Top Restaurants in Hakalau
Most Popular Restaurants in Hakalau
Discover the best restaurant in Hakalau, United States including What's Shakin', Mr. Ed's Bakery, Papaaloa Country Store & Cafe, Low Store, Hilo Sharks Coffee, Woodshop Gallery Cafe, Moon and Turtle, Bri's Big Island Barbecue, Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo, Puka Puka Kitchen
Things to do in Hakalau
1. What's Shakin'
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 581 reviews
Reviewed By Leah_Cruikshank - Philadelphia
On our way to Hilo from the Kohala Coast, we decided to drive north. About an hour into the drive we saw a sign that said "scenic road turn left." We did, and after 15 minutes or so of narrow and sometimes bumpy roads, we came across What's Shakin'. We were hungry and it was lunchtime. This little charm is what I would call Heaven by the Ocean. A more perfect place we could not have asked for. You can tell that the people that run What's Shakin' love what they do. We hope to visit The Big Island again, and when we do. What's Shaken will be a must stop!
2. Mr. Ed's Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By VEE1225 - Raleigh, North Carolina
We were headed to the waterfalls and needed lunch, so we stopped at the only place in town, Mr. Ed's Bakery. What a strange place! The bakery probably had great food, but we needed substance for lunch. We ended up getting pork sandwiches (a roll with pork in the middle) that they kindly heated up for us. It wasn't until after we paid that I saw they have hotdogs and hamburgers. We really should have gotten that. I think this is the place we used the bathroom also and got keys to go next door to a run-down and VERY sketchy room that looked abandoned. So strange. We were able to sit out front on the sidewalk and eat our lunch. In this small town, I felt like we saw EVERYTHING. I'm sure the bakery is great!
3. Papaaloa Country Store & Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By fly0nthewall - Alberta
Cute little restaurant and store with so much to offer. Everything on the menu is homemade, fresh, and oh sooo good!
Cafe has a great selection of beverages as well. Staff are wonderful! Definitely check this place out, live music every Friday and Saturday!
Convenience store has everything you need including some local products, souvenirs, and liquor store all in addition of the usual food stuffs.
4. Low Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Low Store has been family owned and operated since 1925. We offer shave ice, fresh fruit smoothies, local island style plate lunches and rice bowls, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and locally made ice cream. We also carry groceries, sundries, and Hawaiian arts and crafts.
Reviewed By floridalibn - Lakeland, FL
We ran across it after touring the botanical garden. It's a store with a food service attached. Nowhere to sit inside, but a couple of tables outside. I had the island nachos which were really good. The guys liked the hot dogs. And of course we had shave ice for dessert.
5. Hilo Sharks Coffee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By gfreeze01 - Prosper, Texas
The sandwiches and shakes were amazing. The young lady working the counter was knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. Great place in this sleepy little town. We went there 2x and both experiences were great. Highly recommend for a quick bite prior to zip lining or a relaxed and delicious shake afterwards.
6. Woodshop Gallery Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Woodshop Gallery Cafe,beside Gallery,located in Honomu, HI, on the way to/from Akaka Falls. Recommended by Big Island Revealed, Great food!
Reviewed By axwtravels - Seattle, Washington
We were passing through and found this place. My husband had the mango chicken and he said it was "delish!" I had the mahi sandwich and had the same opinion. The service was done although it was pretty quiet in there today. Definitely recommend if you're in the area.
7. Moon and Turtle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
We feature a frequently changing international menu with a pacific emphasis and focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Reviewed By Panajody
One of the deservedly trendy places in Hilo, Moon and Turtle has a small (four small plates and four large plates) and interesting menu that is Asian/Hawaiian fusion. The cooking is expert and imaginative. The ingredients are virtually all local and of the highest quality.
The service is warm, friendly, and discrete, with a smile.
Reservations are a must!
8. Bri's Big Island Barbecue
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Wood-fired, pit smoked barbecue cooked low and slow with care and aloha. Combining techniques and traditions of Kansas City style BBQ with ingredients, tastes and flavor influences of Hawaii, Polynesia and beyond.
Reviewed By psw21 - St. Albans, United Kingdom
Bri's Big Island BBQ is a table outside Mr Ed's bakery (itself well worth a visit) and is a collection of home-cooked meats and sides, the very phrasing of which undersells this massively. Bri is himself a character and great guy to chat to, but his food does all the talking. Within our family of four, we devoured the ribs, two servings of pulled pork (one in a sandwich, one on a plate to get the extra side!) and a smoked chicken in a bap. These were all excellent, the chicken really smoky so be sure you like that. But the sides are the stars of the show - Bri prepares his own BBQ potato chips ('crisps' to us Brits) and they are extraordinary, truly so; the coleslaw is lightly dressed so that you can taste the ingredients not only he dressing; and the beans, the beans...my my, the beans. They're smoked too in a pit with the pork, ingredients include bacon and bourbon and these are THE highlight that we're still talking about hours later. Wow, simply wow.
9. Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
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 crew. We invite you to be our guests and experience great food and old fashioned hospitality, island style. Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill (Hilo) is located in the Historic Kaikodo building in downtown Hilo on the Big Island. The building was constructed in 1907 as the Hilo Masonic Lodge Hall. The Kaikodo restaurant space, that houses Jackie Rey's, was formerly the Bank of Hilo and there still exist the bank vault where we hide misbehaving children (just kidding). The restaurant also has a beautifully crafted 150 year old English bar and 200 year old Chinese wood/glass doors in our dining room. Come dine with us and experience true island hospitality in a historic setting. Angie and Paul-Proprietors of your Local Ohana Grill. Established in Kona 2004 and 2016 in Hilo.
Reviewed By Foodie E - Ottawa, Canada
This was a great experience, causal or formal dress you will feel comfortable. The nightly special was an amazing fish dish, beautifully plated and served perfect temperature. And the steak dish was cooked to perfection. Excellent Mai Thai's! You feel relaxed and recharge by the end of dinner.
10. Puka Puka Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By Craig P - Seattle, Washington
Dropped in for lunch. 5 adults, We had falafel plate, Japanese curry salmon salad and shrimp plate. Servers was very good. Waitress very attentive and helpful. Everyone enjoyed the food. Very much a local local lunch place. I would recommend a visit.
