Hilo, Hawaii Restaurant Guide
Kona gets most of the attention on the Big Island, but Hilo, Hawaii, on the east side, is its quieter sister and worth visiting if you want a slower pace and a more local feel. I have not spent nearly as much time here as I have in Kona, but the few trips I have made to Hilo have included some really good meals. I have also swum with turtles here and done some beautiful waterfall hikes nearby, which makes this side of the island easy to pair with food and outdoor exploring.
If you are planning on driving around the Big Island in one day, Hilo can easily be one of the stops on your itinerary, especially for breakfast or lunch before heading back west.
Best Breakfast in Hilo, Hawaii
If you are planning to explore waterfall hikes or spend the morning outside, starting with breakfast in Hilo makes the day feel more delicious.
Ken’s House of Pancakes is a classic, no-frills breakfast spot that feels very Hilo. I always recommend the macadamia nut pancakes if it’s your first time, and the portions are big enough to keep you full for hours. It’s casual, affordable, and a good option if you want something hearty. There are also egg and meat plates that work well if you’re gluten-free and want to skip the pancakes.
Paul’s Place is small and local and feels more like a neighborhood breakfast spot. I like it when I want something simple but really well done. The French toast is great, and they usually have daily specials worth asking about. Seating is limited, so it’s better to arrive earlier in the morning.
Hilo Shark’s Coffee is my go-to for good coffee and a lighter breakfast. It’s easy, casual, and a good stop if you’re heading out early. They have breakfast sandwiches and pastries, and I usually just grab a latte and something small before sightseeing.
Best Lunch Spots in Hilo
Lunch in Hilo is easy to pair with walking around town or taking a break between activities. These spots fit naturally into a half-day or full-day plan like the ones I outline in my Hilo, Hawaii guide.
Pineapples is one of my favorite lunch stops in downtown Hilo. I had fish tacos here with my sister, and they were some of the best I’ve had on this side of the island. She even ordered a drink served in a pineapple, which made it a fun stop. The open-air setting and central location make it easy to linger and walk around afterward. Fish tacos are an easy gluten-free option here.
Cafe 100 is where the loco moco was created. A loco moco is a local dish made with white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. It’s filling, comforting, and very much a Big Island classic. I usually recommend starting with the original version to see why it’s so well known.
Suisan Fish Market is a great stop for poke, which is a Hawaiian dish made with raw fish, usually ahi tuna, mixed with soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, and chili. I like ordering a small container of shoyu ahi or spicy ahi and eating nearby by the water. This is naturally gluten-free depending on the sauce, and the staff can usually tell you what to avoid.
Kay’s Lunchbox is a classic plate lunch spot with big portions and simple food. I usually recommend the teriyaki chicken, garlic chicken, or kalua pork. It’s casual, filling, and a good option if you want something quick and affordable after a hike or before heading back out.
Best Dinner Spots in Hilo, Hawaii
Dinner in Hilo feels more relaxed than Kona, which makes it a nice contrast if you are staying on the west side and already exploring places from my Kona restaurant guide or Kona Hawaii happy hour.
Hilo Bay Cafe is one of my favorite dinner spots in Hilo if you want something a little nicer but still laid-back. It overlooks Hilo Bay, which makes it a great early evening dinner option. I usually recommend the sushi or fresh fish dishes, and they are accommodating if you need gluten-free options.
Moon and Turtle is a more food-focused, chef-driven spot. The menu changes often, so I like going in with an open mind and ordering a few dishes to share. It’s a great option if you want something thoughtful and seasonal. They’re also good about walking you through gluten-free options.
Jackie Rey’s is a reliable dinner choice with a relaxed but polished atmosphere. I usually recommend the fish specials or pork dishes. It’s a good option if you want a sit-down dinner that still feels approachable.
A Perfect Day in Hilo, Hawaii
If you are spending a full day in Hilo, start with breakfast at Ken’s House of Pancakes or Paul’s Place. After breakfast, head to a waterfall hike like Rainbow Falls or Akaka Falls. After lunch at Pineapples or Suisan Fish Market, take a walk near Hilo Bay or Liliuokalani Gardens, where turtle sightings are common. Finish off your day at Moon and Turtle or one of the other amazing dinner spots
Planning a trip to Hawaii? Download my Hawaii packing list so you don’t forget the essentials for beach days, hikes, and everything in between.
