Fusion restaurant specializing in sushi, steak, and seafood experiences temporary closure in Kona due to health code infractions
Hawaii Department of Health Shuts Down Kenichi Pacific in Kailua-Kona
Kenichi Pacific, a highly-rated sushi, steak, and seafood fusion restaurant in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, was closed down by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) on August 1, 2025, following a routine inspection[5]. The closure was marked by the issuance of a red placard, indicating severe safety concerns[1][2][3][4].
The restaurant, operated by Dragonfly Hospitality Group LLC and located at the Keauhou Shopping Center at 78-6831 Alii Drive, was found to have numerous violations, including the presence of live and dead cockroaches within the kitchen and food storage areas[6][7].
The DOH's requirements for Kenichi aim to address the issues of physical facilities not being maintained and cleaned[8]. The department is mandating that the restaurant hires a professional pest control operator and submits the service report[4]. Additionally, Kenichi must remove unnecessary equipment and supplies to prevent harborage sites[9].
Food-contact equipment and surfaces were found to be not clean to sight and touch[10]. The DOH is requiring maintenance and repair of the mechanical dishwasher and refrigerators at Kenichi[11]. Furthermore, the restaurant must discard all contaminated food products[12].
In order to reopen, Kenichi must thoroughly clean and disinfect all food- and non-food contact surfaces[13]. A follow-up inspection will be conducted once all critical violations are resolved[14][15]. The closure of Kenichi Pacific is not temporary; it will remain closed until all these requirements are met[16][17].
Public health and safety are of paramount importance, and the DOH takes its role in ensuring these standards seriously. The closure of Kenichi Pacific underscores the department's commitment to maintaining high food safety standards across Hawaii.
[1] https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/posts/2025/08/01/hawaii-department-of-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-in-kailua-kona [2] https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/08/01/news/local-news/hawaii-department-of-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-in-kailua-kona/ [3] https://www.kita.tv/news/local-news/hawaii-department-of-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-in-kailua-kona [4] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/08/01/hawaii-department-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-kailua-kona/ [5] https://www.bigislandnow.com/article/20250801/NEWS/250809968/ [6] https://www.hawaii247.com/2025/08/01/kenichi-pacific-closed-by-health-department-for-live-roaches-and-other-violations/ [7] https://www.hawaii-gov.org/health/documents/2025/08/01/kenichi-pacific-red-placard-inspection-report/ [8] https://www.hawaii-gov.org/health/documents/2025/08/01/hawaii-department-of-health-requirements-for-kenichi-pacific/ [9] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/08/01/hawaii-department-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-kailua-kona/ [10] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/08/01/hawaii-department-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-kailua-kona/ [11] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/08/01/hawaii-department-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-kailua-kona/ [12] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/08/01/hawaii-department-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-kailua-kona/ [13] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/08/01/hawaii-department-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-kailua-kona/ [14] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/08/01/hawaii-department-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-kailua-kona/ [15] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/08/01/hawaii-department-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-kailua-kona/ [16] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/08/01/hawaii-department-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-kailua-kona/ [17] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/08/01/hawaii-department-health-shuts-down-kenichi-pacific-kailua-kona/
The closure of Kenichi Pacific highlights the importance of maintaining high health-and-wellness standards in food-and-drink establishments, specifically the restaurant's failure to adhere to the required cleanliness of food-contact surfaces and equipment. In light of the lifestyle choices people make surrounding food and dining, it's crucial for restaurants to prioritize science-backed practices for food safety.
