Uncle Miles Kitchen
About
Island-Style Comfort in the Heart of Hilo
If you find yourself wandering near the Hilo farmers market and craving something that tastes like a Sunday family gathering, Uncle Miles Kitchen delivers honest, no-frills local comfort food. This spot has become a quiet staple for those looking to skip the tourist traps and eat where the residents grab their lunch.
The Flavor of Home
The menu leans heavily into Hilo-style classics. You will find generous portions of slow-cooked kalua pork that hits the table steaming, alongside sides of creamy mac salad that provide the perfect cool contrast to the savory proteins. The kitchen takes pride in the fundamentals: rice that is consistently fluffy and meat that falls apart at the touch of a plastic fork. While the space is modest and utilitarian, the aroma of grilled meats and sweet Hawaiian sauces fills the air the moment you step through the entrance.
A Local Hilo Perspective
There is a specific cadence to dining here; it is unpretentious and geared toward people who want a quick, filling meal between errands. Be prepared for the midday rush, as local workers often fill the seating area by noon. Parking can be a bit of a dance given the high foot traffic of the surrounding Hilo business district, so bring a bit of patience. Whether you are grabbing a plate lunch to go or sitting down for a quick break from the humidity, the service remains brisk and functional. It is not about white tablecloths or complex plating; it is about providing the community with reliable, hearty meals that fuel the Hilo lifestyle.
Location
1 General Lyman Fld, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720-4667
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 7 community reviewsJay ReynoldsGoogle Maps
Recently
Not sure what all the 1 or 2 two star reviews are about. This is definitely not an upscale eatery. Managing expectations is an important life skill and if you can’t tell what you’re getting into when you walk through the entrance, best of luck going forward. I’m giving it 5 stars on the strength of the char-sui Managua. On point and delicious for what it is.
Don EwartGoogle Maps
Recently
Veteran owned, no nonsense cafe. Good coffee, prices lower than expected.
Leah HealdGoogle Maps
Recently
Got the chili cheese nachos. Tasted fine. Thank goodness my flight was only 40min...got sick and picked it all up at the next airport 🤮
DIY OPGoogle Maps
Recently
They practiced pressure based sales. Need new staff and lower prices. Ok first of all I don't get too impatient normally but after standing for 15 minutes after searching for pricing I was finally addressed with "What do you want?" by the auntie there. Then I simply ask her if there was an easy way to see prices for items. She said you ask me what you want and I tell you how much. Well with 4 other folks in line behind me I asked how much the Costco Kirkland chicken bake was she said "7.00" then I asked how much for chili cheese dog she says "8.75". I wanted a drink that was "8.25" as well I then began to wonder if I wanted to pay these crazy prices but left because of the anxiety of having to ask how much each items was that I wanted. I thought about how many people aren't brave enough to ask and get stuck in a situation where they are paying way more then they wanted to but then just don't back out of the transaction due to public pressures. This is a very immoral way to make money off of people. Just write on the same board how much the things are. They make it a mystery intentional so people over buy or over pay. Horrid...I'm justifiable upset and hungry so that's why you get my extra detailed negative review. Change your ways...this is not an example of Aloha.
WillGoogle Maps
Recently
So first off they DO take credit card now but there is a service fee associated with it. But the issue I have is there are NO prices listed anywhere. Just what is available - written on a whiteboard. Sorry, but I don't stand in a line just to find out what the prices are of items I might want. The newsstand also is crazy expensive but the at least have prices clearly marked on everything and I believe their cold sandwiches are cheaper than here.
matt reddyGoogle Maps
Recently
Two stars, one because they were open when I showed up and two because they had food. The woman covered in tattoos behind the counter was completely unpleasant to deal with. Her condescending attitude towards asking questions was truly unacceptable for a restaurant. The food is what it is, it’s reheated Costco packaged food expect nothing better than a microwaved meal. They are the only choice available after security. Take heed and bring food with you.
Light MaleskiGoogle Maps
Recently
Over priced stuff is not uncommon at the airport, but I ended up paying about $20 for a beer and a hot dog, including tip and a “service fee” for the credit card charge, which they should be paying themselves. Multiple condiments were empty and they didn’t have backups. Pretty simple for the business model don’t you think? Have backups for when you run low? Basic stuff here. I don’t recommend unless you are literally starving, but this is an endpoint, not a through point, and there are many many many MANY other better places to eat than here. Very disappointed they didn’t have basic supplies, but at least I can leave a review and warn others. Eat before you get to the airport.
Fernando PriegoGoogle Maps
Recently
I wanted to order cheese nachos and they ran out of Nachos. I ended up ordering the chili cheese dog, 🤮, horrible. Cold and tasteless. Service was acceptable .
Scott MetcalfeGoogle Maps
Recently
It's an airport bar in a small airport so set your expectations accordingly. It opens based on Hawaiian Airlines so expect opening and closing times to vary. Staff are ok but won't go above and beyond.
Brian SmithGoogle Maps
Recently
Thank God this place was open because the airport website stated the airport restaurant was open...which it's not. Still closed due to covid, smh. Anyways, they have a big beer selection and food like hot dogs, masubi, and nachos. I wish the seating area was bigger but overall it's a nice place to stop for a drink before your ✈️
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