Cancel

Open app

Search

Piilani Kitchen

5.0 (88 reviews)
Closed • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Piilani Kitchen Photos

Business Info

PIILANI KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Piilani Kitchen

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

An L.

Made a pit stop at this little gem! All the sandwiches were amazing and the tacos were also great! The kitchen was located inside a little store that sold beverages, snacks, and little gift shop trinkets. We got the food to-go and ate outside at the picnic tables. We got to eat in the company of the local stray cats! We would absolutely come back here!

Senior furbaby that was a sweetie.
Heather P.

So yummy. We stopped by accidentally and so glad we did. Food was filling and so good. Even got to have this senior baby chill while we ate. Definitely make it a stop if you're in the area.

grilled cheese
Terri P.

Stopped by for lunch after visiting the Honomu goat farm. I remember coming here couple years ago when it was part of Onomea market; but when I arrived I saw a sign Piilani kitchen at the take out food section. They still sell ice shave like the former but my daughter and I were hangry so we ordered real food....grilled cheese, kalua tacos and a smoothie. There's a nice shady breezy seating area in front of the market and we were given a pager that lit up when our food was ready. It was a quick wait and our plates were abundantly filled with food. My daughter's grilled cheese was ooey gooey grilled deliciousness. The homemade pickles was a nice salty crisp addition to each sandwich bite. My tacos were robust with kalua, hefty, smoky and meaty. I could only eat two. The banana berry smoothie was freshly made and was a highlight of the meal. My daughter mopped up that smoothie and didn't want to share. It's bit of a drive off the main highway but google map will show you the way. It's really worth a stop if you're looking for some yummy eats. Next time we will stop by to get some ice shave.

Pastrami
Hannah M.

We stumbled on Piilani Kitchen and we're so glad we did! There's plenty of parking and a few picnic tables out front, so it's a great spot to sit down and enjoy your food. It's also conveniently located right next to a little shoppette, which makes it an easy and convenient stop if you're cruising around the area or headed north where there isn't too many road side stops. We had the Pastrami and Caprese sandwiches -- both were super ono! Loaded with flavor, fresh ingredients, and the housemade pickles gave it that extra kick. But the real standout was the ulu mac salad. Being from O'ahu, the mac salad on Hawaii Island had been kinda hard for us to get used to -- different style, yeah? But this one was the closest to what we're used to, and the ulu added a nice local crunch that took it to the next level. You can tell they put plenty aloha into their food. Service was maybe 5-10 minutes? Worth it. Real good kine grinds, and chill vibes all around. We'll definitely be back next time we're on Big Island.

Italian sub week special
Jennie Z.

I just had the most incredible Italian and birria sandwiches! As a Mexican from California, I know my birria, and this place nails it. Don't miss out on this hidden gem--I'll definitely be coming back again and again! Shout out to Chef Fly, he's so cool and so Fly.

Cubano with Mac salad
Yvette C.

Adding another five star review to this yummy stop. It's right along the scenic view along the coast. I ordered the Cubano sandwich. It was delicious. The homemade pickles were amazing.

Outside
Jonelle R.

This little gem is nestled on the scenic route of the Hamakua coast, and it truly is a gem. The quality of food being served is amazing! I ordered the Kim chee Reuben... corned beef with Kim chee is not something I would've thought would go together on my own. It was really tasty! I love the fusion of flavors that they play with on the menu. I do suggest if you love pickles to get a double order at the least because there is something special about those pickles. The service was great! The girl behind the counter was super nice and also the man that was there too... I think he might've been the owner. It's a great place to stop for some good food and good vibes. Ps the drinks are great too!!!

Detour stop on the way to Foodland. Cute little deli/market/liquor store! The shaved Ice was delicious! The flavors we chose are blue vanilla, pineapple and guava flavored and I added a scoop of ice cream! So GOOD! GREAT and friendly service. Stop bye and say MAHALO!!

Outdoor Seating
Frank W.

After enjoying The Umauma Falls Experience on, we were hungry and looking for something authentic and nearby. Piilani Kitchen had great reviews on Yelp, so we went here. I ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich and was intrigued by the addition of macadamia nuts and cranberries. As we waited for our food at one of the outdoor picnic tables, we enjoyed the reggae island music. My sandwich was everything I expected. I enjoyed the blend of flavors and textures. Three of us ordered smoothies. My pina colada smoothie was refreshing. The service was decent and the wait for our food was not excessive. All in all, we had an enjoyable island dining experience!

Birria Sandwich

DON'T HESITATE, JUST GO! this place is easily the best food we have had on the island. Everything we had was so tasty and just beyond our expectations. We had the Birria sandwich and the Cubano with the Mac salad and WOW! It was so good we ended up staying for shave ice and a special Hawaiian brownie (not THAT kind of special, but still super yummy). The prices are more than fair too. Don't walk, run, definitely make this place a top stop on your list!

Hannah E.

Beautiful, clean little market with a great view & delicious fresh sandwich options. Staff were very kind. Worth going off the main drive!

Piilani Cafe and Hawaii Plantation Museum

See all

Photo of Cody S.
205
20
1

1 year ago

We needed food badly on our road trip, and this was fuegoooo. Food got out quick and we were just extra pleased overall.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Quaint roadside stop. Great food. Chill vibe. Homemade pickles are worth the trip themselves.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jane T.
35
61
47

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kainoa T.
133
6
31

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Wai _.
0
4
24

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mary D.
66
43
7

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Delicious food, everything we try is fantastic! Great counter service and little picnic tables outside. Highly recommend!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of V L.
0
13
0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Fantastic food! We stopped by after the falls and high recommend it for lunch. We ordered 3 different meals and enjoyed all.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Whether you are a local or a tourist, this place is delicious. And it's located along a beautiful scenic drive!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jeff R.
419
57
1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mariah W.
14
22
41

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Rita D.
0
15
19

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

This was such a find! Best food we had on the Big Island and the staff was so friendly. Highly recommend the pickles!!!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of T G.
0
45
1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 2 of 3

Ask the Community - Piilani Kitchen

Aloha, any plans for more plant-based friendly foods? I loved the 'ulu based bowls in the past. I'd love to stope by again soon 🙌 🫶

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

Big Island Birria Boss - Birria Tacos

Big Island Birria Boss

4.8(105 reviews)
2.9 mi
•$$

First off, I am from Sinaloa, born and raised, and now live in California. I know what real Mexican…read morefood should taste like. Hands down, the quesabirria tacos and flautas are as good as they come--absolutely amazing. We happened upon this place on Yelp, and I was a little skeptical, but after the first bite, I felt transported back to Mexico. My entire family agreed that these are the best quesabirria tacos we have had outside of Mexico, and possibly even in Mexico. The flavors were amazing, and the consommé was absolutely delicious. We are regulars on the Big Island and normally do not eat Mexican food because we have never found a good spot, with the exception of Shaka Tacos. This place was really busy, and there was only one person working. She was doing it all--taking orders, collecting money, and making all the delicious food. She was never rude and was so pleasant. She said the cooks had called in and she was the only one there. Talk about dedication! She made sure everyone got their food, and it was made perfectly. I cannot commend her enough for all the work she did and for putting out an outstanding order of food. She is a real gem and should be treated as such! It is so hard to find good employees today, and her dedication and attitude inspired me. I wish we had gotten her name, but she said she is always there. If the food takes longer than you like, just be patient, because you are in for a treat when it comes out. Good food takes time, and the food is definitely worth the wait. We will definitely be coming back every time we are here. This place is a real gem. If I could give it more stars, I would. I hope everyone reading this takes my advice and goes to this wonderful place for the delicious food and the warm people.

Really good spot leaving from the falls, we stopped in for lunch and had no wait - it was right…read morewhen they opened. Just two people working and they were both friendly. Food was made fresh and took about 10 minutes! It was a lot of food too. I would've liked more cilantro and lime for the tacos, and maybe a bit more salt in the beans and rice, but overall it was great. The drink was our favorite! Plenty of seating, quiet, and quaint.

Photos
Big Island Birria Boss - Inside dining

Inside dining

Big Island Birria Boss - Quesabirria plate

Quesabirria plate

Big Island Birria Boss - Horchata and Birria Tacos

See all

Horchata and Birria Tacos

Piilani Kitchen - sandwiches - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...