Don the Beachcomber is located within the Royal Kona Resort, where it opened in 2005. This location is not to be confused with the historic, long-gone Don the Beachcomber restaurants run by Donn Beach or his partner Sunny Sund, but rather was opened by someone who picked up the rights to the name. The bar and restaurant are open-air, overlooking the ocean, but sheltered by a large, round roof. The restaurant in particular is full of fantastic '70s-chic Tiki loveliness, thanks to architect George "Pete" Wimberly. A vibraphonist can sometimes be found playing in the bar as the sun sets over the ocean. Food is on the more upscale end of Kailua-Kona dining.

Comments

etherealsky

etherealsky has visited Don the Beachcomber.

June 4, 2021, 5:31 PM

This really isn't an iconic tiki bar, so it's important to know that before going. It's not super kitschy and it's a bit tourist-y. The views are absolutely incredible though and worthy of the visit themselves. The drinks aren't particularly amazing or unique, but you'll have an enjoyable time sipping one of their mai tais and watching the sunset.

Happy Hour is worth it so you aren't paying as much for the drinks, which are a tad overpriced, but let's face it, par for the course for Hawaii resort standards.

I think you'll enjoy it if you know what you're getting yourself into. This isn't kitschy tiki- it's a bar right on the ocean with some decent mai tais and tropical drinks.

NWTiki

NWTiki is a semi-regular at Don the Beachcomber.

January 9, 2020, 11:32 PM

For Hawaiian ocean views, there is no better bar on the big island of Hawai'i than Don's Mai Tai Bar. That said, being that "mai tai" is in the name of the establishment, you'd expect them to be a little better than they truly are. That said, the bar does have some great live music every Thursday night by Hawaiian legends such as Henry Kapono and Brother Noland. When I was there, Brad "Tiki Shark" Parker was there and I bought a print and a tiki mug off of him. They are starting to do an annual tiki festival at Don's which might breathe some fresh inspiration into the old girl. I love visiting, even if the food and drinks are a little generic. It's still a good time. It is hard to find seating, however, and the staff isn't generally radiating the aloha spirit.

tropicsdiver

tropicsdiver has visited Don the Beachcomber.

June 16, 2019, 9:27 AM

This is the type of place you really WANT to like, but they really make it difficult. A tiki bar in paradise...what's not to like? Plenty. I've been on several occasions really hoping my prior experience was just an off night. Nope. The service is lackluster at best, the drink choices are just ok. Do yourself a favor and go next door to Huggos on the Rocks. Great vibe, great views, but go early to get a table for sunset!

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