Great selection. Helpful staff and convenient location (tho parking lot is a little tight). They…read moreoffer shipping and can help with packing for traveling as well. They have a variety of flavors for kettle, taro, sweet potato or mix chips. Not just about the kettle cooked potato chips of my childhood. Loved the Hawaiian Chili Pepper Taro Chips.

The TARO chips!!!…read more The cashier was amazing. So welcoming and knowledgeable. They have a rewards program (stamp card). Beware of the samples!!! You will buy more than you can carry. Thankfully they offer free shipping for orders more than $80.00 Side Note- The slightly burnt chips are amazing as poke nachos.

Ono lau lau's!! Gotta still try everything else on their menu!! Still undecided on what to try…read morefirst but I probably will figure it out when ordering again.

I didn't get the 4 for $7 deal got the mainlander 3 for $10…read more Anyway the lau lau is serious son! as they say here broke da mouth! Perfectly done pork wrapped in taro leaves cooked to perfection. Thank you sir and next time hook up the 4 for $7 deal bruh!

When in Hilo, two must stop places are Two Ladies mochi and George's meat market! Back before 9/11…read moreever took place, we would stop at George's with our cooler bag and stock up on prepared meats (oxtail being my favorite) and head back to Oahu. Once 9/11 occurred it made stopping at George's a little more effort so that we could get frozen meat back home without ice. However, George's came up with their absolutely delicious thin beef jerkies and that has been a must buy ever since!! And now, they have the best snacks and energy bars! I've not been able to go lately but a friend of mine was gracious enough to offer to purchase for me and bring it back to me!! I feel ever so lucky to have bags of beef jerky and energy bars in my hands!! Hoping to get to George's myself soon!!

They also sell Gluten free pasta for Italy, Excellent extra…read moreVirgin Olive oil and good from Italy!

We've been to Lehua many times now, and every single time we leave wondering why we haven't written…read morea review yet. So here it is! There is something truly special about this restaurant. The food, the service, the atmosphere, the people... everything just works beautifully together. First, the food. Absolutely outstanding. Every single time. Their homemade bread is slightly sweet, served with butter and black salt, and it's wonderful. The fried kalo might genuinely be one of the best appetizers we've ever had. Imagine little golden, crispy bites that practically melt in your mouth, served with pickled red onions, microgreens, and a wonderfully herbaceous green aioli. If you've never tried kalo, this is where you should start. The house salad is another favorite, featuring local cucumbers and Kamuela tomatoes. It's served closer to room temperature, which I actually love, and the sweet balsamic vinaigrette brings everything together beautifully. We keep coming back for the chuck steak. The preparation stays consistent, but the finishing touches change with the rotating menu, so there's always something a little different to experience. Tonight it was finished with herb butter and mushrooms, accompanied by mashed potatoes and green beans. The potatoes are simple, almost like a canvas for everything else happening on the plate. And the portions are incredibly generous. The smaller chuck steak could easily feed a family with a few additional sides. And those green beans! We loved them so much that we asked how they were prepared, and our server happily shared the secret. Which brings me to something I particularly appreciate about Lehua. The staff genuinely love sharing their knowledge. There's no gatekeeping, no pretentiousness, no making you feel silly for asking questions. We asked about the salad dressing, and they explained exactly how to make it. The same with the green beans. That kind of openness says so much about the people behind the food. Our server tonight, Bryson, was wonderful. Knowledgeable, warm, attentive, and full of recommendations without ever making us feel pressured. He suggested a chocolate mochi dessert with caramel sauce and sesame caramel taffy from their new pastry chef. I wasn't entirely sure it sounded like something I'd love, but we trusted his recommendation. And WOW. It was extraordinary. That's actually my biggest piece of advice for anyone visiting Lehua. Trust them. Be adventurous. Order something you might ordinarily pass over. These people know exactly what they're doing, and somehow every flavor, every texture, every ingredient comes together in a way that just makes sense. The atmosphere is equally lovely. We've enjoyed live Hawaiian music during our visits, always at a comfortable volume that adds to the evening rather than overwhelming it. The tables are thoughtfully spaced, the seating is comfortable, and you can actually enjoy a private conversation. It's relaxed, intimate, and welcoming. We've celebrated our anniversary here, when the staff thoughtfully surprised us with a card, and we've also visited just because we wanted a wonderful dinner. It works beautifully for both. You can dress up for a special occasion or come comfortably dressed for a casual evening. It's Hawaiʻi. The emphasis on locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients makes the experience even more meaningful. This is the kind of place I would bring every friend or family member who comes to visit us. Not because it's some exaggerated, touristy version of Hawaiʻi, but because it feels genuinely connected to the island. There's also a beautiful little lei stand, which is worth checking out if you're celebrating something special. The selection is limited, so I'd recommend asking ahead if you're hoping to purchase several. And definitely make a dinner reservation. The prices are remarkably reasonable for the quality, portions, and experience. Lehua is tucked away in a peaceful setting on the college campus, and I think that's part of its charm. Nothing feels rushed, forced, or overly produced. Great food is one thing. Great hospitality is another. Finding both, consistently, in the same restaurant is something special. Lehua has become one of our absolute favorite places to eat on the Big Island, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.

Lehua Restaurant is a part of UH Hilo's Upper Campus and located in one of the astronomy buildings…read more The entrance is a little hard to find because it's tucked away. We've been to Hilo countless times but this was our first time at this restaurant and I say it's definitely one of the fancier restaurants that aren't located in downtown Hilo. We liked that because the parking was easier than town and it's not as sketchy of an area to walk around when the sun goes down. We RSVP'd in advance for my parent's anniversary and got seated right away with no issues. The restaurant is big with large windows to highlight the lush greenery that surrounds it. For a party of seven we had the option of a "half oval" table or your traditional seating across each other. We opted for the half oval, which gave us a nice view of the light live music that was playing. Service was good, we got checked up on multiple times and never had any issue with anything missing or not refilled. The food was amazing to say the least. Started off with complimentary bread and volcanic salted butter - bread was soft but wish it was warm so our butter could melt on top. Crab dynamite skillet - reminded us of a single serve sushi bake and we giggled at the Korean seaweed that was brought out to accompany it. Tinono - super flavorful and was similar to a small plate of "Lechon kawali". Calamari - cut into strips and served with an addicting chili sauce. Rib eye steak - so flavorful with a yummy compound butter to compliment it. All of our fish was cooked perfectly with the inside moist. I'm not really a fan of cooked fish but Lehua Restaurant executed the seared ahi so well I still think about it. The kulolo lumpia was addicting and that dessert alone got me so many "asks" when I posted it on my IG story. Overall I would definitely recommend this restaurant and I'm already fitting it into our itinerary for the next time we visit.

I bought the frozen mild Portuguese sausage at a small roadside grocery store. I was so pleased…read morethat it is lean and very tasty. I will definitely buy more next time I visit the big island.

Came to Franks on referral from a cuz on Oahu. We frequent Hilo to visit da in-laws. It was…read morerecommended! Grabbed 10 blood sausage and 3 vinegar longanisa. Service window is fast, sausage is frozen, so it'll keep for our 45 min flight home. I can't wait to taste!!!

Anyone growing up in Hawaii knows about One-Ton chips, and with good reason. These deep fried…read morestrips of won ton pi (wrapper) are such an addictive snack, the perfect blend of crunchy, salty, and sweet. There have been many times I've opened a 4 oz. bag and finished in a flash wanting more, so good thing they sell 15 oz. resealable bags too. At this factory they sell furikake flavored One-Ton chips which to my personal preference are a tad too sweet, I think I'd stick with the original. They also sell cookies which I didn't get a chance to try but heard are also delicious. The outside of the building is bland and you might miss it driving by. Press the Ring doorbell and someone will answer promptly. If you're lucky enough to go when they're making chips you'll enjoy delicious smells, and if you're really lucky one of the aunties will bring you hot fresh chips to taste. Holy smokes, there are few things better than that!

I grew up enjoying their one-ton chips even to this day I still do! I do enjoy their specialty…read more furikake mix. I been to their factory/warehouse during the holidays with family that came from California and Montana!

Big selection of beef jerky, big selection of crispy red jerky. Lots of candy, especially gummy…read morebears. All kinds of flavors, mango, strawberry, green apple, and more. If you like beef jerky check it out.

The KitKat bags looks old and when I checked they expired three months ago. After we left I saw the…read morecandy my kids' got expired 4 months ago. I didn't know you were allowed to sell expired food. Nice smaller selection of specialty jerky, but I guess just check the expirations dates before you buy anything.

They offer local products from smaller businesses which is a really nice touch. Staff is friendly…read moreas well.

"You can die anytime, but living takes true courage." -- Kenshin Himura…read more What a wonderful health food store & gift shop. If you're wondering: "Locavore" is a person whose diet consists only or principally of locally grown or produced food. Add a bunch of uniques gift ideas by Big Island artists and life is complete. Located in the heart of old town Hilo on Kilauea Avenue is where you'll find Locavore or as locals will know it's next to Ben Franklin. The staff of Sam and Audrey were genuinely kind and welcoming. I was most impressed with their knowledge of products and pride in what they had to offer. My sister (who I was visiting) purchased fresh non-GMO produce and pickled namasu. Since I was visiting Hilo I chose unique stickers and postcards to take home with me. I really felt a warm peaceful vibe while browsing around The Locavore Store. On a Sunday afternoon it was filled with curious customers. Health conscience hippies, those looking for island arts & crafts, and a few locals living la viva Locavore lifestyle. What a fab gem in old town Hilo. Til next time... Pls follow my adventures IG: @eric_travel_guru

Hilo work day trip. Stopped here for lunch and crack seed!! Where else can you get such a combo?…read morePicked up lunch for a small crew and everyone enjoyed their meals. I had the HUGE Kim chee hot dog, friends had the fish burger, furikake fish, jac chae and Kim chee burger. Then I bought crack seed snacks to bring back to Oahu as they had combos we don't have like licorice apricots, sweet sour kumquat and hot li hing mango. I didn't get photos of the seeds as my sons quickly grabbed them and devoured when I got home! The service was also so kind and friendly as is typical of Hilo.

Crack seed. For us…read morelocals in Hawai'i, these snacks were childhood staples. The crack seed store, a classic place where vibes of nostalgia are generated every time I walk into one. 'Cause I grew-up with li hing mui and arare. There's a small number of locally-owned crack seed shops on the Big Island of Hawai'i and in Hawai'i in general. This is one of them, the "local-style candy store" for an island boy like me. I enter 5-Spice, located in East Hawai'i after the intersection of Kilauea Ave and W Puainako St, heading south. I remember frequenting this business when it used to be at Puainako Town Center. Their popularity over the years gave them the ability to move to a larger space. Now independently located in their own building with ample parking. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Would I be able to control myself, holding onto what's desired without adding anything extra? It's always impossible for me to do so. Everytime. Yummy preserved items in large display jars, others placed in vacuum sealed bags. All priced by-the-ounce. I become curious, wanting to taste it again. I go to my favorites, seeking them first while browsing through the visual display of many others. Cracked seed goodness on one side, bagged candies and sweets on the other. I've seen this all before yet, I stand still with the desire to place it all in my hands. And I sure do, my hands are full. I mail them to the U.S. mainland in care packages, travel to the neighbor-islands as omiyage, and personally enjoy them at work or at home as snacks. They make great gifts for friends and coworkers too. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Let's talk about food, where mouth-watering plates and yummy burgers are prepared. Bentos are packed to-go on the countertop. Offering an extensive menu for a take-out, all made to enjoy outside on picnic tables or elsewhere. Daily specials are available along with catering + platters too. Front service by the team at the counter is pleasant, attentive. Gratitude is always extended for every purchase. Comfortable, courteous, welcoming. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Meat Jun Plate" A light egg batter and thinly sliced beef served in an upscale fashion due to care in preparation and quality of flavor. The soft and indulgent texture of each meat jun piece, perfectly seasoned + cooked. Your choice of tossed greens, purple sweet potato or macaroni salad. "Honey Chicken Plate" Featuring a crazy yummy sweet and savory glaze, sticky and glossy. This sauce, this recipe creation is glorious. Chicken pieces are tender yet slightly crispy on the exterior. "Bibimbap" Freshly made Korean banchan, thinly sliced seasoned beef over white rice. I pour the gochujang over everything and mix-in the sunny side egg, bringing forward a creamy texture along with heat + depth. Choose the sweet potato salad as your side. "Gravy Burger Combo w/ French Fries" This massive burger patty is filling, satisfying. Charred and smothered in rich brown gravy served with lettuce and mayo. Choose the sweet bread bun, the seasoned salt on their fries makes all the difference. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Delicious food to-go with generous portions, sealed bags of cracked seed items + sweet treats at 5-Spice. For enjoyment at home, to share at work, gifts or omiyage. Find this charm, this unique and tasty experience on the Big Island of Hawai'i - East side. Locally owned and operated.

I like the guy that works there he knows if they have the products II am looking for .read more

The produce was not fresh, very wilted. There were expired things on the shelves. Sticky floors and…read morerusty shelves. They have most of the Filipino and Chinese stuff, not so much Korean or Japanese. There is also some Vietnamese and Thai stuff. Considering that it's like the only place in Hilo to get Asian stuff for cooking at home, it's okay