The service, local food, and location ...also awesome choices to eat the Pancakes is unbelievable…read morehuge and there waitress service is amazing and fast the prices for eating your choices is amazingly affordable and walking out with full satisfaction

Great choices at great prices. The service is pretty good too. When very busy it can be a bit of…read moretime but well worth the wait.

Easily one of the best places to get a fulfilling meal on Hawai'i Island. Please know the portions…read moreare very generous! My soul just feels happy after a meal here. Highly recommend the kalbi plate. I usually eat kalbi with rice but you can opt for fries instead, and omg it is an amazing combo that I never knew I needed. Some of the most tender and tastiest kalbi I've ever had with the crunchiest fries. Even if I tried to recreate this combo elsewhere, I know it won't hit the same way. The stack of mac nut pancakes is huge and very shareable. I prefer this over the coconut pancakes. Actually, just ignore the coconut pancakes. The day we came, the mac nut pancakes came with a whooping serving of butter. Paula Deen, was that you? I also like that you can have all the haupia, guava, and lilikoi syrup you want too. They're all delicious. The coffee servings are also generous. You get a whole carafe to yourself. Also check out their specials of the day. If they serve the oxtail stew, get it. Get it!! It's hearty, savory, and feels comforting. In terms of service, you're not getting top notch service. It's a diner! So you're getting diner service, mostly from aunties who know what they're doing. Service is just right. I think those who complain about it are probably those who are unfamiliar with the slower pace out here. Relax! In terms of vibes, this truly feels like a diner from back in the day. The oldies music playing throughout the day and the warm orange mid-century-esque booth seats feel like you're back in time, but the art work on the walls focused on local life also make you feel like you're in present-day Hilo. I don't know any other place that can do that. Do you? For wrestling fans, check out the framed photos of wrestlers, some signed, in the front part of the restaurant. What I love most is that Ken's is a local spot, and yes, tourists are welcomed. But there's nothing pretentious or gimmicky about this place that tries to cater solely to tourists. It's got its own distinct culture, with amazing food, and great vibes that can't be replicated, and I think that's why I'll always keep coming back.

Nostalgia. Been going here for decades which isn't nearly as long as it's been around. But the…read morelocal diner feel and the food jus brings you back to small kid days. We did take out cuz we were going aunty's house and had to bring something but hard since we visiting from oahu. Chronic over-orderer spent $250 for 2 big boxes of food...pretty sure they had nuff leftovas for the whole week. Kids liked the grilled cheese...2 small girls should have shared 1 but of course I ordered 2 in case others wanted. 2 noodles...not my fave. 1 alfredo...that was YUM. 1 burger - I didn't even touch it. 1 taco salad and 1 chinese chicken salad both good in their crispy bowls. haha...I can't remember what else we got...but everything not bad all the way to YU-U-UM. And if nothing else, the workers are so nice. The girl putting our box together was jam'n. Super on it. Lucky for me since I didn't remember my whole order!

I've been traveling around the world for four decades, and I've been traveling to Japan three times…read morea year for the past 25 years. Over the years, my palate has become accustomed to experiencing different flavors, seasonings, and textures, so I really appreciate food that is well prepared and thoughtfully seasoned. The food here was awesome, and the seasonings were definitely there! Our waiter was attentive, knowledgeable, and very friendly. He even gave us a kamaʻāina discount since we were born, raised, and live here in the islands. I thought that was such a wonderful gesture. It's always nice when a restaurant takes care of and appreciates the local community. The left side of the restaurant was beautiful, with a gorgeous mural of a woman surrounded by flowers. The view was also spectacular and really added to the overall experience. The only disappointment I had was with the menu. There were items listed on the online menu that were not available on the menu at the restaurant. In fact, the main reason I went there was because I wanted to try the calamari I had seen online. Unfortunately, it wasn't on the current menu. I really wish they would keep their online menu updated so customers know what is actually available. I also ordered the seared scallops, which were $44 for three scallops and a scoop of fried rice. For me, that felt quite pricey for the portion. Overall, I enjoyed the food, service, atmosphere, and beautiful view. I just hope they update their online menu and reconsider some of the pricing and portions.

I'm not sure that I have ever felt the need to talk about a hotel restaurant before but much to my…read morepleasant surprise, this place, to me, warrants it. Over our time in Hilo, we ate here a few times trying both lunch, dinner and late-night bar stuff. Let me start with some links: 1. Is the link for dining at the Doubletree in general 2. The current lunch menu 3. The current dinner menu They do have a menu for their lobby bar, but it is not online and then a separate late night bar menu after 9pm which is just a salad and three or four pizza varieties which cannot be ordered at other times. www.grandnaniloahilo.com/dining-bar.htm www.grandnaniloahilo.com/files/7344/Ka_Lihikai_Lunch_Menu_8.2026.pdf www.grandnaniloahilo.com/files/7344/Dinner_Menu_5.2026.pdf The one noteworthy quirk here is that between 4pm and 5pm the only things you can order are the few small light bites from their Happy Hour menu. Lunch stops at 4pm and dinner starts 5pm just like at the bar late night, technically it says the kitchen is open until 11pm but the bar staff will tell you to get your orders in by 10:30 at the latest. We tried a wide range of things such as the pizza (basil-pesto was great), edamame from the happy hour menu, north shore garlic shrimp, lamb chops and the seared scallops. All were good with the only real knock being that the scallop dish only had three scallops which to me is an app, not an entree. No issue with anything in terms of quality or flavor and if you're sitting close to the rear windows or out front when the doors are open, the breeze and ambiance are great. There is also live music a few nights a week which was an added bonus. It goes without saying that the pricing is definitely island/hotel pricing but all of the staff we encountered were great and the food was more than good enough that we enjoyed spending a meal in. No problem coming back.

This place is a gem!…read more My partner & I were looking for healthy food and coffee options in Hilo, but weren't finding much open at 8am. Fortunately, Vibe Cafe exceeded our expectations. Staff was friendly from the moment we walked in (which was right after they turned on the "Open" sign). There were fresh flowers on all the tables (so fragrant!) and modern decor. We got the Jus Avo with egg, strawberry smoothie with protein, coconut yogurt parfait, and a monthly special latte made with Koji rice milk, espresso, and rose petals. The parfait was topped with an edible butterfly, which was such a charming detail! Service was fast (we were in & out in 35 minutes) casual (pay when you order). We also appreciated the ample parking lot. Will definitely be back next time!

Such a cute little place!! I ordered a cold brew and my niece ordered something with ube, which she…read moreabsolutely LOVED!! The place was so welcoming and cute!! I absolutely loved the set up, clean and comfy. We didnt order any food, but we saw some delivered and it looked amazing!! Coffee was so delicous!! Definitely coming again

I really enjoyed the customer service of Vanessa the Donut girl, she is always upbeat and makes my…read morevisits enjoyable. She knows her items very well and is always ready to make a suggestion. Because of her I know I always spend more then I should. Sorry to hear she left after 4 years. Food was good, but the load noises from the kitchen take away from the atmosphere.

Variable food quality. Some of the doughnuts were okay, the flatbread was pretty good, and the…read morepopovers were fine. Most of their "puffs" had quite artificial fillings, and I'd rather attempt eating a rock than one of their scones again. Service is an absolute mess. We ordered pickup via DoorDash and I'm convinced we were the first people to ever do that, because the employees were so confused by the entire concept. Overall, I don't think I'd recommend and we definitely had better breakfasts in Hilo.

This community cafe offers vegetarian fare from fresh ingredients sourced from their farms…read more The jalapeño ulu burger was fantastic (add the mango hot sauce they offer). The lunch was so good we bought the carrot cake and a French press coffee for desert. Highly recommend!

I'll be honest I was looking for another Vegan place nearby that I've been to before my first time…read moreon Big Island but I saw this place and was why not.... Really cool place and pretty big inside.... I think I spoke to the owner and she was really nice and helpful...I was in a rush though since I was trying to change my flight to an earlier flight to get back to Oahu.... I ended up choosing the Hungry Farmer Salad - regular size since I don't generally eat lunch often.... I opted for the chipotle black bean burger for it...and they said it it house made and I believe them...really good... I'm not a big caesar dressing person but that is what came with it but overall this salad was really refreshing and good... They have some good size tables so i was able to bring my notebook in so i can do some work as well. Will come here again!

We stopped by the Booch Bar on our way into Hilo before a day of adventuring, and it was a great…read morelittle stop for breakfast. We tried the simple breakfast plate and a breakfast sandwich, and both were tasty and really hit the spot. Since we went on a weekday, it wasn't too busy inside, which made for pretty quick service. Overall, it was a solid breakfast stop and a nice place to grab a bite before heading out for the day.

We had an amazing vegan dish here for our little brunch we did in mid morning earlier today…read more We saw this restaurant yesterday when we were browsing Hilo a few nights ago. We didn't think of anything when we saw it the first time. By just looking at the name of it though, my immediate reaction was, "Is this a kombuchas bar??" Well, it is but it's not just kombuchas they serve; it's more than that. The breakfast/brunch dishes they serve (although they don't have a huge selection) are quite diverse. I do incorporate a lot of vegetarian/vegan diet into my daily meal routine so when I saw the Verdant Vegan I simply couldn't skip it. As my daughter and I usually split a plate when we dine together she agreed to this option of mine. Glad we did. This plate has all sorts of goodness included in it. Sautéed veggies, house-made lentil walnut chorizo, ginger beet kraut, fire-roasted jalapeno cashew crema, fire-roasted tomato salsa, and it's topped it off with sprouts. This whole thing comes with either purple sweet potato home fries or red rice (which we went with the purple sweet potato fries and ended up getting a side red rice. We also got the side kimchi and one egg sunny side up.) And we shared a 16oz Ceremonial Matcha latte as well. This vegan plate is way more than vegan. It's mighty as hell. For those who are still not sure about vegan options will definitely second guess it for something that isn't vegan/vegetarian. It's truly nutrition packed in so many different ways. If I lived close to this cafe, I would eat here once a week to enjoy this delightful meal. I am not kidding. I enjoyed the matcha latte very much although my daughter rated it as "okay". She likes her matcha in a very particular way so it unfortunately didn't impress her. This is not to say that she disliked it. She said it wasn't bad either. This place is a "walk in, order upfront, pick a table where you want to sit and one of the staff will bring your food to you" style cafe. Water is self-served. Once you are done with your meal you'll put your dirty dishes in the designated tub. I like this efficient style of serving food. This place has great vibes as well. A bit hippie-ish where bright dark colors such as purple and red are incorporated into the interior. There is even a stage where bands perform on certain days/times. Quite cool-looking. If you are visiting Hilo soon then put this place on your "must visit" restaurant list. Friendly staff, reasonable prices and quality food will entertain you for sure.

The gals working were so sweet and professional! I asked if they could custom-make me an Ube Ice…read moreCoffee and they made it happen-- ONO!!!

I don't usually like matcha, but the Strawberry Matcha drink that they made was the best I've…read moretasted. The ladies that helped me and my sister were really friendly and sweet. They both were also really informative, since I'd asked about the balance of the strawberry flavor and matcha. The overall ambiance of the small coffee shop was very calming and pleasant. I would definitely recommend, and will definitely be going back again.

If you're visiting Hilo, do yourself a huge favor and don't miss brunch at Paul's Place. This tiny…read morespot only has a few small tables (total seating for about 6 folks at a time). Reservations are mandatory, but a visit is well worth it! Paul is a sweetheart and an amazing cook. His secret ingredient is love. He really loves what he does and that passion for his craft really shines through to the entire experience dining at this small hole-in-the-wall. Don't expect to find air conditioning here, but definitely expect a delicious meal. My family sampled several favorites on the menu, including Paul's take on a smoked salmon benedict, his outrageous Belgian waffles, and the breakfast caprese, a really creative dish you'll only find here. Paul, thank you so much for a memorable meal! I hope to see you again if I'm ever back in Hilo :)

I celebrated my birthday at Paul's Place, and it was an experience I'll never forget…read more When I reached out for a reservation, they followed up and were able to fit me in for my birthday. That alone meant so much. From the moment I arrived, Paul made me feel special. He greeted me with a warm smile, seated me at a beautifully decorated birthday table, and surprised me with a birthday sash and crown. It was such a thoughtful gesture that truly touched my heart and made me feel celebrated on my special day. I enjoyed fresh-squeezed orange juice and the Belgian waffle with bacon. The waffle was absolutely delicious--beautifully presented with fresh fruit and whipped cream, and honestly the best waffle I've ever had. A huge mahalo to Paul and his team for making my birthday so memorable. The food was outstanding, but it was the kindness, warmth, and genuine hospitality that made this experience unforgettable. 12/10 Highly recommend!

Navigating through nostalgia. Dining at a place since childhood, a place that's woven into my life…read morestory. This location has been serving generations of local families like mine for decades. Formerly Queen's Court Restaurant at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, a local gem reinvented five years ago. To WSW Steakhouse. The hotel and restaurant are now officially part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham, still owned and managed by Castle Resorts & Hotels Hawai'i. A fresh new dining concept replacing WSW will happen before Fall 2026. Complete with interior renovations, a refreshed menu, new wraparound bar and name. Here's an authentic snapshot, capturing my dining experiences at WSW before this transformation happens. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Tired of waiting for a breakfast table, want the convenience of making a reservation? Don't like your family placed on separate tables? Do you seek comfort and air conditioning in the morning? A venue that offers an upscale breakfast ambiance with ocean views? This is the place. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ À la carte breakfast at WSW is underrated and deserves promoting. The locals, I feel, need to know about this place. Served Mon-Fri with reservations available via the OpenTable app. Recently, I did a two-night stay at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. I decided to dine at WSW for all meals and it introduced me to their breakfast and dinner à la carte experiences. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Savory comfort, genuine hospitality, breathtaking morning views. Hungry? "I'm Starving", the portions and price point sure surprised me. 3 eggs, 2 breakfast meats, choice of starch and a short stack had me content beyond reason. These pancakes aren't premade for quick serving or, so large in size the quality of taste and texture diminishes. They're fluffy, sweet, pillowy with an airy interior, caramelized exterior. Enjoy an order of their hearty + comforting Housemade Corned Beef Hash, where each component melds perfectly together. The eggs are opulent in color and served with your choice of starch. This is my favorite. Their Belgium Waffle is light and delicate, deep subtly butteriness and balanced sweetness. Garnished with blueberries and whipped butter. Simple yet prepared with care. On Saturdays and Sundays, at the time this review was posted, a $25 breakfast buffet with an omelet station is offered. For a $35 upcharge after 8am enjoy steamed snow crab, carved Prime Rib and bottomless mimosas. A champagne brunch experience I've done many times. As WSW turns into a new dining concept, I hope breakfast remains unchanged. Food, service, ambiance, value, convenience. I currently rate it as one of the best breakfast spots in East Hawai'i. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Dinner. "Sizzling 16oz Ribeye", juicy and tender. Intense sizzle, the flavors were so on-point, the side sauce I ordered wasn't necessary. The quick sear rendered a perfect medium and the caramelized onions were so delicious, I ate them as a no-onion person. Served with garlic mashed potatoes, request a a baked potato upgrade. The Misoyaki Butterfish, moist with a caramelized glaze and rich umami flavor. I would recommend checking the texture of your rice though. Tinono appetizer, amazing flavor and texture profile. A must along with the creamy Lobster Mac 'n Cheese. This is the only restaurant on the East Side that offers a salad bar with dinner. For $10 with any entrée, four offerings plus two outstanding soup selections. The most hearty and delicious Clam Chowder I've had in a while, it deserves a spot on their new menu. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Weekend dinner, holiday and brunch buffets, this is what this location is known for since I was a kid. Even though the lavish offerings and prices have changed over time, the same charm of dining here still remains. I usually only come for two items, the rest is secondary. Snow Crab and Prime Rib. If both are prepared well, I'm satisfied. But there's times the prime rib is inconsistent in-flavor and texture. Yet, I always leave satisfied since everything else usually balances things out. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I feel a sense of belonging, the guest service at WSW makes me feel valued. From entry at the host stand, to the front team, to the managers. I don't feel like I'm just another transaction, but appreciated as a local resident and return customer. Live action stations (omelet/carving), the kitchen team has moments where their level of service isn't consistent with those in the front. It should add to the overall dining experience, be a part of the "show". Regardless, it's a meaningful connection almost every time. My dining experience becomes personalized with genuine empathy and emotional awareness. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Let's celebrate their evolution, a brand refresh and dining concept change. I'm excited with anticipation and looking forward to supporting your new vision. Thank you for continually elevating the dining experience and welcoming myself + the community back for decades. As a new chapter unfolds, "Congratulations".

The Friday Hawaiian buffet is amazing! Nice view of Hilo Bay, but bring a fat wallet. The poke is…read moretop notch, a wonderful selection of salads, and the prime rib and crab legs are excellent. $10 discount if you're staying at the hotel.