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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Hilo
A cult favorite among foodies, this tapas-style restaurant specializes in local seafood, meat and produce prepared in startlingly creative ways. The ever…
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…
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…
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…
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)…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Hilo
For well-prepared American classics, dine with local fans of this family-run (and family-friendly) restaurant. There's something for everyone, including…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Hilo
Set on a natural Hawaiian fishpond, this multigenerational family-owned restaurant specializes in fresh fish, from locally caught mahimahi to pan-size…
Hilo
Cronies has long attracted a diverse crowd, including families, for decent food, ample seating, multiple TVs and a great downtown location. The menu…
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…
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…
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,…
Hilo
On any given day, Pineapples' open-air dining room is hopping with a convivial crowd, predominantly tourists. The food features island-inspired…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
