We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Puka Puka Kitchen Restaurant Reviews, Hilo

All 163 Hilo Restaurants »

Puka Puka Kitchen

270 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-2836
808-933-2121
Update restaurant details
3 visitor photos
Ranked #9 of 163 restaurants in Hilo
4.0 of 5 stars 51 Reviews
Good for: Local cuisine, Cheap Eats
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Dinner
Most recent review
“Puka Puka broke da mout'!”
- 20 May 2013
Restaurant details
Good for: Local cuisine, Cheap Eats
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Dinner
Write a Review

51 reviews from our community

87% Recommend
    25
    20
    2
    2
    2
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Volcano, Hawaii
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
“Puka Puka broke da mout'!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

Puka Puka is my favorite "Local" grinds place on Bay Front Hilo. They have all the favorites but with an International twist. Garlic fried rice, Japan style curry, fried oysters, Lamb, falafel, salmon salad with somen noodles, fresh ahi and mahi mahi, donburi, gyoza,chicken katsu, saimin, brown rice tea, and specials daily. The hours are tough if you have a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
San Francisco, California
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Fresh, tasty, affordable!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 March 2013

Good Lord, I wish I were eating their ahi donburi and garlic rice right about now. We were referred here by a local shopkeeper during a fun conversation and were so grateful for the lead - this is a small hole-in-the-wall place we would have walked past without noticing. Only a few tables are available, but it's worth the wait,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
“Delicious!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 March 2013

Small - very small place in Hilo, but the food is GREAT! Had the ahi and it was wonderful. Nothing fancy - just good food at good prices!

Was this review helpful? Yes
Wenatchee
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“I'm a real fan of Puka Puka.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 February 2013

I had the ahi don, which came with a really fresh salad and jasmine rice. It was so good that I can't wait to go back. I had them make it to go, and I ate at one of the many parks in Hilo.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
37 restaurant reviews
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Good food!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 February 2013

It's a small place, four tables at most. Be ready to wait about 20-30 minutes for your food if its busy. We just took it out. I had the ahi don and my husband had the scallops. Both are fried perfect over a bed of curry rice and a fresh Asian pacific salad. Great taste and average price. I'd definitely... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Pahoa
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“Really good local fare and fresh fish. Small dirty dingy space”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 January 2013

Love everything I've ever ordered from this place. Once you get past how dirty and dingy the place looks, you're sure to have a good meal. Well priced. Please clean the place and put a fresh coat of paint on the walls.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
“Great local eats”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 December 2012 via mobile

Wonderful food, local atmosphere. Ordered Ahi tuna, very good choice. Staff was friendly, and quick. This is a great stop if your walking through down town Hilo.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Honolulu, Hawaii
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
15 restaurant reviews
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Wonderful food with amazing prices”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 November 2012

I love this place. We stop there each time we need to go to Hilo. People who work there are always happy, the cooks are cheerful and you can taste it in the food. Yummy dishes, I have tried most of the dishes :) The salads are all local ingredients extra fresh! There are choices for Vegetarians, Meat eaters, Humanitarians,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Honolulu, Hawaii
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Wonderful fresh food!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 November 2012

Their plates come with garlic rice and a fresh salad. Love the chicken katsu! If you need organic Meyer lemons they usually have some for sale...a great deal.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Vancouver, WA
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
“Our best meal in Hilo”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 November 2012

Just back from our 3rd trip to the Big Island and finally made it to Puka Puka. Based on the reviews, we thought it might be a good one but they were always closed. The friendly head chef said that they are now also open for dinner---why couldn't we learn this before we had to leave Hilo?!?! Anyway, Hilo is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Puka Puka Kitchen also viewed

Hilo Bay Cafe
Hilo Bay Cafe
4.5 of 5 stars 396 Reviews
Hilo, Island of Hawaii
Moonstruck Patisserie
Moonstruck Patisserie
5 of 5 stars 24 Reviews
Hilo, Island of Hawaii
 
Cafe Pesto
Cafe Pesto
4 of 5 stars 472 Reviews
Hilo, Island of Hawaii
Two Ladies Kitchen
Two Ladies Kitchen
4.5 of 5 stars 41 Reviews
Hilo, Island of Hawaii
 
All restaurants in Hilo (163)

Been to Puka Puka Kitchen? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Puka Puka Kitchen, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing

Browse nearby

Restaurants (163) | Hotels (8) | Places to visit (78)
Puka Puka Kitchen
270 Kamehameha Ave
Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-2836
Get Directions
What's Nearby:
Click map pins for more information.
Interactive map
Free Guide to Hilo
Get your guide to the top local hotels, restaurants and things to do

Popular Hilo restaurants

Hotels around Hilo

Hilo resources

Explore the world
Restaurants
Travel Destinations
Hotels