Hawaiian and local food on Hawaiʻi Island

On Hawaiʻi Island, Hawaiian Style Cafe in Hilo serves huge local plates with kalua pork, Super J's in Captain Cook is known for laulau, and Broke da Mouth Grindz in Kailua-Kona does kālua pig and plate lunches. In Hilo, Café 100 serves the loco moco where it was born.

• Hawaiian Style Cafe: Hilo; big breakfasts, loco moco, kalua pork plates; cash preferred; usually packed.
• Super J's: Captain Cook (South Kona); laulau with kālua pork, lomi salmon and poi; call ahead, can sell out by early afternoon.
• Broke da Mouth Grindz: Kailua-Kona; kālua pig, chicken katsu, garlic shrimp; arrive early.
• Umeke's Fish Market: Kailua-Kona; poke by the pound.
• Café 100: 969 Kīlauea Ave., Hilo; the loco moco since 1949.
• Ken's House of Pancakes: Hilo; open 24 hours; plate lunches and saimin.
• Hours change and many small spots sell out or close early; call or check online before you go.

Sources: Wanderlustyle: Where to eat on the Big Island (Aug. 2026) · Hawaiʻi Magazine: Loco moco in Hilo

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.