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Hilo & Hāmākua Coast Dining
The soul of the east side - where lush rainforests meet creative chefs and time-honored traditions
Written by a Local Food Expert
Kalani MillerThe Soul of the East Side
The windward, or eastern, side of the island is a world away from Kona. It's a land of lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and the vibrant, historic town of Hilo. The food scene here is less about sprawling resorts and more about creative, independent chefs who draw inspiration from the incredible agricultural abundance that the frequent rain provides.
The Creative Class (Innovative Cuisine)
Moon and Turtle
This intimate Hilo restaurant is, without exaggeration, one of the best in the entire state. Chef Mark Pomaski is a Hilo native who honed his skills in top-tier kitchens, including Roy's and Nobu, before returning home to open his own place. The restaurant's name comes from an article he read, symbolizing his philosophy of blending the "high" (the moon, like premium otoro tuna) and the "low" (the turtle, like humble saba mackerel), treating all ingredients with the utmost respect.
The menu is small, changes almost daily based on what local farmers and fishermen bring him, and is designed for sharing.
Kalani's Pro-Tip: Reservations are essential. If the Smokey Sashimi or the Mushroom Risotto made with local Hāmākua mushrooms are on the menu, you must order them. It's a world-class dining experience in a wonderfully relaxed, unpretentious neighborhood setting.
Hilo Bay Cafe
Perched right on the bay, this spot offers stunning views of the water and Mauna Kea on a clear day. The food lives up to the view, with a contemporary Pacific fusion menu that heavily emphasizes fresh, local, and organic ingredients. They offer fantastic comfort dishes like an ʻulu (breadfruit) and mushroom potato gratin, alongside excellent sushi and creative cocktails.
The atmosphere is always lively, with daily live music creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.
Downtown Institutions (Casual & Classic)
🍍 Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine
You can't miss this place—it's the only open-air restaurant in downtown Hilo, housed in a beautiful historic building decorated with dozens of hand-painted ceramic pineapples. Daily live music and fresh ingredients from the Hilo Farmers Market.
🍕 Cafe Pesto
A long-standing favorite located in one of Hilo's beautiful historic bayfront buildings. Known for excellent wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and creative salads, all using local ingredients.
🥞 Ken's House of Pancakes
A true Hilo icon, Ken's has been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner 24/7 since 1971. The aunties who work there are local legends, and the portions are famously gigantic. The macadamia nut pancakes are a must-try.
🍜 Cafe 100
The temple of the loco moco. This Hilo institution claims to be the birthplace of the dish and serves over 30 different varieties. The classic is still the one to beat.
ℹ️ Hilo Dining Info
- Climate: Rainy & lush
- Specialty: Creative cuisine
- Best Fine Dining: Moon & Turtle
- Historic Favorite: Ken's Pancakes
🥘 East Side Specialties
- Loco Moco (originated here)
- Fresh Strawberry Mochi
- Hāmākua Mushrooms
- Farm-fresh Produce
- Creative Fusion Cuisine
🧭 Restaurant Guide
⭐ Kalani's East Side Picks
Moon and Turtle
World-class creative cuisine
Two Ladies Kitchen
Best mochi in Hawaii
Puka Puka Kitchen
Hidden gem lunch spot
Kalani's Hidden Gems
The east side is full of surprises. Behind unassuming storefronts and in quiet neighborhoods, you'll find some of the most authentic and delicious food on the island.
Puka Puka Kitchen
The name means "hole hole," and it's a fitting description for this tiny spot with limited hours, run by Chef Lorin Corre. But the food that comes out of this small kitchen is incredible. The ahi don (tuna over rice) and chicken katsu are standouts, served with a mountain of fresh, colorful local salad.
It's also a great place to grab a bento (boxed lunch) to take on your sightseeing adventures.
New Chiang Mai Thai
For authentic, flavorful Thai food, this downtown Hilo spot has been a local favorite since 2007. The flavors are bold and authentic, and the portions are generous. It's the kind of place where locals go when they want something different but don't want to compromise on quality.
Creative Chefs
Independent chefs push culinary boundaries using the abundant local produce and fresh fish from the east side.
Historic Charm
Many restaurants are housed in beautiful historic buildings that tell the story of Hilo's plantation era.
Local Traditions
This is where dishes like loco moco were born and where traditional techniques are still practiced daily.
The east side dining scene embodies the creative spirit that comes from abundance. When you have access to the freshest ingredients and a community that values both tradition and innovation, magic happens in the kitchen. Every meal here tells the story of this unique corner of Hawaii.
