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    Taco Aina

    4.9 (17 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 weeks ago

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    Kaliko K.

    Let me first start by saying, "Where have I been? Under a rock!" @tacoaina is located right off the Keaʻau-Pāhoa Hwy, not too far past Makuʻu Market if you're going toward Pāhoa Town. To say I was taken by surprise is an understatement. There were three different tacos on the menu today, and we got two of each. The three tacos were asada, lengua, and chicken mole. Lengua (Beef Tongue): The meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned--the perfect savory element/protein to assume the "main character" role. The meat was doused in a bright and zesty salsa verde and topped with cilantro and onions. Every ingredient had a role, and every single one of them gave Oscar-winning performances. This was by far my favorite taco out of the three available today. Bravissimo! Chicken Mole: The chicken was moist, succulent, and bathed in a deep, earthy, nutty, velvety, and aromatic mole that genuinely took my breath away. The notes of tomato and garlic from the rice were like a warm hug, and the pickled onions cut through the richness and nuttiness of the mole in the most complimentary way. Exquisite! Asada (Beef): The asada tacos were my least favorite, but only because of the texture. The meat had a bit of a chew, and I prefer mine to be more tender, but that's it. Flavor-wise, these were a 10/10! As an honorable mention, I must bring up the salsas, sauces, sides, and the two char-grilled jalapenos that came with our tacos. Every single salsa, sauce, and side was exceptionally delicious. And the charred jalapenos were a nice touch. I'm so happy that I finally made it, and I'm now a HUGE FAN! All of you need to follow @tacoaina and try her food immediately! Big Island Foodie & Traveler approved = PS Since posting my story during lunch, three people told me that her birria is up there with THE BIG DAWGS and that she usually serves birria on Tuesdays. I guess I'll be back on Tuesday Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo

    Shrimp and Fish taco. Cabbage slaw, lime crema, pico de gallo and a chile de arbol salsita
    Samdooby R.

    This place is ridiculous. Delicious, fresh, and way more than authentic. I tried a carne asada, carnita, mahi, and shrimp taco. Carne asada was moist, well seasoned and tender. Great char on it and great taste. This was my favorite.. Carnitas was made from buche (pig stomach) and was DELICIOUS. Moist, clean tasting and addictive. Fish and shrimp tacos were good. Nice crisp fry on the fish, moist and flaky and HUGE. The cabbage slaw was refreshing and the acid from the lime and pico de gallo was needed to cut thru the richness of the batter. Same w/ the shrimp taco. Delicious. Kiki also gave me a side of pickled onions, jicama, pepino (cukes). The pickled onions were delicious. Allspice, bay leaf, and clove were distinct flavors coming thru and on point. Her knowledge of flavors are unmatched. By far this is THE best food truck for Mexican food on the island. Others don't even come close. She posts her days on Instagram so best follow her to find out where and when she's selling. It's worth your taste buds.

    three boxes of tacos on a table

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    4 months ago

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    Kiki L.

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    2 months ago

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    Kiki L.

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    3 months ago

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    Kiki L.

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    8 months ago

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    Kiki L.

    Tommy, I appreciate your taking the time to review your experience.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    Kiki L.

    Lana, I appreciate the positive feedback. Thank you.

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Super friendly and delicious. We are leaving next Tuesday when she is back again. Wish we could go back again!

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    La Jefa Island Tacos

    La Jefa Island Tacos

    4.1(21 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    For a non brick and mortar store. I like them!!!! So looking over to the right next to the fruit…read morestand is La Jefa island tacos. Had to get the fish tacos, because you are in Hawaii, the super burrito birria because why not. Was not disappointed on the other hand I was very pleased with my choices . I had to ask for extra pickle pepper , just needed the extra acid and heat. I also had the freshly made churros with cinnamon sugar. Crispy crunchy soft in the middle. Luck I had some vanilla ice cream in the freezer. Perfect match. Service was on spot . Everyone wore masks , they had a dedicated person for taking orders, another cooking, and one doing the final finish work. . Will come back

    Ok, finally found this place setup after couple no-shows. Really wanted to like ( or love) the food…read moreafter much anticipation. Pros: friendly/fast service, composite earth friendly containers. Cons: very bland food. Thankfully brought home and doctored up with everything Mexican we had...( onions, salsa, sour cream, hot sauce, Avocado, cilantro, even cheese!)!! Had we bought to take to eat elsewhere, we wouldn't have eaten sadly. No slow cooked authentic taste at all. Hubby had Carne Asada burrito grande, after first bite he said meat was like ground beef. He couldn't see any sour cream, cheese either so he wasn't happy having to put our own toppings on to make it enjoyable. My lengua quesadilla grande was supposed to have extra toppings inside as well but just got meat/cheese. Both meats very diced , and rice/beans also NO flavor, 22 bucks, sadly won't be back.

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    Rico's Taco Shop - Rico's signage

    Rico's Taco Shop

    4.7(42 reviews)
    17.9 mi

    TLDR - the staff are very nice and this place is very convenient when visiting the area, but I know…read moreI'll never come back. The food was tasteless and I don't appreciate when places try to get a double tip. Food options around the area are very limited, but I encourage tourists to take a chance and explore further. This place is a great convenience for people visiting Hawaii's Volcano National Parks and are starving after a long day of sightseeing. Unfortunately, I was very let down considering the great reviews it has online. This is a food truck, so as expected, the parking is extremely limited and there are only two picnic tables available if you choose to sit down and eat. The area is nice if you don't mind eating outdoors. When I went, there were only 2 people working in the truck. They were extremely nice and did warn us about waiting times. There was a long line of people so we had to wait about 25mins for our food. Honestly, this is not inherently a problem, but be ready to wait if it's busy. Now for the food and the reason I'm giving this place a low rating. I was allowed to mix the carnitas tacos and the chicken taco plate given that they're all the same price. The chicken had a nice spice to it, but every item on the dish was very bland. The rice felt dry, the refried beans felt like they were straight out of a can, and it could have all used some salt. But the big nono was that it appears they included a tip in their total before handing the machine over to you to add a tip and pay. Unless you tell me Hawaii's tax is close to 20% (which I know it's not), I find it very disrespectful when businesses do this to their customers.

    Food takes a while, as they're just two people running the cart! I liked the birria tacos the most…read more The couple was so kind.

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    Rico's Taco Shop - Birria de Res taco plate.

    Birria de Res taco plate.

    Rico's Taco Shop - Carnitas taco trio

    Carnitas taco trio

    Rico's Taco Shop - Fresh produce. We try to use ingredients grown in Hawaii as much as possible.

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    Pahoa Fresh Fish

    Pahoa Fresh Fish

    4.4(368 reviews)
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    Pāhoa Fresh Fish is pure joy on a plate. If you know, you…read moreknow. Pāhoa Fresh Fish is one of those places that instantly puts you in a better mood before you even take a bite. The fish is consistently fresh, perfectly cooked, and incredibly ono, especially the mahi, which somehow manages to be tender, flavorful, and satisfying every single time. What really sets this place apart is the unique way they prepare the fish. It's simple, honest, and done right no gimmicks, just skill, care, and respect for good ingredients. You can taste the experience and the love in every bite. This is the kind of food that makes you stop talking for a second because you're too busy enjoying it. And let's talk about the French fries, because they deserve their own shout-out. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfectly seasoned absolute comfort food perfection. Paired with the fish, it's a combo that never misses. The vibe at Pāhoa Fresh Fish is just as good as the food. It's friendly, down-to-earth, welcoming, and full of aloha. The people working there are kind, relaxed, and genuinely happy to see you. It feels like a place made for the community, not just another stop to grab food. This spot creates a lot of happy, happy people. You see it in the smiles, the satisfied silence at the tables, and the way folks keep coming back again and again. We're incredibly lucky to have a place like this in our town a place that feeds people well, lifts spirits, and brings a little extra joy into everyday life. Mahalo nui loa to Pāhoa Fresh Fish for the amazing food, the good vibes, and all the full bellies and happy hearts you've given our community. Mahalo KAPONO JIM

    The service is quick, and friendly, I liked that you can pick more than one kind of fish in your…read moreorder. The fries are a nice side and their slaw was delicious. There's limited seating. We didn't try the desserts but a local "Lava Punch" of ginger and tumeric was awesome.

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    Menu 8/22

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    Pahoa Fresh Fish - 11/15/22 menu

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    11/15/22 menu

    Taco Aina - tacos - Updated May 2026

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