Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe – Mauna Lani Shops, Kona
Imagine the perfect escape where the only criteria are good food and drink in a relaxed, carefree environment. Sound like wishful thinking?
Not at Tommy Bahama’s, where the purveyor of island lifestyles has evolved their successful men’s and women’s upscale casual sportswear, golfwear, accessory and home furnishings collections into a well respected restaurant and retail operation that serves up island-inspired fare and lots of tropical fun.
The cafe is located on the second level above a Tommy Bahama retail shop. The immediate view is of the parking lot, however, the distant views of the Mauna Lani resort grounds are pleasant.
There are tables on the lanai and tables indoors, though the restaurant was open air throughout. As you would expect, the restaurant is very tastefully decorated in an island motif. I did find it odd that the decor was Caribbean themed. When in Hawaii, I prefer a Hawaiian theme.
Live music was playing, which was pleasant, however it was also more of a Jimmy Buffet type music. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like Jimmy Buffet music, but when I’m in Hawaii, I want to soak up all things Hawaiian. So, I would have preferred music with a local vibe.