Hilo Food & Dining

The Heart of Hilo: The Farmers Market

Exploring Hilo works up an appetite. The food scene here is as authentic and down-to-earth as the town itself. This is the home of Hawaiian comfort food. Fresh ingredients and diverse cultural influences create flavors you won't find anywhere else.

The Hilo Farmers Market is the vibrant, bustling heart of our community. While it's open every day, the "big market" days on Wednesdays and Saturdays are a true sight. Over 200 local farmers, artisans, and food vendors gather to sell their goods. It's a feast for the senses.

You'll find tables piled high with exotic tropical fruits you may have never seen before. Like spiky red rambutan and sweet, floral lychee. The air is fragrant with the scent of fresh-cut orchids, anthuriums, and ginger flowers. It's the best place to buy local crafts. From hand-painted shirts to sterling silver jewelry.

The Quest for the Perfect Bowl: Poke & Loco Moco

Two dishes define Hilo's food identity: poke and the loco moco. You can't leave without trying both. Locals have strong opinions on where to find the best.

Poke: For the Purist vs. For the Foodie

For the Purist: Suisan Fish Market. If you want poke at its absolute freshest, go to Suisan. This is not a restaurant. It's a real, working fish market right on the shores of Hilo Bay. The fish comes straight off the boats and into their display case. Their preparations are classic and let the quality of the fish shine. Think simple Shoyu Ahi (tuna with soy sauce) or a classic Spicy Ahi. It's a no-frills, takeout-only experience. But for sheer freshness, it's unbeatable.

For the Foodie: The Poke Market. Tucked away in a tiny blue storefront, The Poke Market has earned a reputation for serving some of the most creative and delicious poke on the island. They are famous for their award-winning Shiitake Salmon Poke and their "All-Star Bowl." This combines spicy ahi and yuzu salmon over sushi rice with a variety of tasty sides. This is where you go for innovative flavors and perfectly balanced bowls that have been voted "best poke in Hawaii."

Loco Moco: The Original vs. The Classic Diner

The Original: Cafe 100. This humble, walk-up eatery is a Hilo institution. It's widely credited as the birthplace of the loco moco back in 1946. They are the undisputed "Home of the Loco Moco." Their menu boasts over 30 different varieties. They use everything from the traditional beef patty to Spam, Portuguese sausage, chicken katsu, and even tofu. A meal here is a taste of history.

The Classic Diner: Ken's House of Pancakes. For a classic American diner experience with a local Hawaiian twist, Ken's is the place. This beloved spot serves up enormous portions of comfort food. Their loco moco is legendary. If you're feeling particularly brave, you can tackle the "Sumo Loco." It features massive patties and generous scoops of rice. Don't leave without trying their famous house-made pancake syrups in coconut, guava, and lilikoi (passion fruit) flavors. They're good on everything.