I stopped by Loved by the Sun while I was strolling around downtown Hilo and tried out their Live…read moreGreen smoothie -- kale, parsley, pineapple, and banana. The smoothie was thick and had a nice texture to it where you could still taste the pulp of the pineapple that was blended in. I don't think much -- if any, additional sugar was mixed in, because the smoothie wasn't especially sweet. If you're on vacation and haven't been eating particularly healthy, nor getting enough fiber in your diet, it's a good idea to give your system a boost with one of these smoothies. Smoothies here are priced in line with your average smoothie -- at around $13 or so. If you're looking for something else besides a smoothie, the menu here includes non-smoothie items as well, like juices, açai bowls, and various protein bites.

I hate leaving negative reviews, but my experience at Loved by the Sun in Hilo was disappointing…read moreenough that I felt compelled to share it. I purchased a juice pack and ended up being two weeks late using it because I was on the mainland after my mother passed away. I was spending that time handling her estate and cleaning out her home. When I explained the situation, there was absolutely no empathy or flexibility. The response I received was essentially, "Oh too bad." What made it worse was that this wasn't my first negative customer service experience here. On a previous visit, I was checking my loyalty points and learned I had earned a $10 reward, and had to use it right then and there. When I asked if it would automatically apply, the employee responded with another dismissive "That's too bad" type of attitude rather than helping me understand the program. Ultimately loosing the $10. I understand businesses have policies, and I wasn't expecting special treatment. However, kindness and compassion cost nothing. During one of the hardest periods of my life, a little empathy would have gone a long way. The juices and products are good, but customer service matters. Unfortunately, after multiple rude interactions, I'll be taking my business elsewhere. I hope management takes a closer look at how customers are treated, especially when they're going through difficult life circumstances.

This community cafe offers vegetarian fare from fresh ingredients sourced from their farms…read more The jalapeño ulu burger was fantastic (add the mango hot sauce they offer). The lunch was so good we bought the carrot cake and a French press coffee for desert. Highly recommend!

Sweet Cane is a health-conscious, organic, farm-to-table cafe, offering sandwiches, fresh…read morejuices/smoothies, and vibrant acai bowls. My favorite items are the acai and pitaya bowl as they are loaded with fresh banana, granola, coconut flakes. I also chose to get the omega add on for bee pollen, honey, chia, and hemp seeds for extra fiber! I am so happy to see that their bowls are still amazing as always. Highly recommend their fruit juices and bowls for nature's dessert to give you a boost for the day.

We were visiting the farmers market, and we decided to do a smoothie bowl here. At first, I wanted…read moreto do the shaved ice, but the call of a smoothie bowl was too much to ignore. They have an amazing menu for shaved ice! They also have a great selection for smoothie bowls. I was honestly impressed for a shaved ice place to have so many options for smoothie bowls. Anyway, the employee who took our order was very nice and efficient. We even had substitutions we requested, and she was super cool and nice about it all. The tables allow you to people watch since the tables are right in front of the café and next to the farmers market. Also, little birds were very interested in the area and potential snacks, so that was cute to watch! Our smoothie bowls were excellent! Honestly, now that I'm back across the pond, I'm seriously craving another! Wonderful flavor combinations and very fresh. I wish I would've tried their other creations, but that just means something to look forward to for next time!

After stopping by the Farmer's Market across the street, my wife and I walked over to Kula Shave…read moreIce for some shaved ice. As a disclaimer, I'm not the biggest fan of shaved ice because of how sweet the dessert tends to be, and because more often than not, there are a bunch of artificial colors used in the fruit juices. When we looked at the menu, I was impressed and excited to see the emphasis on quality of their ingredients: no artificial flavors or colors, no aspartame, no high fructose corn syrup, and no preservatives. I was sold. Although we were tempted to create our own shaved ice, we ultimately went with "The Local", a soursop and liliko'i combo topped with haupia cream. Between the two flavors, I enjoyed the sour sop side a bit more since it was the one that was less sweet. The cream on top was absolutely delicious, and reminded me of the light and airy frothed milk cream you find on many boba drinks these days. There's a generous amount ladled on top, ensuring you can have some in every bite without having to carefully ration out the cream. Overall, I'm a fan of Kula Shave Ice. Definitely a great dessert to enjoy on a hot day. Worth checking out if you're ever in Hilo.

Excellent drinks and she is very amiable. Always smiling. Please keep this local business going.read more

Fresh smoothies with aloe in it? Sign me up :). Such a unique idea that feels good in sunshiney…read moreHawai'i. Every smoothie I've ever gotten has been amazing. I like coconut and pineapple mixes but most places lean on the safety in bananas, strawberries etc. which you can definitely get here, but I'm stoked they try for more tropical flavors. I mean with mango and guava I'm in heaven. I'm always buying bottled aloe vera drinks in stores, I love the actual aloe chunks. This is obviously way better and healthier even if the aloe is blended into the smoothie so you don't even notice it. Safe & inviting for the timid folks I know. Yum yum yum. Please try & support small businesses! Find them in the Tokunaga parking lot. Hopefully they drive all over the island someday and spread the love.

When a store is the only game in town for goods near a tourist entry point, one would expect/accept…read morehigh prices. Instead, Keaukaha General Store (within easy walking distance of the Port of Hilo) provided a great selection of sundries, some souvenirs of Hilo, and a small menu of Hawaiian favorite dishes at prices that were the lowest I've seen in Hawaii. My wife and I came here twice: first while walking into town, when we picked up souvenirs and an unexpected loco moco plate. It was a lot less crowded then, with us being the only ones there...allowing us to have a completely different experience. When we came back as we headed back towards the ship, other cruisers from the ship had discovered this place, and were stocking up on various things. It's a large modern space inside, with things organized displayed very neatly. There was no sense I needed to check for expiration dates. There was a portable ATM machine right by the door. A decent selection of alcohol at good prices were displayed (e.g. $8.81 for a bottle of Barefoot Cab or $18.99 for a 12 pack of Budweiser). I took the opportunity to get something I've not seen elsewhere: a bag of dried clams (aka Asari) for $4.19. Ended up finishing it that night...was really good. It has an all day menu, and was able to order a Loco Moco for breakfast. The all beef patty was very thick and dense, definitely from a frozen patty...good for Salisbury steak or Loco Moco, but wouldn't be great for a burger. The brown gravy was served hot and hadn't congealed, and the 1 egg had been cooked over easy, just as requested. It was obviously freshly made. It was packed to-go, with condiments and utensils available near the registers. There wasn't much space to eat inside, but because it wasn't too busy, found a space to sit in the back. I scarfed it down (probably too fast) while my wife finished her shopping. Also in the back, there are gourmet coffee machines and a chest freeze full of hand scoopable ice cream. There is a Pepsi self serve soda machine, along with various sizes of chips. My wife initially bought a couple of t-shirts as requested souvenirs for our travel mates ($25 a piece), and bought another one as we were heading back. On the 1st trip, she also liked a perfume body mist...the tester was the last one so the attendant sold it for half price ($14). For us, she bought a Hilo waterproof sticker for $2.75. And her favorite part of the store was the small portable Pokémon card machine, that dispensed random Japanese Pokémon cards for a quarter. She kept changing out dollars for quarters and ended up getting $5.75 of them...and a couple of them were hollos that we like. They do charge a 3.25% credit card fee, so cash is preferred when possible.

Located on the way to the Hilo beaches and in the industrial area. Here you'll find a small variety…read moreof hot foods, poke and tons of drinks and ice.

Best Place in Town! After eating here I feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Giving the body what it…read moreneeds and how. we had the blueberry mango smoothy also and it was best ever. Thank you.

This is some life enhancing food and drinks. You love your life, to feel energized and recharged?…read moreThen you'll love this spot downtown Hilo Some incredible juices that's for sure, yum! Fresh, clean, well balanced, good combinations and so delicious. Recharges every cell of your body. But you got to try their vegan bites too. The warabi in the Kamehameha bowl was prepared to perfection and I'm picky with these things lol, vegan Lau Lau oh the comforting flavors, comes with the most delicious poi, sweet potato mash and haupia pudding. Tried a nice vegan burger too. Can't wait to go back this week and try whatever other vegan bites or same will do just fine and stock up on juices. PS the address in this yelp info is the old location, they on 239 Keawe st now

This place is a gem!…read more My partner & I were looking for healthy food and coffee options in Hilo, but weren't finding much open at 8am. Fortunately, Vibe Cafe exceeded our expectations. Staff was friendly from the moment we walked in (which was right after they turned on the "Open" sign). There were fresh flowers on all the tables (so fragrant!) and modern decor. We got the Jus Avo with egg, strawberry smoothie with protein, coconut yogurt parfait, and a monthly special latte made with Koji rice milk, espresso, and rose petals. The parfait was topped with an edible butterfly, which was such a charming detail! Service was fast (we were in & out in 35 minutes) casual (pay when you order). We also appreciated the ample parking lot. Will definitely be back next time!

Such a cute little place!! I ordered a cold brew and my niece ordered something with ube, which she…read moreabsolutely LOVED!! The place was so welcoming and cute!! I absolutely loved the set up, clean and comfy. We didnt order any food, but we saw some delivered and it looked amazing!! Coffee was so delicous!! Definitely coming again

After a disappointing experience at a nearby restaurant, I walked to this grocery store. The only…read morereal vegan breakfast option on the hot bar was potato wedges, and they had some cold vegan food nearby that didn't look great either. So I opted to get this, which was also mid. Better than nothing, though.

This store is awesome!…read more This is the original island naturals market, the second location is in Kailua Kona. It's easy to find, located in a shopping center with parking. There are outside tables to eat. Inside is full of so many great items and their own deli foods and bakery items. The employees are nice. I highly recommend going here!