15 Best Cafes in Hilo

“Paul's Place is a small, intimate café, known for its delightful atmosphere and excellent brunch. The owner, Paul, is a passionate and accommodating chef, dedicated to making customers happy through his delicious food. The Belgian waffle is a standout dish, perfectly browned on the outside and soft on the inside. Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's small size and popularity. Unfortunately, it may not be wheelchair accessible as the entrance is up a flight of stairs. Overall, Paul's Place is a must-visit destination, offering a wonderful dining experience.“

“The Booch Bar offers a diverse menu with a focus on hearty, healthy, and tasty meals catering to various dietary needs. The restaurant serves up a range of kombucha flavors, including a unique Palo Santo variety, as well as a mind-blowing root beer. Customers praise the vegan Reuben, fish tacos, and chicken tinga, though some find the pickled items a bit too tart. The ambiance is basic, but the friendly service and quality ingredients make it a popular spot for those with dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and celiac-safe options.“

“Cafe Boba offers an extensive beverage menu, including soft drinks, teas, juices, and smoothies. They also serve a limited menu of excellent burgers and panini sandwiches. The boba and smoothies are good value, and the panini sandwiches are worth the price. The service is excellent, with friendly and fast staff. Despite the location in an older part of downtown, the atmosphere is pleasant.“

“Liko Lehua Cafe is a local, female-owned eatery that serves outstanding food in a quiet neighborhood setting. The menu is diverse and offers large portions, including popular items like the crab cake sandwich and fries, vegetarian grilled portobello burger, and Korean chicken. Prices reflect the high quality of the food, making it a great spot for special occasions. With limited parking, it's best to plan ahead. Enjoy your meal at the beach, nearby park, or at home, and don't forget to try their handmade food items and handshaken lemonade.“

“The Tiki Turtle Cafe is a charming eatery located near Rainbow Falls. It offers a variety of sandwiches, with options like the Hawaiian sweet bread turkey sandwich, served with veggies, sprouts, and cheese. The cafe is known for its Dole Whip, a popular non-dairy frozen treat. The service is friendly, and the prices are reasonable. The outdoor seating area is pleasant, and there is ample free parking. The cafe is a great spot for a light lunch or a refreshing treat after visiting the falls.“

“Short N Sweet Bakery & Cafe in Hilo is a charming bakery shop offering a wide variety of pastries, desserts, and breakfast items. The staff is welcoming, providing complimentary samples of their offerings, such as the brauni. The outdoor seating is suitable for families with children, although highchairs are not available. During a visit, one can enjoy delicious donuts, pumpkin spiral croissants, and high-quality pastries like the lilikoi cheesecake, making it a worthy stop before exploring Volcano National Park.“

“Coffee Girl is a charming restaurant with a variety of delicious drinks and baked goods. Their Ube latte, Chai garden, and baked goods like ube muffin and banana bread muffin are highly recommended. The service is excellent, and the atmosphere is serene. Accessibility is not an issue as they have wheelchair-friendly facilities. Avocado toast, Iced Lavender Latte, and Pistachio muffin are must-tries. This coffee shop is an ideal place to stop by for a great dining experience.“

“Makani's Magic Pineapple Shack offers tasty ice cream and refreshing smoothies. Popular choices include the Unicorn Twist, a mix of dragon fruit and ube with sprinkles, and homemade soft serve with granola and fresh fruit. The menu also features gluten-free granola and dairy-free ice cream options. While prices are on the higher side, customers feel it's worth it for a special treat. However, they could use more staff as it can get quite busy with only one employee handling the rush. The atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable, making it a nice spot to take a break. They do not have many pineapple-specific desserts, and it seems they no longer serve sandwiches.“

“Haneul Cafe in Hilo is a small, family-owned restaurant that offers amazingly tasty and filling food. Favorites include the pancake and spicy pork dishes. The service is great, and the owner is super nice. A must-try dessert is the Mango Cheesecake Bingsu. With limited seating inside, make sure to visit early to secure a table and enjoy this highly recommended dining experience.“

“Hilo Bay Cafe is a restaurant that offers a variety of delicious and reasonably priced dishes, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The cheeseburger is a standout menu item, and the house-made pickles are a must-try side. The atmosphere is pleasant, with a great view of the water, and the staff is friendly and attentive. However, it is worth noting that there have been occasional inconsistencies in food temperature and doneness. The miso butterfish salad is a customer favorite. Overall, Hilo Bay Cafe is a highly recommended dining destination in Hilo.“

“White Guava Cafe in Hilo is a hidden gem with amazing food and service. The Dim Sum Burger is a must-try for burger lovers, perfectly blending flavors. The Grilled Pork Chops are a hit, with generous portions that leave plenty of leftovers. The restaurant is located in a parking lot, so reservations are recommended. The menu offers a variety of options, from Chicken Katsu to Pastele Burger, all served with creative twists like a tossed salad as a base. Despite a slow service due to short staff, the delicious food like Pupu Mushroom with Korean sauce makes the wait worthwhile. While there might not be any guava items on the menu, the overall cleanliness and quality of White Guava Cafe make it a place worth revisiting.“

“Sweet Cane Cafe is a popular spot in Hilo, praised for its extensive vegan menu and delicious coffee served in a French press. The casual and bright interior, along with friendly service, makes it a welcoming spot for diners. Menu highlights include the Taco Tuesday special with vegetarian refried beans and satisfying options like the pesto sandwich, nori wraps, and avocado sandwich. The cafe also offers homemade fruit leather and locally made items for sale, making it a must-visit for a tasty and enjoyable experience.“

“Popover is a popular spot that serves a variety of pastries, including their signature popover bread and lilikoi butter, doughnuts, puffs, and turnovers. They also offer bentos, sandwiches, and specialty coffee. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the portions are generous. The menu items, including the mac salad, are delicious, and the baked treats are a must-try. With its welcoming atmosphere, Popover is a great spot to visit, especially for those close to the airport.“

“Nector Cafe is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a unique and delightful dining experience. The cafe is known for its exceptional coffee and lemonade, with customers raving about the "beautiful" and "delicious" beverages. The menu also features a variety of fresh, made-from-scratch offerings, including baked goods and ice cream, which are praised for their high-quality ingredients and exceptional taste. The service at Nector Cafe is consistently friendly and helpful, and the ambiance is described as "great" and "amazing," with a "quiet, chill, and spacious" atmosphere at the second location. While wait times can be longer than at other establishments, customers agree that the end product is well worth the wait, as the cafe takes the time to craft "magical concoctions made with love." Overall, Nector Cafe is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and memorable dining experience.“

“Nector Cafe offers a fun, cute atmosphere with great food and beverages, including a delicious affogato and amazing baked goods like scones and a Chocolate Nutella cookie. Their Ruby Moon drink is Hibiscus forward and not too sweet. The mermaid latte with oat milk is a must-try for those who enjoy healthy lattes. Staff is friendly and helpful, but parking can be a challenge due to the busy location.“