A solid neighborhood spot with a few standouts and some room to grow. We've been to Kaleo's a few times now, and we'll definitely keep coming back. It's close, there's always parking, and it's got that laid-back, local energy where you can laugh loud and no one's going to shoot you a look. It does get loud inside, but in that kind of way that makes it feel like everybody's having a good time, not like you're in a cafeteria. Just don't expect a quiet dinner conversation, unless you're reading lips. The service? Always sweet, always kind. Lily (I think that's the correct spelling!) has taken care of us more than once and she's a gem... warm, attentive, and easy to chat with. She's the kind of person who remembers what you ordered last time and tells you honestly what's good. As for the food... Bacon Blue Burger: My husband had this last time and it was yum. Juicy, flavorful, hits all the right rich notes without being greasy. That one's a solid order. Ribs: The barbecue sauce was really good... but the ribs themselves were dry and overdone. Not terrible, but not what I'd call a win either. If they could just dial in the texture, that sauce would carry it home. Kalbi Short Ribs: Best thing on the menu so far. Tender, rich, and full of flavor. Get those. Mashed Potatoes: "All mash" is the move. They're creamy and comforting... total comfort food. Hamburger Steak: Another standout. Probably one of the best in the area. Classic done right. Thai Chicken Pasta: Watch out... it's got some serious heat! Spicy, but good. Not for the faint of tongue, but worth it if you're into that kind of kick. Lilikoi Fizz: Really tasty but heavy on the lilikoi. If they eased up and added a little more club soda, it would be more balanced. Desserts: * Lava Cake was good... warm and classic. * Chocolate Decadent Cake was just okay. It comes fridge-cold (probably so it doesn't melt), but I feel like if they let it sit out for ten minutes before serving, it would be way better. * Brownie Sundae was yum, according to my husband... and I trust his dessert radar. All in all, Kaleo's is the kind of place you root for. You want them to keep getting better, and they mostly are. The hits are worth coming back for, and even the misses aren't deal-breakers. We'll be back, and we're excited to keep trying more of the menu. read more

Big birthday for me & hungry husband treated me to a trip to "Moku O Keawe" to visit our na mo'opuna @ their new home! Eldest son suggested this nice bar & grill. Food choices were plentiful, lots of fancy drinks to choose from. This is an open restaurant where it's open air backyard kind of feeling. Feels like an old fashioned Lu'au!!! Acoustics are a bit loud because everyone is out talking each other. Parking is in the lot in the back. It's free if u no mind da "coqui " frogs!!! Would love to return & try other dishes! Ka ono! Our nine year old grandson ordered "Coconut shrimp & fries "-- no not from keiki menu--braddah can mop it up !!! I ordered a steak plate (4 got da name) . Son ordered a sautéed fish platter & hungry husband had a fancy kine,thick burger & we were all jealous! The wait for everything was a bit long; to wait for someone to take our order, bring back the drinks & very long before we got our food. Waitress was apologetic & sincere. We didn't mind. Extra points if you're like dat!!! On the cash wrap counter some Hawai'ian arts & crafts were displayed.....oh sistah! I gotta go lookie!!! He he he !!! Clay/foam like tropical flowers for your hair,laser cut wooden earrings,stationary & more! My dashing men (husband,son & grandson) let me oogle because they all know I support local artisans. Because I'm an "artsy-fartsy " myself!!! (I create all kine art) A few days lataz....was talking story wit my cousin & found out he was the fish cutter there a few years ago ! Loved dis place!!! Hope it does well!!! read more

Kaleo's was a decent restaurant, but it wasn't one that I would revisit. The food was a little pricey - especially for the appetizers' serving sizes. Some appetizers are set at market price (for the fish), while others were around $10-16. I ordered the Thai coconut curry with tofu. Compared to other coconut curries, this one was a bit bland. The sauce was under salted but good, but the vegetables and tofu did not absorb its flavor well enough. My friends ordered appetizers for the table to share, and a few of them felt like your typical "bar food." I felt like Kaleo's was a strange mix of upscale / moderately fancy food (steak, poke, etc) and bar food (fries, calamari). Despite the negatives, this was a fun restaurant to visit! They accommodated our large party, and the servers were attentive. I was pleasantly surprised by how fast the kitchen prepared our food, especially because we had ordered about 15 items. read more

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This place is definitely a good option if you're in the area. Lots of menu options that were solid and appeal to everyone. Good beer/drink selection. The quality didn't quite match up with pricing I feel- depending on what you order. I was happy with my fish and chips. But the Caesar salad with $6 added shrimp only came with 3 small shrimp which was sad. read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - Fish and chips - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

OMG! Thank you for recommending this restaurant. The food is delicious, service is great with good ambiance. We dine in here and left with our stomach is full. I could not say it more, but definitely you have to try this restaurant when you are in Hilo. read more

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Fun place to meet for drinks and food. Staff is attentive and the food is decent. We had fresh fish- Ono. Grilled nicely and served over rice. The rice could have been cooked more but wasn't bad enough to spoil the meal. Parking was a little tight but manageable. read more

I've eaten here in a group of maybe 10 and twice. They have a lot of variety and the food is good! No pics this time, jus' gotta say food is good! read more

Amazing!! My daughter and I were both impressed with the ample parking. We made reservations for dinner and when we arrived we were immediately greeted by some of the most friendly staff and were seated immediately. Lots of seating so if you have a large family, no problem. I really did enjoy the open air design of the restaurant. We had the Kalua Pork wontons and the Fresh Ahi Poke to start. Superb!! When it came to dinner we had the Alfredo Pasta with a Blackened Ahi and a Thai Coconut Curry with Shrimp. Let's just say we'll be back for dessert and left completely satisfied. We had a great waitress but unfortunately we didn't get her name. Truly happy with the service. read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - White rice with a Thai Coconut Curry with shrimp. - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

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Good food, nice ambiance, really good service. Called for reservations for 7:30 on a Friday night and got a 7:40 reservation. This while calling at 7:05 p.m. It is nice open air seating, a bit on the loud side but I didn't mind. One thing that caught me off guard was the drink price. Menu says Bulleit rye is $10. Not bad. I ordered it with an old fashioned; cost ... $20! So if my math is correct, $10 for the liquor and $10 to make it into a drink. Seems a bit ridiculous. Next time, I will get the price of my drink order first! I've been a patron of the original Kaleo's for many years but haven't been back to this area since Covid. I would return but stick to a beer next time. read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - Drink menu - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

Thursday evening, late night snack, started off with a couple appetizers, crispy side pork. What a delicious vinegary soy onion sauce. Next was the Kalua pork wontons . I had a glass of Cabernet, the bacon blue cheeseburger with french fries. Service is always excellent live music is played on Friday Saturday Sunday so returning tonight great place to eat. read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - Crispy pork belly, pork wonton - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

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We waited 45 minutes for appetizers, 15 minutes to order, and 35 minutes for entrées. Families who came in after us were served and gone before we even ordered. With kids at the table, that's unacceptable. None of the wait staff apologized for the long and tedious wait, unreal! Kaleo's is seating more guests than a two‑burner kitchen can handle, and it shows. read more

Such a vibe to be here. Friendly staff that makes you feel welcomed. Live hawaiian music and the nice beautiful breeze and scattered showers sets the entire mood. We visited family here in Hilo and wanted a nice dinner . It did not disappoint. We got the kalbi, Ceasars salad, poke and wings. Everything was great. Will definitely be back again on our next visit. The kids really enjoyed the lava cake but I was too full for dessert, maybe next time. Lots of parking and service was fast and friendly. read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - Kalbi ribs - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

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Don't pass this one up! We went here on Easter and had the most amazing waitress! She was joy personified! The food was so amazing that we ordered food to go for later! We had the ribs! Extra points for the best homemade Cole slaw, too! read more

It's easy to see why Kaleos has been a Big island favorite for 20 years. Had a private event here at Kaleos and it was hands down one of the best we've hosted. From beginning to end, Kaleos took such great care of us. Planning was a breeze, communication was quick and efficient. Atmosphere was so warm and inviting; felt like hosting an Ohana party in our own home. Even on a rainy Hilo evening, the venue was perfect. We come here often for lunch and so we knew the food was gonna be bomb. Highly recommend the pork belly and poke are a few fave pupus and the coconut crust shrimp is mean. Literally anything on their menu is fire and you will not be disappointed. More than amazing food, the staff there is world class. They treated us and our guests like family. Service was attentive and always on top of everything. Aloha DEFINITELY served daily. Mahalo Leslie and Kaleos staff! You know we'll be back again PLENTY. read more

Good food, good atmosphere, and great service. We got some drinks and pupus to watch a Thursday night football game. Need to go back when they have live music read more

Please management, I love the restaurant. I love it's location, the layout, the staff, everything BUT the terrible food. Please strongly consider getting a new chef so we as a family can support this establishment. The food is bad and bland, it almost feels intentional. Get someone, anyone, anyone else to cook the food. How can anyone make a kids burger so unappetizing that even kids will reject it? read more

The food and Hawaiian atmosphere along with the friendly staff is worth a visit! The seating is an outside atmosphere and there is music on the weekends. Although - unfortunately, we didn't get the chance to listen to the band. The food is definitely comfort food, yummy and big plates! The downside is that the restaurant is a bit on the pricey side. Be that as it may, We will definitely be back. read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - Coconut shrimp! To die for! - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

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Party of 3 having lunch here and so glad we made reservations as it was packed! I got the Kaleo's burger and it was amazing! Cooked perfectly medium and I chose fries for my side. It was nice and crispy on the outside but soft inside. Couldn't leave without having the banana spring rolls for dessert and lilikoi cheesecake, both yummy! Our waiter Brennan was very polite and attentive. Would definitely return with reservations made read more

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Great drinks and food when they are open. Do not be surprised when they close for private functions.

The staff were chipper amd helpful. The coconut shrimp were lovely, guava ribs were super tender, the blackened Mahi sandwich was pretty dry. When you ordered the coconut crusted mahi they were thicker pieces. Great Mai Tai and lilokoi margarita options from the bar. read more

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Excellent food, atmosphere and staff is so friendly. The best pork wontons. Highly recommend if you are in Hilo, Hawaii

We found this place on the way back from the volcano. Hey cruise ship people pay attention! Not far off the main drag, awesome food. My wife REALLY enjoyed the coconut margarita! read more

Great ribs, fish and chips and drinks! Megan says Amazing! Perfect service, nice open air restaurant. Don't miss this little slice of perfection! read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - Fantastic evening dinner and drinks! - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

I went here for the drinks because I've heard great things. I was seated right away, but it took some time for someone to take my order. The Iilikoi margarita was wonderful. I ordered the pork wontons and pork belly. The kalua pork wontons were my fav but the pork belly was too wet. I'd prefer more crisp. read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - Pork Wontons & Pork Belly - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

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Amazing ambiance, had live band, and wonderful service. Everyone was amazing and extremely friendly, we felt welcomed. Food was presented beautifully. read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

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Always fast and consistently delicious! Both locations have plenty of seating, clean, classy, fantastic food, and amazing service. Patrons are friendly and happy! read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - My typical Friday craving! Coconut crusted calamari with an ube colada. - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

We made reservations and glad we did. This place is popping with excitement from the moment you arrive until you leave. The outdoor feel to the place (it originally was built for a farmers market) with doors open all around make it an alfresco dining experience. The menu was full of interesting choices (I had the Thai curry with shrimp and my husband had a bleu cheese burger with onion rings). The coconut limeade was a great treat to have with dinner. Desserts were over the top and rounded out our dinner. Our server, Krystal, was great - friendly, professional and fun. She was doing a great job at other tables as well but never leaving us isolated. High marks for this place. read more

We live across the road in HPP. When we eat out, 4 out of 5 times it is at Kaleoʻs. I have yet to find anything on the menu that I donʻt enjoy. Our favorite thing on the entree menu is the fresh catch with sweet & spicy lilikoi sauce. The desserts are all good, though Iʻd warn you about the Chocolate Decadence, which is ENORMOUS and is plenty for two. We love the banana spring rolls, the lilikoi cheesecake and the kahlua chocolate mousse cake. Iʻve always been happy with the service. The vibe here really is one of Aloha. read more

Phenomal Homemade LILIKOI CHEESECAKE!! This dessert is to die for. Nice creamy fresh lilikoi filling (has the seeds!) topped with whipped cream and lilikoi drizzle. The oreo crust paired really well with the tart flavors of the cheesecake. They must make these daily since it tasted super fresh. This is the best dessert we've had since Mama's Fish House. Unbelievably good. Get this now!!! 5+++++++!!!!! Coconut crusted fresh catch - the best Mahi Mahi we've had here on the Big Island! Two perfectly prepared big pieces of fish with a crunchy coconut crust. The sauce didn't do it justice since it tasted like regular Thai chili sauce but still a fantastic dish. 5++ stars! Thai coconut curry - we ordered it with almost no spice for the kiddo and it definitely needed it since it was thin and bland. Lots of nice veg and fresh tofu so I'm sure this dish is excellent if you don't mess with the spice like we did! 4.5 stars. Our server (the hostess) was extremely hospitable and so sweet. We'll definitely be back! read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - Lillikoi Cheesecake - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

This is one of those spots you can always count on. Da food stay on! Friendly service, good energy, and consistently solid dishes. Perfect for a casual night out. read more

I called for a reservation on the same day and got a 515 pm for Friday. It's all open walls so if it's really humid might be uncomfortable. Our server was good, food was good ( I had fried fish and fries, my daughter had burger). It's a little high in price but that's Bidenomics fault! I think next time I might try and call for a reservation a few days before as I would have liked to hear the live music that starts at 6pm. I felt a bit rushed as we were out and done right before the live music started. It was our first time, but we will try again. read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

Guava sauce pork ribs to go were peppery and savory will give them a 5 star, the mash potatoes were ok, and the coslaw looked so limp and unappetizing that I didn't even try them, maybe the to-go batch was old that day(?) read more

Great food. Nice live music bar setting. The chicken katsu is delish. The ribs the sauce ono

Nice option to sit down and be served at a restaurant out here in Puna when you don't want to cook dinner yourself and ʻohana. Food is alright. Service is good with friendly, local braddahs and sistahs. Always nice when there's live music. Ambiance is enjoyable. Mix of locals, transplants, and occasionally a few tourists. read more

Service and food - excellent! Attentive waitress, lots of food choices. Highly recommend!

Good food, great and friendly service, awesome entertainment. It's always a good experience when we dine here. We love the open air seating and everything g on their menu is worth a try. read more

Kaleo's Bar and Grill - Kalua Nachos - Hawaiian Near Me - Keaau, Hawaii

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Stopped in for lunch and it was very good . The service was excellent and the food was great. I enjoyed the open air setting. A great local restaurant. read more

The katsu chicken was the best on hilo The service was fast and their recommendations were spot on The only problem was the band was so loud that we could not hear each other and waitress had to shout So ambiance was eh Try the Mai Thai it was amazing and the liloki cheese cake was so tasty I would go back for sure read more

Great service just really pricey menu items my first visit was good I had the hamburger steak very yummy went a second time 2 days later with friends ordered there steak special 40 plus $$ the steak was pretty small had a lot of gristle and fat definitely didn't meet my expectations read more

We've given this restaurant so many chances because of the convenience of the location and sadly we have been let down every single time. Finding a fly at the bottom of my salad was the last straw. Overpriced and underwhelming food. Service has always been nice and the live music is great. However, will never dine here again. Better off heading into Hilo for a better quality meal. Sorry, but this is just the truth. read more