 96778
Phone: +1 808-965-5600

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great wine list Live music Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Happy-hour food Healthy options Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Counter service Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Romantic Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    Closed
  • Thursday
    04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
  • Friday
    04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
  • Saturday
    04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday
    04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Michel
    3 week ago

    FANTASTIC food (and drinks). This was our favorite meal from a 2-week trip across the Big Island and Kauai. I had Fish & Chips which were a large portion and delicious. I also had the Kai Ginger drink that was yummy. My wife had ribs that she thought were fantastic, and the kids liked their pasta. The waiter was super observant and noticed my daughter didn't like the lemonade and came over to bring her something else. If you are in the area, I recommend this place. It stands out for good flavor, good value, and good service. As an ASIDE... If you're staying near Kalapana, I also recommend checking out Uncle Robert's AWA Bar on Wednesday night for the food vendors, music, and dancing. That was a fun time.

  • Eddie Langford
    1 month ago

    This is a perfect little restaurant. They have a large parking lot in the back. We went twice. I had the fish and chips one night and then there bacon burger the next time. They were both great.

  • Nick Shaw
    1 month ago

    Delicious food, fast service, and friendly folks. We were seated, had drinks, appetizers, dinner, and dessert in an hour. Not bad for an Easter dinner. We started off with sweet chili, coconut crusted calamari. They were huge and so tender. I had a giant prime rib, cooked to perfection with potatoes and squash. The wife had Cajun spiced mahi mahi with potatoes and mixed vegetables. For dessert, we shared banana spring rolls with vanilla bean ice cream. If you get the chance to stop by Pahoa, HI make dinner reservations and have a wonderful meal at Kaleo's. They have 2 locations.

  • Jeffrey Viviani
    1 month ago

    This place was very friendly, welcoming, and has a Hawaiian theme to the painted walls and overall atmosphere. I also thought the prices were very good. The pina colada I had was tummy-rubbing delicious, and my pulled pork sandwich was stuffed with meat and a gigantic onion ring like a super bowl stadium.

  • N Clever
    1 month ago

    Love Kaleo's. We've eaten here about 30 times over the years and have never had a bad meal. The prices are reasonable. The staff are friendly and attentive. Love the decor and the beautiful art work. Will be back another 30+ times!

  • Matt McKeown
    2 month ago

    Kaleo’s Bar & Grill, Pahoa: Local Cuisine, Great Cocktails, and Old Town Charm Kaleo’s Bar & Grill stands as a beloved fixture in Pahoa Town, offering a quintessential Big Island dining experience. The restaurant is the original location of the Kaleo's family of restaurants, with a second, more modern establishment located in Orchidland (Keaau), closer to Hilo. The Pahoa location has a distinct, rustic appeal. It occupies an older building that aligns perfectly with the unique, historic atmosphere of Pahoa Village Road. While the structure itself is simple, the practicalities are well-managed; there is ample parking, which is always a bonus for a busy local spot. Inside, the restaurant is clean and functional, including the provision of a useful and private restroom setup: two total individual-use bathrooms, one for men and one for women. We chose to sit at the bar, enjoying the company of a local relative, and found the experience entirely positive—we had no complaints. The service at the bar was a standout. The bartender was professionally dressed, exuded a sense of competence, and was notably friendly and attentive without being overly familiar. Their professional demeanor meant they did not come across as rude or flirtatious, making for a comfortable and enjoyable seating arrangement. The strength of Kaleo's lies in its commitment to excellent local-style cuisine and a solid beverage program. The drinks were great—well-mixed and satisfying, a perfect complement to the vibrant atmosphere. The food was good overall, but the seafood was particularly excellent, showcasing the freshness of the island’s bounty. The calamari deserves specific praise; it was perfectly prepared, hitting that sweet spot of crispy texture and tender interior. Their menu features a rotating selection of fresh catches and local favorites, including the house-favorite Kalbi Ribs and Lilikoi Cheesecake. Beyond daily meals, Kaleo's is a cultural hub in Pahoa. They offer live entertainment nightly, featuring local Hawaiian musicians. Additionally, the kitchen runs consistent specials, often highlighting creative preparations of fresh Ahi and other seafood or steak dishes. For instance, their Friday night menu often features an Herb Crusted Prime Rib special, making the end of the week a popular time for locals and visitors alike. Kaleo’s successfully manages to bridge the gap between a cozy, old-town spot and a reliable, high-quality dining destination. It is a genuine taste of Pahoa, where history, quality ingredients, and professional service converge to create a truly memorable experience.

  • Vic H
    3 month ago

    Someone recommended the Kaleo’s in Pahoa (said it was better than Keaau) and I was very pleased we went. We sat and the bar and our bartender/server was sooo nice! I had the Thai coconut curry (I asked for tofu but the server said they were out of tofu, so I got the chicken). My husband got the crispy kalua pig wontons and coconut shrimp appetizers but the two were enough for a meal. He was really happy with the wontons and shrimp, and we even went back on a different day because he wanted them again. The Mai Tai was delicious. I have to mention that when we went back on a Sunday (about 2 hours til closing) and my husband ordered the shrimp he was told they were out. We had the same bartender and she was very apologetic. He ordered the burger instead but it was red and bleeding so he sent it back to get cooked more. Overall I’d say Kaleo’s is a pretty decent spot for food and drinks.

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