Shopping, Restaurants, & Bars in Ocean View Town & the Kau District on the Big Island of Hawaii

In Ocean View Town:
There are two main shopping areas in Ocean View - Pohue Plaza on the ocean side of Highway 11 (a few blocks from Lova Lava Land) and Ocean View Town Center on the opposite (mountain) side of Highway 11. A third shopping area is being built, but not yet complete. In both areas there is a gas station, grocery store, & restaurant. In Pohue Plaza there is also a Post Office and Laundromat.

All stores & restaurants in Ocean View & the Kau District close no later than 8PM! Don't complain as most small towns in Hawaii close down at 5PM. Stores in Hilo & Kailua-Kona are open later. If you get stuck the local bar (Mister Bell's) is open later and sometimes will offer simple sandwiches after 8PM.

Grocery Stores:
To save money, we like to stock up on non-perishable items at the major grocery stores in Kailua-Kona and Hilo (there are several big chains in both towns). Then we'll buy last minute or items that need refrigeration in town. The local grocery stores have all the basics and reasonable prices if you look for sale items. There is also a grocery store in the neighboring town of Naalehu but prices are not better than the ones in Ocean View.

Kau Farmer's Market:
Held each Wednesday from 8AM-4PM and Saturday from 8AM-Noon at the Ace Hardware lot in Naalehu Town - 17 miles from Ocean View (NOT the Ace Hardware in Ocean View).

Ocean View Scenic Point:
Often there are locals selling inexpensive jewelry and fresh coconuts at the Ocean View Scenic Point - a great place to pick up souvenirs that are locally-crafted!

Restaurants:
Our personal opinion is that the restaurants in Ocean View are MUCH better quality and prices than you will find in the tourist areas of the big cities or in other small towns. They are all locally owned and there seems to be a sense of pride for keeping prices reasonable and food of good quality. We are collecting menus and opening times (which do change often so bear with us) to share with you. You can also grab some ready-made food to go at all the grocery stores.

Lava Tube (previously Mister Bells) :
Local colorful bar & restaurant that is just a hop & skip up highway 11 from Pohue Plaza. It's a 15 minute walk from Lova Lava land. See their menu here. Their restaurant closes at 8PM and the cheaper pupu menu will fill up most people at lower prices than the entrees. The bar has a pool table, video games, and usually a karaoke night at 8PM on Wednesday nights.

Desert Rose Cafe:
In the Pohue Plaza shopping center. They serve beer & wine and often have live music on Saturday nights (ask them for their current schedule). A great place to sit down and have any meal.

Ocean View Pizzaria:
In the Ocean View Town Center, this family owned spot serves up homemade good pizza & subs like they should be made! Great to pick up lunch or dinner (there's not much sitting room inside) and you can call ahead for pick-up 929-9677.

Lava Mama's:
Take out or sit outside and eat from this food van in the town center. A faster option than other premade food in Ocean View.

Other Restaurants in Neighboring Towns:

In Naalehu: There are several food options here including Hana Hou & Shaka.

In Pahala: There is a nice cafe (Keoki Cafe) with very reasonable prices. See their menu: Page 1, Page 2