When you're traveling, you gotta eat at a hole the wall at least once. Finishing up 'Akaka falls, lunch time beckoned. Not many options in the area but all you need is one good one and this is definitely a good one. Pi'ilani Kitchen shares a building with a retail/souvenir shop and you order from inside the building and food comes out from a literal hole in the wall. We got the roast beef special, which was packed with tender roast beef (think circa 2017 before shrinkflation went nuts), American cheese, caramelized onions in a hoagie roll. It was also sort of a French dip as the bread absorbed a sizable amount of tasty cooking liquid. This however, made the sandwich a bit of a soggy mess at the end. A tasty, cheesy, soggy mess. Once you start, you can't stop to put the sandwich down. They give you a fork for a reason. We went with chips over ulu (breadfruit) macaroni salad. There's a handful of unmarked stalls in the front with a few tables of seating. Bathroom stall exists but it's more like a shed they built around a toilet and sink with unfinished walls. It is clean though and stocked with toilet paper. read more

Piilani Kitchen - Roast beef special - Sandwiches Near Me - Pepeekeo, Hawaii

Food was great but the real winners were the brownie and the lilikoi iced tea!!! The ham sandwich had a ton of ham. I wish I had gotten the nachos. The pulled pork on my cubana was amazing. read more

Piilani Kitchen - Ham sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Pepeekeo, Hawaii

See all

So yummy. We stopped by accidentally and so glad we did. Food was filling and so good. Even got to have this senior baby chill while we ate. Definitely make it a stop if you're in the area. read more

Piilani Kitchen - Senior furbaby that was a sweetie. - Sandwiches Near Me - Pepeekeo, Hawaii

Made a pit stop at this little gem! All the sandwiches were amazing and the tacos were also great! The kitchen was located inside a little store that sold beverages, snacks, and little gift shop trinkets. We got the food to-go and ate outside at the picnic tables. We got to eat in the company of the local stray cats! We would absolutely come back here! read more

See all

Stopped by for lunch after visiting the Honomu goat farm. I remember coming here couple years ago when it was part of Onomea market; but when I arrived I saw a sign Piilani kitchen at the take out food section. They still sell ice shave like the former but my daughter and I were hangry so we ordered real food....grilled cheese, kalua tacos and a smoothie. There's a nice shady breezy seating area in front of the market and we were given a pager that lit up when our food was ready. It was a quick wait and our plates were abundantly filled with food. My daughter's grilled cheese was ooey gooey grilled deliciousness. The homemade pickles was a nice salty crisp addition to each sandwich bite. My tacos were robust with kalua, hefty, smoky and meaty. I could only eat two. The banana berry smoothie was freshly made and was a highlight of the meal. My daughter mopped up that smoothie and didn't want to share. It's bit of a drive off the main highway but google map will show you the way. It's really worth a stop if you're looking for some yummy eats. Next time we will stop by to get some ice shave. read more

See all

We stumbled on Piilani Kitchen and we're so glad we did! There's plenty of parking and a few picnic tables out front, so it's a great spot to sit down and enjoy your food. It's also conveniently located right next to a little shoppette, which makes it an easy and convenient stop if you're cruising around the area or headed north where there isn't too many road side stops. We had the Pastrami and Caprese sandwiches -- both were super ono! Loaded with flavor, fresh ingredients, and the housemade pickles gave it that extra kick. But the real standout was the ulu mac salad. Being from O'ahu, the mac salad on Hawaii Island had been kinda hard for us to get used to -- different style, yeah? But this one was the closest to what we're used to, and the ulu added a nice local crunch that took it to the next level. You can tell they put plenty aloha into their food. Service was maybe 5-10 minutes? Worth it. Real good kine grinds, and chill vibes all around. We'll definitely be back next time we're on Big Island. read more

See all

Yesterday, before we toured the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Gardens, we had lunch at Piilani Kitchen. My wife had a chicken salad sandwich with Mac salad and I had a Cubano sandwich with Mac salad. Both of our meals were very good. Service was excellent. We sat at outside tables, even had a visit from their elderly cat. read more

I just had the most incredible Italian and birria sandwiches! As a Mexican from California, I know my birria, and this place nails it. Don't miss out on this hidden gem--I'll definitely be coming back again and again! Shout out to Chef Fly, he's so cool and so Fly. read more

Piilani Kitchen - Italian sub week special - Sandwiches Near Me - Pepeekeo, Hawaii

See all

Searching for a spot before visiting the botanical garden we saw this place. Glad we did. The service was friendly. Cubano is outstanding, so fresh and flavorful. Get the ulu Mac salad. Tacos were best when you add some of their homemade chili water. Not too hot, just the right flavor. And the Pickles. the pickles, pickles, pickles. Not sweet not dill. Just the right blend. We ordered extra We washed it all down with i'ilokoi iced tea. Some other reviewer said it was the best meal they had on the island and we agree. read more

Adding another five star review to this yummy stop. It's right along the scenic view along the coast. I ordered the Cubano sandwich. It was delicious. The homemade pickles were amazing. read more

See all

We stopped by Pilani's Kitchen for a quick bite and were so glad we did! The place is quaint with nice seating and a relaxed vibe. They also have a cute little store inside though it was closed the day we visited. We ordered the Cubano and the Kalua Pig Nachos, both were absolutely delicious! The real standout, though, was their 'ulu mac salad, so creamy and flavorful. Theres an ingredient i cant pinpoint but it was so darn good. Everything we tried was fresh and perfectly made. Such a hidden gem! We'll definitely be back next time we're in the area. read more

This little gem is nestled on the scenic route of the Hamakua coast, and it truly is a gem. The quality of food being served is amazing! I ordered the Kim chee Reuben... corned beef with Kim chee is not something I would've thought would go together on my own. It was really tasty! I love the fusion of flavors that they play with on the menu. I do suggest if you love pickles to get a double order at the least because there is something special about those pickles. The service was great! The girl behind the counter was super nice and also the man that was there too... I think he might've been the owner. It's a great place to stop for some good food and good vibes. Ps the drinks are great too!!! read more

See all

Detour stop on the way to Foodland. Cute little deli/market/liquor store! The shaved Ice was delicious! The flavors we chose are blue vanilla, pineapple and guava flavored and I added a scoop of ice cream! So GOOD! GREAT and friendly service. Stop bye and say MAHALO!! read more

Piilani Kitchen - Sandwiches Near Me - Pepeekeo, Hawaii

See all

Stopped at this quaint spot off the highway for a "snack" not knowing what to expect. The nachos and shave ice were perfect in every way. Great hospitality, very friendly staff!! read more

Amazing fresh food and super friendly staff. Just a small, casual place with under roof outdoor seating. The food here has BIG flavor! Had a Rueben with kimchi sauerkraut and ulu mac salad with homemade pickles. The corn beef was tender and the kimchi sauerkraut had a mild spice to it. The pickles are very unique and so, so, good! They sell them by the quart too. We ordered their special of the day of slow smoked jerk chicken quarter to take back for dinner. Mmmm! If you want a nice authentic Hawaiian experience with amazing flavor, try this place - it's only a small jaunt down the road from Hilo. read more

Pi'ilani Kitchen was an amazing find - the seared ahi salad special was absolutely delicious and quite filling (and cost all of $19). Service was friendly and quick, too, and I enjoyed browsing the store. I wouldn't have found them without a recommendation from the people at the Botanical Garden and that would have been a shame! read more

After enjoying The Umauma Falls Experience on, we were hungry and looking for something authentic and nearby. Piilani Kitchen had great reviews on Yelp, so we went here. I ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich and was intrigued by the addition of macadamia nuts and cranberries. As we waited for our food at one of the outdoor picnic tables, we enjoyed the reggae island music. My sandwich was everything I expected. I enjoyed the blend of flavors and textures. Three of us ordered smoothies. My pina colada smoothie was refreshing. The service was decent and the wait for our food was not excessive. All in all, we had an enjoyable island dining experience! read more

Piilani Kitchen - Outdoor Seating - Sandwiches Near Me - Pepeekeo, Hawaii

See all

DON'T HESITATE, JUST GO! this place is easily the best food we have had on the island. Everything we had was so tasty and just beyond our expectations. We had the Birria sandwich and the Cubano with the Mac salad and WOW! It was so good we ended up staying for shave ice and a special Hawaiian brownie (not THAT kind of special, but still super yummy). The prices are more than fair too. Don't walk, run, definitely make this place a top stop on your list! read more

See all

Beautiful, clean little market with a great view & delicious fresh sandwich options. Staff were very kind. Worth going off the main drive! read more

Piilani Kitchen - Sandwiches Near Me - Pepeekeo, Hawaii

See all

Piilani Kitchen absolutely deserves five stars. The Kahlúa pork nachos and Kahlúa pork tacos were exceptional--packed with flavor and easily some of the best food I've had on the Big Island. There aren't a lot of drink or seating options, but honestly, the quality of the food more than makes up for it. They were pretty busy while we were there, which tells you everything you need to know: this place is a true local favorite. Highly recommend. read more

Amazing food, large portions and friendly service. Ambiance couldn't be more perfect with a view

Phenomenal food served with intention and love. Very informative and quaint Hawaii Plantation Museum next to Piilani cafe that is perfect to browse while waiting for your lunch. The owner was very personable and friendly and our family of 5 will absolutely visit again. read more

See all

Omg this place a little hole in the wall is amazing!! Went to the Akaka Falls and were starving on a Sunday afternoon, found this place and the five of us loved everything we picked from the Keiki cheddar and mozzarella n sourdough to the Birria Queso , Chicken and Somen salad . They have Shave ice too but too full to try it . The Uni Mac salad was different as never had breadfruit before it was good. We highly recommend this place for a quick bite read more

Wife had the Caprese and I tried the Cubano. Very tasty. Comfortable outdoor seating. Will definitely return to try the other items on the menu. read more

For me this place ties for first place with the best sandwiches on the island. it also comes with a side of ulu mac salad which is the best I've had. read more

Food is fresh and delicious. Shaved ice amazing. Service is fast and efficient. Local products available well

Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb! So good! This family-owned and operated shop in Pepeʻekeo is dishing out some SERIOUS GRINDZ. Chef Joshua's Kimchee Reuben Sandwich is arguably the BEST SANDWICH you'll ever have. Chef Joshua and the fam bam serve specialty hot and cold sandwiches, salads, tacos, nachos, specialty beverages/smoothies, shaved ice, and broke-da-mouth spam musubis. Chef Joshua was the executive chef at one of the island's top restaurants for 20 years before opening this place in February of this year. This is seriously one of my favorite places to grab a bite. My favorite items are the Kimchee Reuben and Birria Queso sandwiches, the spam musubis, the smoothies, the lemonades, and the iced teas. The Cubano and birria nachos are also really good. They also do specials quite frequently, so if you see something new, try it! Go check them out, and maybe I'll run into some of y'all there. Have a blessed day PS: Don't blame me if you get addicted to the Kimchee Reuben, okay? Oh, and the pickles are to die for. read more

See all

We stayed on island 8 days and this was one of the best places to eat. It's out of the way which is another reason we like it. The braddah behind the counter was so nice, explained every item on the menu with recommendations. The kalua pork tacos were so ono! Shave ice (3 flavors) was perfect. The adjacent store was nice as well - we got stuff there as well. I'd highly recommend this place if seeing the Hamakua coast. read more

Great sandwich, fast service, and seaside ambiance! Little place but well worth it. We would come back!

We were on our way to Akaka falls and bumped into this cute little place. They had very less veg options but the Caprese made it all worth it. It was oozing cheese and the condiments they gave on side was a hit! The hosts were very curteous too! read more

Piilani Kitchen - Sandwiches Near Me - Pepeekeo, Hawaii

Cutest corner stop at end of scenic route with small area for shipping, shaved ice and food w/ seating area. My daughter had the caprese sandwich ...was DELUCIOUS!!! The rest of us.... shaved ice. Add the ice cream or the snow cap... game changer. People were so nice inside. Made us feel welcome. The rooster did too...stayed the entire time we were there. read more

See all

One of a kind mostly lunch spot, great selection, many times they serve unique once in a lifetime creations and always have the Piilani Pickles.. Try the Birria sandwich and consommé read more

Delicious food! We had a Reuben, a queso birria, and a grilled cheese, and it was all delicious. Also, try their Mac salad- yum!!!

Newly opened tiny cute Sandwich place at Pepeekeo. The owner & chef ( former executive chef at Hilo Bay Cafe ) created his own tasty food he served for local neighbors. It's small menu but fully satisfied. Great sandwiches and I specially loved his own pickles. I definitely recommend. Too bad it's little far from my house can't stop by frequently ... read more

See all

This place is fantastic. So delish! Really nice guy (owner?). It's small, outdoor seating, and the food is to die for! Happy we found it as we were wandering the island! read more

Local cuisine, family owned and operated. Farm to table. Definitely must go for locals and island visitors alike. Ahi Sandwich Special. Cuban sandwich. Ulu Macaroni salad. Birria Nacho. Lemonade used tea. Go check them out in Pepeekeo on the Onomea Scenic Drive. read more

See all

Imagine if your journey to Katz's New York delicatessen on New York East side was interrupted by a side trip to your Korean aunties. the result would be their kimchi Reuben, which goes way beyond five stars. Worth a special trip, especially if you are on the way to or coming from the Akaka Falls State Park And wash the entire thing down with a can of aloha beer read more

Piilani Kitchen - Sandwiches Near Me - Pepeekeo, Hawaii

As always, a great experience. The specials always seem amazing and I continue to bring friends here that are happy to discover a great place to eat here on the big island. read more

Piilani Kitchen - Carnitas tacos and I'm sorry to say I forgot the day with a special. But I know my friend thought it was delicious. - Sandwiches Near Me - Pepeekeo, Hawaii

Great lunch stop! Sandwiches were delicious as was the mac salad and homemade pickles. Loved the caprese and birria sandwiches the best. Shave ice was delicious too! Nice shady picnic tables to dine at. Highly recommend! read more

See all

We needed food badly on our road trip, and this was fuegoooo. Food got out quick and we were just extra pleased overall.