Hilo Restaurants

O'keefe isn't one of those well known places in Hilo. The building its in has turned over several times (used to be Robert's Bakery and a florist shop). They specialize in specialty breads and sandwiches. They also prepare specialty deserts.

Jimmy's isn't a traditional Japanese restaurant like you're thinking. No kneeling mats nor ceremonial kimono clad geisha serving your every wish. There's a huge diner feel to it from the moment you enter the small parking area. By the way I suggest you park at the Garden Exchange two doors down and walk over because it is a one way street and if there isn't any parking, you'll have to come around again. Anyway, the food here is good but the portions to price are not unless you're eating their signature okazu platter. They do have a children's menu and a small desert menu as well. I believe the owners are Korean, not Japanese which makes for an interesting experience!

The exterior and interior are very dated like most things in Hilo. But that doesn't take away from the good food and great japanese tea you get.


Favorite Dish: I haven't been there in a while but something tells me by the look that nothing has changed! They have a variety of local favorites, Korean and Japanese cuisine. Take your pick my friends.

Kaiko'o Seeds N Things is one of the few remaining mom and pop establishments that still thrive in Hilo. Owned by Betty Kosora and her husband Harry, the seed shop was once located in the old Kaiko'o mall. This is not a restaurant but I wouldn't really put this under places to shop. All budget travellers will fall in love with this place because it's so freakin' cheap! NOTHING is over $3.00USD which is an extreme rarety.

Betty and her husband prepare all their products from their home and in the little shop. There are several local Japanese themed snacks such as ling hi mui seeds, lemon peel, arare/kakemochi, cinamin toast, and other on the go stuff. Her husband bakes homemade pizza pockets every morning and pops colored and sweetened popcorn.

Favorite Dish: Their chili bowls are basic but very satisfying on a cold day! Other food items include hot dogs, chili dogs, and chili dog and rice.

A local Hawaiian favorite for years, the Icee is still available here! I remember these as a little kid and you could get them in any small store. They're hard to find now. You can get this in Coke or Strawberry. It's basically slushed ice mixed with flavored soda. Another place you can get this at is the Prince Kuhio Theaters.

Hilo Homemade Ice Cream started off in the Keokaha area South Hilo. Keokaha is along the beach/coastline area of Hilo and home to many ghetto locals (hehehe). Pass Onekahakaha Beach Park on the way to King's Landing and there is a little stop off with a small store, flower shop, and HHIC. This is the original store. Before it became a surf/snorkle rental store/ice cream shop, the store was run by two old men. Fred and BJ came from two varying backgrounds and cultures but came together in the interest of business. I don't know what happened to the two but last I went in there, the interior was totally different and a younger local guy was there. They have a great variety of flavors using local flavors as well as tasty non-traditional stuff. At one time they served pita style sandwhiches and soups. They now have lots of novelty stuff and souveniers.

Favorite Dish: Their business focus may have changed but they still have the same great ice cream! My favorite as a kid was the blueberry cheesecake or coconut flavor. They make milkshakes and shaved ice now too. You can have your ice cream in a regular cone, bowl, or waffle cone.

Low's International is hard to miss when you're in downtown Hilo since it's right at a busy corner. This is another family owned diner passed down. The insides are a little obscure and needs a good remodeling. It looks very 70s with its colors and bolted down chairs. The messy appearance looks a lot like a crowded street in China or Japan with lots of oriental references in the photos and decor. The food items available are posted up on the walls in full color photographs which makes it easier if you don't know what you want.

They serve foods from all over hence the "international" part of the name. They really specialize in local cuisine though. Their trademark is obvious when you walk up to the order window, sweetbread! They have a wide variety of flavors and colors to choose from. These would make a great gift to send home. My favorite is the guava bread.

Favorite Dish: Their version of the loco moco is excellent and BIG. Order a small because their large will feed you for two more meals seriously. If you're like me, I hate to reheat food because its too much work and doesn't taste the same. The brown gravy used is very tasty but doesn't hide the flavor of the food itself. If you're ordering a beef type entree, they normally cook it medium rare. I like my meat burnt and crispy. Tell them how you like yours, they'll do it.

Koji's Bento is another local stop off in downtown Hilo near Ben Franklin Crafts. While Koji still has a hand in his business, his daughter Robyn and son-in-law Bruce Oda runs the show. There's no place to sit and eat so this is a strictly on the go place. Whatever you order is cooked right in front of you. The smells fill the tiny space and has you in anticipation.

They have a mini-buffet where you can choose pre-made items to add to your plate. The strange thing about this diner is that they serve it in a boat style plate. Portions are generous and prices are about right. The only bad thing is that they close too early (7am - 2pm).

Their trademark is the Koji's sauce which is added to most of their meat items. This goes with their trademark dish, Koji's steak, which is a chopsteak grilled over Koji's sauce with onions.

Favorite Dish: Their classic hamburger special is awesome. Sorry, no fries served here though. They normally serve their entrees with kim chi and macaroni salad. Their Koji burger is served with sweet bread and chedder.

This is a very creative Mexican restaurant the serves good food, and the casual no frills guitar entertainment is a pleasant respite from the Hawaiian Hula music. Rather close to a plaza, parking is easy, and a walk before/after dinner in the older part of town is also a pleasant contrast with the usual frenetic beachfront activity. Everything comes at a reasonable price. Hours are 11am to 9pm.

Favorite Dish: I can't recall exactly what we had, but check out the menu. The food is well prepared. I recall having a nice dessert and an espresso after dinner.

We entered into a romantic, Tuscan style ambience and greeted warmly. Our waiter made fantastic recommendations. Everything was the most delicious ever. We both wanted to kiss the chef.

This restaurant offers romance in spirit and taste. Extremely recommended. I suggest reservations. This is not a large restaurant and fills quickly.

Favorite Dish: The stuffed mushrooms were melt in your mouth magnificent. I had scallopini marsala that was divine. My husband ordered a pork special that he hasn't stopped praising yet. And YOU MUST try the double chocolate truffle cake. Their specialty, and incredibly rich.