Dining at Kona Island

If you’ve ever been to Disney’s Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World,  you've probably seen one of my favorite “hidden” dining spots, Kona Island.  Located just inside the lobby off the monorail station and next to the larger Kona Café’, Kona Island serves coffee and pastries in the morning, then transforms from 5-10 p.m. into a dinner spot.  Seating is limited and they don’t take reservations, so first come, first served, but it is well worth the trip!  Not only do they have fresh, delicious made-to-order sushi, but you can also order anything off the Kona Café menu, enjoy a cocktail from the bar, or even choose from a limited sushi menu for carry-out.

I had a chance to dine here in late April and learned that the service options were changing slightly that very night.  There is no longer a chef preparing the sushi in front of diners at Kona Island, but instead it’s brought from the main Kona Café kitchen.  They have also added a dedicated server for those sitting down at the bar or window seats, with additional cast members helping with the walk-up/carry-out orders.  You can also get the full sushi menu at Kona Café next door.

Kona Cafe's full sushi menu (April 2013)

The night of my visit, I sampled the press pot of Kona coffee, a Mai Tai, and the Lava Roll (tagarashi-spiced tempura shrimp, bay scallops, spicy mayo, and chives) and it was easily one of the best meals of the week!  I highly recommend this location for sushi-lovers, as well as those looking for a last-minute dinner spot.

Press pot of Kona coffee - perfect for helping you catch a second wind! (April 2013)

A Mai Tai isn't complete without a fun tiki glass. (April 2013)

Kona Island's Lava Roll (April 2013)

Sound good?  Check out the official menu here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/polynesian-resort/kona-island/menus/dinner/