Lunch Guide
Hilo is home to many farmers, makers and chefs! Delicious and unexpected lunch spots serving seasonal treats are plentiful. For a town of just 50,000 people, it punches far above its weight as a solid foodie destination. Step into almost any local eatery and you’ll be greeted with dishes using fresh fruits and vegetables, island-raised meats, and fresh-caught fish—ingredients that tell the story of Hilo’s land and sea.
Many restaurants here are family owned and operated, some passed down through generations, adding a warm, personal touch to every meal. Whether you’re craving authentic Hawaiian comfort food or flavors from afar—Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese—you’ll find it all in Hilo.
Here are some of our favorite places to eat!
Locally sourced
The Temple Kitchen + Bar: This eatery menu features creative twists on craft dishes and cocktails, highlighting fresh, local ingredients and showcasing Hawai‘i’s vibrant culinary spirit. $$
Hilo Bay Cafe: The menu at this oceanfront restaurant emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. Make reservations, this is a popular spot. $$$
Ola Brewing: This taproom and eatery is well known for its locally made beverages, including beers, hard juices, hard seltzers, and hard teas. But don’t overlook its food menu, where you can find classic lunch dishes with Hawai'i Island flair. $$
Mohala’s Bayfront Fish and Chips: Craving something deep fried, local and delicious? Check out the fish and chips at this spot, located at the end of the Hilo Bayfront strip. $$
Hawaiian
Hawaiian Style Cafe - It’s motto is “Quality Homemade Hawaiian Food, Served in Hawaiian Portions” and this is 100% accurate. We love the haupia (coconut desert) pancakes and the Punalu‘u sweet bread french toast. $$
Kuhio Grille - A local establishment founded by taro farmers, this place still stays connected to its fresh food roots. It is well known for laulau, a traditional Hawaiian dish made of pork, fish or chicken, wrapped in taro leaves and steamed. $$
Aloha Mondays - Offers lunch and dinner takeout featuring a fresh, seasonal menu that changes weekly. $$$
Mexican, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai
Tetsumen Ramen - Offering authentic Japanese cuisine, including dishes like ramen with tonkotsu (pork-bone based broth), curry, gyoza and kotsudon. $$
Pho 99 - A hole-in-the-wall restaurant in downtown Hilo where you can find delicious Vietnamese food such as pho and banh mi sandwiches. The spring roll noodle bowl is one of our favorites, especially on a hot day. $$
New Chiang Mai Thai - Reliably good Thai food near Hilo’s museums. Here you can find all the classic Thai dishes made with locally grown ingredients. We love the pad thai! $$
Tacos Jaliscos: Offering authentic Mexican cuisine from Guadalajara. You can find this food truck in its fixed location off Kekuanoa Street. This place will scratch your Mexican food craving. $
Prices (entree price range):
$ - under $10
$$ - $10-$20
$$$ - $20+
