Keneke’s grill punalu’u

Rating: Role Player

If you want the taste of old-school Hawaiʻi, Keneke’s Grill in Punaluʻu is the real deal. This is not a polished, touristy spot—it’s a down-home, country-style eatery where the food speaks for itself and the atmosphere brings you back to simpler times.

We ordered the teri burgers and a grilled fish sandwich with garlic. Both were hearty, flavorful, and just the kind of comfort food you hope for after a day on the windward side. The portions are generous, the flavors hit right, and you can tell it’s cooked with care.

Inside, the walls are covered with Scripture verses—a reminder that this place isn’t just about feeding your body, but also a nod to deeper values. It gives the restaurant a unique and uplifting spirit, and you can feel that the owners care about more than just the bottom line.

The location itself is super no-frills, but that’s part of the charm. It feels like stepping back into the country—real Hawaiʻi. Out back, there are even goats you can feed, which makes it fun if you’ve got kids (or if you’re just a kid at heart).

Bottom line: come with your aloha spirit and a respect for the land and people, and you’ll leave with a full belly and a smile.