Great food and service! We stopped here for a quick, affordable and delicious lunch plate and breakfast plate. Workers are very sweet! We will definitely return! read more

After swimming all day at Coconut Island, our group of 11 was very hungry. Wanted to order on things so we decided not to go to a in and instead do a drive-in for faster service that was more affordable. We ended up choosing this drive-in and it was a great choice because the girl at the front register was very sweet and super caring. The food was all very delicious and filling one of the kids got weirded out by the pink hotdog sausage so they switched it out for a burger for them, and even gave all the kids a rice crispy, which is very nice. The customer service was exceptional, and the food was great. read more

Most tasteless beef stew ever. 2/3rds of the container was rice and about a scoop of stew. It wouldn't be so bad but the stew was tasteless. Plus they take so long, had 6 of us waiting and the staff had 5 workers and they still took forever read more

Verna's Drive In - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Friendly staff, quick service and close to our hotel. Food was good and reasonable prices. Convenient and plenty of parking. Forgot to take pictures of our food probably because we were excited to sit down and eat when we returned to our hotel. read more

Verna's Drive In - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

This review is only for the smoked meat plate! I got it the first time I went to Verna's (10+ years ago), and I haven't gotten any other item since then. The smoked meat plate is so ono (delicious), cooked with onions and a savory sauce. Comes with rice and Mac salad, hits the spot! Cute local Take-out spot with a few tables on the side (self-serve), a handful of parking spots, and friendly service. I visit a couple times a year and I know I should try something else, but I just crave their SM plate (my friends say their other food is good tho)! read more

Best local burger joint! Within walking distance from the pier. The manager is amazing and the food is oh so ono!

Verna's Drive-In - Blink, and you might zoom past this hidden gem tucked away in an unassuming parking lot on the corner. I tried the Smoked Meat and Onions, and let me tell you, every last bite disappeared. The meat was incredibly juicy, and those onions were as sweet as candy. Count on it - this place has already won my heart, and I'll definitely be back for another round when I'm in Hilo! read more

Verna's Drive In - SMOKE MEAT! - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Didn't realize they were still open!!! I thought they closed down during 2019 and I'm so glad to find out they're still going strong!! I used to come by at odd hours for the fried rice all the time LOL (still as fluffy and delicious as ever~ I'd almost forgotten the taste of a good hawaiian style fried rice ) Sorry no pics on the fried rice- ate 'em too fast haha. Around $6 for a side of fried rice; it comes in one of those little soup/chili containers, and it's sooooo good~ Glad they're still serving all-day fried rice (don't ask me about breakfast hours bc I have no clue lmao). I will say it did taste a bit different than what I remembered. Strangely enough, I got a strong, almost minty flavor/aroma from the rice while I was eating? My best guess is that they started putting cilantro into it bc that's the only thing that makes sense. Tasted great for the most part! 90% sure the menthol smell/taste is just cilantro messing with me again Branched out and got a kimchi burger as well this time- it's pretty simple, just a burger + bun + kimchi, but ohhhh my goodness it's so ono! Super flavorful, you can taste it's an actual beef burger and not whatever flat meat you get from McDonald's. It's a good amount of beef, and the kimchi is delightfully crunchy! I have the spice tolerance of a child, so usually I'm kind of wary of things like this, but I will say the spiciness of the kimchi was just right! Just enough heat to feel it, but not so much it overwhelms the flavor of the burger! Really adds a nice kick to the whole thing- I'm definitely getting another one of these next time!!! Prices are about what you would find anywhere else in Hilo, but actually worth the money. I'm cheap, so the $6 price for a burger still kills me a little inside, but considering inflation it isn't too bad. I mean, it's about what I paid at college for a burger. Considering I was just about to spend $15+ at McDonalds, $6 for a burger I'd actually enjoy eating isn't too a bad price to pay! read more

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Not sure how this place is in business. The beef stew is awful, rude service and expensive prices. The trifecta.

We ordered the Kohole plate (shrimp, fried chicken, and teriyaki beef). All were tasty, although the macaroni salad was a cut above. Plenty of rice and cabbage to round out the meal and definitely enough to share. Service was prompt, about 10 minutes with several ahead of us in queue. No lemonade, had to settle for fruit punch. No toilet for customers. read more

Verna's Drive In - Kohole plate - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

My traditional favorite "roast pork plate, fries instead of rice, sloppy (gravy all over, including on the Mac salad)" is still a reliable indulgence despite the recent price increases. "Katsu Dip" was two big perfectly cooked pieces of sliced chicken katsu soaked in a yummy sauce. Current staff is winning. Counter staff is wayyyy more friendly than before, and kitchen staff seems to be doing a great job as well. French fries are almost always slightly undercooked though. I don't like the burgers; they just taste "off" for some reason. Picnic table/cinder block seating area is clean and airy but serves prison vibes. Take your plates and go eat by the ocean in Keaukaha or Banyan Drive right behind Verna's. read more

Quick ordering and service. Food will fill you. Ordered kimchi fries...weak in sauce and sparse in kimchi. Good fries if plain. Oyster sandwich on burger bun.. 4 breaded deep fried oysters with minimal tarter sauce, (ordered NO iceberg lettuce but extra tarter (thin and "extra," no show); grilled fried noodles plate...not! Soy only with slivered spam & fish cakes...Nah... Order ToGo due to shortage of tables if ordering during peak "rush hours." read more

Since this place is within walking distance from our hotel, we decided to take a short walk instead of driving. It was a about 6:45pm local time and no wait to order. Got a BLT and hamburger Loco. It hits the spot. Fast service, good food, and very reasonable prices. Worth a return visit. read more

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Amazingly fast service today. Friendly staff. On beautiful banyan drive Delicious choice. Chicken drummetts. read more

Verna's Drive In - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Brah it's been a couple years since I've been gone , last time I was here VERNAS WAS HOLDING and still worth it , I came back this year and MAN , 4 MANA burgaz and 4 drinks was nearly 50 dollars , and I pay all of that for all my mana Burgaz HAVE REGULAR SLICES OF BREAD , a mana burger is an egg ontop of a teri burger INSIDE OF A GRILL CHEESE , which means MY BREAD SHOULDVE BEEN TOASTED , you guys close early and pay more, with less adequate food service , YOU GUYS BETTER WAKE UP read more

Plenty of food for the price! Great place to grab a quick bite after hanging out at the beach! Always CAN! read more

This is where Loco Moco was invented, as legend would have it. I came here on a pilgrimage to overeat my favorite local dish before they closed forever and managed to slip on their final day. This was one of my saddest wonderful meals ever. The original Loco Moco. I can't even finish this review, I need to mourn. read more

Verna's Drive In - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Vernas was rubbishhh! Had no line so we stopped , took 20 minutes for our order and it wasnt even cooked to where it was edible Got a breakfast plate scrambled eggs with bacon , bacon was so flimsy and undercooked ! Ordered a terri burger deluxe with fries and the burger was raw and the fries was soggy like it was sittin ! Maybe you workers should be more worried bout the food for customers instead of on your phones and also these guys was cooking they food in between customers , BET your food was cooked perfectly while ours was shit !!! My dog appreciated the slop tho read more

Food was incredible! Portions were very large and not badly priced either. Menu was very large as well with many options.

Verna's takes me back to the old drive inns of the 1970s in the Hawai'i plantation days. Great food and great service with lots of local style choices! Loved the friend noodles and the Mushroom Swiss burger. The exterior is a bit stand offish, but don't be fooled because the kitchen is clean and the food is amazing. read more

Everything we had 10/10. Old fashion burgers were my favorite. Love the Hilo hospitality. Mahalo nui!!! read more

Verna's Drive In - Smoked meat & onions, Teri burger, regular hamburger & not shown cheeseburger wrapped in lettuce Everything 10/10 !!! - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Honestly I was not pleased with the fish platter, and I was expecting it to be better. Fish just did not do it for me, not sure what type of fish it was but it was not good. The macaroni was definitely good! This plate definitely left me disappointed however they did have other meals on the menu but I would suggest if you're a pescatarian not to choose this location. read more

Verna's Drive In - Fish plate with macaroni and rice - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Good reliable food service where locals of all types eat. No frills, just good food when you're hungry and don't wanna cook at home. Comes with 4 bench tables that seats 6, first come first serve. No spam musubi, but their staff can recommend more interesting alternatives. read more

Verna's Drive In - Specials menu as of 7/12/2024 - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Food was ok. My son ordered fried chicken with gravy for $18. It was a few pieces of soggy wings. He said it was meh.

This is a hole-in-the-wall feel, drive-in focused joint. The only real negative is the prices can be pretty high. I know I know, welcome to Hawaii. But even for Hawaii these prices are a bit high. That said, the food was good and the service was good too! I would go here again read more

The Kolohe plate is bomb. Ono local food that's been in Hilo forever! If you need a quick plate lunch or just want lunch, go Verna's

Food was hot, fresh, and made to order. The service was fast and friendly. Walk up and order at the window...so simple!

Despite it being close to closing 8pm, they were very nice and it looked like they were short handed. Great customer service. I apologized for being so late and they said it was okay. An the food was so good. Totally recommend been coming here for the last 11yrs won't be disappointed. read more

Last stop before Hilo Airport. Get that greasy bag full of burgers in your rental car & eat it at the gate! I highly recommend the mana burger - it's a grilled cheese sandwich with a Teri burger & fried egg. The price is good, so get extra, cuz you know you're going to be hungry later. Gravy burgers are also a Big Island specialty, so grab a couple extra for your friends on Oahu that are in the know. Just fill that bag! read more

VERY unprofessional employees, there underaged employe Tyra Arinios attempted to spit and fight me through the window and told me she was going to spit in my food and refused my order, also told me to come into the restaurant to fight her in the kitchen. I walked away and she started yelling out the window like a crazy person. She was popping her gum and twirling her pen, that is super unprofessional and unsanitary, I wouldn't eat there at all and will never be eating there again due to people spitting in food, that's disgusting. read more

Verna's Drive In - Tyra - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Wait! Looks can be deceiving. A+ for the food! We discovered this place after once again finding out. (You need to make reservations everywhere) These are big portions so come hungry or leftovers for later. Don't share it's too good. The menu is pretty simple and the line moves quickly after finally deciding on something. Daily specials are listed. The burgers are huge! Got a double cuz I had an appetite after hiking. There is outdoor seating but I would recommend getting to go. Take it back to your Airbnb or many amazing places on your drive. This place will not break your pocketbook either. Mahalo Don't forget to tip. read more

Lots of food options and a good place to stop by to get food on the go. Very affordable.

Thought this little drive in is amazing for some quick Hawaiian fast food! Have had their 3 combo plate with chicken Katsura, beef teriyaki and beef stew and comes with rice and Mac salad, all of which were good. Also tried the loco moco which you can get with different proteins, I got it with hamburger. The Burger tasted like a meatloaf patty, really good! My friend just got spam and rice and liked it. The Fried noodles are okay, definitely needs some soy sauce We took the food to the little park by the ocean down the road and enjoyed our meal there. read more

Verna's Drive In - Kamuela (?) Fried noddles, beef teriyaki and Mac salad - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Laulau was so good. First time in Hilo . Loved all the food I ate. Everything was so fresh . Im so glad I tried local dishes. read more

Verna's Drive In - Hilo bay - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Menu prices online are not the price you will pay in person. Expect to pay double. They say they haven't updated their menu online in a long time. read more

Great local food want to go back for the burgers which looked amazing had buyers regret as soon as I saw some one with a burger but overall great local plates read more

All I can say is that I love the fact Verna's is open late. We were in Hilo on business for a couple of weeks and worked late, past 10 pm sometimes. The only food options available in that part of town is fast food and pancakes. Well...I wanted something different and Verna's was on our way to our hotel. Looking at the menu, there were a lot of options on the menu and it was a tough choice, but I opted to get the smoked meats. Boy did I make the best food decision that day. When I returned to the hotel and opened the box, the smell almost knocked me over. It was sweet, smokey and smelled like heaven. The smoked meats were out of this world! The ratio of meat to fat was perfect. A lot of fat on some pieces contained the smokey flavor that really accentuated the meat. The macaroni salad was also a nice side item. But...and there is a but...The rice was a little on the old side, but still good. After our first visit, we went back to Verna's two more times and again...worth it. Will I Return? When I am in Hilo...For sure! read more

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If your looking for amazing pulled pork, look no further. I ordered the Pulled pork plate with rice and macaroni salad. Everything was on point. The Pulled Pork was juicy and had the perfect amount of sauce, the rice was perfect and the Mac salad was a perfect side dish. If your in Hilo, I highly recommend Vernas Drive in. read more

Verna's Drive In - Pulled Pork - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

The food here is pretty ok. I love the "Kamuela" dish. I totally recommend it. Their burgers are not the best, but then again I am not a big fan of burgers. It is open 24hr and while sometimes the wait is long, I think is worth it for late hours of the night. There is parking available but is rather small. There is also a sitting area that covers you from the rain. Sometimes that sitting area is not the cleanest so bring napkings to wipe the spot. Overall if you are in Hilo, why not try it? Is close to the airport and hotels. It wont break your wallet either. read more

Verna's Drive In - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Food is ono and it's choke food. They have too much to choose from that you'll have to come back.