Enjoy the Art of Hula at the Merrie Monarch Festival
Visiting Hilo during the annual Merrie Monarch Festival is a wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy traditional Hawaiian hula, arts and crafts, music, and fun local events.
4 Dining Options in Hilo Worth the Trip
Big Island Guide
Travel Guide
While sunny Kailua-Kona may garner more visitors, many locals claim that Hilo is where the pulse of the Big Island beats hardest. With amazing cultural and historical roots, incredible natural playgrounds, and a great local dining scene, a journey to Hilo is well-worth the trip! Some of the finest chefs in Hawaii call Hilo home and the number of delicious eating establishments are many, so we’ve narrowed down a few of our favorites that are a perfect cherry-on-top to a day spent on the Hilo side.
Miyo’s
564 Hinano St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-2273
Website
Open: Mon – Sat 11 AM – 2 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
A Japanese restaurant with a Hawaiian flair, each of their traditional dishes are prepared from homemade recipes and the quality shines through. You’ll find old standbys like sashimi and udon, but combining your efforts and ordering bentos or a couple of two-way dinner combos for the table is an excellent way to enjoy some of the Big Island’s very best Japanese cuisine.
Hilo Bay Cafe
123 Lihiwai St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-4939
Website
Open: Mon – Thurs 11 AM – 9 PM, Fri – Sat 11 AM – 9:30 PM
Regarded as one of the best dining establishments on the Big Island, Hilo Bay Cafe’s specialties are varied and many; fresh seafood dishes, traditional Japanese cuisine, plump, juicy burgers, and even spectacular sushi options are just a few of the dinner choices available to hungry patrons with nothing to disappoint.
Pineapples
332 Keawe St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 238-5324
Website
Open: Sun, Tues – Thurs 11 AM – 9:30 PM, Fri – Sat 11 AM – 10 PM
Family-owned and operated, Pineapples is a relative newcomer to the Hilo dining scene, but has certainly made its mark. Upbeat and exciting atmosphere set against a historic, open-air building in downtown Hilo, Pineapples’ commitment to their community shows in their choice of ingredients, vendors, and live entertainment – but let’s talk about the food! Hawaiian traditions new and old come together with expertly-prepared comfort foods like cheeseburgers, BBQ sandwiches, and generous pupus to leave the whole table happy.
Ponds Hilo
135 Kalanianaole Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 934-7663
Website
Open: Daily 11 AM – 10 PM
Named for the small body of water it overlooks, Ponds Hilo offers a unique natural setting, but the food will also attract your attention. Hand-made and prepared from local ingredients, each dish at Ponds is an adventure in Hawaiian cuisine. From Big Island steaks, pork, and lamb to fresh-caught seafood, there’s tremendous variety here for foodies and comfort food lovers alike.
