Overview
Da Shark Shack is a casual waterfront bar and restaurant in Kailua-Kona, on Ali‘i Drive, with views toward Kailua Bay and the pier. The Google Places record and Tripadvisor listing agree that it is open and operational at 75-5699 Ali‘i Dr A, and the place reads less like a formal sit-down restaurant than an easygoing stop for drinks, appetizers, and local-style plates. (tripadvisor.com)
For a traveler, the draw is the setting as much as the menu: it is the kind of place people choose for sunset drinks, a relaxed lunch, or a low-key evening by the water. The tradeoff is that this is not a polished fine-dining experience; it is a casual hangout, and that means service pace, crowding, and consistency can matter more than the menu description suggests. That last point is an editorial inference from the review pattern, not a direct claim from the business itself. (tripadvisor.com)
Cuisine & Specialties
The food lane is a casual Hawaiian/bar menu rather than destination chef-driven cooking. Tripadvisor describes the place as a waterfront bar with “local grindz,” a full bar, and a relaxed island feel; reviewer comments repeatedly mention cocktails, appetizers, fish tacos, ono bites, kalua pig, and a simple menu. The overall impression is drinks-plus-snacks with enough heartier plates to make it a meal. (tripadvisor.com)
- Overall menu style: casual Hawaiian and bar food, with seafood-forward appetizers and some local-style comfort dishes. (tripadvisor.com)
- Notable items mentioned in reviews: fish tacos, ono bites, kalua pig with rice and cabbage, mai tai, Cadillac margarita, and wings with flavors like Kona Gold, Hawaiian chile & garlic, and hot. These are supported by traveler reviews, not an official menu. (tripadvisor.com)
- Price expectations: Google Places labels it mid-range, and Tripadvisor also frames it as a $$-style stop; several reviews suggest the value is decent for Kona, though some diners felt portions were not especially generous for the price. (tripadvisor.com)
- Dietary usefulness: there are signals that it can work for mixed groups, since reviews and Tripadvisor mention seafood, drinks, appetizers, and some non-seafood options; however, there is not enough strong evidence here to say it is especially good for restrictive diets beyond the usual casual-menu flexibility. (tripadvisor.com)
Notable Features & Ambiance
The main experience is the setting: a small, casual waterfront spot facing the bay, with outdoor seating and a laid-back bar vibe. Tripadvisor’s description and reviews consistently emphasize the view, the informal atmosphere, and the fact that this is more of a “chill” stop than a polished restaurant. (tripadvisor.com)
- Service model and seating style: casual bar service with table service and outdoor seating; reviewers describe it as small and sometimes busy. (tripadvisor.com)
- Atmosphere and decor: laid-back, old-school Hawaiian, casual, and focused on the bay/pier view rather than elaborate interior design. (tripadvisor.com)
- Practical features: full bar, live music, outdoor seating, television, accepts credit cards, and appears pet-friendly per Tripadvisor’s listing. (tripadvisor.com)
- Best fit: sunset drinks, a relaxed lunch, happy hour, or an unhurried tourist stop where the view matters. (tripadvisor.com)
- Weaker fit: travelers expecting quiet service, a refined dining room, or highly consistent execution may be less satisfied; the review pattern shows occasional complaints about service and wait times. (tripadvisor.com)
History & Background
There is limited deep background available in the sources I checked. Tripadvisor’s listing says Da Shark Shack was formerly Chill’n On The Bay, which suggests a rebrand rather than a brand-new concept. One review also mentions a co-owner and “newly renamed” status in 2021, but that is firsthand user testimony rather than confirmed ownership documentation, so it should be treated as a clue rather than a settled fact. (tripadvisor.com)
Review Sentiment Snapshot
What People Love
Travelers repeatedly praise the view, the casual waterfront setting, and the drink program. Positive reviews also highlight friendly or personable service in some visits, hot appetizers, and a good place to linger at happy hour. Food favorites mentioned often include fish tacos, ono bites, kalua pig, and cocktails like mai tais and margaritas. The tone of praise is fairly consistent across reviews, which makes the ambiance/view signal well supported. (tripadvisor.com)
Common Gripes
The downsides are also fairly consistent: some guests report slow or uneven service, occasional rudeness, and a small-space / busy-peak experience that can feel crowded. A few diners mention that portions feel modest for the price, and at least one review says the food is less compelling than the view. There are also isolated but serious complaint signals in recent Tripadvisor reviews, including allegations of discriminatory treatment; because these are highly charged single-review claims, they should be treated as serious but not broadly generalized without corroboration. (tripadvisor.com)
Practical Visitor Tips
- Hours posture: Google Places shows daily hours of 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, while Tripadvisor currently shows 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM. That mismatch is worth checking before relying on late-night plans. (yelp.com)
- Best time to go: earlier in the day or before peak sunset hours if you want a better chance at seating and a wider menu selection; several reviewers say items can sell out or the kitchen can close earlier than expected. (tripadvisor.com)
- Reservations: Tripadvisor shows reservations are possible, but the tone of reviews suggests a walk-in, casual-bar expectation is still realistic. (yelp.com)
- Location: it sits on Ali‘i Drive near Kailua Bay and the pier, so it works naturally as a stop while walking or driving the downtown Kona waterfront. (tripadvisor.com)
- What to expect on arrival: small space, outdoor-facing seating, and a strong likelihood that the view is the standout feature even when service or food varies. That is an inference from repeated review themes. (tripadvisor.com)
Verification Notes
- Name and operational identity appear consistent: Da Shark Shack is listed as operational in Google Places and on Tripadvisor. (yelp.com)
- Address drift exists between sources: Google Places and the candidate record say 75-5699 Ali‘i Dr A, while an older Tripadvisor entry shows 75-5566 Alii Dr Suite A. This looks like possible suite/address drift or a legacy listing, so it should not be ignored. (yelp.com)
- No website was available in the supplied Google Place details, and I did not find a clearly authoritative official site to anchor one. (yelp.com)
- Phone number matches across the supplied Google data and Tripadvisor: (808) 796-3231. (yelp.com)
Sources
- Google Places record for Da Shark Shack —
https://maps.google.com/?cid=7307114159507281543— Retrieved 2026-04-01. Useful for the core identity anchor: name, address, phone, hours, rating, business status, and category. - Tripadvisor listing for Da Shark Shack —
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60872-d7616981-Reviews-Da_Shark_Shack-Kailua_Kona_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html— Retrieved 2026-04-02. Useful for legacy naming, old address formatting, description of the waterfront/bar concept, hours posture, features, and a mix of traveler impressions. - Tripadvisor listing for Da Shark Shack —
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60872-d23020014-Reviews-Da_Shark_Shack-Kailua_Kona_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html— Retrieved 2026-04-02. Useful for the newer address format, traveler comments on menu items, view, service quality, and recurring praise/gripes.
