Hilo
This hole-in-the-wall is famous statewide for outstanding Japanese mochi (sticky rice cake) in both traditional and island-inspired flavors such as liliko…
Must-see restaurants in Hilo
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Hilo
With sweeping bay views and solid Hawaii Regional Cuisine, this casually sophisticated restaurant could be stuffy. But it's not. Here you'll find a…
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Hilo
An outstanding family-owned company, KTA's flagship store includes a bakery, pharmacy and sprawling deli. Don't miss the impressive selection of fresh…
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Hilo
This bustling market features wide-ranging fruits and veggies, plus takeout food and edible gifts. It's come a long way since opening in 1988 with four…
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Hilo
Imagine eating at a friend's home, if your friend were a gourmet chef. This six-person eatery is that small and that special. Paul serves exquisite…
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Hilo
This under-the-radar Thai spot is a revelation. Chef Tina steers clear of tired standards and transports Thai cuisine into novel territory – fresher and…
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Hilo
A cult favorite among foodies, this tapas-style restaurant specializes in local seafood, meat and produce prepared in startlingly creative ways. The ever…
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Hilo
For a mouth-watering variety of freshly made poke (sold by the pound), Suisan is a must. Buy a takeout bowl of poke with rice and chow down outside the…
Hilo
Locals love this drive-in for generous plate lunches and 20 rib-sticking varieties of loco moco (dish of rice, fried egg and hamburger patty topped with…
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Hilo
With a nouveau hippie vibe, this colorful downtown cafe takes health food up a notch. Breakfast hits include well-stuffed roasted veggie omelets and…
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Hilo
Hip Kanpai looks slick enough for Brooklyn, but it is mellowed with Hilo's small-town camaraderie, easygoing attitude and Pacific fusion soul. The…
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Hilo
A longtime local favorite, Miyo's is known for delicious home-style Japanese meals and nightly crowds. Try classics such as broiled ahi (yellowfin tuna)…
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Hilo
For island-style Japanese food, this diner delivers high-volume flavor in a simple dining room filled with locals. Favorites include steaming ramen bowls…
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Hilo
Vegetarians rejoice, everything is fresh, locally sourced and meat-free at this pleasant cafe. You'll find 'ulu (breadfruit) and taro serving as the base…
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Hilo
Chances are, you won't get in. This destination sushi bar seats only eight – and it's fully booked a year in advance. Miracles can happen, however, and…
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Hilo
With walls of glass overlooking the bay, this airy restaurant has a 'resort' atmosphere uncommon in Hilo. With two happy hours (3pm to 5pm and 8pm to 10pm…
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Hilo
For well-prepared American classics, dine with local fans of this family-run (and family-friendly) restaurant. There's something for everyone, including…
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Hilo
For cheap sushi in a sit-down space, you'll do OK at this longtime joint. For variety, try the special rolls, such as Poke Macnut or the Banzai Natto with…
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Hilo
Wow, multicultural shave ice (called 'ice shave' on the Big Island)! Filipino 'halo halo' includes coconut milk, ube (purple yam) ice cream, agar jellies…
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Hilo
The low-key Kinoʻole farmers market is geared for locals, so don't expect the spectacle of the downtown market. The draw here? All produce and products…
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Hilo
If urban ambiance is a priority, you'll like Jackie Rey's, a 'night out' dining spot with chic interior, sweeping bar and somewhat overpriced menu. The…
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Hilo
For fresh, inexpensive sushi to go, make a beeline to this nondescript counter near the downtown farmers market. Rolls and nigiri (hand-pressed sushi) are…
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Hilo
Seeking value-priced, home-style Japanese takeout? This tidy little shop turns out yummy bento in three sizes, a welcome option for light eaters or kids…
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Hilo
Café Pesto is a safe choice, whether for business lunches or dinner with your mother-in-law. Set in a handsome historic building downtown, the large…
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Hilo
There's something reassuring about a 24/7 old-fashioned diner with a mile-long menu. Established in the 1970s, this popular spot is known for friendly…
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Hilo
Massive appetite? Unfazed by meat, gravy and fried food? If yes, we dare you to finish your order here. This island-style diner serves portions that could…
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Hilo
This little gem serves tasty Japanese-style mains, such as sautéed ahi (yellowfin tuna) and chicken katsu, with a fantastically fresh green salad. The…
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Hilo
Set on a natural Hawaiian fishpond, this multigenerational family-owned restaurant specializes in fresh fish, from locally caught mahimahi to pan-size…
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Hilo
Cronies has long attracted a diverse crowd, including families, for decent food, ample seating, multiple TVs and a great downtown location. The menu…
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Hilo
Willing to blow your budget on one meal? If – and only if – you can do 'all you can eat' justice, dig in at this longstanding hotel buffet. Don't expect…
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Hilo
For the perfect lunch to go, customize a bowl of fresh poke on rice or greens, with two signature sides (mashed purple sweet potato is a winner). Healthy…
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Hilo
Don't be paralyzed by the vast selection at this busy okazu-ya (Japanese deli). Favorites include nori-wrapped chicken, corned beef hash patties,…
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Hilo
On any given day, Pineapples' open-air dining room is hopping with a convivial crowd, predominantly tourists. The food features island-inspired…
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Hilo
Imagine an Irish pub that expanded its burger menu 10 times. That's Hilo Burger Joint, a former pub now offering over 20 types of Big Island beef burgers,…
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Hilo
For inexpensive sushi in a cozy setting, this hole-in-the-wall is sure to please. Order rolls and nigiri sushi à la carte or in generous combos (up to 30…
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Hilo
Large appetites will find satisfaction at this no-frills diner specializing in local favorites: taro corned-beef hash, oxtail soup, fried-rice loco moco…
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Hilo
Located downtown, Abundant Life opened in 1977 when only hippies in Hilo ate 'health food.' Like all health-food stores predating Whole Foods, it's…
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Hilo
An unhip fixture downtown, this coffee shop has an old-school vibe (and teddy bears lining the walls). It's a laid-back spot for a cuppa joe and…
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Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack
Hilo
If Lisa Frank did fruity 'health' food, it would look like the rainbow of concoctions served here. Think technicolor smoothies and giant bowls of fruit…
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Hilo
Strange but true: an impeccable European-style bakery is plopped in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Pastry chef Jackie Tan-DeWitt specializes in classic…
