Most Popular Hawaiian food in Hilo, Hawaii, United States

August 3, 2020 Tonie Szymanski

Find out what Hawaiian restaurants to try in Hilo. The landscape of Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is diverse. Beaches of black, gray, brown and white sand give way to mountains and dramatic waterfalls. Hilo's Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only U.S. zoo in a tropical rainforest. A day trip away are snow-capped Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, with observatories near 11,000 feet on both mountains, and Kilauea Caldera, an active volcano. Back in town are a farmer's market, restaurants, shopping and banyan trees planted by celebrities and politicians.
Things to do in Hilo

10. Ponds

135 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-4703 American, Seafood, Hawaiian Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront +1 808-934-7663 http://www.pondshilohi.com/index.html
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4 based on 832 reviews

Ponds

Reviewed By vegates

On our first night in Hilo we came hungry and ready to try a new restaurant. Wanting to avoid our hotel's offerings, we headed out for a walk to nearby Ponds restaurant. The glow of the lights at night over the water beckoned us in. It wasn't very busy being a weeknight, but everyone was welcoming and attentive. We were seated by the windows overlooking the koi pond; they gave us a little cup of food to feed them as waited.They had live music playing and a few tables with happy diners. The menu had a lot of options, but the specials sounded fantastic as well. We loved the freshness of the food, especially the produce and salads, a common theme for the weekend. The homemade bread and seasoned butter were amazing. My parents split the seafood pasta special, I went with the fish and chips; light and fluffy white fish on a bed of fries. Prices were a little high for the portions, but we were happy with the quality and taste. If you're staying in any of the major hotels outside of town, it's a quick walk over here and worth your time!

9. Ken's House of Pancakes

1730 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-4639 American, Diner, Hawaiian Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 808-935-8711 http://www.kenshouseofpancakes.com
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4 based on 2648 reviews

Ken's House of Pancakes

Reviewed By tabithatyq

We stopped by a month back on our honeymoon. I had the kalbi ribs with rice and my husband had the Portuguese sausage omelette with rice. We also shared a small pancake. Food was great, very hearty and filling which was needed after our early morning hike in the volcanoes national park. Service was warm but not overbearing. I would return!

8. Puka Puka Kitchen

270 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-2836 Asian, Hawaiian Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service +1 808-933-2121 https://www.facebook.com/Puka-puka-kitchen-147452941975846/
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4 based on 220 reviews

Puka Puka Kitchen

Reviewed By Sarahtravelbug43

Probably one of the best meals we had on the island. An unassuming utilitarian cafe on the main drag, we thought we would give it a try. Mind blown. Asked our server what was the house faves - on her recommendation husband had the lamb plate, I had the ahi plate. Both awesome! Garlic rice was lightly curried and garlicky, salad was super fresh with garbanzos and tons of sprouts. Both lamb and fish were cooked perfectly. Don’t let appearance fool you, best food in Hilo!

7. Hana Hou Restaurant

95-1148 Naalehu Spur Rd, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96772 American, Hawaiian Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, BYOB +1 808-929-9717 https://naalehurestaurant.com
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4 based on 574 reviews

Hana Hou Restaurant

Since 1940, Hana Hou Restaurant has offered delicious homemade comfort food and dessert that you can't find anywhere else! Signature dishes such as the Loco Moco or Hogzilla Burrito are a must try. Stop by today!

Reviewed By Susieqa

6 of us stopped in for a light lunch. Everyone enjoyed their food. From Rueben sandwich to pork chops everything was very good. The slaw and Mac salad are best we’ve found on the island. If back n the area, we all agreed it would be our go to place.

What to do and see in Hilo, United States: The Best Places and Tips

6. Makani's Magic Pineapple Shack

54 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-2440 Cafe, Hawaiian, Contemporary, American Lunch, Brunch, Breakfast Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available [email protected] +1 808-935-8454 http://www.facebook.com/magicpineappleshack
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4 based on 92 reviews

Makani's Magic Pineapple Shack

Award winning unique drinks, acai bowls, sandwiches, gourmet local ice creams & house made soft serve!

Reviewed By dunadan

This was an awesome late-lunch stop on our visit to Hilo from Kona. Everything about this funky little eatery was exceptional, from the friendly, young staff, to the selections of food, smoothies, and ice cream, to the decor.I ordered a pork sandwich that was hot, delicious, and came with a side of purple taro chips--all delicious, and large--I was more than filled up with my sandwich. My wife got a turkey sandwich, and our daughter, not terribly hungry yet on vacation, convinced her parents to let her order an ice cream sundae for "lunch". Between the three of us we also shared a smoothie.So. Many. Good. Tastes. This hole-in-the-wall place, off the main business street in Hilo, is well-worth your time to seek it out and have some great island grub.

Hilo Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Hilo

5. Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo

64 Keawe St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-2486 American, Bar, Seafood, Healthy, Hawaiian Lunch, Dinner, Drinks Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Wheelchair Accessib [email protected] +1 808-961-2572 http://www.jackiereyshilo.com
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4 based on 338 reviews

Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo

Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill is a casual local's joint featuring fresh seafood, steaks, pasta and a variety of salads at affordable prices. The restaurant (named after our daughter) is the culmination of much hard work and the dedication of ourselves and our

Reviewed By CharlesR643

Enjoyed their take on Caesar Salad and Rack of Lamb although over cooked. The purple sweet potato side about stole the show. Service was very polite and sweet but ran slow... waited for drinks, appetizers, and main course... all waiting longer than considered normal. I asked for medium lamb but served well done... didn’t send back because I was told I was lucky to get the last order. There’s parking across the street. Aloha CharlesR643--- I appreciate you taking the time to give us some feedback. Good or bad, it's super important to convey to the chefs and service team what our guests are thinking. I did pass your comments about the lamb to our Chef and pace of service my General Manager. I hope you join us again... I assure you, it will be better.Respectfully, Paul-- the owner

Where to eat Contemporary food in Hilo: The Best Restaurants and Bars

4. Suisan Fish Market

93 Lihiwai St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-4611 Fast Food, Hawaiian, Healthy Lunch Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking +1 808-935-9349 http://www.suisan.com/fish
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4 based on 452 reviews

Suisan Fish Market

Suisan Fish Market is proud to be part of the Hawaiian fishing tradition and community for the past 110+ years. Suisan Fish Market provides wholesale and retail customers with the freshest seafood available including a wide variety of poke and sides. In a

Reviewed By CharlesR643

The best Poke on the Big Island! I’ve been to the two in Kona which are great but Suisan wins the overall comparison. Many varieties of Poke and other Hawaiian favorites along w the freshest seafood on the island... the restaurants use Suisan to get their fresh fish. Seating outdoors I a shaded area.

Best Seafood food near Hilo, Hawaii, United States

3. Hawaiian Style Cafe

681 Manono St #101, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-6435 American, Cafe, Polynesian, Hawaiian Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 808-969-9265 http://hawaiianstylecafe.us/
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4 based on 797 reviews

Hawaiian Style Cafe

Reviewed By juliecI3215FY

This was place was fantastic! Huge portions, so split a meal between 2 people! Make sure to try the pork nachos, best nachos we ever had! Highly recommend this restaurant!

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2. Pineapple's Island Fresh Cuisine

332 Keawe St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-2932 American, Bar, Seafood, Polynesian, Hawaiian Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music [email protected] +1 808-238-5324 http://pineappleshilo.com
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4 based on 1801 reviews

Pineapple's Island Fresh Cuisine

Reviewed By Bima77

A few years ago, I wrote a negative review for Pineapple's. Yesterday's visit changed my mind. A problem before was bad service, but the service this time was impeccable. Issues with a food order in the past also led to a negative experience, but the food on this occasion was absolutely exceptional. We both had the special, coconut-crusted ono on a grilled pineapple ring, served with garlic mashed potatoes, on a bed of sauteed summer squash. The quantity was beyond generous, with two large ono steaks as the star of the plate, and the combination of textures and flavors was perfect. In terms of value for money, this was a very good deal. The reason I give Pineapple's only 4 stars is the ambience. The restaurant is open on two sides to a busy street looking out toward the farmers' market, and traffic noise from one side colliding with a large and boisterous bar on the other means the room is not for everyone. On the other hand, having eaten in similar places in Fiji and the Philippines, I enjoyed the deja vu from those experiences, and the great food and beverages we enjoyed will definitely bring us back for more.

Top 10 Japanese food in Hilo, Hawaii, United States

1. Moon and Turtle

51 Kalakaua St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-2805 Japanese, Seafood, Hawaiian, International, Fusion Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 808-961-0599 https://www.facebook.com/moonandturtle/
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4 based on 339 reviews

Moon and Turtle

We feature a frequently changing international menu with a pacific emphasis and focus on locally sourced ingredients.

Reviewed By HootCheech

Husband and I had been dying to eat here. Last year, Hurricane Lane kept us away. Our server, Emily and her team set the bar for our entire anniversary vacation. We ordered every seafood item on the menu and each was more ono than the one before. The ahi was fresh and silky and amazing. We finished with lilikoi pie and the absolute best espresso ever brewed.We usually don’t repeat restaurants, no matter how fantastic, but we’re going to make an exception for this one.

Most Popular Pizza food in Hilo, Hawaii, United States

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