


White Guava
About
Local Roots and Island Ingredients
Steps away from the iconic Hilo Bayfront, White Guava brings a bright, modern approach to the traditional flavors found across the Big Island. The space feels like a reimagined plantation cottage, featuring natural light that spills across reclaimed wood tables. It serves as a go-to spot for those seeking an unpretentious lunch that highlights locally sourced ingredients, with a menu that rotates based on what farmers bring in from the Hamakua Coast that morning.
The Culinary Focus
Chef-driven plates here prioritize clarity of flavor. The signature guava-glazed ribs are the standout, arriving with a sticky, floral sweetness that balances the char from the grill. You will notice the scent of kiawe wood smoke hitting the air as soon as the kitchen window slides open. Their house-made dressings and fresh-pressed juices—specifically the lilikoi-infused tea—offer a sharp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the main courses.
Atmosphere and Insights
The dining room maintains a high energy, which can get quite boisterous during the afternoon rush. It is a favorite for local professionals grabbing a quick, high-quality bite between meetings. While the dining area is compact and fills up quickly, the turnover is brisk. Pro tip: if you arrive during peak hours, skip the main dining room and grab a seat at the outdoor counter to catch the Hilo breeze. It is the perfect vantage point for people-watching in the heart of downtown Hilo, though you might have to navigate a bit of street parking noise while you eat.
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Amenities & Features
Location
54 E Puainako St, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720-5242
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 3 community reviewsDiana WangGoogle Maps
Recently
The portion of food is super big and good qualities. Guava butter with bread is awesome. Chicken Katsu is super good, the best texture, juicy, tender and crispy. Smoked teriyaki chicken is also great. This is the best fried chicken place in Hilo in my opinion. I recommend this place.
karm bGoogle Maps
Recently
Great choice! Tasty food with many wonderful sauces. Fresh and yummy!
Justin KGoogle Maps
Recently
The portions are large - even with lite-bite. I was surprised by the yummy taste and juicy texture of the pork. Yum. The Korean fried chicken was yummy as well. I had the green salad with my pork - and that salad could have been my meal. BTW - this on our way back to Kona - double plus on location.
Debi RamonGoogle Maps
Recently
Such great food and a generous portion size! The chicken was amazing, the vegetables fresh and tasty. Can’t wait to come back to Hilo just for this plate. It did take us a while to be seated. But it was definitely worth it.
Project Hawai’i, IncGoogle Maps
Recently
🌺 Mahalo to White Guava Cafe! 🌺 We are beyond grateful to White Guava Cafe for blessing our teens with an amazing meal! From crispy Katsu Chicken to flavorful Korean Chicken, Spicy Tofu, fresh Garden Salad, and the perfect Fresh Roll — every bite was delicious and made with aloha 💛 For many of our teens, this was more than just a meal — it was a true treat and a reminder that the community cares. If you haven’t tried White Guava Cafe yet, we highly recommend it! The portions are generous, the flavors are incredible, and the kindness behind the service is unmatched. Support local, eat ono, and spread the love! 🍽️✨ #MahaloWhiteGuavaCafe #SupportLocal #BlessingOurTeens #ProjectHawaiiInc #OnoGrinds #GratefulHearts #CommunityLove
Mark “Caveman Cooking” AveryGoogle Maps
Recently
Rolled into Hilo jonesing for some Hawaiian grub. Found this place and it was just what we were looking for. The veggie Cavewoman went for the Coconut Vegan Curry with white rice and a locally sourced green salad as her choice of sides. On the recommendation of Tisha, our amazing server, I went with the Spicy Korean Boneless Fried Chicken Thighs with white rice and Potato Mac Salad as my sides. Mine was so good! I also tasted the Vegan Curry and, despite my status as a confirmed carnivore, could easily have been happy with that as my meal. Can't wait to return and try some of their other goodies!
LAURA CHRISCOGoogle Maps
Recently
Finally, stoped by to try! Delicious, fresh food. The Pastele burger was so good! Not greasy, the patty tasted so good, just like a pastele. We got the 1/4 lb size. Perfect amount of meat & topped with tons of veggies. Lettuce, tomato, thin sliced onions, plantain chips, olives, & homemade pickles
Vincent VartabedianGoogle Maps
Recently
The fried chicken here was fantastic. I had it with the spicy Korean sauce and loved it. It had a perfect crunch. Absolutely must stop by. They also give a piece of bread with a tangy flavored butter to start, which was nice. Service was pleasant and attentive
Jacob HarlowGoogle Maps
Recently
First time eating here and I swear I can still smell the pizza hut from the old store. The interior looked pretty similar to pizzhut as well. They gave us banana bread and it was amazing. The butter they give you is kind of a waste, too much butter. The cups and the water are really nice and neat never seen water served that well. My daughter loves the Korean Chicken. I'm very confused at how they make it. It's light as a feather like they air fried it but it was also dehydrated and greasy. The texture was unlike anything I've ever eaten and I don't necessarily like how they make it. The fries were good i like the natural potato flavor and they were hot and fresh. I'm definitely willing to try more things on the menu.
Kena SGoogle Maps
Recently
We went at the perfect time of day on a Saturday. The staff is very welcoming and the food was amazing as well! The food didn't take very long to come out and it was made to order. They gave us each a plate of complementary crackers with guava butter which was amazing, and our food was all wonderful as well. We will definitely be heading back to try more of their menu in the future!
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