Arrived at 6:30 PM on a Monday. 7 open tables...45% of the…read morerestaurant was open. A young lady dropped off water- didn't even acknowledge us... Order taken at 6:42 PM... Free bread and butter with Hawaiian Black Sea Salt= yummy Calamari- flattened steak (not tentacles or rings) lovely sauce 10/10 Crab Dynamite Skillet- 10/10 Shared the fried fish which was Opaka Paka that day. 10/10 The food here is always delicious. Sometimes the staff is not the most attentive. So really it more like a 4.5. The food is always on point. The drinks are always on point. The service somewhat on point. $200 meal before tip; 4 drinks, 2 apps, and 1 shared plate.

My coworkers with Hilo family highly recommended this place and when in doubt, do as the locals do…read moreright? Located on the University of Hilo's campus, this seemingly farm to table restaurant has a lot to offer. We ordered the House Salad, Fried Kalo, Fresh catch (Opah/moonfish) over noodles, and fish over Bolognese. We went extra on the fish as we've been eating a bit heavy and some lighter seafood was in order during our Hilo trip. We also got the pickled mango martini and sangria. Everything was very fresh, with local produce making up the crisp salad and delicious pan fried fish over yakisoba style noodles. The fried kalo is definitely different, as it's hard to describe not being a potato, with a different texture being crispy, yet fluffy and starchy on the inside. If you like fried potatoes, its worth trying. The fish over Bolognese had some conflicting flavors, but the fish was again tasty and fresh. Both drinks were quite citrusy, with the mango martini being a bit too tart for me. Staff was polite and efficient. Live music also happens, but it adds to the atmosphere rather than taking over. Reservations can made online and there's plenty of parking.

The KitKat bags looks old and when I checked they expired three months ago. After we left I saw the…read morecandy my kids' got expired 4 months ago. I didn't know you were allowed to sell expired food. Nice smaller selection of specialty jerky, but I guess just check the expirations dates before you buy anything.

I wanted to try their Filipino Adobo Jerky and it was very very dry. I wouldn't recommend it.read more

Everything is amazing! Parking - awesome…read moreStaff - super friendly Food - omg, delish And while you wait, browse the crack seed area and buy some snacks! Love this place!!!

Crack seed. For us…read morelocals in Hawai'i, these snacks were childhood staples. The crack seed store, a classic place where vibes of nostalgia are generated every time I walk into one. 'Cause I grew-up with li hing mui and arare. There's a small number of locally-owned crack seed shops on the Big Island of Hawai'i and in Hawai'i in general. This is one of them, the "local-style candy store" for an island boy like me. I enter 5-Spice, located in East Hawai'i after the intersection of Kilauea Ave and W Puainako St, heading south. I remember frequenting this business when it used to be at Puainako Town Center. Their popularity over the years gave them the ability to move to a larger space. Now independently located in their own building with ample parking. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Would I be able to control myself, holding onto what's desired without adding anything extra? It's always impossible for me to do so. Everytime. Yummy preserved items in large display jars, others placed in vacuum sealed bags. All priced by-the-ounce. I become curious, wanting to taste it again. I go to my favorites, seeking them first while browsing through the visual display of many others. Cracked seed goodness on one side, bagged candies and sweets on the other. I've seen this all before yet, I stand still with the desire to place it all in my hands. And I sure do, my hands are full. I mail them to the U.S. mainland in care packages, travel to the neighbor-islands as omiyage, and personally enjoy them at work or at home as snacks. They make great gifts for friends and coworkers too. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Let's talk about food, where mouth-watering plates and yummy burgers are prepared. Bentos are packed to-go on the countertop. Offering an extensive menu for a take-out, all made to enjoy outside on picnic tables or elsewhere. Daily specials are available along with catering + platters too. Front service by the team at the counter is pleasant, attentive. Gratitude is always extended for every purchase. Comfortable, courteous, welcoming. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Meat Jun Plate" A light egg batter and thinly sliced beef served in an upscale fashion due to care in preparation and quality of flavor. The soft and indulgent texture of each meat jun piece, perfectly seasoned + cooked. Your choice of tossed greens, purple sweet potato or macaroni salad. "Honey Chicken Plate" Featuring a crazy yummy sweet and savory glaze, sticky and glossy. This sauce, this recipe creation is glorious. Chicken pieces are tender yet slightly crispy on the exterior. "Bibimbap" Freshly made Korean banchan, thinly sliced seasoned beef over white rice. I pour the gochujang over everything and mix-in the sunny side egg, bringing forward a creamy texture along with heat + depth. Choose the sweet potato salad as your side. "Gravy Burger Combo w/ French Fries" This massive burger patty is filling, satisfying. Charred and smothered in rich brown gravy served with lettuce and mayo. Choose the sweet bread bun, the seasoned salt on their fries makes all the difference. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Delicious food to-go with generous portions, sealed bags of cracked seed items + sweet treats at 5-Spice. For enjoyment at home, to share at work, gifts or omiyage. Find this charm, this unique and tasty experience on the Big Island of Hawai'i - East side. Locally owned and operated.

Sweet owner who loves connecting with her customers and giving out free samples! The pesto is my…read morefavorite! But they have over 21 different flavors of jerky, and they are all thinly sliced! They also gave me a free pack of gummy bears as a thank you! When I go on a road trip I will definitely come here for some snacks!

The crispy beef jerky and the marshmallow Ice cream is the bomb. Best beef jerky on the island by…read morefar.

Anyone growing up in Hawaii knows about One-Ton chips, and with good reason. These deep fried…read morestrips of won ton pi (wrapper) are such an addictive snack, the perfect blend of crunchy, salty, and sweet. There have been many times I've opened a 4 oz. bag and finished in a flash wanting more, so good thing they sell 15 oz. resealable bags too. At this factory they sell furikake flavored One-Ton chips which to my personal preference are a tad too sweet, I think I'd stick with the original. They also sell cookies which I didn't get a chance to try but heard are also delicious. The outside of the building is bland and you might miss it driving by. Press the Ring doorbell and someone will answer promptly. If you're lucky enough to go when they're making chips you'll enjoy delicious smells, and if you're really lucky one of the aunties will bring you hot fresh chips to taste. Holy smokes, there are few things better than that!

I grew up enjoying their one-ton chips even to this day I still do! I do enjoy their specialty…read more furikake mix. I been to their factory/warehouse during the holidays with family that came from California and Montana!

Amazing service and good selection I like it especially when they bring in uni. Great whole fish…read moregood price.

Dropped by here for lunch, super friendly staff!…read more Handful of poke options, I got the 2 choice poke bowl with ahi Taegu and ahi honey garlic. Both soo good! Will be back next time I'm in Hilo and try the other ones.

When in Hilo, two must stop places are Two Ladies mochi and George's meat market! Back before 9/11…read moreever took place, we would stop at George's with our cooler bag and stock up on prepared meats (oxtail being my favorite) and head back to Oahu. Once 9/11 occurred it made stopping at George's a little more effort so that we could get frozen meat back home without ice. However, George's came up with their absolutely delicious thin beef jerkies and that has been a must buy ever since!! And now, they have the best snacks and energy bars! I've not been able to go lately but a friend of mine was gracious enough to offer to purchase for me and bring it back to me!! I feel ever so lucky to have bags of beef jerky and energy bars in my hands!! Hoping to get to George's myself soon!!

Have been a fan of crispy beef jerky since the first time I had it on Oahu a few years ago…read more George's Meat Market, you have spoiled me for all other brands. If George's isn't the oldest, original crispy beef jerky, it's certainly one of them. Reading reviews dating back since 2010 referencing their crispy beef chips, they have had many years to perfect their product. And it's true, once you try George's crispy jerky... paper thin, crispy like a chip, deliciously flavored... you won't want any other! There are one or two labels I do enjoy from Oahu still, given the choice... I will choose George's! So happy that Stacey, proprietor of George's, mentioned they can ship. Give them a jingle and get your supply now! So far I have limited my consumption to what I can fit in my suitcase. Traveling friends were laughing when they saw half my suitcase filled with George's crispy beef jerky. After making pre-arrangements with Stacey, my small reunion group was able to taste a number of flavors of crispy jerky. Stacey was so nice and accommodating. It's a good thing as, after gathering a bunch of crispy jerky, energy bars, and other snacks we must have spent about $300. And I will continue to send people over to George's for the most delicious treats and meats. I have tried just about all their flavors. My favorites being the spicy chili pepper and shoyu, their bulgogi Korean bbq, and their sweet char siu flavored crispy jerky. Ohh but wait, they also have really delicious energy bars. And if your lucky enough, grab a container of gummie candies which are kicked up with lemon peel bits. Meats, tender and marinated. ...Whatever your craving, get it at Georges!

"You can die anytime, but living takes true courage." -- Kenshin Himura…read more What a wonderful health food store & gift shop. If you're wondering: "Locavore" is a person whose diet consists only or principally of locally grown or produced food. Add a bunch of uniques gift ideas by Big Island artists and life is complete. Located in the heart of old town Hilo on Kilauea Avenue is where you'll find Locavore or as locals will know it's next to Ben Franklin. The staff of Sam and Audrey were genuinely kind and welcoming. I was most impressed with their knowledge of products and pride in what they had to offer. My sister (who I was visiting) purchased fresh non-GMO produce and pickled namasu. Since I was visiting Hilo I chose unique stickers and postcards to take home with me. I really felt a warm peaceful vibe while browsing around The Locavore Store. On a Sunday afternoon it was filled with curious customers. Health conscience hippies, those looking for island arts & crafts, and a few locals living la viva Locavore lifestyle. What a fab gem in old town Hilo. Til next time... Pls follow my adventures IG: @eric_travel_guru

They offer local products from smaller businesses which is a really nice touch. Staff is friendly…read moreas well.