A solid neighborhood spot with a few standouts and some room to grow…read more We've been to Kaleo's a few times now, and we'll definitely keep coming back. It's close, there's always parking, and it's got that laid-back, local energy where you can laugh loud and no one's going to shoot you a look. It does get loud inside, but in that kind of way that makes it feel like everybody's having a good time, not like you're in a cafeteria. Just don't expect a quiet dinner conversation, unless you're reading lips. The service? Always sweet, always kind. Lily (I think that's the correct spelling!) has taken care of us more than once and she's a gem... warm, attentive, and easy to chat with. She's the kind of person who remembers what you ordered last time and tells you honestly what's good. As for the food... Bacon Blue Burger: My husband had this last time and it was yum. Juicy, flavorful, hits all the right rich notes without being greasy. That one's a solid order. Ribs: The barbecue sauce was really good... but the ribs themselves were dry and overdone. Not terrible, but not what I'd call a win either. If they could just dial in the texture, that sauce would carry it home. Kalbi Short Ribs: Best thing on the menu so far. Tender, rich, and full of flavor. Get those. Mashed Potatoes: "All mash" is the move. They're creamy and comforting... total comfort food. Hamburger Steak: Another standout. Probably one of the best in the area. Classic done right. Thai Chicken Pasta: Watch out... it's got some serious heat! Spicy, but good. Not for the faint of tongue, but worth it if you're into that kind of kick. Lilikoi Fizz: Really tasty but heavy on the lilikoi. If they eased up and added a little more club soda, it would be more balanced. Desserts: * Lava Cake was good... warm and classic. * Chocolate Decadent Cake was just okay. It comes fridge-cold (probably so it doesn't melt), but I feel like if they let it sit out for ten minutes before serving, it would be way better. * Brownie Sundae was yum, according to my husband... and I trust his dessert radar. All in all, Kaleo's is the kind of place you root for. You want them to keep getting better, and they mostly are. The hits are worth coming back for, and even the misses aren't deal-breakers. We'll be back, and we're excited to keep trying more of the menu.

Big birthday for me & hungry husband treated me to a trip to "Moku O Keawe" to visit our na…read moremo'opuna @ their new home! Eldest son suggested this nice bar & grill. Food choices were plentiful, lots of fancy drinks to choose from. This is an open restaurant where it's open air backyard kind of feeling. Feels like an old fashioned Lu'au!!! Acoustics are a bit loud because everyone is out talking each other. Parking is in the lot in the back. It's free if u no mind da "coqui " frogs!!! Would love to return & try other dishes! Ka ono! Our nine year old grandson ordered "Coconut shrimp & fries "-- no not from keiki menu--braddah can mop it up !!! I ordered a steak plate (4 got da name) . Son ordered a sautéed fish platter & hungry husband had a fancy kine,thick burger & we were all jealous! The wait for everything was a bit long; to wait for someone to take our order, bring back the drinks & very long before we got our food. Waitress was apologetic & sincere. We didn't mind. Extra points if you're like dat!!! On the cash wrap counter some Hawai'ian arts & crafts were displayed.....oh sistah! I gotta go lookie!!! He he he !!! Clay/foam like tropical flowers for your hair,laser cut wooden earrings,stationary & more! My dashing men (husband,son & grandson) let me oogle because they all know I support local artisans. Because I'm an "artsy-fartsy " myself!!! (I create all kine art) A few days lataz....was talking story wit my cousin & found out he was the fish cutter there a few years ago ! Loved dis place!!! Hope it does well!!!

We were recommended this place for good, fresh local Hawaiian Poke. We had to drive a little, since…read moreit's a little outside Hilo's city limits, but it was worth it. We were in the mood for Poke and rather than get it at the local market, we decided to check out 'Bite the Eye'. And if it kinda looks like someone cleared a field, threw down some gravel and put up a metal shed, that's exactly what they did! Albeit nicely done and very clean! A group of young folks starting a poke business and they nailed it! Good Poke, at a unique place you will remember and everyone is very nice! And since Poke was too 'exotic' for my young daughter, was happy to see they had Burgers and Nachos on the menu! I would recommend you check this place out.

Best Local Grindz in Puna - Support This Inspiring Business!…read more 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) 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

I have been wanting to visit this bar for a long time. At first I was a little intimidated. It…read moreseemed very local and not welcoming. This couldn't be farther from the truth. It's a great local dive bar. The staff and customers are very very friendly. It is situated right on a little Lagoon. Lots of ducks on the grass. There was a fun crowd, singing karaoke. The views are great if you get a table out on the patio, I think I found my new favorite hangout. I almost don't want word to get out so it gets overrun by tourists. Again, this is a very, very friendly place. The Good: just about everything. The staff the customers the view. The Bad: nothing really. But it is a little hard to find so do your homework. Chances I'll be Back: For sure! what a great vibe what a great place

Local dive bar on a nice lake…read more Got Laulai so that's already 5 star haha Even Pastelea and chilli cheese dogs! When you're lucky miso saimin... Can order delivery too! Live music on some days, darts on others, and billiards on, live music on other. Super clean bathroom!

Terrible place it was like a ghost town. Don't go Here if…read moreyou have vibes that are ecstatic. They lie about their machine working for karaoke

Food is good, service is nice, if they busy be patient. Get one girl that sing good karaoke…read moresometimes.

Not much to see here folks, but at least in Hilo, there is a Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club lounge…read morefor all you frequent flyers. The lounge has seen better days, as it probably needed a few repairs, as I noticed a few "gashes" in the dry wall. The club lounge is simple, NO Food, or frills........just soft drinks, coffee, and a few small snacks. That's all folks! Although you can't compare this lounge to any of the airline lounges on the mainland, if you want to get away from the crowds at the airport & just hang out in a quite place, then this lounge will certainly fit the bill.

I know this is only Hilo but we love waiting in a nice lounge before a flight too! This lounge was…read moreso sad. No drinks and no snacks. Basically a secluded room at the end of the terminal for a place to sit. So sad. Save the trip and hang out in the main airport.

Solid burger and vibes! Can be a little dim in there for older people or people with bad eyesight…read morebut the ambiance was nice and there's an outside dining area. I got the bleu cheese burger medium rare, a solid choice that I was satisfied with and the crispy fries and sweet potato fries were yummy too! They offered a free birthday burger so that was such a lovely addition to my night, and the selection of beer was solid as well. Shout out to the bartender working on 6/18 when a drunken patron bothered our group. We were close to leaving anyways and I made sure to speak my mind to him, but the situation was handled well by the bartender and the staff was apologetic despite it not being their fault so hopefully the rest of their night went well! I will be back to try out more appetizers and other burgers as well

After waiting roughly 15 minutes between being walking through the door and receiving service, I…read morewas told I could not place my order by my server. There were two tables ahead of me that had to order first. So i needed to wait. I've never been told at a sit-down restaurant that I wasn't allowed to order when I was ready. We left without eating. So I dont know what the food tastes like. Male server, caucasian. Hair went a lil past his ears

It was a pleasure to discover this exceptional establishment offering a fusion of Asian cuisines…read more Food quality: Everything was fresh, tasty, and good portions for the money. Ambiente: Cozy, clean, and nicely decorated. Price: Priced right, and two people can enjoy a wonderful meal for under $116. Service: Right off the bat, the hospitality felt welcoming, the service was attentive, and our orders came very quickly. Good job!

Very underwhelming experience, this restaurant is Japanese in name only…read more For starters, after being seated we had a 1 hour wait to be served food for a table of 4. And then we the food finally came, it was cold and unappetizing. Miso soup was way too salty and the salad was perfectly average. The beef teriyaki and chicken katsu combo plate came out lukewarm which is unacceptable considering I waited 1 hour and they can't even bring hot food. Shrimp tempura according to my mom was underwhelming and not the best tasting. Beef curry was the worst out of all the dishes. It was so watered down and tasted like water, 0 curry flavor whatsoever. Considering these plates were $25 each, I'd stay clear of this place. Definite tourist trap. If you want authentic Japanese food, go to the ramen place nextdoor instead. They have a better curry rice bowl despite being a ramen place.

A friend that used to go to college in Hilo recommended this place as it was across the street from…read morethe Edith Kanakaole venue where we were attending a benefit concert later in the evening. ATMOSPHERE: It reminded me of a mix between a Korean and country bar with squeezed-in, button-studded booth seating, and dim lighting. It looked shady but was the total opposite, and was very clean. Truly a local watering hole. MENU: App-sized fare of sashimi, chicken wings, fries, steak, calamari, and shrimp. BEVERAGE: My Bud aluminum bottles were $3.50 a pop and were ice cold. Good deal! We all did shots of lemon drop that were refreshing and not too strong. FOOD: Sashimi - $12. The small plate of ahi were fresh and came with the usual shoyu-mustard sauce for dipping. Steak - $15. Though the menu didn't state "sizzling", another table's one was but ours was not. No biggie as the bone-in New York was perfectly seasoned and cooked exactly to our medium request, and sliced. Highly recommend. Wing Dings - $12. I'm not sure how many came in the basket but the one I tried, definitely frozen, was crispy with a savory seasoning. Because we ordered more than 2 beers, we were treated to a generous spread of complimentary apps. What the? You'd NEVER get that anywhere else!? I was told that's what Hilo bars are known for. We received 3 pieces of chicken wings that were seasoned differently from the wing dings, a plate of kau yuk (Chinese pork), kalua pig & cabbage, karaage chicken though the batter was a bit undercooked, and a green salad. Thanks for that, Peggy's! SERVICE: 2 younger female servers helped us, one friendlier than the other, but we're both good. The elderly male dish washer employee was very friendly and pointed bme in the right direction to the restrooms when he saw I was lost. OVERALL: Quaint vibe, cheap beer, good food, great deals, friendly service. Definitely was not on my list of to try's but will be recommended to others!

Extremely disappointed with our experience here. My family and I came in expecting to enjoy our…read morenight, but it ended up being one of the worst bar experiences we've had. We went up to the bar multiple times and were refused water 3 separate times. We also tried placing a food order, but the bartender told us food orders had to go through the server -- the issue was that no server came to our table for almost 2 hours. We were basically left sitting there unable to order. To make things worse, when it was time to close our tab, it took around 30 minutes just to get our cards back. The bar also felt extremely overcrowded to the point there was barely room to move around safely or comfortably. I understand places get busy, but being ignored, unable to order food, and waiting excessive amounts of time for basic service is unacceptable. Overall, the bartender experience and service completely ruined the night for us. We won't be returning.

Cheap drinks, good comfort food, cold Ac, Great service Kristen is the the best, Greg the owner is…read moreso chill always nice to hang out, ohhh and I love Heather.

Always fast and friendly no matter what time I go. BBQ and other pupu's are great also.read more