Liko Lehua Cafe
About
A Taste of Big Island Morning Traditions
Stepping into Liko Lehua Cafe feels like entering a sun-drenched Hilo kitchen. The air carries the distinct, sugary warmth of freshly toasted pastries and brewing coffee, a welcome sensory reset in the heart of East Hawaii. This isn't your standard high-volume tourist stop; it is a dedicated space where the local obsession with lilikoi butter takes center stage.
The Butter That Built a Legacy
The cafe serves as the public face of a brand known across the islands for its fruit-infused butter line. You will find these spreads slathered generously over thick-cut French toast and fluffy pancakes. The Lilikoi butter, with its sharp, citrus-forward acidity, cuts through the richness of the batter, creating a balance that locals have come to expect. While the service is friendly and efficient, be prepared for a bit of a scramble during the mid-morning rush—the dining room is cozy, and the acoustic hum of satisfied diners can get lively when the Hilo rain drives everyone indoors.
Why This Spot Fits Your Hilo Itinerary
Whether you are gearing up for a drive toward the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or simply wandering the historic streets of downtown Hilo, this cafe provides a grounded, authentic experience. It is the ideal place for travelers who prefer their breakfast with a side of local culinary history rather than a corporate menu. While the parking lot can be a tight squeeze during peak weekend hours, the reward is a plate of honest, island-inspired comfort food that highlights local ingredients.
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Amenities & Features
Location
177 Kaumana Dr, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720-1935
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 60 community reviewsAaron DGoogle Maps
Recently
Adorable little restaurant. Ordered streetside and ate at picnic table. Food was quite tasty (especially the lilikoi and strawberry lemonade and the pastrami sandwich). Service was very sweet. Locals came by and were getting food too. It is in a residential area and we missed it when we first drove by. Glad we turned around and stopped by!
Till and TallowGoogle Maps
Recently
We stopped here on way home from the waterfalls. Crab cakes, onion rings were excellent and loved the homemade waffle bowl of mango ice cream!
Randall HayesGoogle Maps
Recently
Go check out these guys who make the words "local kine food" a mainstay name! In the islands, always find the local eatery's as this is where you can taste the "local style"! But, also check them out for your always favorite (Hamburgers and french fries)!!
AmandaGoogle Maps
Recently
The food is absolute FIRE. I’ll be thinking about the Likiko’i Butter burger for a long time. Located away from downtown Hilo in a tiny, brightly yellow building that’s only big enough for the kitchen. There is one picnic bench in the parking lot but be prepared to eat in your car or elsewhere.
C RGoogle Maps
Recently
Stopped in hungry and was not disappointed. Compliments to the chef for these master craft burgers and fixings, and compliments to the host who was so kind. 10/10 will absolutely come back.
KTG AlldayGoogle Maps
Recently
A Must-Visit Coffee Spot in Hilo! Stumbled upon this awesome little coffee shop while cruising around Hilo, and I’m so glad I did! The vibe here is super unique—laid-back, artsy, and full of good energy. You can tell they really care about the quality of their coffee. Every cup is made fresh, and you can taste the difference. I haven’t tried the food yet, but based on how good the coffee is, I’ll definitely be back to check it out. Prices are very reasonable, especially for how fresh and well-made everything is. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by—you won’t regret it!
Jacqui JGoogle Maps
Recently
NO INDOOR SEATING, ORDER AT THE WINDOW AND TAKE TO A BEACH OR PARK :) Food - delicious and fresh, with generous portions of ingredients in your sandwiches. Delicious fries too :) Service - very kind employees
Ed BonserGoogle Maps
Recently
We've ordered food here a couple times for work. The burgers are thick and juicy, nice chunky fries, and a little fried desert included. I opted for Buffalo chicken sandwich that had bacon on an airy bread.
Anuraag MadhavGoogle Maps
Recently
Were baited for the chicken risotto as the reviews mentioned it is good. But looks like it is a special item and they dont sell it everyday. Blacked Mahi was not blackened. It was seared very minimally. But the tartar sauce they gave was nice. Shrimp pasta was great but lots of salt. The food portions are generous and they do take customizations. Ask for recommendations as the staff is nice and go above and beyond to help.
becca ibrowcandyGoogle Maps
Recently
We came for the Lilikoi butter burger. It was delicious. We also enjoyed fried ice cream, cheesy, garlic fries. The lilikoi lemonade can be blended if you ask, and the lilikoi shake was sweet and creamy. The ladies at the counter were nice. We were stuffed and happy when we finished eating at the bench just outside the building. It was a good spot. Also, they gave us a sample of a Japanese donut with lilkoi cre on top-very good-slight sugar crunch on the outside and soft on the inside.
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