Da Whip Sandos & Bar
Casual sandwich-focused spot in Kailua-Kona known for hearty artisan sandwiches, bowls, and salads. It has a relaxed upstairs setting and works well for lunch or an early dinner.
- casual lunch spot
- upstairs plaza location
- ocean-view setting
- vegetarian and vegan options
Da Whip Sandos & Bar is a casual Kailua-Kona sandwich stop with more personality than the average lunch counter. Set upstairs in Hale Ku‘i Plaza near Costco, it stands out for hefty, flavor-forward sandos, a relaxed bar-adjacent vibe, and a location that works especially well when a traveler wants an easy meal without drifting far from the retail corridor. It is the kind of place that feels built for a break in the day: quick enough for lunch, distinctive enough to remember.
What it does best
The menu’s strongest lane is big, satisfying sandwiches with a house-made feel. The most talked-about order is the Richard Pickle, a Cuban-inspired hoagie with pulled pork, pickles, and slaw that has become the signature reference point for the place. Beyond that, Da Whip leans into smoked meats, chopped beef, rice bowls, and salads, so it covers both indulgent and lighter lunch territory.
There is also meaningful attention to vegetarian and vegan diners for a sandwich shop of this type. The Blast Unicorn, built around mac nut cheese and mushroom-cashew filling, gives the menu a more local, inventive edge. That mix of meat-forward comfort food and a few thoughtful plant-based choices helps explain the shop’s broad appeal.
The feel of the place
Da Whip is informal in the best way. The upstairs setting gives it a tucked-away feel, and the ocean-view angle adds a little lift to what could otherwise be a standard plaza lunch stop. The overall impression is relaxed, slightly quirky, and unfussy rather than polished or scene-driven.
That casualness is part of the charm, but it is also the tradeoff. This is not a white-tablecloth room, a lingering date-night destination, or a place with a sprawling menu. It is strongest when treated as a straightforward, satisfying meal stop with character.
Who it suits best
Da Whip is a smart fit for travelers who want a memorable lunch, an easy early dinner, or a casual stop before or after shopping in Kona. It is especially appealing if the goal is a sandwich with real heft and a setting that feels more local than corporate.
Travelers looking for formal service, a broad dining-room experience, or highly polished ambience may prefer something else. But for those who want a distinctive, no-fuss sandwich shop with real personality, Da Whip lands squarely in the sweet spot.
