Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo: Savoring Big Island Comfort Food
Experience the heart of Hilo through generous portions, authentic local flavors, and welcoming island hospitality at Hawaiian Style Cafe.
Located in the heart of Hilo, Hawaiian Style Cafe stands as a pillar of the Big Island’s vibrant food scene. Beloved by both locals and visitors, this bustling eatery is famous for its generous servings of local comfort food, prepared with traditional flavors and a large helping of aloha spirit.
With legendary pancakes, mouth-watering plate lunches, and a menu that celebrates the essence of Hawaiian cuisine, every meal at Hawaiian Style Cafe is both a taste of heritage and an invitation to nourish soul and body alike.
About Hawaiian Style Cafe
Stepping into Hawaiian Style Cafe, guests are greeted by worn booths, the sight of fresh pies by the cashier, and a tempting aroma of island-inspired dishes cooking in the kitchen.
/n Situated at 681 Manono Street, the cafe has become an iconic Hilo destination for those seeking authentic island flavors in a laid-back, family-friendly setting.
The bistro is bustling during breakfast and lunch, often with a line out the door as locals return for their favorites and visitors arrive prompted by rave reviews. But the wait is worth it—a testament to the crave-worthy food and warm-hearted hospitality found inside.
- Location: 681 Manono St Ste #101, Hilo, HI 96720
- Phone: (808) 969-9265
- Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Fri-Sat 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Sun 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Parking: Onsite parking available
- Reservations: Not required for small groups; parties of 8+ encouraged to reserve
What Makes Hawaiian Style Cafe Unique
- Hearty portions: Meals here are famously large—pancakes the size of a pizza, plate lunches overflowing, and bowls that can feed a family.
- All-day breakfast: The breakfast menu is not just an early-morning affair; diners can enjoy classic dishes from sunup to closing.
- Authentic local food: Specialties like kalua pork hash, loco moco, poke bowls, and homemade Portuguese sausage showcase the true flavors of the islands.
- Aloha spirit: Staff is known for their friendliness, attentiveness, and for making everyone feel part of the ohana (family).
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available: The menu offers something for everyone, accommodating diverse dietary needs.
Signature Dishes & Local Favorites
Hawaiian Style Cafe’s menu reads like a primer on Big Island culinary comfort—combining tradition, innovation, and heart in every offering. While the menu is extensive, some dishes have become local legends.
- Haupia Pancakes: Massive pancakes topped with creamy coconut haupia sauce. These pancakes are moist, golden, and served with whipped butter. Many guests report only managing to eat half a stack—they are that large!
- Kalua Pork Hash: Smoky, slow-cooked shredded pork blended with homemade hash, served alongside rice and eggs for a true island breakfast experience.
- Loco Moco: An iconic Hawaiian comfort dish featuring a hamburger patty served over rice, topped with a rich brown gravy and a fried egg.
- Wailoa Poke Bowl: A daily special featuring fresh, local ahi (tuna) seasoned just right and paired with rice, furikake, avocado, and sometimes a touch of wasabi mayo.
- Sizzling Rib-Eye Steak: For those craving a hearty protein fix, this sizzling steak is a popular choice, paired with rice or local vegetables.
- Lilikoi Pie: A tangy-sweet passion fruit pie, perfect for ending a robust meal on a bright note.
- House Portuguese Sausage: Made in-house and boasting bold flavors, it’s a local favorite often featured in breakfast combos.
- Pulehu Lamb Ribs: Tender and flavorful, these grilled lamb ribs offer a twist on traditional island fare.
- Daily Plate Lunch Specials: From teriyaki beef to garlic shrimp and local fish options, the plate lunch selections rotate regularly.
Breakfast for Champions
Breakfast is a highlight at Hawaiian Style Cafe, drawing crowds from early morning. The massive pancakes are the main event, but the variety extends to hearty omelets, French toast, eggs any style, and “Big Island” breakfast plates that keep you fueled for the day’s adventures.
Lunch and Dinner Plates
Heaping plate lunches showcase the best of local Hawaii: a protein (meat or fish), rice, and a side of mac salad or greens. Poke bowls and surf & turf bowls (ahi poke plus kalbi short ribs) are flavorful, filling, and highlight the blend of cultures that shape Big Island cuisine.
Homemade Specials and Sweets
Don’t miss the homemade desserts, such as pies made fresh daily and specialties like Lilikoi pie. Dishes like haupia pancakes can double as a sweet treat at any time of day.
A Dining Experience Steeped in Community
Eating at Hawaiian Style Cafe goes beyond the food. Diners experience a genuine sense of belonging, whether they’re regulars or first-timers. The aloha spirit is tangible—staff greet guests like old friends, and shared tables foster conversation between strangers over breakfast or lunch.
It’s not just about the meal; it’s about being part of the Hilo ohana, however briefly.
Visitor Tips
- Anticipate a Wait: Hawaiian Style Cafe is popular, especially during breakfast and lunch hours. Arrive early to minimize wait times.
- Share the Love—and the Portions: Many dishes are large enough to split between two or more people. Consider sharing to sample a variety of flavors.
- No Outside Food or Water Bottles: For health and safety reasons, outside beverages are not allowed.
- Family-Friendly: High chairs are available, and the atmosphere is welcoming for children and families.
- Accommodates Dietary Preferences: With vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, everyone can join the table.
- Takeout & Delivery: All dishes are available for takeout; delivery can be arranged through local partners.
Behind the Scenes: The Essence of Hawaiian Hospitality
The team at Hawaiian Style Cafe is passionate about serving more than just food. They aim to provide an authentic local experience, embodying the aloha spirit with every interaction.
This sense of generosity—reflected in portion size, kindness, and attention to detail—sets the cafe apart from others in Hilo’s bustling dining scene.
Commitment to Community
- Locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible
- Supporting area farmers and fishermen
- Contributing to neighborhood events and causes
- Fostering a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for all
Welcoming All: Ohana First
Visitors are treated like extended family at Hawaiian Style Cafe. Staff are attentive without being intrusive, quick to offer recommendations, and always eager to share a bit of local knowledge with curious guests.
Many first-time diners become lifelong fans, returning every trip to the Big Island for another taste.
People Are Talking: What Diners Love
- “Massive pancakes—the size of your head! Easily the best breakfast we had on the island.”
- “The loco moco is the true taste of Hawaii. Simple, hearty, and unforgettable.”
- “Staff was so friendly—felt like we were dining with ohana. Highly recommended for visitors.”
- “We shared three dishes among four of us and still took leftovers home. Incredible value.”
Menu Highlights: At a Glance
| Dish | Description | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Haupia Pancakes | Towering pancakes with coconut haupia sauce | Signature breakfast, giant size, tropical flavor |
| Kalua Pork Hash | Smoky shredded pork mixed with hash, served with eggs | Hawaiian barbecue favorite, deeply savory |
| Loco Moco | Rice, hamburger patty, brown gravy, egg | Classic island comfort food, filling and flavorful |
| Wailoa Poke Bowl | Fresh, marinated ahi tuna over rice with toppings | Catches of the day, local and refreshing |
| Lilikoi Pie | Passion fruit dessert pie | Sweet-tart finish to any meal |
| House Portuguese Sausage | Homemade sausage with island spices | Exclusive to the cafe, popular in breakfasts |
| Pulehu Lamb Ribs | Chargrilled lamb ribs, seasoned to perfection | Island twist on barbecue, tender and bold |
Practical Details
- Dine-In: Most seating is first-come, first-served. Call ahead for groups of 8 or more.
- Take-Out: Available by phone or in-person; pay by card for phone orders.
- Delivery: Available through local partners such as Express Waiters.
- Merchandise: T-shirts, hats, and gift cards available for purchase.
- All-Day Menu: Breakfast and lunch served until 1:30 PM; dinner hours also available.
- Beer, Wine, and Bar: Beer and wine available, with a specialty cocktail list coming soon.
Why You Should Visit
Diners seeking to experience the Big Island’s true flavors, warmth, and sense of community will find Hawaiian Style Cafe a rewarding addition to their culinary itinerary. Whether you’re starting your day with a stack of coconut-topped pancakes or unwinding with a plate of poke after exploring Hilo’s rainforests and waterfalls, this welcoming eatery promises satisfaction and plenty of aloha in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a reservation to dine at Hawaiian Style Cafe in Hilo?
A: No reservations are required for parties under 8, but larger groups should call ahead to secure a table.
Q: What are the must-try dishes at the cafe?
A: The haupia pancakes, kalua pork hash, loco moco, Wailoa poke bowl, and house Portuguese sausage are frequent favorites among regulars and visitors alike.
Q: Is the cafe suitable for families and young children?
A: Absolutely. The atmosphere is family-friendly, high chairs are available, and the generous portions are ideal for sharing.
Q: Are there vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options?
A: Yes, the menu accommodates various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.
Q: Can I get takeout or delivery?
A: Yes, takeout orders can be placed by phone or in person, and delivery is available through local services.
Experience Hilo, One Bite at a Time
More than just a meal, Hawaiian Style Cafe embodies what makes the Big Island special: generous hospitality, proud culinary heritage, and the kinds of flavors that leave you dreaming of your next visit even before you’ve finished your plate. The vibrant presence of local families, visitors from around the world, and the unmistakable spirit of aloha make every visit memorable.
