Some tables on the Big Island sit right in the sand, just yards from the surf. Shoes come off, the tide hums nearby, and dinner arrives while the sky turns orange over the water.
Add live music and a hula dancer, and the evening gets hard to forget. Here is what makes this beachside spot on the Kohala Coast worth planning a night around.
Tables Right in the Sand
Toes in the sand sounds like a slogan, but here it is literal. Some tables sit right on the beach, only yards from the water.
You can slip off your sandals and feel the warm grains under your feet while you wait for your meal.
That setup changes the whole mood of a dinner. The sound of small waves replaces the usual restaurant noise, and the ocean breeze keeps things comfortable.
Sand tables are in high demand, so planning ahead helps. A reservation gives you a better shot at a spot close to the water.
Early evening seating lets you settle in before the sky starts to glow.
One small tip: bring a light layer and leave the fancy shoes at the hotel. Sandy feet are part of the plan, and nobody here minds.
Next, let’s find out where exactly this beach lives.
Finding the Spot on the Kohala Coast
The name on the sign is Lava Lava Beach Club, and you will find it at 69-1081 Ku’uali’i Pl in Waikoloa Village, Hawaii, United States. It sits on the shore of A-Bay, a well known stretch of coast on the Big Island’s sunny side.
Plan on a drive if you are staying in Kona. The route runs north along slow, scenic roads, so give yourself plenty of time before your reservation.
The restaurant is open-air, with beachfront cottages nearby and a relaxed resort feel. Guests staying elsewhere are welcome to come for a meal, which is how many visitors end up here on their very first evening on the island.
Parking and arrival are simple, and the walk to your table is short. Once you are seated, the real star of the evening begins to show up on the horizon.
Sunsets That Steal the Show
Sunset is the reason most people book a table, and it is easy to see why. The sun drops low over the Pacific, and the water picks up streaks of gold and pink.
It is the most talked about feature of the place.
Timing matters here. Some visitors arrive around four in the afternoon for a sunset near five-thirty, which leaves time to order, relax, and grab a good view.
Photos are a big part of the evening. There is a popular photo spot, and guests tend to take turns, so a little patience goes a long way.
Low sun can also be bright and warm on the sand tables. Sunglasses and a hat make the early part of dinner much easier on your eyes.
After the colors fade, the entertainment takes over.
Live Music and Hula Dancing
Music floats across the sand soon after the first plates arrive. A singer with a guitar often sets the tone, and the songs fit the island evening without overpowering conversation.
On some nights, a hula dancer joins the show. The graceful movements add a touch of Hawaiian culture, and guests tend to pause mid-bite to watch.
Live entertainment gives the evening a rhythm. Dinner starts quietly, the music builds as the sun sets, and many people linger afterward instead of rushing off.
If you want a good view of the performance, ask for seating near the stage area when you book. Families and couples both seem to enjoy it, since the vibe stays relaxed and friendly.
Of course, good music pairs well with good food, so let’s check the menu next.
Fresh Fish with a Macadamia Crunch
Seafood fans should look at the fresh island fish. One of the menu favorites is crusted with macadamia nuts and arare, the crunchy Japanese rice crackers popular in Hawaii.
The crust adds a toasty bite, while the fish stays tender inside. It is a dish that feels rooted in local flavors rather than a generic beach menu.
There is also a fish of the day, often prepared with a furikake seasoning. Asking your server what the chef recommends is a smart move, since the catch changes.
Portions are best shared with a few sides if you like to taste a little of everything. Pair the fish with a light salad, and you have a meal that fits a warm evening by the sea.
Not everything here is seafood, though, and the next sections cover the rest of the menu.
Teriyaki Steak and Other Hearty Plates
Hungry guests often head straight for the teriyaki steak. Its sweet and savory glaze is a signature flavor in Hawaii, and many diners order it more than once during a trip.
You can even find it piled on top of tots, a playful twist that turns a simple side into a full meal. The ribs are another crowd pleaser, and some guests save half for the next morning with eggs.
For something lighter, the pineapple fried rice with chicken brings a sweet, tropical note. Curry flavors show up in some versions, which adds a little warmth.
Menus can change, so check what is offered on the day you visit. Still, if you like comfort food with island flair, this part of the menu is a good place to start.
Starters Worth Sharing
Appetizers are a fun way to kick off the evening, especially with a group. Coconut shrimp is a long time favorite, arriving crisp and golden with a dipping sauce.
Poke nachos are another popular pick, topped with fresh fish for a mix of crunch and ocean flavor. Edamame beans make a lighter option when you want something simple.
Then there is the mango salsa, which some guests love so much they order a second round. Its fruity sweetness is a nice match for the warm weather.
Ordering two or three starters for the table lets everyone sample a bit. It also gives you something to nibble while you watch the sky change colors.
If you came with kids, there is more than food to keep them busy, as you will see next.
Games on the Lawn for Keiki
Waiting for a table with little ones can feel long, but this place plans for it. Lawn games, including cornhole, give kids something to do while the grown-ups relax.
Keiki, the Hawaiian word for children, can toss bean bags and run around in the open air. That makes a busy evening easier for families.
There are also cute photo spots around the property, so a family picture is simple to get. Kids can burn off energy before the food arrives, which tends to make dinner calmer.
Expect a wait during peak times, since the restaurant is popular. Arriving a bit early and letting the children play is a handy trick.
Beyond the games, there are sweet treats to consider, and a couple of choices stand out.
Desserts and Sweet Finishes
Save a little room for dessert, because the sweets here lean tropical. The Honi Honi cake is a showy choice, layered with banana flavor and topped with fruit and whipped cream.
Coconut cake also appears on the list, and some servers suggest it. Diners have enjoyed ice cream sandwiches too, which are easy to share and fun for kids.
If you want to taste more than one, order two and split them around the table. Desserts pair nicely with a slow walk on the sand afterward.
Tastes differ, so ask your server which sweet is the most popular that night. A cold treat after a warm day at the beach is hard to beat.
Speaking of drinks, there is a lively non-alcoholic side to this menu, covered next.
Mocktails and Souvenir Cups
Drinks get plenty of attention here, and you do not need anything stronger than fruit juice to join in. Mocktails come in bright tropical colors, and the virgin skinny dipper is one that diners have enjoyed.
There are also fun souvenir cups you can take home. They make a simple keepsake, a little reminder of your evening on the Kohala Coast.
Ordering a tall, icy drink while the sun sets makes the experience feel even more like a vacation. Water is handy too, since sand tables can feel warm in the late sun.
If you are curious about flavors, ask what is fresh that day. Servers can usually point you to something sweet, sour, or fruity.
After you finish your drink, there is a perfect way to walk off dinner nearby.
Lunch by the Water
Sunset gets the spotlight, but daytime visits have their own appeal. Lunch is a more relaxed affair, with open seating and bright views of the blue bay.
Fish tacos are a favorite midday order, and the burger, topped with a branded bun, is a classic choice. Shaded tables help keep the sun from getting too strong.
Lunch is also a good time to see the property without the evening crowd. You can spot the cottages, watch the waves, and take your time.
Hours run from late morning into the evening, with slightly earlier openings on weekends, so check before you go. A sunny afternoon on the sand can be just as memorable as a golden-hour dinner.
And when the meal is done, the shoreline is calling.
A Walk Along A-Bay After Dinner
When the plates are cleared, the best move is a stroll on the sand. A-Bay, short for Anaehoomalu Bay, sits right next to the restaurant, so the walk starts at your table.
The curve of the shoreline looks soft as the light fades. You can hear the water lapping, and the torches near the restaurant glow in the dusk.
Some guests head out right after the sun slips under the horizon, and say it is the perfect start to a vacation. It is an easy way to end the evening without rushing back to the car.
Take your shoes in hand and keep a flashlight on your phone for the way back. Slow walks like this are part of the charm of the Kohala Coast.
Planning Your Visit
A little planning goes a long way. Reservations are strongly recommended, as this is a busy spot, and sunset times fill up first.
Early or late slots are often the ones available.
The restaurant opens at 11:30 in the morning on most days and at 11 on weekends, and it closes at 9 each night. Check the website for the latest details before you go.
Prices lean higher, so set expectations for a special night out rather than a quick bite. The restaurant has also offered a military discount, which is worth asking about.
If you are staying far south, allow extra drive time on island roads. Finish the evening with a nearby beach walk, and then consider exploring other Kohala Coast spots on another night to round out your trip to the Big Island.
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