Napkin Notes for Hilo, Hawaii

And a few extra scribbles from around the Big Island.

Napkin Notes are where I ate, what I loved, and what you might too. Casual, food-first reflections from my travels. Quick reads and strong recs designed like the way I travel - with no attempt at a full itinerary.

The second I stepped foot on the Big Island of Hawaii a few years ago, I knew it was going to be my favorite place. There is something so diverse and enchanting about it that I will keep going back for as long as I’m able.

More specifically, I love Hilo. The city has a rough-around-the-edges charm with all the lush vegetation of a tropical island. I can’t get enough of the landscape, the people, the food, or the honu.

Here are some of my favorites for Hilo and other spots we stopped around the Big Island when we returned this July.

Big Island Coffee Roasters Hilo Cafe in Hilo - Any coffee on the menu, but especially the cortado or espresso tonic. And the Hawaiian PB&J with lilikoi butter.

Ola Brew in Hilo and Kona - Hilo’s location is bigger with more food options, while Kona has more of a traditional craft brewery feel. Go for brunch and try the hard juice, too.

Kawamoto Store in Hilo - My top must-do this trip, and it did not disappoint. An okazuya deli where you pick your pieces to fill your to-go box. Get the Korean Fried Chicken, go early, and expect to wait in line.

Cafe 100 in Hilo - Satisfy your loco moco craving. I recommend the spam.

Ken’s House of Pancakes in Hilo - A classic diner that’s been loved on for years. Went for dinner this visit and recommend the Kalua Pork and Cabbage.

Coconut Grill in Hilo - Our over-the-top breakfast stop for this trip (each vacation needs at least one). The Mauna Loa Waffle is filled with Bavarian cream and topped with Maui Gold Pineapple.

Mauna Loa Visitor’s Center in Kea’au- We didn’t go this visit, but we did on our first time to the island. Stock up on macadamia nuts in the shop and do the short, self-guided nature walk.

See sea turtles in Hilo - Literally anywhere there is water. Walk the water’s edge at Reeds Bay Beach Park, Coconut Island, and the Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole Turtle Ponds before people start swimming for the day, and they’ll be right at your feet.

Big Island Meadery in Kea’au - Some of the most complex meads I’ve tasted. The local honeys give it flavors that are unique to the island.

KTA Super Stores in Hilo and Kona - The local grocery store on the Big Island. Go in, explore, grab something from the hot food bar, or load up on lilikoi and ube desserts in the bakery section. And don’t forget the snack and chips aisle.

The Hawaiian Vanilla Company in Pa’auilo - Our first trip here was in 2018 and we booked the lunch and tour. Highly recommend. I’m still making vanilla from the beans I purchased then. You can swing by like we did this time, though, look through the gift shop and have some vanilla ice cream and vanilla iced tea.

Tex Drive-In in Honoka’a - Do not leave without multiple malasadas. Guava and banana filled were the favorites. That’s all we got this trip, but last time the loco moco and spam musubi were excellent, too.

Kuleana Rum Shack in Waikoloa - The Waikoloa area is definitely not my jam for a Hawaii travel experience, but Kuleana’s rum is worth the trip up there. We first found their rum at the Kona Costco, which led to researching where it was on the island. Get the Pele Negroni and the Hamachi Kama.

Puna Chocolate Company around the island - We went to the Kona location which is a chocolate shop and fun dessert cocktail bar. Next visit I’ll do the farm tour.

Kona Brewing Co. Kona Pub in Kailua-Kona - Do I even need to make this recommendation? Love this place. Get the Kohala pizza with gorgonzola, Portuguese sausage, fresh garlic, and mac nuts. Tip - if you have a big group or plan to go more than once, get the gift cards while you are in Costco.

Broke Da Mouth Grindz in Kailua-Kona - The best first stop after landing. Get the Garlic Furikake Chicken. Tip - a full order is plenty for two, unless you haven’t eaten for days.

Greenwell Farms in Kealakekua - Explore the coffee farm for free with one of their guided tours offered throughout the day. Try and buy so many varieties of 100% Kona coffee. This was our second visit, and I’ll keep going back.

Kona Canoe Club in Kailua-Kona - Stopped here for our first Mai Tai of the trip while we were walking around. Loved the spot and the drink.

Clover and Mug Coffee in Kailua-Kona - So glad we found this little coffee spot in Kona. Loved the drip coffee, but I wanted to make it back for the cold brew with ube cream and didn’t. Next time.

Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar in Kailua-Kona - A last-minute brunch reservation for us, and we’ll definitely be back. Go for the Unicorn Breakfast Sandwich with punalu’u sweet bread, but swap spam for the bacon. Or try the classic loco moco.

What did I miss? Let me know so I can work it in on my next trip.

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