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Lokahi local eats
About
A Taste of Hilo's Heart
Stepping into Lokahi Local Eats, you immediately get a sense of the Hilo community spirit. This spot captures the essence of Hawaii Island comfort food, moving away from tourist-heavy menus to offer plates that feel like a home-cooked meal prepared by a friend. The air often carries the savory, sweet scent of teriyaki glaze hitting a hot grill, mingling with the fresh, salty breeze coming off Hilo Bay.
Island-Style Soul Food
The menu leans heavily into local favorites. You will find generous portions of loco moco and crispy katsu that prioritize flavor over presentation. It is the kind of place where you order at the counter, grab a cold drink, and wait for your name to be called while listening to the hum of local conversations. The chefs here stick to traditional island preparation methods, ensuring that every scoop of mac salad has that perfect, creamy consistency and the rice is steamed to a fluffy finish.
Why You'll Love It
Lokahi Local Eats is ideal for a casual lunch after a morning wandering through the nearby Hilo Farmers Market or before a drive up to the lush rainforests of the Saddle Road. It is unpretentious and straightforward. Just keep in mind that the dining area is compact; during the busy lunch rush, it can get quite energetic and tight. If you are looking for a reliable, no-frills meal that represents the true culinary landscape of the Big Island, this is a staple of the local food scene.
Location
111 E Puainako street, suite 605, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720
More to Explore
Reviews
Showing 10 of 1 community reviewsCara GomezGoogle Maps
Recently
The mini katsu and korean chicken plates were huge and delicious! Food is very reasonably priced, and they have rotating specials if you follow them on Instagram
Majjan. YGoogle Maps
Recently
loco moco was fine but I wouldn’t order poki bowl. They were out of Avocado. Menu board says “choose sauce” but they charge you for 0.75c. They say 0.75 for extra sauce but I didn’t ask for extra. It only comes with soy and wasabi and you can’t chose or change the base sauce even it says choose sauce. Not the best poki
Dayna TorngrenGoogle Maps
Recently
OMG. I could eat here every day. I am having the hamburger steak with salad. Yummer!
Ryan CashGoogle Maps
Recently
Loco Moco was solid! Well seasoned, yoke was a perfect, mac salad was perfect side!! You won’t be disappointed!!
Shanelle Lessary-PicarGoogle Maps
Recently
I got the NY Steak with mushrooms and onions and it was pretty disappointing. I selected medium rare and got well done instead, but didn’t see it until I got home since I ordered to go. It was well seasoned I’ll give it that, but it was tough and dry. I saw other reviews of people having the opposite experience for this particular item so maybe it was just a bad day but with how much food costs these days, I wouldn’t want to take that gamble and I do not like paying for inconsistency. I have tried other items on the menu that were good, but not willing to roll the dice over here again.
Way KamiGoogle Maps
Recently
First time. Seafood platter was good. Bbq beef was tasty and tender. I enjoyed the breaded mahi and shrimp (like my moms). My wife’s korean chicken was generous and she enjoyed the mac salad. Very fair prices especially in a mall setting. Mahalo!
matt mcmahonGoogle Maps
Recently
Don’t be fooled because it’s in the mall! Got the roast pork so fire🔥! Service was quick fast and with a huge smile! Since I work close will be hitting the spot a lot thanks for the amazing food!
Jillian PecsonGoogle Maps
Recently
We ordered the chicken Katsu loco, spam musubi, and BBQ chicken. It was freshly made to order and was seasoned well. They have a TV so kids can watch Ninja Warriors. 🤙🏽👍🏽
Luke MakementionGoogle Maps
Recently
So glad they opened up! The plate lunches are scrumptious, as is the FRESH sushi and poke dishes! Service so fast and friendly! Now, we love shopping at PRINCE KUHIO PLAZA, cause got terrific local place for grind!
Theo A.Google Maps
Recently
We stopped by just to grab a bite, but didn't expect this place to be L&L but better! The cheeseburger meal comes with a crazy amount of fries, enough to feed two people. Katsu moco was delicious and reasonably priced. Come here instead of Zippys or L&L; cheaper, cleaner, and better.
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Common questions from diners about Lokahi local eats in Hilo.
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