The culinary landscape of Hilo is a reflection of its rich history, diverse community, and the fertile volcanic soil of the Big Island. Unlike the polished resort corridors of Kona, Hilo offers an authentic, laid-back atmosphere where the food is deeply rooted in local tradition and island-grown ingredients. This coastal town, nestled against the backdrop of Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean, is a paradise for those seeking a genuine taste of Hawaii. From high-end Pacific Rim fusion to humble roadside stands, the options for dining in Hilo are as varied as the tropical rain showers that keep the region lush and green. Exploring the food here is a journey through the plantation history of the United States territory, where Japanese, Portuguese, Filipino, and Native Hawaiian influences merge to create something truly unique.
The Essential Hilo Breakfast and Brunch Experience
Breakfast in Hilo is more than just a meal; it is a ritual that often begins before the morning mist has cleared from Hilo Bay. The local culture places a high value on a hearty start to the day, whether you are preparing for a hike at Wailuku River State Park or a long drive along the Hamakua Coast.
Ken’s House of Pancakes: A Local Landmark
No discussion of dining in Hilo is complete without mentioning Ken’s House of Pancakes. This iconic diner has been serving locals and visitors alike since 1971. Known for its extensive menu and nostalgic atmosphere, it is the kind of place where the coffee is always flowing and the staff treats you like family. While they serve a variety of American classics, the real stars are the local favorites.
The “Loco Moco” at Ken’s House of Pancakes is legendary. A foundational dish of Hawaiian comfort food, it consists of a bed of white rice topped with a juicy hamburger patty, a fried egg, and a generous drenching of savory brown gravy. For those with a sweet tooth, their Macadamia Nut Pancakes topped with coconut syrup offer a decadent start to the morning. The restaurant’s 24/7 history (though hours may vary) has made it a central hub for Tourism and local nightlife for decades.
Short n Sweet Bakery and Cafe
For a more contemporary and lighter start, Short n Sweet Bakery and Cafe is a must-visit. This bakery has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest artisanal breads and pastries on the island. Their commitment to using local ingredients is evident in their seasonal fruit tarts and savory breakfast sandwiches. It is an ideal spot to grab a lilikoi (passion fruit) scone and a cup of 100% Kona coffee before heading out to see Rainbow Falls. The atmosphere is bright and welcoming, reflecting the modern side of Hilo culinary evolution.
Fresh From the Ocean: Seafood and Poke
The proximity to the ocean means that seafood is a staple of the Hilo diet. The town’s fishing heritage is still very much alive, and the quality of the raw fish available here is arguably among the best in the world.
Suisan Fish Market
Located near the scenic Liliuokalani Gardens and Banyan Drive, Suisan Fish Market is a historic institution. For over a century, Suisan has been at the heart of the local fishing industry. Today, it serves as a premier destination for poke—a traditional Hawaiian dish of diced raw fish.
At Suisan Fish Market, the poke is as fresh as it gets, often sourced from the morning’s catch. Visitors can choose from a dizzying array of preparations, from the classic Shoyu Ahi to more adventurous options like spicy octopus or sesame-ginger marlin. Ordering a poke bowl and taking it to eat by the water at Lihi Kai is a quintessential Hilo experience. The simplicity of the presentation belies the incredible depth of flavor found in the high-quality, local ingredients.
Ponds Hilo
For a more sit-down seafood experience, Ponds Hilo offers a beautiful setting overlooking the Ice Pond in Reed’s Bay. This restaurant specializes in fresh-caught fish prepared with a variety of island-inspired sauces. Whether it is the Furikake Crusted Ahi or the fresh Monchong, the dishes showcase the natural sweetness of the Pacific Ocean bounty. The ambiance, especially during dinner when live music often fills the air, makes it a favorite for those celebrating special occasions or simply looking to enjoy the evening breeze.
Hilo’s Diverse Dinner and Fusion Scene
As the sun sets and the humidity of the day begins to soften, the dinner scene in Hilo comes to life. The town’s restaurants excel at blending traditional Hawaiian flavors with modern culinary techniques, often leaning into the diverse heritage of the residents.
Moon and Turtle
Perhaps the most critically acclaimed dining destination in Hilo today is Moon and Turtle. This small, family-run restaurant has gained a cult following for its inventive, small-plates menu that changes daily based on what is available from local farmers and fishermen.
The chefs at Moon and Turtle focus on Asian-inspired fusion. Signature dishes often include their Smoky Sashimi, which is lightly seared and infused with a delicate smokiness that enhances the freshness of the fish. Their mushroom risotto, made with locally foraged fungi, and their creative use of “ulu” (breadfruit) demonstrate a deep respect for the land. Because the space is intimate and the food is highly sought after, reservations are almost always a necessity.
Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine
Located in the heart of downtown Hilo, Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine offers an open-air dining experience that captures the tropical essence of the city. The restaurant is famous for its vibrant cocktails—many served inside carved-out pineapples—and a menu that emphasizes “farm-to-table” freshness.
Their menu covers a wide range of tastes, from towering burgers and fresh salads to elaborate seafood entrees. The “Hilo Style” fish and chips, often made with fresh Mahi-Mahi, is a standout. The lively atmosphere at Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine makes it a central part of the Tourism circuit, providing a fun and flavorful gateway to the local food scene.
Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay
For those craving Italian flavors with a Hawaiian twist, Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay is an excellent choice. Housed in the historic S. Hata Building, the restaurant features high ceilings and a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe. They are renowned for their wood-fired pizzas, particularly those topped with unconventional ingredients like Puna goat cheese, smoked salmon, or locally grown kalua pork. Their pasta dishes and fresh salads also lean heavily on the produce found at the nearby Hilo Farmers Market.
Cultural Staples and Sweet Delights
No culinary tour of Hilo is complete without exploring the snacks and sweets that define the local palate. Many of these items are steeped in Japanese tradition, adapted over generations to include Hawaiian ingredients.
Two Ladies Kitchen
If there is one place that represents the artisanal spirit of Hilo sweets, it is Two Ladies Kitchen. Tucked away on a side street, this unassuming shop produces what many consider the best mochi in the world. Mochi, a Japanese rice cake, is transformed here into delicate pieces of art.
The signature item at Two Ladies Kitchen is the Strawberry Mochi—a whole, ripe strawberry encased in sweet red bean paste and wrapped in a thin, soft layer of mochi. The balance of textures and the freshness of the fruit make it an unforgettable treat. Because they make everything by hand in small batches, it is common to see a line out the door, and calling ahead to place an order is highly recommended for anyone visiting from Honolulu or beyond.
Big Island Candies
For a more contemporary snack experience, Big Island Candies is a destination in itself. Known primarily for their chocolate-dipped macadamia nut shortbread cookies, the flagship store in Hilo allows visitors to watch the production process through large glass windows.
Using high-quality butter and locally grown nuts from Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center region, their cookies have become a staple gift for travelers returning home. Beyond shortbread, they offer a range of chocolates, brownies, and seasonal treats that highlight local flavors like guava and passion fruit. It is a polished example of how local agriculture can be transformed into a world-class luxury product.
The Heart of the Community: Hilo Farmers Market
While restaurants provide curated experiences, the Hilo Farmers Market is where you can find the raw ingredients and “street food” that form the backbone of the island’s diet. Located at the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Mamo Street, the market is open every day, though Wednesday and Saturday are the “big” days.
Walking through the stalls, you will encounter exotic fruits like rambutan, dragon fruit, and longan. Local vendors sell prepared foods such as “musubi” (spam or fish on rice wrapped in seaweed), “pasteles” (a Puerto Rican influence), and fresh-squeezed sugar cane juice. The Hilo Farmers Market is a sensory explosion of colors and scents, offering a direct connection between the land and the people. It is the best place to find unique snacks like dried apple bananas or boiled peanuts, which are local favorites.
Eating in Hilo is an exploration of the island’s soul. It is a place where the high-end and the humble exist side-by-side, united by a commitment to “ono” (delicious) food and a spirit of “aloha.” Whether you are sitting at a linen-covered table at Moon and Turtle or standing on a pier with a bowl from Suisan Fish Market, you are participating in a culinary tradition that is as deep and enduring as the Big Island itself.
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