My go-to grocery store. They cater to the local community and support the local community. I love being able to make it my first stop in the morning to get breakfast, lunch and groceries for home later. Sometimes prices are a bit high for certain items, but if you watch for sales, they aren't too bad! I shop at KTA at least 3-4 times a week. read more

Way bigger than the downtown location, plus they have a selection of Two Ladies mochi just like downtown. Checkout was a little backed up but not bad. Plenty parking. Big selection. Decent prices. Everything you need in a market. Also got some perfectly yellow local bananas - back on Oahu, it seems like all the apple bananas are greener-than-green and take 10+ days to ripen. We were able to tear into these in the car! read more

KTA Super Stores - Prepackaged assortments (iykyk) - Grocery Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

I'm just a visitor to the island. Upon arrival I head straight to KTA for those Kelly Boy's cookies.

KTA stores is a place to go when visiting Hilo. In the past, as a family we would visit Hilo often, since we have many relatives who reside in Hilo since my father is from Piihonua, Hawaii. The KTA stores would carry all kinds of products from the island of Hawai'i and it was a one stop shop. My favorite was the vegetable bread made there! There would be pieces of green and red vegetables within the loaf. It could have been bell peppers or tomatoes and when you toast it, it tasted like a vegetable soup bread! Sadly.. tbey don't make it anymore! Please make it again! One day I saw on instagram that they had an exclusive potluck 9x13 thermal in collaborations with Eden in Love! It was exclusive product of KTA! You can order it online from their store on some products with free shipping with purchase of $50 or more! That's a good deal for even sending items to friends or family! Just remember at check out, to put in the special shipping coupon code of "Special50"! I ordered many times and they still have free shipping offer! It is shipped few days later and they use the USPS flat rate special. They packed it really well and I am pleased with their service! Mountain Apple Brand Lava Ka'u coffee cookies were good and crispy. Now they sell BioSwiss bandage with the cute local design of spam musubi, shoyu, saimin and nori rice musubi bandage! You should check out KTA website for their recipes. I made their lemongrass chicken recipe and it was different and delicious! They have unique recipes from Hilo like the warabi recipes! When visiting the Big Island, please consider stopping by. They have several stores. read more

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This is a for sure stop if I am ever in Hilo. I stop to get omiyage to bring home. They have the best poke for lunch! The sales clerks are always helpful and kind! I love that they carry many local vendors' goods! Wish we could bring a KTA to Oahu but I know that is a no go. And if they did, I'd have no where to stop and buy omiyage in Hilo. read more

Very large supermarket with all your shopping needs, including delicious, hot deli items like hot chili with rice, also delicious pastries. I bought a bunch of them just to taste and they all were very good. There's all kinds of fruits and vegetables, the frozen section is very large. The service was quick and the market was very spacious. We got some local gelato ice cream that we're excited to try! read more

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Loved this superstore when visiting. KTA had everything we were looking for and pretty decent prices. We hit up the bakery section every single time for their daily fresh donuts, also the deli section too. Got some souvenirs to bring back and now really miss all the local flavors. Staff was always helpful and nice. read more

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Whenever we are in Hilo, this is a must! Fresh seafood, hot foods and their bakery? Omg!!! Plus they have the best local cookies (Kelly Boy) . This is a great omiyagi to bring back home for your special friends and family. Staff is super nice too! read more

By far my all time FAVORITE Supermarket on da Big Island! KTA Super Store - Puainako location is my favorite store out of all the KTA locations on the Big Island. KTA Super Store is a juggernaut of a store, and I believe it's sorta a "one stop" kinda joint where you can almost get whatever you need! Anytime I'm working in Hilo, garans Bruddah Fran is gonna hit up da KTA on Puainako. When checkin' out da store, I usually creep up on the Bento's & Musubi's. Of course, one can't forget to take a quick peek at the bakery dept., as it appears that KTA makes their bakery items "fresh" & on the spot! They also have a great hot foods deli dept. if you're hankering for an ono plate lunch! If you're down with poke, they have that too!!! Locally owned & operated, shop & support local whenever you can, that way we can keep the local money in local hands! read more

KTA Super Stores - Da blue sign on da right says - "You're "Someone Special". "Serving ALOHA Since 1916". - Grocery Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Love this place. I'd say the highlight is the bakery. Delicious anpan and mochi doughnuts. We've had their hot food and bentos a few times and they are always great. Sometimes they'll have Two Ladies Kitchen mochi in store. Also occasionally they have Sugarloaf Pineapple (white pineapple) for better prices than the Farmer's Market. You'll find everything you need here. But I will say that I prefer the poke from the nearby Sack n Save. It's good at KTA, but just better over there. read more

KTA Super Stores - Mochi doughnunt - Grocery Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Service - Top Notch. Hot foods counter - Awful! The LauLau @$13 a piece consisted of one piece of pork, sizable but almost dry, & Wayyyyyy overcooked luau leaves! Mushy and grainy junk! The chicken long rice @$23 +change for 2 lbs. AWFUL! Not a hint of ginger in the broth; tastes like Campbells chicken noodle soup, only more junk. I'm gonna try & doctor it up! For $23 + change, I am not gonna just toss it, though I'd really like to because it's just sad. Sorry to say. No wonder the Pan was so full! People must know. The Best Ono thing was the Korean garlic chicken - SUPER good! Sad to report the other items bad. Too bad. Not cheap either. 4 junk LauLau; 2 lbs junk chicken long rice; two 1/4 lb poke - not good, First & last time for Us here at hot food section. Korean garlic chicken & Hanalei poi the Best. All that plus 3 pair rubbah slippah cost Me $123+ change. Rip Off Too Expensive. If was Ono I wouldn't be grumbling. read more

KTA is an amazing place to shop for fun, local food. The variety is impressive from packaged goods, to fresh fruit and veggies, to the hot bar. I loved everything I purchased but my favs were the lilikoi cheesecake, which I took home on the plane, the hot and fresh cooked sweet potatoes and some fun mango candy. I'll always make it a point to stop in when I travel to Big Island. read more

KTA is one of the first places I hit up for omiyage for family and friends back in Honolulu. Get snacks and treats you won't find on Oahu ... including Two Ladies Kitchen mochi and manju!!! That's right, if you can't make it there or don't want to stand in line, call your closest KTA to check they have some in stock. It's a variety of pre-made mochi and manju so you won't get your pick (and I don't think there were any fruit ones) but hey, at least you got some! This location is larger than the one in downtown Hilo, and their bakery had some fantastic looking doughnuts. It's a large store with a large parking lot, so if you have the time during your Hilo trip, stop by here! read more

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Finally got to try Kelly Boy's cookies.The Peanut Bradah was off the hook. Definitely will be back to buy some more.

When your visiting Hilo this place is a must stop. Great place to pick up all your favorite Big Island favorites. Great selection of cooked foods, Sushi and Desserts. Went here to pick up surumi and dried fish. Kona and Atebara chips. read more

They have EVERYTHING! Marinated meats were outstanding! Bakery had my favorite coconut turnovers which I can't find on Oahu!!!

Visited twice during our 3 day visit to the Big Island. Couldn't find any Kogen products so bought other brands takuan, sanbaizuke, and other pickled vegetables. Bought the Hawaiian Chip taro chips from Honolulu, and a few other Easter candy. read more

Customer service was PHENOMENAL! Very busy packed grocery store with narrow aisles and WAY TOO MUCH PREPACKAGED FRUIT from other countries in a state with a plethora or gorgeous fresh fruit. I was a tourist who sought locally sourced fresh fruit prepared & ready to eat while driving around the island and was super disappointed. Very, very sad. read more

I absolutely love KTA Super Stores on Puainako Street in Hilo! Every time I'm on the Big Island, this is my go-to spot for an amazing selection of local treats and items that I can't find in other grocery stores. This local Hawaiian supermarket offers an impressive selection that goes far beyond the average grocery shopping experience. There is a well stocked bakery, deli and hot food section, poke bar and seafood counter, and liquor section. My favorite aisle has local Big Island items like baked goodies from Kelly Boy's, Punalu'u Bake Shop, and Mt. View Bakery. I also always buy a frozen Big Island Candies Apple Pie to bring home to bake... so delicious! This store has its roots dating back to 1916 when it began as a humble family-run grocery and dry goods store. Fast forward to today, and it has flourished into a thriving chain of seven stores across Hawaii island. The store's enduring tagline, "you're someone special," is really true as the staff are always friendly and ready to help, making each visit a pleasant experience One of the standout features is their very own line of products, the Mountain Apple Brand. This brand is not just about deliciousness; it's a celebration of Hawaii's local businesses and produce. From delectable meats and refreshing juices to farm-fresh eggs and irresistible desserts, the Mountain Apple Brand proudly promotes goods grown, manufactured, or processed right here in Hawaii. KTA is a testament to both its rich history and its commitment to supporting the local community. It's a haven for foodies, a treasure trove for those seeking unique Hawaiian flavors, and an embodiment of the warmth and hospitality that the island is known for. Without a doubt, KTA is a place where every shopper truly feels special! read more

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I got KTA breakfast and absolutely loved it. The price for the portion size was perfect and something I would get again. The bacon eggs and fried rice were delicious. If you wanna grab a quick breakfast head to KTA! read more

KTA Super Stores - Breakfast - Grocery Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

The best baked manapua. (They run out fast) Only to be outdone by the macnut cinnamon rolls I've been eating them for over 35 years. Great service always. Only in Hawaii grocery store. You will not find this on the mainland read more

Born and raised here and been shopping in KTA my whole life. I've got to say it's declining. This is the second time this week that I purchased something past the sell by date on the shelf. Might be my fault for not looking well enough or buying unusual items but it does tell me to look better when shopping here and ask the associate if unsure. I bought a hummus and the sell by date was 10 days prior, I probably should have looked but branding was nice and it was a hunger purchase. Maybe still good but still past date. Then I purchased naan bread for dinner and some mold was growing between the slices. The bag did not have a date sticker on it like other brands. But it was the last item I needed to complete my dinner and the only option for naan bread in the store. It's unfortunate and I'm not going to go in to return to get a refund. read more

My fav KTA on Hawaii Island. If you are visiting, the best omiyage can be found here. If you need pupus along with your drinks, stop here and stock up. Other supermarkets do not reflect the local culture and energy as this particular KTA does. BTW - do not go to other KTAs on the island and expect the same expansive items - you will set yourself up for disappointment. my fav dessert here, and to take home to Honolulu is the Date Nut Bars. yum. read more

The food was so Amazing! Poke is pricey but so worth it too and fresh. Everyone is so full of aloha and will always help you out. KTA Super Stores is actually Super big I can't believe I got lost in there because I was looking at all the other sections of products. read more

Fantastic huge store with groceries and much more! Got a bunch of baked goods. Of course it's expensive - it's the Big Island! Happy to be able to shop here for our family visit. read more

Just a couple miles from the airport so it's convenient if you want to stop here before heading home or to your vacation rental (like we did) to load up on supplies. They have EVERYTHING! and a good selection of it too! All Da Kine Tings! Bento boxes, lots of poke options, bakery sweets galore, fresh fish, meats, produce, breads, snacks, slippahs, rubbah boots.... I even found my favoritest bread of all time there. It's often out of stock wherever I look, and they had 1 left. Whew! What really impressed me other than the staff re-stocking the To-Go stuff at 5pm was the wine selection! They had a wine here that I couldn't find at home in LV. What?! How does KTA in Hilo get this wine? So, naturally I bought a couple bottles. Totally going to make this my #1 stop for when I fly into Hilo. read more

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Since Suisan was closed, we headed over to KTA to check out their selection of poke. I remembered that we had a really good experience in Maui with Foodland and I was hoping for the same results. Unfortunately not as good. In the very back of the store, they sell poke by the pound. The fresh poke was around $24 a pound. We got shoyu ahi and spicy Korean ahi poke. You need to be careful because right next to it was the previously frozen but thawed fish poke that is way cheaper. Don't ever eat that stuff. Also you have to get the rice from the deli which was difficult when you have to stand in 2 lines. Also we need to forage for the seaweed salad which was in another place. I felt like I was in an episode of supermarket sweep. Pro tips: - Ask for the fresh poke, not previously frozen - Be careful in the parking lot- there are some crazy drivers there - Forks are at the cashier when you pay but you need to ask. Also ask for napkins. I don't think I'd eat poke again at KTA. It didn't taste as fresh as Suisan. read more

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One of the best grocery store in Hilo. They have almost every variety of food here so expansive, both premade and non premade food. I fell in love with the Haupia cake they have, its freaking delicious and light. This will be my forever go to store while in Hilo from now on lol. Service at the bakery was great. It can get a bit packed but such a great grocery store if you're looking for some good local food. read more

Anyone who visits Hawaii Island should skip the National chain supermarkets and shop at the locally owned KTA Stores. This location has the largest pharmacy (and medical device) section I've seen on island (I'm a nurse, I notice these things.) This location also has a HUGE bakery, deli and hot food section AND poke bar! read more

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BIG SHOT OUT TO CLAYTON K!! I needed to send a birthday care package to a VIP client of mine - a local boy who hasn't been home in years. When I asked what he missed the most, he said KTA's Korean fried chicken. Clay, thank you again for going out of your way to accommodate my special request. I'm certain that he's gonna be so thankful for a taste of home again. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Aloha!! read more

While I know it's not their fault that the peanut bruddah cookies sold out already...im still sad! I was thoroughly impressed with the bakery selections and deli. Can't wait to come back for lunch tomorrow! The salads looked fantastic! read more

This place is good since I moved here in the Big Island I love shopping here ... until I encounter this lady name Shell at the self check out one day She is very rude no consideration... I am doing her supposed to be job since I'm ringing my own groceries but this person have no consideration and very mean.. Very rude!!! read more

Good selection of poke. The pastries at the bakery were pretty good. Good place to pick up drinks and snacks to take back to the hotel. The service was friendly maybe too friendly this keep the lines backed up. Noticed the cashiers spent alot of time talking to the customers. Stay safe. read more

KTA Super Stores - a woman pushing a shopping cart - Grocery Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

We were here everyday getting the Korean poke! We also picked up our daily needs for our trips out on the island. Get place to shop and get fresh food! The fish is incredible fresh and melts in your mouth! If you're up for sweets, the blueberry cheesecake is perfect! So delicious! read more

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Hilo wouldn't be the same without KTA. Timeless memories of the same space with all the local staples for every palate. Mahalo to all the hands that make it happen on the daily! read more

If you want to wait in line for 1/2 hour. This is great. Self checkout all closed and no staff at registers. Why shop local when it sucks.

It's a grocery store that has what you need. It's a must-stop if you need food for home or food on the go.

Review for AAPI / AANHPI month: "Where you're someone special everyday" Est. 1916. Currently run by a Japanese family descended from the original owners who began it all by peddling AND literally pedaling goods door to door -on bicycle! Apparently the OGs merely wanted to assist family and friends with some grocery kindness. Eventually they opened a lil shop (lovely origin story) and 106 years later they're the number one and mostly only Asian food store on island. However, they've expanded beyond their Asian (mainly Japanese) audience to become a full fledged neighborhood grocery store. Not by leaps and bounds but by comparison this location is cleanest and better stocked, ergo if you think you'll find the same at their downtown location, you won't. A small store in a small town that's become a small business chain so by Asian "section" they mean one semi-truck length in size aisle. Maybe it's two aisles. At least you can find frozen "fresh" noodles but it's on the opposite end in the frozen section. Gyozas also that way and Ajinomoto everything. Lots of local (Hawai'i) Japanese brands like Oshiro tofu products (operated in Hilo). Noh brand too. Gochujang? Yes. Shirakiku, S&B, Lee Kum Kee, House of Foods, many assortments of dry ramen, Shin Korean ramen, Samyang fire noodles. Pancit noodles: only Super Q brand, maybe one other... They tout primarily local produce, with a few seasonal items from Japan. Enoki mushrooms might be found :). Your proven local watercress and warabi stop, and consistent with at least one option of locally made pickled turnips. Do take a stroll by the seafood counter. Fresh made miso tako, poke bowls, Korean marinated kalbi, pork & chicken are always winners. Also recommend tofu salad and aburage soba salad by the prepared hot and cold foods. Mochi bentos and sake 100 percent recommend. On the other hand the bakery is just okay, not as good as that mainland store down the way :-/ ... however the butter donuts are huge and amazing. read more

Always a must stop when I visit home. Love their mountain apple branded products and their mochi by Aunty Gladys Harada. Love their selection of everything! read more

My family and I have been shopping at KTA Puainako for over 40 years. Its almost always been good, until last week. I went to check out, and the cashier, Lani, did not greet me, or say one word to me, not even thank you. She seemed deeply focused on ignoring me and carrying on with the young woman bagging groceries, who also attempted zero interaction with me. Kind of a repulsive experience. It must difficult to hire and train decent human beings..... read more