Christmas Day--what's open?

Question

Hello!

Our family of 6 adults is arriving at 3:30 pm on Christmas Day. We're staying in a rental house about 6 miles south of Kailua-Kona. Are there any grocery stores/convenience stores open in the area where we could pick up coffee and breakfast stuff?

And, I would love some feedback about dinner. I already made a reservation at Kai Eats, but I noticed that the menu just changed and that it's now a more upscale Italian place. Has anyone eaten there? I haven't found many recent reviews. On Open Table, there's also availability at Jackie Rey's and Papa Kona. Does anyone have any experience at either of those? We're just looking for somewhere close with good food (mainly fresh seafood, but we have one fish-hater).

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Answer

Great questions — arriving on Christmas Day means planning ahead, because options for groceries and dinner are more limited than usual. Here’s what local travelers and forum posters have noted, plus some guidance and suggestions.

Grocery / Convenience Options on Christmas Day (near Kailua-Kona)

KTA Super Stores (Kona Coast Shopping Center): According to older forum reports, the KTA in Kona is open on Christmas Day (some report hours from ~7am to 4pm).
Safeway (Kona): Multiple trip-advisor and forum users say Safeway in Kona remains open on Christmas Day.
Local convenience stores / gas station markets: These are more likely to be open late or on holidays than large retailers — good fallback if grocery shelves are slim.

Tips for Grocery Runs & Breakfast Stuff

Bring some essentials in your luggage or order ahead (if using services like grocery delivery) — don’t rely on big stores for large fresh-stock pickups on Christmas.
If your rental has a kitchen, pick up basics like coffee, milk, eggs, bread, and fruit — KTA or Safeway should cover most needs early on Christmas Day.
If you're worried about availability, call the local KTA store a few days before to confirm their holiday hours.

Dinner Suggestions in Kona for Christmas Day

You already have a reservation at Kai Eats (now more upscale Italian, per your notes), which could work nicely for a special holiday dinner. Here’s feedback + alternative recommendations:

Kai Eats: As you noted, the menu has shifted toward higher-end Italian. There aren’t many very recent reviews specifically for the “Kai Eats Italian” era, but using it for a special holiday meal makes sense — just confirm your reservation and ask about any special Christmas menu.
Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill: A longtime favorite in Kona — more casual, solid mix of seafood, steaks, and local dishes. Some reviewers note inconsistent quality, but it’s very popular and usually has a good vibe for a family dinner.
Papa Kona Restaurant: Known for seafood, local-style plates, and a relaxed feel. According to Redditors, it’s a reliable pick: > “We like Papa Kona. We go there often.”
Sunset Kai Lānaʻī (Keauhou): A newer spot that was suggested on forums as a potential Christmas-day place. One forum user specifically mentioned it as a good idea for a holiday dinner near Kona.

Final Thoughts & Practical Advice

- Plan to do a grocery run ASAP after you arrive, if possible — especially for coffee and breakfast basics.
- For dinner, since you already booked Kai Eats, that should be great for a nice meal. But if something changes, both Jackie Rey’s and Papa Kona are good nearby backups.
- Confirm your restaurant reservation by phone a few days in advance — holiday hours can shift, and some places run a special menu.
- Bring flexibility: even if stores are open, selection may be limited (think convenience-type items more than full grocery inventory).

Christmas Day--what's open?

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