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Patio View - Walua Social, Kailua-Kona, HI

Walua Social

4.6 (293)
$31 to $50
Italian
75-5864 Walua Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-1318

Make a reservation

A photo of Walua Social restaurant

Walua Social

4.6
$31 to $50
Italian
Kailua-Kona

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 14 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Experience new and vibrant flavors of Italy right here in Kona with the exciting new dining collaboration by Chef Chad Yamamoto and Chef Alessandro Taras. Their thoughtfully curated menu showcases the finest locally sourced ingredients, ensuring dishes that not only tantalize your taste buds but are also thoughtfully priced. Perfect for families and friends alike, each plate is crafted for sharing and creating memorable moments together around the table.

Additional information

Experiences

  • Mama Guava & Walua Social

    $129.00 per person

    Prepaid

    May 12, 2026 - May 13, 2026
    Join us as we welcome Chef Monique Cadavona of Mama Guava, a pop up dining experience in Oahu that is inspired by her Filipino roots and the flavors of Hawai’i. In this special dining experience she will join Chef Chad Yamamoto and create a special collaborative tasting menu. They will use some of the best local ingredients that Big Island has to offer, while creating a menu that is rooted in appreciation of Filipino, Japanese, and Italian culture. An optional beverage pairing will be available to add on.
    Mama Guava & Walua Social Photo

Concierge
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What 293 people are saying

Walua Social reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Innovative

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Neighborhood gem

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Walua Social offers a delightful dining experience with "fantastic food" and "excellent service." It's perfect for "authentic Italian dining" with "homemade pasta to die for" and a "great wine selection." The upstairs area boasts "lovely ocean views," enhancing the "romantic" atmosphere. A "must-visit gem" in Kona!
293 Reviews
  1. Bonnie Gold

    Central Coast54 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on April 21, 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Not our favorite dining experience. My husband's pasta bolognese was very, very salty. The salad was overdressed My entree was as advertised and good, but was a bit too busy, with too many flavors competing. The dining room is comfortable enough, but nothing special.

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  2. Kristen Marie

    San Antonio3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 21, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    amazing as always, food was delicious and drinks were amazing as well.

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  3. Pat Gold

    Hawaii6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 19, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The food here has always been good, from the Kampachi crudo, T-bone steak, to the Tiramisu. However, when crowded, it can be quite noisy and the service suffers appreciably. The parking is also very scant and tight; our car got hit and run in the parking lot.

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  4. Dan Gold

    Hawaii38 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 15, 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Average, nothing bad, nothing great just OK. Had to ask for bread service, which they provided, but not on menu. Rigatoni was good, Kona salad good but small.

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  5. Greg

    San Francisco13 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 14, 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The pastas, salads and appetizers were nice. But the steak was mediocre; and I didn’t care for the dipping sauce or eggplant puree.

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  6. Miguel

    Hawaii1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 14, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server Chelsea was phenomenal! Knowledgeable and guided our new comers to the best entrée selection. Food was amazing as well. Rebecca the SA and Chelsea was on top of offering additional drinks, refilling waters, clearing plates and running food. A true dining experience.

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  7. Sierra

    Edinburgh1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely atmosphere, delicious food, and warm service. So nice to have a great neighborhood restaurant in Kona fit for a special evening or a casual night out with friends. 11/10 recommend!

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  8. Lori

    San Diego52 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 10, 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    First time diners there . A bit disappointed but our server was wonderful and very knowledgeable. They were out of a basic salad we ordered . The rigatoni was good, plentiful but I thought the noodles were undercooked . My husband had a fish dish which was good but pricey . Nothing for an anniversary . Really wanted to love it but will probably skip.

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  9. Tara

    San Francisco5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 7, 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    Wailua Social is situated in what we would call the 'cursed' building at the very end of the downtown strip portion of Alii Drive (many a restaurant has gone there to die). We were excited to try it because a) we are just a couple blocks away and b) everyone has said the food is fantastic. Both of these proved to be true. Problem is, we were seated in the downstairs area and I want to recommend FIRST AND FOREMOST, you make sure to only go if you can dine upstairs (or the bar, which wasn't an option for our group). The downstairs layout/ambiance/service needs work and it's very disappointing to pay what you do to have that cafeteria aura with no open windows and white tiled floors. Also, it wasn't extremely busy and I was surprised they couldn't accommodate us upstairs and they didn't seem to care much about the request or have a desire to make the experience special in any way. We have had better hospitality at other places in town. With that out of the way - again, the food IS GOOD. Some of the best rigatoni I have ever eaten (which we ordered with excellent burrata and some focaccia, and prosciutto di parma ). However, the price point there is pretty high for the area (more comparable to Four Season's Beach Tree which delivers equivalent quality and better service/atmosphere). If you are going to take people away from the water, you have to give them reason. It is possible we hit them on an off night - which happens. Considering a redo. Most of all, we really hope they tune this place a little bit because would be great to have something special in that space! I think they are working towards it, but it isn't quite there.

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  10. David Gold

    San Diego3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 7, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great find, excellent food and cocktails. Look forward to returning.

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Additional information

FAQs

Yes, Walua Social is a popular choice for a date night. Guests frequently praise the attentive service, elevated Italian plates and an upstairs lanai with ocean views that make evenings feel special. Expect handcrafted pastas, a solid wine list and shareable starters like the Sticky Black Pepper Ribs and house-made focaccia. Tip: request upstairs or the bar for a cozier, sunset-facing table; the main floor can feel brighter and busier on peak nights.

Portions vary by course: many guests find appetizers generous and ideal for sharing, while entrées are plated more elegantly and sometimes described as on the smaller side. Walua follows an a la carte, shareable style, ordering a couple of starters and a pasta or main for two is common. A few guests mentioned feeling the entrees were light for the price, so plan courses accordingly if you’re especially hungry.

Yes, families and gatherings are common here. The menu includes a Keiki Pasta option, and many guests bring children, celebrate birthdays, and dine with multi‑generation groups. Seating varies: the upstairs lanai is more intimate and suited to couples or small families, while the main floor is more casual. If you need specific accommodations or a quieter table for kids, call ahead and request an early seating or preferred area.

Early dinner (the first seating around 5:00–6:30 pm) or weekday nights are best if you prefer a quieter experience. Guests say the restaurant fills up after 7 pm and can get lively on weekends and holidays. If you want sunset views, request the upstairs lanai but note it’s popular and limited, book in advance.

Walua Social blends casual Italian/Sardinian flavors with warm, neighborhood hospitality. Guests praise the food-focused, elevated menu and friendly staff; the upstairs offers romantic ocean views and a pleasant sunset atmosphere. Note: the ground floor dining room is described by some guests as brighter or less cozy, and the noise level can rise when the restaurant is busy. Overall, service and food are often highlighted as the high points.

Casual dress is the stated dress code. Guests tend to wear smart‑casual attire for dinner and special occasions, but the restaurant’s tone is relaxed and not formal, great for date nights, family dinners or a nicer night out in Kailua‑Kona.

Yes, families do dine here and guests often celebrate birthdays and family dinners. The menu includes a Keiki pasta, portions are shareable, and staff are reported as welcoming to children. For younger kids, consider an early seating or asking about a more relaxed table; the upstairs area is better suited to couples and groups who want a quieter, sunset view.

Busiest: after 7 pm, weekend evenings and holidays (Valentine’s, New Year’s Eve, Christmas Eve) when guests report fuller dining rooms. Quietest: the first seating around 5:00–6:30 pm and mid-week nights tend to be calmer with quicker service and lower noise. If you prefer a relaxed meal, aim for early weeknight reservations.

Weeknights (Tuesday–Thursday) are generally the best for a quieter meal and more attentive service. If you want a livelier evening or to catch special events, Friday and Saturday are busier. For sunset views and a special atmosphere, plan ahead and request upstairs, it's especially pleasant on clear evenings.

Walua Social is a locally owned restaurant; guests frequently mention Sal (Salvatore) as the welcoming host/owner who is active in the dining room. The concept was created by Chef Chad Yamamoto with Chef Alessandro Taras, highlighting a local chef-driven collaboration.

Yes, guests have reported dining at Walua Social on major holidays (Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day) and the restaurant runs special prix‑fixe or tasting events at times. Because holiday hours and menus can change, call ahead to confirm service and any special seating or prix‑fixe offerings.

Yes, Walua Social offers an upstairs lanai/terrace with ocean views that many guests recommend for sunset and a more intimate meal. Outdoor seating upstairs is limited and popular, so request it when booking. Some guests noted ambiguous patio photos early on, so confirm availability when you call.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Hawaii
  4. Hawaii / Big Island
  5. Kailua-Kona

Make a reservation

A photo of Walua Social restaurant

Walua Social

4.6
$31 to $50
Italian
Kailua-Kona

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 14 times today
Experiences are available.
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