Is Kanaka Kava Still Open? Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Update
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Season 28 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Current status
As of October 2026, Kanaka Kava is open — confirmed via the restaurant's current website/social account, accessed September 8, 2026.
What the source shows: The kava bar's own website lists current daily hours and continues to describe its 'awa farm operation, and Google Places marks the business operational at Ali'i Drive. How we decide a status →
- Episode Season 28, Episode 17
- Aired
- Address 75-5803 Ali'i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Website kanaka-kava.com
- Show map
© OpenStreetMap contributors © CARTO
What happened after Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featured Kanaka Kava in the episode "Tasty Traditions," aired August 10, 2018, highlighting its traditional Hawaiian 'awa (kava) drinks alongside island plate-lunch fare. The kava bar operates along Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and describes itself on its own site as growing its own 'awa on a local farm rather than sourcing it commercially. That website (kanaka-kava.com), checked September 8, 2026, lists current daily hours running from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and continues to promote its farm, shop, and blog sections. Google's Places listing for Kanaka Kava also marks the business operational at 75-5803 Ali'i Drive, matching the address given on the bar's own website. The bar has become known locally as one of the few dedicated 'awa bars on the Big Island.
The episode
Also in Season 28
Season 28: 38 of 57 still open · 6 renamed, moved or under new owners
-
Ep 16Island Lava Java
Open -
Ep 16Saucy Porka
Open - Open
- Open
- Renamed
-
Ep 18Bok a Bok
Closed -
Ep 18Del Seoul
Open -
Ep 18Original Thai
Open
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Before you go: Businesses change fast. Always confirm directly with the restaurant — call ahead, or check its own current website or social media — before making plans around anything on this page.
Sources we checked
- kanaka-kava.com http://www.kanaka-kava.com/
We work hard to keep every status accurate and dated, but restaurants change fast and our sources aren't perfect. If something here is wrong — a status, a name, an address, anything — tell us what you're seeing and where you saw it, and we'll check it.
Record ddd-1057 · checked by Cal Marchetti.