It’s delicious. Don’t order the bowl that’s too small. There’s rice underneath. The fried pork cutlet is delicious, but the price of the fried pork cutlet is a bit high. Also, this store only accepts cash!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Austin Booth
Is there a hole in the wall establishment that isn't a true dining experience? Puka Puka Kitchen is such an experience. The staff were friendly, the food was tasty, and the atmosphere was cozy. When you're out all day seeing the rest of the island, you just need a place to serve you something familiar and scrumptious. The curry was piping hot with all the right veggies; paired with a quality chicken katsu it made for a decent meal. Take a load off after wandering around the other shops nearby and treat yourself; satisfaction guaranteed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel Pita, Japanese Katsu Curry 笑
Diane L
Food is great, quick and tasty. Perfect place to grab food on the go. I got a little bento style container and a Masubi both were wonderful.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tim F.
Out of every place we ate out on the big island, this was our favorite! The food was excellent, the portions good, the price was reasonable and the staff friendly. We would definitely recommend.
Natasha Tomas
Ono food, best garlic rice and Ahi Don around. Must try if you are in Hilo!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tamara B.
Best food I have had on the island. Loved this little place. I had the grilled chicken plate with super yummy fried rice and salad - delicious.
Victor Yurtola
Old Hilo Town vibe. Local bento diner at Bay Front. Decided to eat in. There is about 3 tables for seating. Bentos are made. So grab n go seems like a convenient Local Japanese Fusion stop. I got the Seafood Plate and the Chicken Katsu. Side note. Ordered fries on the side. They are large potatoe wedeges. I enjoyed them. Some people are particular about fries. FYI.. Decent sized portion for the price. I was full. Support Local Businesses.Parking: There is one along the front of street shops facing Bay Front. Depending on certain time of day it can be full. Rush hours like Lunch and Dinner can make it full. Just plan the day accordingly. If there is no parking driving around twice then its busy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Katsu
Dom Bhuphaibool
Solid food here. Great place to grab a quick bite on the main road in Hilo. The service was excellent. The lady cleaned our table thoroughly. We had the combination plate of BBQ chicken and shrimp tempura.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
DAHAE LEE
Food was ok, but the waitress is a racist. Though I am fluent in English and have no problem communicating in English, she didnt say hi when we walked in (only to us), didnt answer my question nor respond to my thank you. I changed my order which she confused with my husband's- and as she never wanted to confirm my orders or communicate with me, of course she messed up my orders and then blamed me for it out loud. Worst experience in Hawaii. She really wasnt worth a penny of tip. If you are a non-local asian tourist, just dont go.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Stacey T.
Vegetable don was a must-try for vegetarians. Crispy, delicate veggie tempura with a marinade that doesn't need sauce. Don't miss drizzling the yogurt sauce into the garlic rice, it is an amazing combo. A humble lunch counter with great value food that is an experience in itself.
Great food and service, always yummy, the katsu chicken is the best, looking forward to next visit
Darla B.
Great little place to stop for a quick bite. You can get a bento box to go, or sit down and have your meal. It's got 3 tables and a bar window seat. The food was very fresh and delicious.
Shevaani S.
We were driving around looking for lunch and the reviews were great. We had fish and chips and ramen. The fish and chips was okay at best, lacked flavor. Ramen wasn't anything memorable. I do want to give this place another chance when we visit next though, seems it could be promising. It is a small eatery, service is good and the ambiance was relaxed.
Coral B.
So good!! Staff was so friendly and service was quick. Lots of fresh & healthy options!!
It’s delicious. Don’t order the bowl that’s too small. There’s rice underneath. The fried pork cutlet is delicious, but the price of the fried pork cutlet is a bit high. Also, this store only accepts cash!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Is there a hole in the wall establishment that isn't a true dining experience? Puka Puka Kitchen is such an experience. The staff were friendly, the food was tasty, and the atmosphere was cozy. When you're out all day seeing the rest of the island, you just need a place to serve you something familiar and scrumptious. The curry was piping hot with all the right veggies; paired with a quality chicken katsu it made for a decent meal. Take a load off after wandering around the other shops nearby and treat yourself; satisfaction guaranteed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel Pita, Japanese Katsu Curry 笑
Food is great, quick and tasty. Perfect place to grab food on the go. I got a little bento style container and a Masubi both were wonderful.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Out of every place we ate out on the big island, this was our favorite! The food was excellent, the portions good, the price was reasonable and the staff friendly. We would definitely recommend.
Ono food, best garlic rice and Ahi Don around. Must try if you are in Hilo!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best food I have had on the island. Loved this little place. I had the grilled chicken plate with super yummy fried rice and salad - delicious.
Old Hilo Town vibe. Local bento diner at Bay Front. Decided to eat in. There is about 3 tables for seating. Bentos are made. So grab n go seems like a convenient Local Japanese Fusion stop. I got the Seafood Plate and the Chicken Katsu. Side note. Ordered fries on the side. They are large potatoe wedeges. I enjoyed them. Some people are particular about fries. FYI.. Decent sized portion for the price. I was full. Support Local Businesses.Parking: There is one along the front of street shops facing Bay Front. Depending on certain time of day it can be full. Rush hours like Lunch and Dinner can make it full. Just plan the day accordingly. If there is no parking driving around twice then its busy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Katsu
Solid food here. Great place to grab a quick bite on the main road in Hilo. The service was excellent. The lady cleaned our table thoroughly. We had the combination plate of BBQ chicken and shrimp tempura.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Food was ok, but the waitress is a racist. Though I am fluent in English and have no problem communicating in English, she didnt say hi when we walked in (only to us), didnt answer my question nor respond to my thank you. I changed my order which she confused with my husband's- and as she never wanted to confirm my orders or communicate with me, of course she messed up my orders and then blamed me for it out loud. Worst experience in Hawaii. She really wasnt worth a penny of tip. If you are a non-local asian tourist, just dont go.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Vegetable don was a must-try for vegetarians. Crispy, delicate veggie tempura with a marinade that doesn't need sauce. Don't miss drizzling the yogurt sauce into the garlic rice, it is an amazing combo. A humble lunch counter with great value food that is an experience in itself.
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food and service, always yummy, the katsu chicken is the best, looking forward to next visit
Great little place to stop for a quick bite. You can get a bento box to go, or sit down and have your meal. It's got 3 tables and a bar window seat. The food was very fresh and delicious.
We were driving around looking for lunch and the reviews were great. We had fish and chips and ramen. The fish and chips was okay at best, lacked flavor. Ramen wasn't anything memorable. I do want to give this place another chance when we visit next though, seems it could be promising. It is a small eatery, service is good and the ambiance was relaxed.
So good!! Staff was so friendly and service was quick. Lots of fresh & healthy options!!
Unagi bento time