Awesome food, ahi don is killer. Gotta get the garlic rice, it's so delish! The service is good too! I had the falafel here last time, I really enjoyed it. Local, Mediterranean street food infusion at its best! read more

This was one of the best restaurants I have ever been to.I ordered the eggplant tempura and loved it. That's hard to do, since I normally can't stand eggplant. Thank you for an amazing dinner in my last day in Hawai'i! A happy fourth grader. read more

We all had the fresh fish special ono Kati's in Don sauce and can totally recommend it. Nice and friendly service. Decor is lacking and it was a bit warm for us non acclimated Norcal weenies. Would absolutely go back however, perhaps on a cooler day... read more

Ok hands down one of the best tasting meals i've had in Hilo. I've been coming to Hilo for about 10 years now for business. I must say that 10 years ago there weren't many great eateries here. However, Its places like Puka Puka Kitchen that are bringing up the level of food spots in Hilo. I decided to get the chicken katsu curry. The chicken katsu was cooked to perfection. The chicken was lean and tender while the katsu batter was light and crispy. The curry was flavorful while the garlic fried rice was a highlight to the dish and added to the presentation and aesthetics of the meal. The waitress was very friendly. Its basically a hole in the wall set up so don't expect to impress a date with the decor. The only issue was that the food is quite pricey. I understand the quality however, I would like bigger portions with my meal. I will be back for sure to try other items from their menu! read more

Puka Puka Kitchen - Chicken Katsu Curry! - Asian Fusion Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Puka puka kitchen had me scratch my head when I saw their menu. They seemed to be a Japanese restaurant but they also had some Mediterranean options (Hummus, Falafel and Tzatziki sauce). Anyways, as a vegetarian I was happy to have one extra choice. Overall food was good. Hubby had the falafel pita sandwich and enjoyed it. Overall I'd say food was good, service was fine but nothing to rave about. read more

We like trying hole in a wall restaurants. This is one of them with just 4 (?) tables, smaller than probably your kitchen at home. One server (everything) and two chefs. It serves Hawaiian Japanese plates. But we like the homey feel and we were grabbing a quick bite on our way to our next destination. The sauté local lamb chop was indeed tender and tasty. The accompanying salad was big! It also had some tourist guides/map. Cute kitty decors. read more

Amazing food! Must try restaurant if you are visiting Hilo! We had lunch there and I wanted to go back for another meal the next day!

Went here with my daughters. We all ordered different things and shared every time. I don't know how "Hawaiian" the teriyaki burger is, but it was perfect. My favourite was the Chicken Katsu. The garlic rice was wonderful and having two kids, sitting at the picnic tables was just the way to enjoy our food. We were staying at Uncle Billy's and asked the front desk for a local place that was good to take kids to. he recommended this place. We wound up going here three times in the 10 days we were on Hawaii. More impressive, the waitress remembered us and was very helpful, even telling us how to get to certain scenic spots that were tucked away up the hill in the residential area. read more

Super happy that we decided to come here. My fiancee wasnt sure but I convinced him by looking itnup on yelp. The place is small-a hole in the wall place. However, the food was delicious! Great portions for the amount youre paying. I got tree he chicken katsu and my fiancee got the ahi don plate. Definitely worth it. I would definitely come back here if I lived on the island. :) read more

Puka Puka Kitchen - Very small place- with 4 tables. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Absolutely delicious food! I ordered the lamb and my husband had the Ahi both were so good and in authentic Hawaiian Style! I would definitely come back and can guarantee if you're a foodie you will love the food. The atmosphere is very relaxed kind of like a hole in the wall deli right across from the Hilo Bay. It's a good location to walk off the meal. read more

Puka Puka Kitchen - Lamb plate - Asian Fusion Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Great grab and go place. We grabbed some dumplings and assorted bento boxes for brunch. This place was cheap, fast and tasty. Recommend! read more

Puka Puka Kitchen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Classic local Japanese inspired food executed with precision and care that shows all the way down. This hole in the wall is a must if you want to taste really, really good local food. read more

Great little hole in the wall. Excellent prices and good food. We got the ahi pita sandwich and the mini lamb entrée. If you eat a normal amount, the mini is ample food. Lamb was tender, the ahi was succulent. The dishes were on the salty side, but that seems to be part of the Hawaiian palette. Simply ask for low salt. read more

I was very dissapoited with my falafel sandwich stale bread big greasy undercooked falafel old veggies and the sauce was raw thanti no lemon or spices plus bad fries they use to have the best in town but no more read more

Just the best ever. Fresh tasty and good old style aloha service. Best chicken katsu on the island and I really like how they serve the garlic rice and fresh salad with their plates. read more

As other reviewers have noted, the "dining room" is very compact. 5 chairs are provided at the front window which allows side-by-side seating so patrons can eat and look out the front window onto the sidewalk and street and bay beyond. In addition, there are maybe 4 tables. Long waits are not uncommon. That having been said, the food is worth the wait. I had a perfectly prepared plate of ono (see accompanying photo) with tasty sides. My wife had a plate which she enjoyed equally as much. Tip: given the usual number of local diners and visitors, especially when a ship has docked for the day, we found it best to have a late lunch. After about 2 PM, we just walked in and sat down. Good timing! read more

Found this place on Yelp and decided to try them for lunch during my trip to Hilo Place is pretty small, yet staff is friendly and ambiance is pretty casual and relaxed. After looking at their menu - I was kind of surprised to see prices in a bit un-usual way, like $15.11 or $11.23 - never seen such pricing in any other places ;-) Asked waitress what is good and special they are cooking today - she told me about "Buttered Ahi Tuna over Curry Rice" - hard to imagine at first, but I really want to try some local food! After my food arrived - I was surprised how nicely plate is decorated with greens and vegies, in addition to fish and rice. Here is some local food art work!!! ;-) But, the most important part - WOW, food itself - I really enjoyed that combo, it's so delicious - that it's probably my most impressive memory from my visit to Hilo!!! Very nice food, cozy place and friendly staff - I'm highly recommend anybody heading to Hilo to visit this place (and I'm a "Foodie") ;-) read more

Puka puka kitchen is really, really good! Think of the food critic on ratatouille, trying his meal, that's how you feel! read more

Puka Puka Kitchen - Ahi don........so gone! - Asian Fusion Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Very poor service and treatment from the lady at the register, possibly the owner. She discriminated against me from the start. Didn't seem to be pleased to take my order, I know this cause she acted different (better) to the ones before me (who were in my party) and the ones after me. Then, the other two in my party all got their food while my food took FORTY minutes to come out to me. It was a SALAD! Turns out it was sitting on the rack for her to pick up and bring to me for quite sometime. And she saw me keep looking questioningly at her wondering where my order was and she never bothered to check into it. Finally I caught the eye of one of the cooks and HE looked into it cause even he was perplexed that I would still been there waiting. He brought it to her attention. She brought it out not even an apology! Then wanted to make me feel out of place when I asked her to add a plastic fork and knife to the to go 'utensils', "Oh Umm we should have a fork I guess, but noooo we don't have a plastic kniffeee hereee..." like asking for these things was the most out of place request to make. Just her chopsticks, I guess, at least I got a fork from her. Sooo racist! See, I'm white and the friends that were with me are of Asian ethnicity. I guess she figured they were locals so they're okay and I'm just a haole, not welcome there. Funny thing is THEY are the ones that were visiting from the mainland and I am the one who lives here in Honolulu and brought them down there to sight see! Rude as anything and certainly no way to conduct business or treat patrons that come into give you their money, no matter what color they are or aren't. Don't be open to the public if you truly aren't willing to serve the public! read more

One of the best places in town for lunch. Very tasty and interesting food. Fast service. And the prices are quite reasonable if not to say inexpensive. The only problem is limited seating. They only have room for 16 people. read more

Puka Puka Kitchen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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I love the salmon pasta salad and the portion is worth it. Service fast & friendly staff.

The garlic rice is unbeatable! I had the lamb - so tender and tasty. The portions are big enough that I have lunch tomorrow! My husband had the ahi don. I'll have to order that next time. Service was quick and the staff really friendly. It looks like a little hole in the wall but don't pass it by! read more

Ended up here after reading some stellar yelp reviews and almost turned away based on the limited menu and tiny seating area......so glad we stayed! The food was amazing and even my picky 10 year old loved his BBQ chicken plate. We also had the katsu, ahi don, fried shrimp and falafel and they were all delicious! Each plate came with salad and rice ( both so tasty and fresh). Generous portions, fair price and great service. So glad. We stumble upon this gem, will definitely come eat again next time we are on the Big Island! read more

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Best food. Loved the lamb mini plate and if you are one of those who leaves their lettuce untouched, then DON'T. It was the best I've ever had. Buttery and perfect. Loved it!!! read more

Limited menu but we had the special of the day of chicken katsu curry and it was delicious! Came with a salad so super value for the price. Friendly people and service read more

Such GOOD food! The place is small so no big groups. We had the chicken katsu curry and it was amazing. My husband and I have a toddler and the staff talked to her and they were generally so nice. Please check this place out when in Hilo. read more

Google searched for lunch in Hilo and came across this little dive-y gem downtown! They made room for our stroller and sat us even though they were closing in 15 min. I had the ahi pita with garlic rice and it.was.delicious! I could easily have lunch here every day on our vaca yum! The ahi was sautéed and overflowing from the pita with lettuce and onions and a Tzakiki type dill sauce that you put on top. The garlic rice was also super yummy, cooked with curry and garlic and full of flavor! Highly recommend for an affordable lunch downtown. read more

Puka Puka Kitchen - Ahi tuna pita with garlic rice - Asian Fusion Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Great lamb plate. Seating is extremely limited. Usually can get a seat though. Price is a little steep considering the sparse, run-down dining area. Work partner loves the place. read more

This was a pretty decent meal. This is a whole in the wall spot that only seats about ten people. I'd honestly also say not the cleanest looking place, if you care. Food was good and had a ton a flavor. If you're hungry and looking for a quick bite I'd say give it a try. But don't go out of your way. read more

The first time I went to Puka Puka kitchen I ordered the sauteed Lamb. The two salad dressings that come with the plate creates a orchestra of differing taste that compliment each other. On another occasion, I found the eatery so busy there was a line forming outside. I was one of those patrons waiting patiently to order my sauteed lamb plate to go. Curious as to what the other folks were ordering, I found that each person in line was a regular, and we all expressed that we order the same thing everytime, and that each of us always ordered the very first thing we tried at Puka Puka Kitchen. The establishment is my favorite place to eat in Hilo. read more

Great food and very friendly. Also clean. Their rice is amazing! They also had an assortment of bento boxes at opening. Sold out in 30 minutes! They are doing something good with those. read more

This restaurant has the most excellent food on the island. Dreaming of the day we had lunch there and planning our next trip - dang that ocean between us! Delicious delicious food!! read more

Disappointing, to put it mildly. They were out of lamb but if they prepare it like the chucken, cut into tiny bits and pan fried into a greasy goo, then forget it. At $12 for 1/2 a pita sandwich, it was bad. While the leaf lettuce and 3 carrot slices were good, the chicken was terrible. read more

We were in Hilo for the day and went to find the best food there. Looked on Yelp and found Puka Puka and out of every restaurant, it got the best reviews. Not only the best reviews but the closest thing to Hawaiian food we could find. When we got there I was hesitant to settle for it but in the end so glad. To start, it is in a run down plaza and has 3 or 4 tables. The place is SUPER small. You couldn't really tell what kind of restaurant it was from the outside so at first I thought I was at the wrong place. The staff was super nice and the place was pretty clean. When I looked at the menu I noticed there was a mix of Japanese, Hawaiian and Persian/Mediterranean food. I tried the Chicken Katsu with salad and rice and was so surprised at how delicious it was!! WOW! The salad dressing they used had to have been the best dressing I ever had in my life and the Katsu was soooooo good. Everything tasted clean, fresh and healthy. I wish there was a place like this in Cali! If I ever come to Hilo again, I will definitely come back here to dine AND place and order to go! read more

Puka Puka Kitchen - Battered seafood and rice - Asian Fusion Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Delicious. The chicken katsu was really good. I didn't love the garlic rice, but everything else was great.

There is no shortage of establishments in Hilo offering so-called "local grindz", and I've tried many in the spirit of adventure. But Puka Puka is the only one I keep returning to. I almost always order the lamb, which is superb, but if it's late in the afternoon and they've run out, the falafel or chicken katsu are a fine choice. The salad that comes with is fresh and plentiful - a woman once walked in off the street to get a better look. The staff is friendly and the location provides for good people-watching and views of the bay. read more

Great destination for lunch. It is a small restaurant but we realized that they were dishing up delicious treats since we saw the local population swing by for bento boxes. Sampled the lamb plate and the ahi plate, I wish we had time to swing by again. read more

Puka Puka Kitchen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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we weren't impressed with the food at the hilo farmer's market. so after eating a half of a small chicken tamale, we decided to browse the nearby restaurants. what attracted us to puka puka kitchen was the price. got the special chicken katsu curry and the ahi tuna pita. definitely hit the spot. especially loved the ahi tuna pita. it came with a small salad in light dressing. the katsu was fried correctly. it wasn't big portion-wise but enough. cons: limited seating. this place was very small. if people didn't finish eating, then we couldn't dine there. also, after we ordered, they ran out of chicken (it was 12:30pm). so we were one of the last ones to order anything chicken. after we finished eating, we went back to the hilo farmer's market to shop convenient location. note: they have takeout. recommended!! read more

Good food and service. Small and crowded in the busiest part of Hilo. The seafood is fresh as expected and so is the salad. It's a bit pricey. read more

This place is really cute and quaint and the food is really good!!!! I don't remember what I ate there the one time I tried it out for lunch but it was really good!!! The menu consists of homestyle Japanese meals (and small snacks) as well as some local classics. I definitely recommend giving this place a try! read more