Bite The Eye (15-2059 Keaau Pahoa Rd)
About
A Taste of Puna Life
Located right off the main stretch connecting Keaau to Pahoa, Bite The Eye serves as a no-frills, authentic stop for those traversing the Big Island's Puna district. This isn't a place for white-tablecloth service; it’s a functional, flavor-focused roadside spot where the kitchen prioritizes hearty portions over pretension. The air here often carries the scent of seasoned grill smoke and fresh island produce, cutting through the humid jungle breeze that defines this part of the island.
Island Flavor Profiles
The menu highlights local sensibilities, offering comfort food that hits the spot after a long day of driving through the lava fields or exploring the nearby coastal roads. Expect robust, savory plates that lean into regional culinary styles. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite during a road trip or fueling up after a visit to the local farmers market, the food reflects the laid-back, rugged spirit of East Hawaii. While the seating area is compact and the parking requires a bit of maneuvering during the midday rush, the trade-off is a genuine, local-first dining experience that captures the flavor of Puna.
Who Should Stop By
This spot is ideal for visitors looking to break away from the typical tourist trail and for locals who value efficiency and consistency. The atmosphere is casual to the core, making it a comfortable place to sit with a plate lunch while the sounds of passing traffic and tropical birds fill the background. It is a humble, unpretentious slice of Pahoa that proves you don't need a massive dining room to serve a satisfying meal in the heart of Hawaii.
Amenities & Features
Location
15-2059 Keaau Pahoa Rd, Pahoa, Hawaii, 96778
More to Explore
Reviews
Showing 10 of 5 community reviewsDavid BoothGoogle Maps
Recently
Been driving by this place and finally swung in off the Pahoa roundabout and glad we did! The Kahlua pork nachos, spicy poke, pepper-crusted ahi, Korean plate and crabby bowl were all very good and very fresh. Tabitha nailed the service aspect. 💯 Food out fast also. They have two shipping containers set up with a covered patio in between which is very comfortable. Full bar and live local music.
David LacasseGoogle Maps
Recently
Super chill, great food, good live music. Burgers are local beef. Ahi nachos are a must. Fun drinks with local flavors.
Jenna BloreGoogle Maps
Recently
This place utterly ROCKS! If you pass by and not stop because of traffic or whatever other excuse you may have you are an utter moron. Sorry to offend, just being really passionate about a good ‘hole in the wall’ fun find. We had the fresh catch Ahi Pesto burger on special + the Kahlua Pork nachos . So much flavor and tender. My only disappointment was in the Lemon ginger martini, great flavor but a wee bit too weak for me so I had to have them put another shot in it. For the $ I want a strong drink. 🤷♀️😉 Great owner and chill atmosphere.
Luke MakementionGoogle Maps
Recently
Totally mind-blowing delicious, properly prepared, fresh ahi poke! They say it's in the hands and hearts, that gives the good taste of food, and this establishment has it. They're friendly, doesn't make you feel rushed, and also have a computerized system, that keeps orders organized. Their burgers, salads, drinks, and live music, are also terrific!
Elena HernándezGoogle Maps
Recently
Perfect! Super nice staff, very good food, beverages and ambiance. Just bear in mind that they stop serving food about 1h before closing. Everything was great
Anthony MeltonGoogle Maps
Recently
Great food and prices. Surprisingly creative menu and by far the best nachos I've ever eaten. The only downside I've seen so far are the limited hours Ample parking, indoor and covered outdoor seating, good selection of drinks at a reasonable price aswell
Sharon SharebearGoogle Maps
Recently
🌊🔥 Best Local Grindz in Puna – Support This Inspiring Business! 🔥🌊 Last night, we finally dined in at Bite the Eye, and let me tell you—it was worth every bite! 🤤 We’ve ordered takeout before (because let’s be real, when you find 🔥 local fresh fish, you don’t let that go), but stepping into their shipping container-turned-restaurant was a whole different experience. Vibes? Immaculate. Food? Busted my mouth. 🔥 The Setup: A Unique Industrial-Rustic Dream This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a masterclass in entrepreneurship. Owners Christine and Kaiana built a fully functional commercial kitchen inside a shipping container while transforming another into a stylish dining/bar space. The open-air setup with a heavy-duty tent, rustic wood, custom murals, and ambient lighting creates the most relaxing, family-friendly dining experience we’ve had in a long time. And get this—they’re bringing in karaoke and open mic nights soon! 🎤✨ You already know I’m coming back ready to SING & GRIND. 🐟 The Food: Fresh, Local, Made With Hustle My husband, a culinary genius (and harshest food critic), was blown away by the flavors. The fish is locally sourced, the sauces are next-level, and there’s something for every palate—from fresh poke to comforting island favorites. 💯 Why You NEED to Support Them Christine and Kaiana aren’t just business owners; they’re hustlers fighting to do things the right way. They’ve jumped through every legal hoop to make this dream happen for their community, and it shows in every detail—from the seamless teamwork in the kitchen to the warm, welcoming vibe. 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for Families As a family of six, we don’t just go anywhere. But here? Kid-friendly, safe, and stress-free. The space is tucked away from the main road, and even better—they have a friendly dog that played fetch with the kids. 🐶💛 🎥 My Final Take? If you love fresh fish, support local, and want to experience something new, you need to go. And if you haven’t yet—GO NOW. Thank me later. 😉 📍 Bite the Eye – Puna, Hawai’i 🌴 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5/5 – Will be back (and probably singing at karaoke night) #BiteTheEye #PunaEats #HawaiiFoodie #SupportLocal #BigIslandEats #IslandGrinds #FreshCatch #LocalBusinessLove #HawaiiFood #FoodieLife #EatLocal #FoodiesOfInstagram #GrindsOnGrinds #ShippingContainerRestaurant #IslandHustle #FoodieAdventures 🔥 This shipping container restaurant is changing the game in Puna! Fresh local fish, chill vibes, and coming soon—karaoke?! You NEED to try this place. #SupportLocal
JonGoogle Maps
Recently
It's a very fun location. With tasty food. I was lame and had the cheeseburger and forecracker fries. The rest of my party had poke, kaluha pork and lomi, which they said was excellent!
BridgerGoogle Maps
Recently
Probably the best burger on the island. The other three members of my party also all agreed that the food was amazing. The firecracker sauce while not particularly spicy, was delicious. The burger was also juicy and perfectly cooked. Would drive out to get this again in a heartbeat. As of reviewing it has 4.8 stars and it is well deserved.
Kira SetterlinGoogle Maps
Recently
We were looking for a late lunch spot near Pahoa and most places were closed and then we came upon Bite The Eye. It's a covered outdoors bar and tables restaurant. The food and drinks were great. We ordered the pork, the poke and blackened ahi, along with a side of kimchi. It was all quite tasty. We were there for their 2-5 pm happy hour which is 15% off everything. We tried the gimlet cocktail and some type of fruit cocktail. Both legit good. A great place to stop! Only downside is they only have port-a-potties, but that's not really a big deal.
Comments & Reviews
Please sign in to write a review.
No reviews yet. Be the first to write a review!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bite The Eye (15-2059 Keaau Pahoa Rd)
Common questions from diners about Bite The Eye (15-2059 Keaau Pahoa Rd) in Pahoa.
Nearby Restaurants
Tin Shack Bakery
American • Cafe • Breakfast restaurants • Malasadas & Local Bakeries • Bakeries • Sandwich shops • Vegan restaurants • Noodle shops • Vegan options • Gluten free options
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (15-2714 Pahoa Village Rd)
Chicken restaurants • Sandwich shops • Drive-through restaurants • Noodle shops
