Hello dear
Welcome To Puka Puka Kitchen
At Puka Puka Kitchen, a hidden gem in Hilo, Hawaii, culinary magic happens daily. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, their talented chefs craft an array of delicious, home-style dishes that capture the essence of island flavors. From the mouthwatering Ahi don plate that has locals raving to their perfectly battered seafood platter, every meal is a delight. The cozy, casual atmosphere invites families and friends to savor each bite, while their takeout and catering options make excellent food accessible to all. Puka Puka Kitchen isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a community dining experience where every dish tells a story.
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
Vegetable Don Plate
$12.64Ahi Don Plate
$17.78Sauteed Ahi
$19.12
Chicken Katsu
$14.45Barbequed Chicken
$14.83Sauteed Lamb
$19.26
Shrimp Plate
$18.62Scallop Plate
$18.62Seafood Plate
$19.46 About
Puka Puka Kitchen
Welcome to Puka Puka Kitchen: A Hidden Gem in Hilo
Nestled in the heart of Hilo, Hawaii, Puka Puka Kitchen has quickly become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike. With its casual atmosphere and a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this charming eatery is redefining the meaning of comfort food.
Why Puka Puka is a Must-Visit
Puka Puka Kitchen operates primarily as a takeout venue, drawing crowds with its unassuming façade and mouthwatering offerings. The kitchen serves a variety of dishes that blend traditional Hawaiian flavors with a sprinkle of Asian influences, creating a culinary experience that is both unique and delicious.
- Impressive Menu: From the highly praised Ahi don plate, described by customer Misha K. as the "GOAT" of meals, to the flavorsome lamb pita with garlic rice, every dish is an explosion of taste.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Catering to various dietary preferences, the kitchen takes pride in offering many vegetarian and vegan choices, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy.
- Unmatched Freshness: The ingredients are sourced locally, ensuring that every bite is fresh and packed with flavor. Customers rave about the seafood platter and chicken katsu curry, both of which come with perfectly prepared garlic rice—a true highlight for any palate.
A Warm and Welcoming Environment
The ambiance of Puka Puka Kitchen is casual and inviting. The friendly staff and laid-back vibe make you feel right at home. As Sarah D. notes, the service is incredibly welcoming, making your dining experience even more enjoyable.
Community Favorite
One of the standout features of Puka Puka Kitchen is its connection to the local community. Regulars often stop by for their pre-made bento boxes, a clear testament to the quality and reputation of the food served here. On any given day, you’ll find locals on their lunch breaks enjoying a satisfying meal, which says it all about the restaurant’s popularity.
Your Next Stop in Hilo
If you’re in Hilo, don’t let the modest exterior deter you; behind it lies some of the best food on the island. Whether you’re grabbing a meal to go or dining in, Puka Puka Kitchen is dedicated to delivering a memorable culinary experience. Make sure to try the Japanese veggie curry or indulge in a flavorful fried shrimp plate—you won’t regret it!
To experience this hidden gem, visit Puka Puka Kitchen at 270 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, or give them a call at (808) 933-2121. Come for the food, stay for the warmth and camaraderie, and leave with a satisfied smile!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ If I could choose my last meal before I died it would be their Ahi don plate. Literally the GOAT. ”
“ I can't believe I've lived here for 8 years and am just now finding the best food in Hilo! Don't pass it by due to its unassuming looks. Very talented chefs use locally sourced ingredients to create Ono dishes! We had the lamb pita with garlic rice and a teriyaki burger and fries special. Everything was an explosion of deliciousness in every bite! Try it, you'll be back! ”
“ So good! Our favorite meal on the island. Hole in the wall spot with fresh eats and friendly service. We tried the seafood platter, chicken katsu curry, and miso ahi which all came with garlic rice and choice of Mac salad or green salad. All of the dishes were made fresh and battered perfectly. My favorite was the seafood platter which included scallop (my favorite). The garlic rice was also so good! They also have a small shelf with premade bento boxes which were cooked fresh. While we had lunch, multiple people came in to buy these including many locals on their lunch break so that's how you know it's good! ”
“ Wonderful hole in the wall with delicious home-style food. Had the Japanese veggie curry which was both affordable and delicious. Paired it with the Ahi Don plate which was tasty and very unique. Wonderful staff - incredibly friendly and welcoming. 5/5 stars. One of our best meals on Hawaii. ”
“ This was some of the best food I've ever eaten. We were driving from Volcanoes National Park back to Kona and decided to take a route through Hilo so we could find something for dinner. It was dark and rainy and we couldn't see anything so pulled up along a side street and did a Yelp search. Puka Puka was .1 miles away and got great reviews. Puka Puka is a fairly non-descript hole-in-the-wall, set up mainly for takeout. But the two eat-in tables were free, so we stayed for dinner. My husband's expectations were not high (I have more faith in Yelp reviews). We were all blown away by the food. His lamb was succulent and flavorful. Our daughters and I shared a fried shrimp plate and chicken katsu plate. The shrimp was so perfectly--crisp and somehow impossibly light--like only the best Japanese chefs know how. The chicken katsu was also perfectly lightly breaded and fried, satisfying my younger daughter's craving for "chicken nuggets." The garlic rice was very flavorful and packs a punch. I've always loved the salad dressings at Japanese restaurants, but this salad dressing was the best I've ever had. I think it was described as a fusion of balsamic vinaigrette and a ginger dressing? Hawai'i is known for being expensive, but the plates here were generous and economical. ”
“ I had the ahi don. I loved the sauce on it, and the fish was fresh. The salad was very fresh, which took up half the plate. The balsamic dressing was really good. The lady who took my order was very nice. It's a cozy, little place with a few tables. ”
“ Great service, delicious food, no wait time to sit, decent wait time for the food, big portions, plate costed $20.25, great view of downtown Hilo from the window. I will definitely be back! ”
“ Puka Puka kitchen is in my top 3 restaurants in all of Hilo. This place is a under rated gem in Hilo. The restaurant is small and I a (always friendly) waitress is there to ask how it's going and serve you old school style. It is so small the chef will say hello to you too. I love this. They have the best curried rice here. Just the rice and salad (which are considered sides) are a meal in itself. Seriously you must try their curried rice, its sooooo good. I always get one of two things depending on my mood. Either: 1. Chicken Katsu - This is a local staple and they do it right here. 2. BBQ Chicken - This is my favorite dish from this location and is what I normally go with. It's healthy and it's satisfying. They also have things like musubi to go and other smaller plates but I just love the BBQ chicken so much it's what I always get. ”
“ I ordered and chicken katsu and my friend ordered the korean ahi don. One of my favorite places to come to in downtown hilo. Portion sizes are generous as the meal comes with garlic rice and a side salad. Service was quick and the food was delicious. ”
