Permanently Closed :( Sooooo bummed! I hate it when a good restaurant fails in Kona and so many mediocre ones survive just by hooking one and done tourists! Kona needs Falafel in Paradise! Please reopen soon !
Pasta P.
Place rating: 1 Kailua-Kona, HI
Went there because it says it opens at 11. Waited 20 mins and no one came. So we ended up eating next door.
Matt C.
Place rating: 1 Kailua-Kona, HI
After 10 times of trying to visit this place during posted business hours and they were closed, and having the last review deleted stating that info… I still really want Falafel! To be a good sport, I attempted to try again today.(this is my 11th attempt). I arrived at 11:20. No one home, again… I must have the bad falafel mojo…
Koki K.
Place rating: 5 Waialua, HI
I visited from Honolulu. Best falafel I ever ate in Big Island Hawaii. fresh pita bread & yellow spicy salsa
Michael W.
Place rating: 5 Malvern, AR
Great falafel and traditional Levantine food. The staff are all experts at the preparation of Israeli foods like shakshuka and homemade hummus.
Mei-Lan C.
Place rating: 5 Honolulu, HI
little hidden gem. found this place by accident and loved the falafel sandwich(9 $) it was made fresh after ordering and was delicious and filling with all the right flavors. the owner was very nice and gave us some sample of the special fries and shakshuka . DELICIOUS !
Jennie M.
Place rating: 4 Kailua-Kona, HI
Very tasty falafel and hummus. It’s a nice taste of the Mediterranean in Hawaii. A bit hidden in a small shopping center off Ali’i Drive but nice place to catch an inexpensive, filling meal.
Shelley T.
Place rating: 5 Kailua-Kona, HI
Pretty sure this is the only place in Kona you can get falafel! So yummy! Try it! You’ll like it!
Berritt S.
Place rating: 5 Tacoma, WA
I wish I could give this place more than 5 stars. Hands down, the best falafel I’ve ever eaten. And I’ve eaten a lot of falafel. The people running the place were super friendly as well. I’m definitely going back.
Leslie w.
Place rating: 5 Oakland, CA
Believe it or not, this tiny counter-service establishment is not only kosher, but has some of the best falafel we have ever eaten(and we’ve been to Israel many times!) The two young owners make the Pita bread by hand daily and it is superb! They have schnitzel and some other dishes and plan to add schwarma soon. They offer Shabbat meal take out supervised by Chabad and it was so delectable that I have been trying to get some of their recipes! We had roast chicken, beef shish kebabs, excellent rice, and wonderful lemon cake. This is a rare gem!
Shawn S.
Place rating: 5 Redwood City, CA
A wonderful change of food and cuisine from all the island and fish based food– Truly authentic falafel and tastes from the region, I know because I have spent time trying the best falafel and hummus out there and this is up there with the best. It’s a little hard to see, but at the Kona marketplace you won’t regret this for lunch — Enjoy !
Priti P.
Place rating: 5 Schaumburg, IL
Great tasty food! Falafel was freshly made and the veggies all were fresh. The owner takes his time to explain the limited menu. The lemonade and green tea were delicious also! I didn’t mind the menu was limited bc I knew I wanted falafel. My husband got another plate with eggs which he thought was delicious. Only con is he closes early and place is bit hidden, but once you find it, it is Falafel in Paradise!
Ll P.
Place rating: 5 Portland, OR
Wow! Friendly, helpful and amazingly good food. We came because of other Unilocal reviews. This place defines«hole in the wall» so much we nearly didn’t go in. The umbrellas are in front of the only signage, so go in even if you’re not sure. As vegetarians we were thrilled with the freshly made falafels and pita bread. Truly, worth your time. All the fresh veggie salads to go with the falafels were top notch. We got there right at closing and still they made everything fresh and didn’t hurry us. The whole experience was 5 stars.
Karen L.
Place rating: 4 Kailua-Kona, HI
Pros: affordable prices, has the best(and only) falafel in Kona, tasty hummus & baba ganoush! Cons: Limited menu, very small eating area & slow service I would recommend to anyone who loves or wants to try yummy hummus+ falafel in a homemade pita bread and is not in a rush.
Rob C.
Place rating: 5 Broward, FL
Awesome spot! I landed in Kona starving. As a vegan, the first thing I do is open Unilocal and search for«vegan»(if nothing comes up then I have to get creative). I noticed this place was a 5 minute walk from where I was but it was closing in 3 minutes. I dropped everything and hurried over. The owner was chillin in front the store. I asked if they were closed and he said no way come on in. I explained I was vegan and he was super knowledgable about it. He even went out of his way to let me know they do serve meat but the falafel is fried in its own fryer. The falafel is amazing. He made me and my wife a fresh batch. All of the ingredients are cut fresh daily. He even makes his own fries and pitas. Great spot whether you’re vegan, kosher, or none of the above. Can’t recommend it enough.
Gregg D.
Place rating: 4 Kailua-Kona, HI
While this isn’t the typical Mediterranean falafel I love and am used to, it’s still very good. Hawaii is SO lacking in healthy and vegetarian/vegan options, that I am super happy they are here. If you’re new to health food or just want something different and fresh, please give these guys a try! Place is very small and spotless, and still expanding the menu as they grow business. Salads are made up every morning, and falafel balls fried up fresh right before your order is made. I had a sandwich made with everything just as intended. The only thing I can say is I would enjoy a larger chop on the produce so there’s more texture, and the spicy sauce I couldn’t really taste. The pita held up very well which is always crucial. I had a side of fries also, went for the smoked paprika, and they were fabulous. Big random chunks and perfect cook too. Though I don’t eat eggs, please try the shakshuka, it’s absolutely amazing! It’s a roasted tomato and pepper sauce with(fried?) eggs. The flavor profile is just phenomenal from the little nibble I had. ***They have lemon/limeade with mint, or(jasmine?) green tea with honey available as alternatives to soda! And free refills on those =) Nice little place, and I’ll be back for another sandwich!
Halo I.
Place rating: 5 Alexandria, VA
The best falafel in the kona — big island area! Meir is so nice and welcome! And is SABICH with the egg was awesome! If you keep kosher or Vegan(or just love falafel/shawarma/SABICH) I totally recommend this place. Thank you Meir(: #the_best_falafel
Udi M.
Place rating: 5 Washington, DC
the best kosher /vegan in hawaii — big island hi all the food are so fresh and tasty. the employees are so nice and helpful. highly recommended for anyone who is looking for a kosher/vegan in the big island hi
Kahuku F.
Place rating: 5 Kailua-Kona, HI
I’m so happy to see Falafels in Paradise back in Kona. The menu is a little different from the previous incarnation, but it’s every bit as ono. Everything is freshly made, and I’m happy to have another veggie option. Today, I got the falafel pita combo, which includes freshly made fries and a drink. The falafel were tasty, the pita soft and fluffy, the hummus and salad fresh. Overall a winner. I hope they keep up the good work.
Anna C.
Place rating: 5 Los Angeles, CA
Delicious. I hope they stay open forever! The falafel was cooked just for me, everything was fresh and spectacular. Everyone should go!
