Huggo’s Story

Huggo’s opened its doors in 1969 as a casual gathering spot where a good steak, fresh fish and a pile-it-on salad bar quickly established the restaurant as a Kona classic. With its stunning waterfront location, Huggo’s has since earned a reputation as Kona’s leading restaurant for just-caught seafood, spectacular sunsets and casual elegance. The award-winning restaurant features daily menu specials, fresh fish and its signature teriyaki steak, a menu favorite for nearly 50 years.

Founders Hugo and Shirley von Platen Luder introduced Huggo’s now famous Teriyaki Steak, which remains a menu favorite. Huggo’s was one of the first local restaurants to set up daily communications with the fleet of Kona boat captains to insure they served only the freshest fish available. This practice continues today. More often than not, the fish you are having for dinner may have been caught just hours before. Huggo’s practices the farm to table philosophy of procurement and sources as many products as possible form local farmers and fishermen.

Son, Eric von Platen Luder, now owns and operates Huggo’s as part of the Luana Hospitality Group. Under Eric’s leadership, Kona’s iconic oceanfront restaurant has secured its place, serving up island inspired cuisine alongside epic sunsets for two generations. No stopping there.

Best known for famous Kona sunsets, there is something very special about the morning view – when Kailua Bay is filled with swimmers, paddlers, boaters and, very frequently, dolphins. Eric and team knew this would be a hit and in 2016, Huggo’s Sunnyside Up opened its doors serving breakfast daily from 7 to 11am. The creative breakfast menu items range from omelets to hearty specialty plates featuring fresh fish, kalua pork, apple bananas, sweet treats and breakfast pizzas. Each breakfast dish is carefully prepared to order with fresh, local ingredients. Full bar service is open including Huggo’s signature Bloody Mary!

More recently, Huggo’s has added hBAR to its seaside offerings. Setting a new standard of Kona lounge cool, hBAR pairs sophisticated handcrafted cocktails together with laid-back sunsets and late-night fun.

Next door, Huggo’s On the Rocks focuses on a lighter beach fare with sandy toes, live Hawaiian music and daily hula.

2 Comments

  • I’d like to know if you offer gift cards or certificates so I can treat my clients to dinner there (they are relocating from the mainland.)

    Astrid Giblin

  • Aloha Astrid, Yes, Huggo’s offers gift cards. Please go to https://www.huggos.com. Click on the shop button at top of page and you can order the card on-line. What a great treat for your clients…we look forward to welcoming them to their new home here on Hawaii Island!
    All the best,
    The Team at Huggo’s

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