Kona or Coral Reef?

[George69]

Hi....2 adults, 3 children ages 5,7,8....we are doing Ohana Tues....and Wed deciding between Coral Reek and Kona....thoughts? I think Kona would have better food but less entertainment.......but if you are not "next" to the tank then the Reef entertainment is hard to see......food wise....don't know...thoughts please?

 

[eventamy]

We liked Kona (but the kitchen is slow, or was for us, so go early evening vs late evening). The Tuna Oscar is to die for!
We hated Coral Reef! The food was awful and we were not near the tank. If we were closer to the tank we might have been a little more ok with it, but the food was so bad I don't know!
So I vote for Kona!

 

[mef78]

Haven't been to either in a while, but if you can get that tank seat, I'd vote for Coral Reef.

 

[Brer Shay]

We've done both. If you're kids like to watch fish, they will be able to see them somewhat decently even if you are seated all the way in the last row of booths. You always have the option of saying that you are willing to wait for a tble closer. There isn't "entertainment" of any sort at Kona. I think the food was better at Kona then Coral Reef. If you think your children having some sort of distraction will help the meal go more smoothly, then go to Coral Reef.

 

[Darcy03231]

I took my niece to Coral Reef (she was 4, almost 5) and she loved it. Our dinner was great! It helped that we were seated right next to the tank. I can't help with Kona as I've never eaten there.

 

[keith-atl]

We liked Kona (but the kitchen is slow, or was for us, so go early evening vs late evening). The Tuna Oscar is to die for!
We hated Coral Reef! The food was awful and we were not near the tank. If we were closer to the tank we might have been a little more ok with it, but the food was so bad I don't know!
So I vote for Kona!

Food at Coral Reef is terrible!!!!!!!!!

 

[Skysdad]

I can't speak for Kona however we did DS 13th birthday in August at Coral Reef and had a wonderful time. It was not the best food I had eaten on the trip however it was not that bad and I felt the atmosphere was very enjoyable.
Good luck on your decission.

 

[auntfrannie]

When I've gone to Coral Reef for lunch the service and food were great. I went once for dinner and thought their menu was scaled back, which seemed odd for dinner. The service also wasn't so good for dinner but maybe that was an off night?

I have always had good food and service at Kona's. I eat there every trip!

 

[JMD]

Kona

 

[Amy&Dan]

Kona has better food but a coffee shop atmosphere. I also hate the way the noise from people waiting for O'Hana drifts in. But the food is phenomenal or at least it has been when we've gone. Coral Reef, in my opinion is hit or miss with food. I've had some incredible meals there and some medicore ones (never a bad meal and never bad service). But we've always enjoyed the atmosphere. I think the view of the tank is better from a distance. My kids have always enjoyed it and been entertained, even when we sat a distance away.

 

[Gina35]

Kona has better food but a coffee shop atmosphere. I also hate the way the noise from people waiting for O'Hana drifts in. But the food is phenomenal or at least it has been when we've gone. Coral Reef, in my opinion is hit or miss with food. I've had some incredible meals there and some medicore ones (never a bad meal and never bad service). But we've always enjoyed the atmosphere. I think the view of the tank is better from a distance. My kids have always enjoyed it and been entertained, even when we sat a distance away.

My thoughts exactly! Although I LOVE Kona's food, my husband and (grown) kids have NO desire to return. My husband calls it "the diner," but the poster b4 me said it perfectly: coffee shop atmosphere. Although the food at Coral Reef isn't anything to brag about, my family has enjoyed eating there several times strictly because of the atmosphere. We are going back to Coral Reef in August.

 

[Cinderella94]

We've never done Kona, but have only heard good things about it and want to try it sometime. We've only had one experience at Coral Reef, and have no desire to go back. Didn't thrill us.
The atmosphere was great, but not enough to warrant another meal there.

 

[skw444]

We did both Kona and Coral Reef on our last trip. Our kids (ages 3 and 6) liked Coral Reef better because we were right next to the tank. However, I thought the food was much better at Kona (one of my favorite meals of the entire trip). I would pick Kona.

 

[pmiranda]

Coral Reef is not to be missed. Food is great!

Kona is so-so. Very good for breakfast, though.

 

[The Hendies]

When the kids were young, we ate at Coral Reef every time, but in recent years, the portions are smaller and it is quite a bit more money. Sitting by the tank is awesome, however!

 

[MeLaNie9]

We have had great experiences at both places and will eat at both on our next trip. Food at both was delicious. We have eaten at Kona more often, but our last 2 trips have been with MIL and SIL who do not like seafood and so did not want to try Coral Reef. I will say that the service we have had at Coral Reef has been outstanding (Kona's has never been bad, but just not as good as CR).