16 Best Cafes in Hilo

“Oh man did we luck out! Looking for a place to have a nice breakfast on a Thursday AM. We were extremely fortunate as a "walk-in" around 9:30. Word to the wise, don't do what we did, Paul has to constantly turn people away at the door. ONLY 3 tables for two. Paul is very engaging and has a good sense of humor but the food OMG. My wife had the perfect Belgian Waffles and I had THE best ever eggs Benedict with salmon. Brok dah mouth brah....You must make reservations probably two weeks in advance. This is the number one restaurant in Hilo in my book, serves breakfast & lunch. A total home run....thank you Paul for sharing your amazing talent!!“

“Delicious vegan food in Hilo! Got the Conscious Culture Burger and the Tacos with the Faux-Chorizo. Both were fresh and delicious!

Tried the Root Booch as well. It was very refreshing and tasty.

Nice ambience with a very relaxed vibe. Live music was a nice touch as well.“

“I’m a lover of hamburger steak and have tried the hamburger steak at every restaurant and drive-in in Hilo. The Liko Lehua hamburger steak is absolutely the best tasting. The secret to a good hamburger steak is the gravy and their gravy is rich, tasty and homemade. No instant or canned gravy here. It also helps that their hamburger patties are hand made. Kudos to the chef and staff at Liko Lehua.“

“I got their Taro latte and it was delicious!! I didn’t know if I should ask for half sweet, so the cashier gave me a free sample of their standard milk tea 🧋 to determine and compare my preferences. Will definitely be back!! I didn’t try their paninis but took a pic for next time :)“

“Great lunch place with counter service and covered outdoor tables. I had the Robert special tuna sandwich and it was really good, hubby tried the ham and chocolate dole whip.
If you are visiting Rainbow falls stop in for lunch a smoothie or dole whip. You won't be disappointed.“

“Ngon-hợp vệ sinh& tiếp đón khách nhiệt tình!“

“Absolutely Incredible Spot in Hilo!

This coffee shop is hands-down one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. The vibe is laid-back and artistic, with super cool local art all around and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to hang out all day. The coffee? 🔥 Next-level good. Smooth, rich, and made with real care.
Chris is the man — friendly, genuine, and clearly passionate about creating a space that’s more than just a coffee shop. You’d be crazy not to stop here if you’re in Hilo. Honestly, you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to grab a cup. This place isn’t just coffee—it’s a whole vibe.“

“I love all there different goodies and a good selection as well. They just opened at their new location and it’s now very easy and convenient to satisfy your sweet tooth😉“

“They only have a few vegan options. I got the veggie sandwich and substituted vegan mayo. It is pretty simple, but it is done very well. I thought it was delicious. The staff is incredibly friendly and are happy to give recommendations for other places to visit.“

“I went here one time while I was on vacation in Hawaii in 2021. I still have dreams about the amazing pineapple treat I got here. It's all good. Stop scrolling through reviews. This is the only review you need to read. Come here and make an unforgettable memory. Dream about it for years. Decide to move to Hawaii just so you can enjoy the magic pineapple every day.“

“Love all their smoothies !!“

“Had lunch here 2/3 days that we were in Hilo, everything was amazing. The Misoyaki Butterfish Salad was fresh and extremely flavorful without being heavy, and the fish melts like butter in your mouth. We also had a cold water scallop special, an eggplant /marinara/pesto/ricotta appetizer (forgot what it's called, oops!) and crab cakes. Everything was great, honestly one of the best places I've eaten at on the entire island. I like to sit at the bar, as I'm a former long time bartender. Sascha is one of the best around, cocktails were, again, among the best that I found on the island, including Kona. Service was top notch, no matter how busy he got, and he took extra time to modify one of the house cocktails so that an elderly gal with sensitive teeth sitting nearby could enjoy it. I would honestly make the drive from Waikoloa just for this, but Hilo has plenty of outdoor activities to offer as well.“

“Very good pastries and donuts, the coffee is good, the staff is outstanding. I've not tried their sandwiches or meals but based on the orders going out the door I suspect they are very good as well. If you're in a rush, order ahead as they may not have what you're after when you get there.“

“Coffee Girl is such a gem! Their coffee is consistently delicious smooth and flavorful. I love how creative their menu is; there’s always something new and fun to try, from seasonal specials to unique flavor combos you won’t find anywhere else. The avocado toast is hands down the best buildable with so many yummy topping choices that make it different every time. Their muffins are also so good soft, fresh, and the perfect treat to go with your coffee. The shop itself is the cutest in town cozy, inviting, and full of charm. Definitely one of my favorite coffee spots on the island!“

“Friendly customer service.“

“I had an amazing Iced Caramel Macchiato there! It was delicious & the vibe in the café was super chill. Nice art a well. 💜“