Kenichi Pacific

4.2 (1558)

$31 to $50

Sushi

78-6831 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 30, 2025

April 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

About this restaurant

Healthy
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

Kenichi Pacific, where your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey! Located in the heart of Kailua Kona, HI, Big Island we pride ourselves on serving the freshest sushi, steak, seafood, meticulously crafted cocktails from locally sourced ingredients. Our menu is a celebration of flavor, featuring daily sushi & fish specials, that showcase the finest catch of the day, as well as unique Chef specials that highlight seasonal ingredients. Each dish is a masterpiece, designed to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience.
At Kenichi Pacific, we believe that great food deserves a great atmosphere. Enjoy our inviting setting, where friendly service meets a vibrant ambiance, perfect for intimate dinners or lively gatherings with friends and family. Join us for a culinary adventure that promises not just a meal, but an amazing experience from Chef Massella and team!

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Sushi, Steak, Seafood
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sun 4:30 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(808) 322-6400
Website
http://kenichipacific.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Christopher Massella
Catering
Offers: Full sushi station with your Private Chef Bar station Sushi, food/pupus & more At least a week notice for smaller groups.
Private party facilities
Bar area with outdoor lanai 75 guests maxSmall Dining room hold up to 14 guests maxTwo out side patio (Covered) hold up to 30 guests max

Location
78-6831 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Neighborhood
Kailua-Kona
Cross street
Kamehameha III
Parking details
We are located in Keauhou Shopping Center. We do have plenty of parking space.
Public transit
Keauhou shuttle Open-Air 44 seat trolley type shuttle. Between Keauhou and Kailua town eight times a day.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Seared Beef Carpaccio
Tellicherry pepper | Truffle Ponzu
Chilled Seasonal Oyster
Coconut Finadene | Salmon Ikura | Spring Onion
Hamachi Tiradito GF* (New Style)
Serrano Chili | House Ponzu | Micros | Cilantro
Seasonal Oyster & Quail Egg Shooter
Seasonal Oyster | Quail egg | Spring Onion | House Ponzu | Daikon Oroshi
Sunomono Salad
Japanese Cucumber | Wakame Seaweed | Sesame seeds Add Shrimp / Octopus $5

Entrees

Duck Confit
Ginger Sweet Potato | Tempura Baby Spinach | Zhenjiang Reduction
Pan Seared Chicken
Japanese Mushrooms | Kimchi Butter | Neri Goma
Diver Scallop Coconut Curry
Udon Noodles | Braised Vegetables | Fresh Coriander | Ocean Tuile
Wafu Style Mushroom Pasta
Japanese Mushroom | Temopura Baby Spinach | Zhenjiang reduction
Chicken Katsu Carbonara
Smoked Bacon | Dashi Cream | Bonita Flakes | Kizami Nori
Itameshi Kauai Shrimp & Scallop Risotto GF*
Mushroom Dashi | Tomato Brodo | Parmigiano Reggiano
Macadamia Crusted Lamb Chops
Crispy Ulu | Baby Spinach | Cherry Tomatoes | Zhenjiang Reduction
Misoyaki Broiled Black Cod or Salmon
Neri Goma Spaetzle | Edamame Succotash | Misoyaki Glaze
Japanese Style Spaghetti & Clams
Manila Clams | Cherry Tomatoes | Sweet Onion | Sake Butter | Italian Parsley
Yakiniku Short Ribs
Nishime Vegetables | Sunomono Salad | Kiroboshi Daikon | Steamed Rice | Truffleyaki Sauce

Sides

Honey Gochujang Brussel Sprouts
Bacon Lardons | Panko Gremolata | Macadamia Nuts
Sake Glazed Mushrooms GF*
Japanese Mushrooms | Tamari Butter | Lemon Zest
Buttery Soy Glazed Noodles
Parmigiano Reggiano | Tamari Butter
Potato Puree
Regular $8 | Truffle $14 | Wasabi $10

Hot (Warm) Tasting

Manapua Duo
Duck confit | Braised Pork | Organic Greens | Pickled Vegetables
Asian BBQ. Ribs
Barbeque Sauce | Herb Oil | Sesame Seeds | Spring Onion
Age'dashi Tofu
Fried tofu, green onions, grated ginger, bonito flakes, dashi broth
Wok Charred Edamame
Sea Salt | Yuzu Shichimi | Charred Lime
Grilled Hamachi Kama GF*
House Ponzu | Spring Onion | Oroshi Daikon
Charred Shishito Peppers V*GF*
House Ponzu | Sea Salt
Japanese Street Corn GF*
Miso Butter | Cotija Cheese | Shichimi Mayo | Bonita Flakes | Aonori Powder
Spicy Crispy Calamari
Blistered Shishitos | Yuzu Shichimi | Charred Lime | Ginger Aioli
Vegetable Tempura
Tentsuya Dipping Sauce Add Shrimp $4.5
Karaage Chicken
Pineapple Relish | Miso Aioli | Tsuma Salad
Miso Cod
Misoyaki Glaze | Spring Onion
Dynamite Shrimp
Tempura Shrimp | Masago Mayo | Unagi Reduction

Soup

Miso Soup
Add Clams $6

Fresh Wasabi

Fresh Wasabi
Freshly grated wasabi from Japan

Meats

includes One Sauce

Filet Mignon 8oz
Ribeye 12oz
Add on to Meats
Kauai Shrimp $16 | Diver Scallop $18 | Lobster Tail MP
Add on Sauces
Truffleyake Glaze | KP Sauce | Shitake Bordelaise | Garlic Cilantro

Sushi Rolls

Soft Shell Crab Roll
Inside: Tempura Crab | Avocado | Kaiware sprouts | Truffle Outside: Daikon Sheet | Ginger Masago
Shogun Shrimp Roll
Inside: Tempura Shrimp | Japanese Cucumber Outside: Ahi Tuna | Wasabi | Tobiko | Uni | Unagi Reduction
Samurai Eel roll
Inside: Avocado | Japanese Cucumber Outside: Freshwater Eel | Unagi Reduction | Sesame Seeds
Rainbow Roll GF*
Inside: Surimi Crab | Avocado | Cucumber Outside: White Fish | Salmon | Shrimp | Tuna | Avocado
Vegas Roll
Inside: Avocado | Serrano Slivers | Tempura Shrimp Outside: Spicy Crab | KP Sauce | Unagi Reduction | Crispy Shallots
Nojo Vegetable Roll V*GF*
Inside: Cucumber | Avocado | Spring Onion | Pickled Burdock | Shiso Leaf | Soy Paper
Tempura Shrimp Roll
Inside: Tiger Prawn | Spring Onion | Spicy Aoli | Unagi Reduction
Cucumber Roll V*GF*
Inside: Sushi Rice | Cucumber
Avocado Roll V*GF*
Inside: Sushi Rice | Kona Avocado
California Roll GF*
Inside: Surimi Crab | Avocado | Cucumber
Spicy Tuna Roll GF*
Tuna Tartare | Cucumber | Smelt Roe
Tuna Roll
Sushi Rice | Ahi Tuna
Tsunami Roll
Inside: Kanikama | Tempura Shrimp | Unagi | Avocado | Cucumber Outside: Unagi Reduction | Spicy Aoli | Masago | Spring Onion | Sesame Seeds
Natto Roll GF*
Fermented Soybeans | Spring Onion
Avocado & Cucumber Roll
Kona Avocado | Cucumber
Bushido Roll
Inside: Avocado | Tempura Shishito Pepper Outside: Kanpachi | Yuzu Kosho

Nigiri

Yellowtail
Salmon
Saba
Ebi
Unagi
Tako
Ahi Tuna
Sweet Ebi
Big Island Kanpachi
Ikura Nigiri

Sashimi

Yellowtail
Ahi Tuna
Salmon
Big Island Kanpachi
Hamachi Toro

Signature Nigiri

Kona Kanpachi Nigiri
Kanpachi | Yuzu | Tobiko | Inamono
Maguro Zuke Nigiri
Soy Blanched ahi | Fresh Daikon Oroshi
Seared Hamakua Ali'i Mushroom Nigiri
Yuzu Miso | Lemon Zest | Torched
Aburi Salmon Harasu Nigiri
Salmon Belly | Unagi Reduction | Lemon Zest | Garlic Chips | Torched
Sea Salt & Lime Cured Saba Nigiri
Tsu Vinegar | Fresh Ginger | Spring Onion
Hamachi Nigiri
Wasabi Tobiko | Lemon Zest
Diver Scallop Nigiri GF*
Salted Kombu | Lime Zest
Uni Nigiri GF*
Uni | Grated Wasabi

Sashimi Dinners

Served with Miso Soup & Steamed Rice

Poke Chirashi
An Array of Diced & Sliced Fish | Sushi Rice | Avocado | Salmon Roe | Sesame Ponzu | Arare | Cucumber
Sashimi Dinner GF*
Yellowtail | Kanpachi | Salmon | Tuna

Desserts

Chocolate Molten Cake
White Chocolate Cremeux | Raspberry Coulis | Haupia Ice Cream
Banana Fosters
Burnt Miso Butterscotch | Haupia Ice Cream | Roasted Macadamia Nuts
Ice Cream
Inquire for Daily Flavor
Sorbet
Inquire for daily flavor

Keiki Menu

Buttery Soy Glazed Noodles
Parmigiano Reggiano | Tamari Butter
Karaage Chicken
Edamame Succotash | Steamed Rice
Grilled Filet Mignon 4oz
Edamame Succotash | Potato Puree

Sizzling Plates

12 oz Ribeye Steak
Yasai Vegetables | Truffleyaki Sauce
Surf & Turf
8 oz Filet Mignon | (3) Kauai Shrimp | Grilled Broccolini | Tempura Onion Ring
Seafood Trio
Lobster Tail | Diver Scallops | Kauai Shrimp | Bok Choy | Grilled Onions

What 1,558 people are saying

Kenichi Pacific 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

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.3Service
4Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Hawaii
Healthy
Hawaii / Big Island
Innovative
Hawaii / Big Island
Healthy
Hawaii / Big Island
Neighborhood gem
Hawaii / Big Island
Great for fine wines
Hawaii / Big Island
Good for special occasions
Hawaii / Big Island
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Kenichi Pacific offers a delightful dining experience with standout sushi and imaginative dishes. Guests praise "superb food" and "outstanding service," with highlights like the "best meal" of mahi-mahi and "delicious sushi rolls." While some note service inconsistencies, the warm atmosphere and "friendly staff" ensure a memorable visit.

1,558 Reviews

K
Kona
Hawaii1 review
1.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Kenichis has always been one of our favorite restaurants in town and we decided to celebrate our anniversary with dinner there and were so excited, however when we arrived we were greeted in a way that we were upsetting everyone because they were closing 2 hours early and we had a reservation. After being seated our server was very unprofessional and unfriendly , didn’t ask what drinks we wanted and then said that the kitchen is closed so to “figure out everything we want and put it in at the same time as soon as possible” upon that we looked at the menu to find the entire menu changed, everything we loved before was gone and replaced with in our opinion, foods that weren’t as home style and Japanese style as we preferred before. The entire vibe was weird and the music was so loud and odd we almost felt they were trying to drive us out with it. We did enjoy the couple appetizers we got! We loved this place, we just had a really bad experience and it made us unsure if we would return.
Is this helpful?
B
Brian
Unspecified2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had the 8 oz. Filet Mignon cooked medium rare. It cuts like butter and very tender. It came with 4 shishito peppers. Sides are extra, and so I had a mixture of mushrooms. I had 2 unagi nigiri to start with and these were delicious.
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D
Dan VIP
Hawaii29 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very fine dining experience all around. I had Macadamia crusted Lamb chops. Perfectly cooked, crust added perfectly to texture and flavor. Highly recommend to those who like lamb. Order and enjoy.
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L
Lexy
Philadelphia1 review
3.0
Dined on April 7, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Kenichi pacific has some great elements. The ambiance is a bit confusing, as the menu reflects closer to finer dining and the atmosphere is more casual. The staff are kind but there is area of opportunity for communication as we received the same course twice and had to let the server know kindly we had already been served. The food is ok, but leaves a bit to be desired, especially the squid salad which is lacking taste. Overall, the value for the experience would be what would garner my rating of a 3/5.
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S
Steve
Boise34 reviews
2.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Service was very slow. 3 Ribs for $18. Won’t be back
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K
Karen
Hawaii2 reviews
3.0
Dined on March 29, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Really tasty oysters, best part of the meal. The rest of the food was just ok. Server was friendly but the service was a little slow. Last time we were there it was better, that was about 2 years ago. Location good to our condo but not sure I will be back next time we are visiting the Big Island.
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A
Alan
Los Angeles29 reviews
2.0
Dined on March 24, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
I didn't like it - at all. Their Brussels sprouts were not anything special
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J
John
Calgary1 review
2.0
Dined on March 14, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Our calamari appetizer was overcooked. Our salmon was ordered to be slightly underdone--arrived overcooked. The chicken katsu carbonara item should not be on the menu--a weak combination.
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S
Steve
Hawaii2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our meal was Sensational for our date night!! Only one minor problem, our dessert had bananas in it and they were as hard as brick bats. When I told our waiter the kitchen denied it and that was a big laugh to the staff. Please make sure the chef is using ripe bananas… these desserts are not cheep.
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A
Alice
Baltimore2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely love this place. Only 4 stars for food, though...because the dish I love the most, avo mac nut salad, is no longer on the menu. It was my favorite! At least they have returned the lava cake, also TDF. Truly the food is outstanding but bring the salad back, please.
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FAQs

Kenichi Pacific is rated 4.2 stars by 1558 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Booked 9 times today

78-6831 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Additional information

Cross street
Kamehameha III
Neighborhood
Kailua-Kona
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sun 4:30 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Sushi, Steak, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We are located in Keauhou Shopping Center. We do have plenty of parking space.
Public transit
Keauhou shuttle Open-Air 44 seat trolley type shuttle. Between Keauhou and Kailua town eight times a day.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Christopher Massella
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://kenichipacific.com/
Phone number
(808) 322-6400
Catering
Offers: Full sushi station with your Private Chef Bar station Sushi, food/pupus & more At least a week notice for smaller groups.
Private party facilities
Bar area with outdoor lanai 75 guests maxSmall Dining room hold up to 14 guests maxTwo out side patio (Covered) hold up to 30 guests max

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

Kenichi Pacific

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Seafood Trio

Tsunami Roll

Sashimi Dinner GF

Greens

Raw and Local

Honeycrisp Apple & Bok Choy salad

Cool Tasting

Seared Beef Carpaccio

Chilled Seasonal Oyster

Hamachi Tiradito GF* (New Style)

Seasonal Oyster & Quail Egg Shooter

Sunomono Salad

Entrees

Duck Confit

Pan Seared Chicken

Diver Scallop Coconut Curry

Wafu Style Mushroom Pasta

Chicken Katsu Carbonara

Itameshi Kauai Shrimp & Scallop Risotto GF*

Macadamia Crusted Lamb Chops

Misoyaki Broiled Black Cod or Salmon

Japanese Style Spaghetti & Clams

Yakiniku Short Ribs

Sides

Honey Gochujang Brussel Sprouts

Sake Glazed Mushrooms GF*

Buttery Soy Glazed Noodles

Potato Puree

Hot (Warm) Tasting

Manapua Duo

Asian BBQ. Ribs

Age'dashi Tofu

Wok Charred Edamame

Grilled Hamachi Kama GF*

Charred Shishito Peppers V*GF*

Japanese Street Corn GF*

Spicy Crispy Calamari

Vegetable Tempura

Karaage Chicken

Miso Cod

Dynamite Shrimp

Soup

Miso Soup

Fresh Wasabi

Fresh Wasabi

Meats

Filet Mignon 8oz

Ribeye 12oz

Add on to Meats

Add on Sauces

Sushi Rolls

Soft Shell Crab Roll

Shogun Shrimp Roll

Samurai Eel roll

Rainbow Roll GF*

Vegas Roll

Nojo Vegetable Roll V*GF*

Tempura Shrimp Roll

Cucumber Roll V*GF*

Avocado Roll V*GF*

California Roll GF*

Spicy Tuna Roll GF*

Tuna Roll

Tsunami Roll

Natto Roll GF*

Avocado & Cucumber Roll

Bushido Roll

Nigiri

Yellowtail

Salmon

Saba

Ebi

Unagi

Tako

Ahi Tuna

Sweet Ebi

Charred Shishito Peppers VGF

Nojo Vegetable Roll VGF

Cucumber Roll VGF

Avocado Roll VGF