Visit Hilo: Cafe Pesto Take-Out

Although it was through take-out, I tried Cafe Pesto for the first time!

Blue Caesar

A friend has raved to me about the Caesar many times, and it was great.  The dressing and the fresh Hirabara greens really make the salad!

Mushroom Artichoke

Classico Marinara

The pizzas were great.  My friend enjoyed the Mushroom Artichoke, but I preferred the Classico Marinara, with Kaunamano pork sausage, pepperoni, and salami.  It's one of the tastiest pizzas I've had in Hilo!

Banh Mi Pork

Looking forward to dining in one day!

Cafe Pesto
308 Kamehameha Ave #101

Hilo, HI 96720

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Visit Hilo: Kuhio Grille

Kuhio Grille is known for their local faves.  

The very first time I ever went, I had a won ton min, but they no longer have won ton min on the menu.  So, I ordered saimin, but they were out of saimin noodles!

I then decided to get the Kake Udon. 

Kake Udon

It was a great substitute.  I loved the broth and the noodles were thick and chewy.

Fries

I also got a side of fries with gravy.  The perfect combo!

Corned Beef Hash & Eggs

Service was friendly, and the meal was satisfying!


Kuhio Grille

80 Pauahi St

Hilo, HI 96720

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Visit Hilo: Soup 'R Saimin

Soup 'R Saimin has parked its food truck next to Kagimoto's for night-time eats, and is open later than many spots in Hilo.

The Won Ton Min (broth was separate) had kamaboko, char siu, egg, and bok choy.  I loved the won ton, and although I didn't care much for the char siu, all the other elements were great, and it made for a perfect meal (it actually lasted two meals!).

Crispy Pork Belly Plate

My friend was impressed with the Crispy Pork Belly Plate, and said it was really tasty.

If you're on the search for some late night eats in Hilo, be sure to check out Soup 'R Saimin!

Soup 'R Saimin
2179 Kinoole St

Hilo, HI 96720

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Visit Hilo: Aloe Kine Smoothies

I saw the Aloe Kine Smoothies truck parked nearby, so of course I had to give it a try.

I've been seeing a lot about aloe and its health benefits on social media lately, and each smoothie at Aloe Kine Smoothie includes aloe (of course!).

Mango Tango

The Mango Tango had mango, peach, mango juice, and aloe.  There's no dairy in this smoothie, so it's great for those who can't consume dairy.

Mango Sunrise

The Mango Sunrise included mango, strawberry, peach, mango juice, pineapple sherbet, and aloe.  The smoothie had a nice tartness to it, which balanced out the sweetness.  It was so refreshing!

Follow them on IG to find out where they'll be popping up!

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Visit Hilo: Kula Moa Huli

Kula Moa Huli is a food stand in Hilo known for their huli huli chicken, but they also make great tinono! 

It was so delicious - tomatoes, onion, tender pork (a bit on the salty side, but still good).  Squeeze some calamansi and pour the sawsawan ... it was fantastic!

The smells reminded me of my grandparents' house - it was so nostalgic!

They are usually parked at Kai Store on the weekends (I went on a Sunday).

Follow them on Instagram to find out their schedule!

Kula Moa Huli
Kai Store
2010 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720

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Naʻau Hilo - Hawaiʻi's Seafood Bounty

This month's theme at Naʻau Hilo is Hawaiʻi's Seafood Bounty!  This tasting menu is available Fridays and Saturdays through Feb. 22.

Smoked Hawaiian Kanpachi Kama Terrine  

Menpachi ʻUlu Miso Soup

Abalone Sashimi

ʻŌpelu Caesar

Kauaʻi Shrimp Croquettes (Thai Curry served tableside)

Garlic Fried Rice accompanies the Mapo Tofu

Peppered Fish Mapo Tofu

Dulse Dark Chocolate Tart

 

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Visit Hilo: Pane Nudo

I made it to Pane Nudo just 30 minutes before closing, and although they were nearly all out of sweets, they did still have a nice selection of focaccia available. 

Barese

The Barese was topped with roasted tomato, oregano, and kalamata olives.  I love olives so I really enjoyed this focaccia. 

Ali`i Mushroom

The Ali`i Mushroom was also delish!  

Roasted Peppers

The Roasted Peppers were my faves.  I especially loved the goat cheese and capers, along with the basil.  

Spicy

The Spicy had jalapeno, garlic chips, and mozzarella.  

All of the focaccia varieties I tried were great, and the texture was perfect.  It was light and fluffy in the middle, and had a nice, crispy outer crust.  

Ciabattine

Ciabattine is a roll that you can eat as is or you can use for sandwiches.

I definitely will try to make it into Pane Nudo earlier next time!

Pane Nudo
16 Furneaux Ln

Hilo, HI 96720

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Visit Hilo: Tamari

I'm always searching for new eateries to try whenever I'm in Hilo, and my newest new-to-me find is Tamari Japanese Lunch Shop, a tiny hole-in-the-wall, cash-only, one-man-operation. 

Chicken Katsu Curry

The plate lunches are reasonably-priced.  I thought the Chicken Katsu Curry was delish.  The Chicken Katsu was tender and juicy (and not pre-made, frozen like other places in Hilo), and the curry sauce was really good too - you could definitely tell it was housemade.  

Oyako Don

The Oyako Don was okay.  I'm not a huge fan of this dish to begin with, and I thought the sauce was too sweet for my liking.  

I'd definitely return for more Katsu Curry!

Tamari
22 Furneaux Ln

Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 238-4523

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Visit Hilo: Aloha Mondays

 I've heard about Aloha Mondays in Hilo, and I finally was able to try them.  

Roasted Market Vegetable Salad

The Roasted Market Vegetable Salad was vibrant and full of beets, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and more, with a delightful creamy gorgonzola dressing.

Sake Battered Mahi Mahi Fish & Chips

I thought the fish was tasty, although a bit overcooked.  This was very hearty meal!

Mu Shu Pork Quesadilla

The Mu Shu Pork was underseasoned, but this was very filling as well.

Balsamic Mushrooms Polenta Bowl

I thought this Blue Zone dish was just okay.

Li Hing Beignets

I really enjoyed the Li Hing Beignets.  The li hing powder really added a nice level of flavor!

Aloha Mondays
1348 Kilauea Ave

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Visit Hilo: Kawamoto Store

Kawamoto Store is still serving up popular okazu eats!  We called in our order (earliest pick-up time is 630am), and ordered a Keiki Bento (2 SPAM Musubi, 1 Korean Chicken, BBQ Beef), and make-your-own bentos with 2 Nori Chicken, 1 Musubi, 1 Cone Sushi, 1 SPAM Musubi, 1 Shoyu Pork, 1 Sweet Potato Tempura, and 2 Hash.

There is a separate line for phone orders and walk-in orders.  Masks are required.

Whether you want breakfast, lunch, or a snack, Kawamoto will not disappoint!

Kawamoto Store
784 Kilauea Ave

Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-8209

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