Why your poke bowl in Kailua-Kona costs more this quarter

Key points

• Kailua-Kona menus rose 7.7 percent in Q1 2026, above the national 6.7 percent average; typical plate $20.97.
• Poke and bowls jumped most, plus 12.1 percent, with diesel for fishing boats up 43 percent cited as a major pressure.
• Farm-to-table and Thai menus are up 11.2 percent, linked to higher fertilizer costs, and active EPA pesticide dockets that affect grower inputs.
• A $7.85 million USDA award to Central Valley Meat Co. shows federal procurement moving meat distribution, relevant to steakhouse prices.
• Open federal dockets to watch include EPA inert ingredient reviews IN-11962 and IN-11882, the neonicotinoid settlement notice, and Western Pacific Fishery Council meetings; outcomes can shape supply and costs.
• Breakfast prices eased because egg costs plunged 40 percent; coffee and cafe prices stay elevated due to local fuel and shipping.

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