I wish I took a picture of our appetizers because they were so amazing, everything was amazing from the food to the service! Our one year old loved the pasta, as did I, and the breads and soups were delicious!! First timers but we'll be back soon! Four appetizers, Two entrees and one side for 200$ definitely worth it! read more

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Casual yet quaint waterside dining in Hilo. Think your typical Eastern Seaside diner(Rhode Island Island, Maine, Cape Cod) meets Hawaii. Crispy and moist battered fish with garlic fries were a hit. Crispy fries with enough garlic to kill a vampire. Service was served with aloha. read more

Ponds Hilo - Fish & Chips with Garlic Fries - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

We walked in the restaurant and were asked if we had a reservation by two different people at the same time when the restaurant was empty. I thought that was rude. The food was expensive . Tasted ok. The waiter was rude and it appeared that we were a bother. The amount of money we paid the dish that they served us my rolls had a chip on it. read more

Super friendly and attentive servers plus great location overlooking the bay. People watch and koi fish watch wow so fun! You get complimentary diner rolls which came with a herb butter and topped with parmesan. Appetizers are $2 off during happy hour 2-5pm. We got the escargot -- there were 5 pieces each in a well of spinach and topped with massive amounts of melted parmesan. The spinach and escargot were underseasoned (if at all...) and they dish was too oily from the cheese especially when the slices of toast already came buttered. We got the teriyaki sirloin recommended by our waiter with a side of macadamia nut pesto pasta and papaya vinaigrette salad. Pesto was creamy and steak tender. Next time I'll be back for the live music in the evenings! read more

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We visited on a Monday night, around 6:00 PM. It had been raining all day, and business was slow. We were seated with our choice of table - overlooking the pond. The wait staff was attentive to us. Ordered the crab crusted fish, garlic mashed potatoes with sautéed vegetable medley. Husband ordered Mandarin bbq pork ribs, rice, sautéed vegi medley. We both had the soup of the day as an appetizer- cream of broccoli soup (so good!). Both of our meals were delicious! We will definitely dine here again. read more

Another place with a great vibe in Hilo. Not presumptuous, but not dive-y, with an open enough setting to be pretty covid-friendly. Food was decent and decently priced. I got a fish wrap which made for a solid lunch, though it didn't particularly blow me away. Their fries were pretty stand-out, which is a weird thing to pick out, I know, but they were just really fresh, hot and crispy. Not sure I can tell you exactly what makes a good fry, but these folks seem to have it down. Also just liked the folks there, it just felt kind of chill and local vibe. Maybe that's just Hilo more generally. read more

The food is expensive and mediocre. The service and our waitress were nice but for the amount of money spent I left feeling underwhelmed

Cool small restaurant on the water. Literally only seats max 48 people - must have about 15 total tables. Went with my wife and two young children who loved feeding the turtles and Koi fish. Food was very tasty and good portion size - but expensive ( $22 for all kid meals- yikes) . Live music at night as well. read more

Made a reservation for 8pm when we got to the restaurant to check in they said our table wasn't ready yet. We were promised a window seat from one of the hosts. After 30 minutes of waiting they set up a table in the middle restaurant in front of us stating it's a "window seat" when it's in the middle of the restaurant floor. Once we sat down at a window seat away from the kois, the head server gave us menus for lunch at 8:30pm. Ordered a beer, took 20 minutes to get it, while others were being served and getting their drinks regularly. The previous host tried to apologize saying that the other hosts didn't know about the table situation which made the situation even more awkward. Especially after I overheard her apologize to another table about another issue. In my head I'm thinking, isn't it your job to tell them? Overall the staff is poorly organized, lack communication, and refuses to give good service. The server offered their special soup of the day "potato soup" 45 minutes later the server comes back to our table to let us know that there is no more soup. Then he came back in 20 minutes with depressing looking cesar salads that was warm and soggy. Food was okay and overpriced. Only reason why we didn't leave was everything else was closed. Would not come back. Don't waste your time or money. read more

Really nice! We enjoyed feeding the koi fish. Good food and music too! A fun experience.

Great location! Right on Reeds Bay so great place for sunset dinner & they have large koi pond where you can feed the koi right from your table - they give you the fish food! We both ordered the specials - Lobster Fettuccine Alfredo & a boneless New York steak, both were tasty. We also ordered their version of a Mai Tai, it was ok, but not really a Mai Tai, tasted more like a rum flavored Margherita! Service was a little spotty, the bus boys & girls were great but our waiter was mostly absent. Overall nice place, we would come again! Uodate: just got the bill & the lobster fettuccine was $68, wowza!! Definitely didn't expect that, pasta & 4ish oz of lobster!! read more

Ponds Hilo - Mai Tai - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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I have been dining at the Ponds for over 10 years and have had many enjoyable meals and Happy Hour drinks there. It is one of the restaurant in Hilo, I like to take out of town guests to. Recently the quality of the food, drinks and service continues to deteriorate with each visit. Sadly, the location, view and nightly guitar musician makes for a wonderful dining experience, but everything else needs improvement. The only person that really provided exceptional service tonight was the busboy. He was attentive, friendly and hospitable. He deserves to be promoted! Our meals were adequate, nothing really exceptional and definitely over priced for what you get. My martini at $11.50 was half full in a small Martini glass and was very watered down. I realize this is a difficult time for restaurants with rising costs and staffing. However, The Ponds is falling short and losing it local customers. read more

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The food and drinks were absolutely delicious. Could recommend this for anyone wanting a delicious dinner. Many other things on menu but this is what we were suggested and such a good suggestion it was. It is a little pricey but worth it. read more

Ponds Hilo - Hawaiian sunshine drink. So so good - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Great food and was able to fit us in last minute on fourth of july! Got the seafood pasta and it was divine! The fireworks made the night so magical, and the waiter even opened up the window for my whole family to have a good view! The drinks were delicious and the clam chowder was toooo good. Definitely recommend for an amazing dinner! Also the koi pond was so entertaining! A little pricey but well worth it! Perfect combination of attentive service and a laid back manor! Overall it made our trip way better! read more

Pretty good food for lunch. Nice atmosphere. Older building. Service was above average, waiters were attentive with refill of water. read more

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Awful. Got food poisoning the last two times I went. Should have Learned the first time. If you need to barf-this is the place! Regards Beau Toichi read more

My friends and I went there for dinner last week Friday and the food was good but we got terrible service. We were seated and it took almost an hour for a server to come to our table and then when he finally came we ordered our food that came out pretty quickly, then as the night proceeded our server barely checked on us we were sitting in the middle of two other tables and we were the only locals our server kept checking on the 2 tables around us and not coming to check on us at all. Then it came to the end of the night and we did not get our soup or salad that was supposed to be given before we get our entrees. Im sad because we really like this place I hope if we do decide to return that we get a better server. read more

I go here cause I enjoy the atmosphere and the appetizers. Also I love there lava flow's. I enjoy the chief coming out to talk about the specials and shows pictures. read more

Ponds Hilo - There SPECIAL Korean Lobster Tail - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Great: Amazing view on the pond (go during the day so you can see), koi fishes to feed, best garlic fries, fried fish and seafood, bread pudding Good: crab cakes Bad: prices can be high read more

We came here for lunch and it wasn't too busy so we were seated promptly. We ordered the garlic shrimp caesar salad (special of the day), prime rib sandwich, and the classic fish and chips. Hands down the best item was the fish and chips. The batter was so crispy and the fish tender. The fries were also nicely crisped with the same batter. The shrimp salad had large, juicy shrimp but the salad itself had a bit too much dressing for me. The prime rib sandwich was a tad bland. Overall, the food was great and the service was top notch. read more

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We had gone here a handful of times before Covid to get drinks and always had a nice time (the location/view can't be beat in Hilo) but one recent Thursday night we stayed for dinner. It was pricier than we usually like to spend, but after two years of rarely eating out we decided to splurge - and so glad we did! The service was attentive, from our very friendly waiter to the bussers who kept out waters filled, cleared dirty plates quickly, etc. I was concerned when we were first seated right next to the musician setting up, but the music level was absolutely perfect - creating an enjoyable atmosphere but at a level where you could still have a conversation. We ordered the clam appetizer and then split the prime rib & stuffed lobster tail dinner. Prime rib was a perfect medium rare. The dinner came with yummy soup, salad, veggies, potatoes (garlic mashed -perfect), and fresh dinner rolls - there was so much food that we ended up taking home a box of leftovers! The next night I mixed the lobster and crab stuffing into a garlic butter sauce and made a pasta dish for dinner, the night after I sliced the meat up and made french dip sandwiches. So we ended up getting 3 fantastic dinners (for two people) out of one meal. Made the pricey dish totally worthwhile. Go just before sunset so you can look out over the water while you dine - very special occasion kind of feel! read more

Ponds Hilo - Sorry I didn't think to take a pic before we dug on - but this was sooo appetizing! - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

We came here for dinner. The restaurant has a good location and view of the ocean. Food was pricey but worth it. We had to wait around 10 minutes because they do take reservations. They had one at 7 pm but we got there around 6 pm. We got seated in 10 minutes. We got a view near the water. Sweet!. We got waters to drink. I decided to get the lilikoi iced tea. This was good. You need to mix the syrup below to make it taste even. For my entree, I got the salmon which came with either rice or mashed potatoes. I got mashed potatoes. It came with a side of veggies. You can choose soup or salad. I got soup which was potato soup. This was creamy and delicious. After my entree, hubby wanted dessert so he got the choice of the day which was lilikoi cheesecake. I only had a couple of bites because I was so full from my soup and entree. Service was excellent by our waiter. He was super nice. I suggest making reservations just in case you can't get in. We were just lucky today. Highly recommend. read more

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Worse dining experience during vacation. Tables set to give appearance of large parties and we were told "last table next to musician -would we take it. Only to see them break apart table 10 minutes later to seat others. Rueben was "the waiter". He stated specials and the tossed phone on table to show us. Why does a senior portion have jello as part of meal? Didn't matter since they never brought it. one member of party requested a glass of Reisling. Bartender came with a glass of white wine and set it down like a centerpiece- it wasn't Reisling, but we couldn't get anyones attention unless we picked it up and walked to bar, Fish and chips appeared to be perfectly formed not fresh. Salmon dry and over cooked, We should have followed our first instincts just left after seeing prices and waiting so long to get water. I never got my sides to meal but again who to ask. Ambiance is not pleasant when they set place settings all piled on table near us after they removed from other tables. Ambiance is not having musician basically breathing over your shoulder and listening to hostess ask him what he wants to eat that night. save your time and money and go elsewhere read more

This was our third but unfortunately last time at Ponds. Our server Ruben just didn't seem to care about our experience and didn't make eye contact which I find disconcerting. The food was ok but not equal to the prices. Just a note of thanks to the woman who brought our drinks, and the bussers/runners that were attentive and Alot friendlier than our server. read more

This was right across our hotel from SCP Hilo so it was a convenient place to get lunch. Cocktails were really cheap (2 for $18--which is the price of 1 cocktail in Oahu!) and were so-so. I ordered the seafood linguine while my husband had the French dip--nothing too special. But what this place has going for it is it's right by the water on Hilo Bay. It was pretty awesome watching the fish and the honu swim by while having lunch and the views were breathtaking. read more

As a local in the Hawaiian islands, and a visitor to Hilo, I appreciate a very good meal at a fair price. However, I was extremely disappointed with the meal at the Pond. To start, I had ordered a glass of Chiati to start my dinner...it tasted old. Our server graciously exchanged it with a Cab, which I sincerely appreciated. It was much better. We enjoyed the steamed clams, the salad with a nice papaya seed vinaigrette. However, my entree, a 10 ounce Prime Rib was absolutely terrible. There was little to no seasoning, AND...it was cold! My goodness...the was a $56 dinner. I was so disappointed. I will say, the service was very, very good. The atmosphere was nice, the ambiance was lovely. read more

Food was terrible. Meat ball was dry. Spaghetti noodles were being cut short. and cold. Waitress came to collect dirty plates with others customers dirty plates put on top. It was disguised. read more

My colleague and I got in late and was hungry. I saw Ponds was still opened and sped down to get there before they closed. As soon as we got in the hostess was very kind and offered to seat us and let us dine in. The server then came made small talk with us and of course being that that was our first time there we asked for recommendations and was told their meat loaf is the bomb and being that she's a native, I took her recommendation. It wasn't bad but it wasn't so good. Same can be said for the bread pudding. I will say go for the views, it really was nice to overlook the pond, even at night. read more

We had a magnificent time at Ponds with two friends who identified this magnificent restaurant as their favorite hangout. Shawn, bartender and waiter, was generous with the pours and attentive to our every need. I am a Mai Tai expert. And Shawn's were eleven on a ten point scale! Our table enjoyed the Crab Cakes Benedict, Captain's Boat (fried fish, shrimp and scallops over garlic fries), a Chicken Salad (with Salmon substituted for the chicken -- my wife is like that [she could have ordered the salmon salad]), Furikake Seared Ahi and the Calamari Tempura. When we left, I felt like Kamehameha! (The cost for this feast for four -- including 4 Margaritas, 2 beers and 2 Mai Tais -- was under $200. We'll be back!) read more

Atmosphere is very romantic and service is well executed. Food is overall ok. The Caesar Salad is not a Ceaser Salad. Salad greens with no croutons. A bit of shredded cheese on the top with an awfully off taste dressing that only drained down to the bottom of the bowl. Recommend the ponds go online and find out what a Ceaser Salad is. read more

Food is good but be careful ordering to go. This was 55.00 and half the portion you get if you dine in. read more

Ponds Hilo - 2 orders fish and chips and one side of french fries. 55.00 - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

This place is a sentimental favorite in my family. We went recently for my hubby's 85th birthday, and it was just as wonderful as we recalled. The food was tasty, the service excellent and the ambience a delight. The only downside was prices were not what they were years ago! LOL. But what is? read more

Food presentation was great! Flavor not so much. It sure did rack up an over 300.00 bill. The food flavor was not worth the price. Service was good. Waiter was good. Im not sure if prices are high because of mainland visitors but ouch. Sadly we will not be visiting again. read more

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Went here at about 3:00 pm on Valentine's Day. Was not that busy when we showed up. Was asked as we walked in if it was going to take more then 35 minutes to eat?? What in the world????? Why would one ask that??? It took the waiter 10 minutes just to get to my table because he was outside smoking as we came in! To say the least the hostess at the desk that asked that question seemed to have an attitude for some unknown reason. We are the ones who pay for your job here!!! Someone needs to be retrained on customer service! The food was not bad ok at best but for the price I choose from now on to go to the coconut grill across the street. At least the service is very pleasant with great food at a very good price and amazing customer service!!! read more

Love the food and the wait staff is awesome!!! Scott is my favorite. Can't wait to be back and bring my husband next. Great food, atmosphere, and staff read more

We had dinner there! Our food was delicious and our services were excellent the views from there were amazing too read more

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Overall good food. Little pricey but for the fresh seafood it's understandable. Waitress was super nice but a little rushy about getting our order in and having us choose what we want. read more

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I REALLY want to like Ponds. It has a great location. It's cozy in a dive bar way. But alas... I just can't recommend. Food is average and really overpriced for what you get. I used to go for a Mai Tai and sit in the bar area but at my last visit I was served what was the worst Mai Tai I have ever tasted. I think the regular bartender called out for the night and they had a young kid behind the bar. I'm sure he tried but you shouldn't be placed in that position if you can't make a signature drink like that. So I don't blame him. I didn't say anything as we had dinner plans elsewhere. It's a shame really. Ponds has SO much potential. It just need some TLC from the owners. The Good: Great location, cozy and full of potential The Bad: Overpriced and not great food. Chances I'll be back: I'm gonna give a Mai Tai another try at some point. read more

I like this restaurant. Something about dining next to some pristine ponds that makes the night even better. The restaurant was busy on a Saturday evening and our reservation for 5 persons were for 6:30. Our table was ready for us and we were promptly seated overlooking the ponds. After ordering cocktails we ordered the escargot and the steamed clams. The escargot was prepared with spinach and cheese like how they prepare oyster Rockefeller. It was good but a little too cheesy for my taste. The clams were tiny and served in an asian broth that tasted like lemon grass. I wasn't a fan of the flavor and I don't like to eat small clams, the rest of the table enjoyed them though. For my entree I ordered the appetizer sizzling Teri steak platter with no pineapple and it was super delicious if you like teriyaki. My son enjoyed his fall of the bone short ribs. The Ahi Caesars salad was a hit with blackened ahi on it. The meatloaf was good but the creme brûlée. Yes, I would eat here again. The quality and service was very good, read more

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4th time to Hilo, over the years - 1st 3 rained soo hard never left the car. Picture perfect day this time. 2 different areas - the very old downtown and hotel district. Stumbled upon ponds - sure glad I did. Located literally on a gorgeous pond. Share a special seafood Alfredo - tasted really good, filled with shrimp, scallops, other fish. Came with 4 small pieces of toasted bread. 2nd. Dish was whitefish, garlic mashed potatoes, small amount of vegetables- good also. Long Island tea - Hawaii style, with dash of coconut. Excellent scenery. Good service . read more