When you get your food in a box it's going to be good...they also have great customer service... read more

Kawamoto Store - Shrimp Tempura...come sushi...spam musubi...shoyu pork... fish cake....fried chicken.... Korean chicken - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Mostly hand-held Japanese food with some Hawaiian influences. Order like picking out pastries to build your own bento box for a ridiculously inexpensive breakfast. Limited street parking and no seating area. The best was the nori chicken marinated in traditional Japanese flavors. The tempura eggplant and musubi with a thin slice of Spam were both good. The tempura fried ono was better than the fried breaded ono which was too dry. My girlfriend thought the ono was chicken - good for people that don't like fish but bad for those that do. read more

Staff is always friendly and helpful food is always good if you really like okazua we always order the same thing most of the time haven't ordered from them in awhile but usually we order 2x in a month they have different kinds of food from shrimp tempura-korean chx mahi-Ono-2types of noodles cone sushi and maki the list goes on and on read more

So I visited this place on my last day in Hilo...wish I went earlier...so got there at 545am and they open at 6am...there was already a few people waiting. They opened exactly at 6am. By the time they opened there were 6 people ahead of me and the workers are AWESOME and so friendly. It took a few minutes to be helped after the people in front of me. I ordered three plates and the worker helping me was so fast and efficient. After looking at my plates I was expecting to pay well over $30...but my bill came out to a little less than $25. Pretty good if you ask me This will always be a stop for me when I am in Hilo. Can't wait to go back already. read more

Kawamoto Store - All this food for under $25...that's pretty amazing...and it's soooooo delicious! - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Kawamoto's another great Okazuya to eat. The best sushi and come sushi. Gotta go early there always sold out. Love all there items too eat. Another long time Hilo lunch stop. read more

Since my last visit here, I had forgotten about a) how cheap their food is, b) popular items run out by 11:30am, and c) their Korean Chicken is crazy crack delicious. So the reminder lessons here are: a) you can get a ton of food for less than $5-10, b) if you want spam musubi, you should probably come before 11:30am, and c) I had ten pieces of Korean Chicken because it's still crazy crack delicious. read more

I think the best endorsement I could give Kawamoto Store right off the top would be that, on any regular day, if you aren't in line at or before the crack of dawn, you probably aren't gonna be getting the best selection. Again, I mean that in the best possible way. If you've the privilege of knowing one of those few crazy people that do wake up that early, you'll get it. I say that so endearingly, I promise. I'm grateful to every single one of those psychotic angels that have ever shared their Kawamoto Store goods with me. It just could never be me waking up that early. Again, I mean that in the BEST way possible. They're THAT good. You have to wake up SO unbelievably early to get in there. It makes it all the more a blessing when you are lucky enough to be presented with one of those pristine white boxes with the logo stamped on top of it front and center--filled to the brim with delicacies the likes of spam musubis, nori chicken, cone sushi, hash patties, etc. I could go on for days about what Kawamoto Store is packin'. They're not here to play. If you're one of the people wild enough to wake up at that hour and procure one of the aforementioned boxes, I imagine the feeling of cracking it open to the fresh aromas is positively unmatched. Unless you're the person waking up to the person bringing that box home and are able to go from being comfy in bed to stuffing your face with spam musubis, nori chicken, etc. Again, I mean this all in the absolute best way possible! As far as I'm concerned, any day of the week, you can't go wrong with Kawamoto Store and their boxes of food are a gift from God anytime you're fortunate enough to have one make its way into your life. Five stars all day! read more

Why are there not more a la carte plate lunch-y type joints? I love being able to point at a bunch of things so I can try a lot of stuff. Like I like spam musibi as much as the next guy but sometimes I just want 1/3 if one and some cone sushi, and some corned beef hash, and some long rice. At Kawamoto's you can have it all and it's cheap too! read more

Wish we had one of these Okazuya places in Oahu. I love Nori chicken and that's why I need to stop by this place when going back to Hilo. On some days if you don't go early enough they will run out. They sell an assortment of goodies that you will enjoy. I hope places like these will never close down. read more

Kawamoto Store - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

We were lucky to find street parking right in front of the store when we came to visit. The person who helped us with our order was very nice and patient with us. We spent $25.45 on takeout food. I like the variety it offered. I was able to sample several items without breaking the bank. We came early in the morning to ensure they did not run out of their more popular items. I liked everything I ordered. read more

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Been going here for a year now and have decided to finally write my review of this place. To explain what this place is; it's basically a great way to eat simple delicious food at a very affordable price. BEST THING: Korean Chicken -damn crunchy, delicious and it literally is so delicious like I always eat 20 and I am pretty much a small boy stuffing myself with these chicken wings. Best time to go is right in the morning bright and early because stuff runs out very quickly. Nori Chicken and Spam Musubi: -Simple fried chicken wrapped around seaweed and ready for your pleasure. Same with the Spam musubi, but DISCLAIMER; they are quite small yet also delicious. Price Range: I've gotten 3 korean chickens 2 Nori and 2 Spam for around 6-7$ before. Everything is pretty affordable and the food is awesome for what you pay. The workers are locals so they're extremely nice. Besides avoiding the long lines this place is delicious, friendly and excellent smiles! Also parking is kinda tough sometimes, but the lines move pretty quick; best to park down or across the street! read more

What can I say... This place holds a special place in my heart. I grew up eating at Kawamoto store before I moved to the mainland but would always return every year during the summer time. Cone sushi, maki rolls... All the food is amazing. My grandparents lived up the street from Kawamoto Store and took my mom, aunts and uncles there. I just wish they were open on Mondays cuz when I visit I leave early on Tuesday to fly back. read more

We were in need of some ono grindz to enjoy at Coconut Island. Heck, you need some nourishment if you plan on jumping off of the towers in the chilly waters of the Hilo Bay :) The bf's family and I made a quick pit stop to grab some of their old favorites. Unfortunately they were low on their Nori Chicken, but we did nab some other good eats such as fresh fried mahi, Korean Chicken, clear noodles, bbq beef, veggie fritters, hash, and fried beans. All VERY tasty but quite fried. :) As long as you're ok with that, you're good to go with the cheap and ono goods from Kawamoto. A definite local spot but when in Hawai'i, do what the locals do! read more

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This store has a lot of stuff. If your looking for fishing hunting this store has it all. staff is super friendly

I love okazuya ! This place had everything I was craving and more. The food was very ono. All the workers were very happy and super friendly. read more

My favorite bento place when I visit family in Hilo. I've been going there since the 70's, at least that's my memory. I love the old time feel, it's nostalgic, I miss so much of the old days of Hilo. Sorry, got distracted. You know it's good when there's almost always a line and they run out of stuff if you don't go early enough. read more

Nori chicken runs out before 10:30am. Korean chicken, spam musubi was also delicious! We got some to go on our way to Kona. =) I miss their food. None like it in Oahu! read more

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There's a reason this okazuya spot has been a Hilo town mainstay for maaany years. I grew up on the food here & everything has remained relatively unchanged. The same little dog piggy bank still sits on the front counter near the register! A charming memento of my childhood. Now, the food. Local grinds at its finest. Spam musubi. Nori chicken. Cone sushi. Shrimp tempura. Ono tempura. Maki sushi. Long rice noodles. Mac salad. Hash. I mean. You can't go wrong with any of the local favs here. We bought a whole box of food that was more than enough for two people for only $18! Come early (though you're sure to join a long line), box it up & take it to the beach! Perfection. read more

Kawamoto Store - In one of the best locations to enjoy a box of Kawamoto treats. - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Amazing food for an amazing value. They run out of the nori chicken (as I'm sure you've read or heard, by now) so come early if you want it. We got there at 8:30am and they were out already. All good. Everything else was great, and we filled four people for roughly $20. Great deal! read more

Kawamoto Store - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Get your lunch from Kawamoto before you head out too see the sights of the Big Island. Great: Spam musubi, fish cakes, noodles. Awesome: Korean spicy chicken, shoyu chicken, nori wrapped chicken, and asparagus tempura. read more

Kawamoto Store - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Another place I just may not understand. It's always crowded so I had to try it. If I was just rating the young lady that helped me it would be 5 stars, she was great, patient, informative, and helpful. The food left little to be desired. Mostly fried food that had been sitting around for a while. Cold, soggy, flavorless. This is my take on it, and again this may be how it's to be served but just not doing it for me. read more

I just love these small family run businesses. Kawamoto's has freshly made japanese finger food priced modestly by the item. Things like shou chicken, batter fried shrimp, fish cake, etc. everything was hot and freshly made and finger lickin good. To top it all off, the prices are incredibly reasonably. We picked 10 pieces to make a light lunch for two and the total was only $10. Service was fast and friendly. read more

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I've been going here since I was a child. Love this place! Great for grabbing before the beach, hiking, picnics, a quick lunch on the go. Iconic to hilo. The food here is just the type of food we would have at gatherings during the holidays at my grandmas house:) read more

Kawamoto Store - Local deals. They have the best sweet potato. Big nice cut. - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Yummy bento box. Very good price. Huge portion. Good for takeout. You can choose what's in your box or add extra item. read more

Kawamoto Store - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Delicious food and efficient, friendly service. I found myself wishing I had gone there sooner and hoping for an opportunity to return. Each item here is made with care. This is a great place to pick up a picnic lunch, especially if you're in a hurry. This is a local gem. read more

is it my imagination or did their recipes change. cone sushi not the same NO flavor at all long rice was SUPER sweet, not too much meat NO nori chicken aaaaaa what!!! even shoyu chicken super sweet and not the same i find it odd that lately their food no taste the same read more

This is a little store in the town of hilo. Old school MOM and POP STORE to go food only ! Now ...it looks very old but it's worth going just for the food. You have to go early or call in order they will sell out . Food is very good local style Japanese tempura very delicious sushi, shrimp, Ono, ahi all individually price kinda expensive but worth it great for a box to go beach or pupu style for a party again order early they always sell out. Staff is always very fast , efficient, friendly great service read more

I get the spam musibi, maki sushi, shrimp tempura, fried ahi, Korean chicken wings, and long rice. Get the spam musubi, maki sushi, shrimp tempura, fried ahi, Korean chickeN wings and long rice read more

We were looking for a place to eat on a Sunday. Unfortunately Cafe 100 was closed. We were REALLY looking forward to eating a cheap Hawaiian meal. Lucky for us we had our fellow yelpers to help us out here. Typing in Hawaiian food here on the Hilo side we were told to immediately head over to the Kawamoto Store. This was clearly a local favorite with a long line of people just getting out of church coming over to get their "regular meals." They have a ton of food here from Hawaiian to Chinese to Korean food. Awesome stuff. I would advise deciding what you want from their window first otherwise you'll get that awkward interaction between cashier and yourself as you try to figure out their menu. Don't worry they're fast so even if there is a long line it doesn't take you too long to get back to the ordering position We got fried chicken wings, spam musubi, korean beef and all sorts of other goodies that were excellent. We took a bunch to go as we were driving up and down the coast that day and allowed us some flexibility eating in the car. I would advise that if you're already coming to the Hilo side, you should come here early in the day and pick up food. Some of their stuff run out by lunch time as people have done all their shopping early in the morning. Plenty of parking on the street. Yes, they take credit cards! read more

We drove all the way from Kona to Hilo to eat here and it was well worth the trip! Delicious specialty food and great service. Very good prices try one of everything! We each got a box filled with tasty treats and ate lunch at beautiful Rainbow Falls just a few blocks away. read more

They catered retirement party for a friend. Good food! Cone sushi was excellent. Mac salad with noodles. Bentos were good.

My favorite spot in Hilo! I make sure to go at least twice when I'm in town. I want to move back to Hawaii just so I can eat their tempura Ono read more

Efficient and friendly service. The cost-to-protein ratio (by weight) works overwhelmingly to your favor. Order items separately or get the set bento combos. read more

Kawamoto Store - Bento menu taped on order counter - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Glad we stopped in here to stockpile spam musubis and Korean chicken for our day trip to Volcanoes National Park. Service was very friendly, but parking was hard to come by. Expect a line and go early before they run out of nori chicken. read more

Hands Down the BEST OKAZU Shop in the World! Everything they make is Delicious! I Love their Korean Chicken, Nori Chicken, Hash, Shrimp Tempura, Mahi Tempura, Mac Salad, Cone Sushi & Spam Musubi! Just to name a few. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! read more

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My Yelp buddy Jacob N clued me in on the okazuya heaven that is the Kawamoto Store and it was our very first stop when we landed in Hilo. I am an OKAZUYA JUNKIE and love being able to build my own delicious box lunch of Japanese fried goodies. I compare all okazuya fare to one that I grew up eating as a kid. My Dad would drive me to private school in the mornings and we would stop by a tiny shop in Kalihi which was run by an elderly Japanese woman. There was so much love in the preparation of her food and I never truly appreciated it until she retired and the shop closed. Over the years I've visited countless okazuyas but I've yet to come across one which had the same level of care and quality. Like many mom n' pop businesses in Hilo, the Kawamoto Store is housed in a run down wooden building. It's easy to miss if you don't know what to look for and hopefully your karma is in good shape so you'll get street parking. This place is a total DEAL compared to okazuya spots on Oahu. Good sized potions and you can also buy bentos starting at $3. You walk in and order your food which is housed in a glass case. I bought okazuya for my BF & I and got a variety of items so we could try a little bit of everything: Nori chicken, Korean chicken, bite sized hash patties, shoyu noodles, musubi. I asked the girl if there was ume in the musubi and she replied "No, sorry." I gasped out loud and wanted to scream "SACRILEGE!" Ume is the heart of the musubi and not having it in there is like taking the soul out of the most basic of Japanese foods. The food was decent but by no means spectacular in flavor. I wasn't a big fan of the nori chicken (as mine was overcooked) as I thought it lacked a depth of flavor and preferred the Korean chicken. I enjoyed the noodles which were light yet drenched in a shoyu sugar sauce. (Photo: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/kawamoto-store-hilo?select=nidYSCbBkU7rXqq0Z8tLxA#ba0mwxvWmwbDFVCnSYD_Hw) Upon Jacob N's recommendation I grabbed a box of manju as I was checking out simply for curiosity's sake. GET THE MANJU! Did you hear that? Need a repeat? GET THE MANJU! GET THE MANJU! GET THE MANJU! I don't normally like manju because I don't care for the crustiness but this manju is PURE HEAVEN! I couldn't stop eating it and didn't even offer a bite to my boyfriend because it turned me SELFISH. I wanted to grab another 5 boxes of manju the day we left, but we were running behind and couldn't stop. As we drove by Kawamoto's I cried inside because I knew it would be months and possibly years until I would be reunited with that AMAZING MANJU! Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo... (Wipes away tears) So if you are in Hilo and want me to be your best friend in the whole entire world. Buy me a few boxes of manju and we'll be BEST FRIENDS FOREVER!!! read more

Kawamoto Store - Okazuya yummies from Kawamoto Store - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

So 'ono, so affordable, the workers behind the counter are so nice. One of my favorite spots in town

Great place to go to if you're catering for a group of people and are in need of some bentos. Food is great and there is always a long line when I drive by :) read more

This is one of the most economical places to eat at. The food is delicious and totally work every cent. I love the "old school" feeling you get when you walk in it's like taking a step back in time. Staff are very friendly. Would recommend going early since there is always s line of people (sometimes out the door) and they sometimes close early after running out of food. I would definitely recommend checking them out. read more

Eat where the locals eat right? I tried pretty much everything there was and paid about $20 bucks! I loved the clear noodles and Japanese veggie dish. (needed something clean since all I was eating consisted of Spam or something fried) The battered fish tasted less greasy than the friend tempura. (still a bit fishy to me though) The spam musubi were ok, I preferred mine either home made or from 7-11 (yes, I know but they have the most variety) Enjoy and get there early. They usually sell out late in the morning! read more