Holua Poolside Bar & Lounge, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa — Restaurant in Hawaii

Open Again! Update Nov. 2024

Been coming here off and on throughout the years. Never been super impressed with the service or the food. But I was eager to try them again after the big remodel. The remodel looks really nice. It’s more modern and clean. A little bit bigger at the bar. I would say the menu has improved. Unfortunately, what hasn’t changed is there is STILL no happy hour. This, despite many places everywhere on the island - and not too far from here up the hill - have a happy hour. So that’s a big fail for me. My compadre ordered some food and said it was better than the last time he was here so I’m going to add an additional star for that. One must remember that you’re at a resort and resorts are expensive. So take that into account when you read my review. Since there is no restaurant within about a quarter mile of here then there really is limited competition. But that’s just business. So, I will continue getting my exercise walking up the hill. One more thing - they don’t take cash.

Previous Review: NOTE: as of 4/11/24 they are temporarily closed for remodeling. Call before visiting. Been here many times over the years. Last time was a year ago. I finally gave up on this place and walk up the hill for better service. There’s always an issue in my experience (out of salsa, sour cream, closing in 5 minutes, food was dry, whatever). When I came to give another shot - they were all boarded up and closed. I’ll try again in 6 months and update. Everyone deserves a second (or 5th...

Holua serves as the Outrigger Kona Resort's pool bar and restaurant. We hardly ever patronize hotel pools while on mini vacays, but being that Kona is not Honolulu, we did something different which was cool. Because we already ate breakfast, we just had drinks while at the pool.

ATMOSPHERE: A circular bar with a big protective roof sits off to the side of the pool with bar stools, high tops and regular tables. It's a mellow pool bar vibe compared to what I've seen at other Hawaii resorts.

MENU: Apps, salads, sandwiches, burgers, desserts, alcohol.

DRINK: Lava Flow I didn't see it listed on the menu but was available to order. The taste was really good but I couldn't detect any alcohol in it. Order a virgin and save yourself some money perhaps?

SERVICE: The male server was friendly and professional.

OVERALL: Good drinks, but very pricey which brought it...

I recently went to the Holua restaurant as a guest staying at the resort. I ordered very simple dishes. Duck confit eggrolls, French fries, and chicken wings. For the record , I’ve had one good meal at this site prior. That said my duck confit egg rolls came with one that was overcooked and ruined but placed in the to-go box in such a way to hide the fact that it was ruined. Chicken wings were average, and I tried all three sauces. The fries were standard French fries, so reliable.

At the resort in general the food I’ve had was not equivalent with the cost, or my expectations of resort food as a routine traveler. If this was my first experience I would give them one star.

That said the drinks and service here are fabulous and I do recommend the bar for...