Location: Pahoa
Top Restaurants in Pahoa
Pahoa Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Pahoa
Tiny Pahoa is Hawaii's alternative to a glitzy, prepackaged vacation experience. A small, Victorian town with wooden boardwalks, Pahoa has been called the "downtown" of the Puna region of the Big Island. Travelers will find abundant natural beauty combined with a laid-back, artistic atmosphere.
Things to do in Pahoa
1. Pahoa Fresh Fish
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
This place is relatively new and a real gem. Would love to write a review to let people passing through Pahoa towards Volcano National Park about it.
Reviewed By Sarah W - Boulder, Colorado
Don't let the look of this place deter you. We thoroughly enjoyed the fish n' chips and fried shrimp combo. We went with the Ono, which we'd never tried before, and were pleasantly surprised by the unique flavor and meatiness. The batter was tasty and crispy, the sauces were good, and the waffle fries were yummy. Definitely a hidden gem.
2. Tin Shack Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
nestled amongst the cane grass and bamboo in the historic Pahoa town, Tin Shack Bakery hosts the local townsfolk and visitors alike, serving up coffee and other tasty drinks as well as breakfast and lunch fare for peasants and kings alike! Try the eggs benedict, it's delicious!
Reviewed By norman m - Pahoa, Hawaii
I was told this is the Best Bakery in town........but no one said it was gluten free.....I went with friends and we got one of my favorite things.....Key Lime Pie......well NOT what i expected.....first it had Avocado in it.......and it had very little lime flavor......not much of a crust......and a strange gummy texture.....BUT.....if you want gluten free i guess it is ok.......it think i would rather have gluten and old fashion Key Lime Pie.....the brownie was very dense and sticky and the carrot cake was ok....but dry........ I think for a good selection of baked goods you need to go very early in the morning i was told........i went at 2pm .....not good time as they closed at 3pm.....
3. Sirius Coffee Connection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By Miriahm D - Boulder, Colorado
Over the years, the coffee here has improved. The atmosphere is straight up Pahoa, funky, relaxed, friendly, and free wifi, when you order. They also have computers if you don't have a phone or laptop. Very limited seating and no toilet. Interesting pastries, always changing
4. Kaleo's Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Barry and Kris H - Houston, Texas
In the area for quick bite before heading to waterfalls in Hilo. It served our purpose. Food was OK. I had special “tuna melt”...and was not what I expected. Could be a regional or cultural thing. It was basically tuna salad with cheddar cheese on it. My husband had fish and chips and was very average thus our rating.
5. Ning's Thai Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By Alaskachick907
Stopped in here for lunch after reading reviews & determining this was the best place in town. We were a bit hesitant as there were only two other people in the place. The couple told us everything was good there. The gal had the daily special and stated she wanted to lick her plate it was so good. The husband and I selected two of the daily specials & the gal wasn’t kidding ... my husband wanted to lick the plate too and he doesn’t even like Thai food! The food was delicious & freshly prepared.
6. Pot HeD Soup
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reg. kitchen/coffee/breakfast inside of the Sunday Pahoa Market
Reviewed By ZRJT - Keaau
We love Pothead's food! Can't recommend it highly enough. We have been eating here since it first opened at SPACE market. Delicious home-cooked food at a very reasonable price. At the Pahoa market on Sundays.
7. Paolo's Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By VEE1225 - Raleigh, North Carolina
We tried another restaurant first, but it was packed with no room, so we chose second best-Paolo's. I ordered mushroom filled ravioli. My husband got a salad and a pasta. Everything was fantastic. He also got a dessert, but I can't remember what it was. The restaurant is amazing in that it cooks from scratch exactly what you order. I love that there are no menus because things can change everyday. It's quaint and the food was fantastic!
8. Puna Java
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Right in the middle of Pahoa Town next to Boogie Woogie Pizza.
Reviewed By fjg22 - reading, pa
Good local coffee and tasty bagels. Limited pastry selection. It is an internet cafe, but we didn't try go online. Interesting selection of local characters.
9. Pele's Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Chef-grown organic produce in most meals, in a rainbow of colors and flavors, in an intimate cafe setting in historic Old Pahoa town. We have wonderfully eclectic tastes for the gourmet as well as vegans who just want "REAL" food. Most of our customers compliment us on how beautiful our food looks as well as how great it tastes, and for the price, it is a deal well worth the drive from Kona! We are in lava zone 1, so, you may have traffic, vog, or Lava to contend with, but you may also have the best time in your life coming here!
Reviewed By John M
Went there two times. I got an omelette the first time and some ginger-mango juice that was out of this world. Also got some jacotiba (?) ginger juice that was mouth watering. Second time I got the avocado eggs benedict. Both were phenomenal. If you’re...MoreMahalo nui loa!! Our locally sourced juices are our best, so thanks for noticing!! I'm glad you got to try the jaboticaba, it's my favorite, kinda tied with lilikoi, too... Hope to see you again soon. Auntie Liz and Uncle Stephen
10. Luquin's Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By IQ140 - Guerneville, California
It's not fancy. The dark furniture and worn tile floors are depressing. It is quite large, so can get busy.
The breakfasts were easily the best we found in Pahoa and rival good, basic breakfasts anywhere. Deserves 5 stars for breakfasts but probably 3-4 stars overall (we didn't try other times).
I am particular about my pancakes. Too many places (including "pancake" restaurants) undercook them so they are soggy in the center or overcook so they're tough. These were large, perfect color and perfectly cooked and excellent taste.
Other items (eggs, etc.) were also cooked well. Eggs Benedict was excellent. Portions are large (e.g. Pancakes, ham). Breakfast menu is extensive. Prices are inexpensive to moderate and excellent value.
Service was generally cordial and prompt, although sometimes seemed understaffed when crowded. Everything arrived fresh and hot. Breakfast stops about 10:45 or 11 a.m
