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Supporting Local East Hawai‘i🌺
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items As a Native Hawaiian, born and raised on Hawaiʻi, I've always loved supporting our local ʻohana (family) businesses. I wanted to create this list to share some of my favorite food spots, local gems, and recommendations with those visiting our beautiful islands. Whether you're looking for good eats or unique local finds, I hope this list encourages you to shop small...
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🌺 A Little Reminder to Our Visitors!
Hilo Grindz🍜
Made in Hawaiʻi🐚
🛒 Shop Local
Hiking Trails🥾
🍧‘Ono Treats!
🌺 A Little Reminder to Our Visitors!
Please Read⬇️⬇️⬇️
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Hāmākua Coast
While exploring our beautiful islands, please remember to travel with aloha and respect the ʻāina (land), wildlife, and most importantly, the people who call Hawaiʻi home. Follow posted safety signs, respect local rules, and listen to the do's and do...
Hawai‘i Island
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Kīlauea
Hilo Grindz🍜
Local Favorite Eats & Hidden Gems 💎
Such a family-friendly restaurant with an upscale vibe! 🌺 The food is truly an amazing blend of modern cuisine and traditional Hawaiian flavors. They focus on locally sourced ingredients and even have their own farm where they grow fresh vegetables ...
Lehua Restaurant-Island Inspired Dining
If you're looking for some good local comfort food, Hawaiian Style Cafe is definitely worth checking out! They're known for their HUGE portions, from loco mocos to their delicious haupia pancakes. Come hungry!
Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo
Now we can't forget this local favorite. A Hilo classic that has been serving our community since 1971! 🥞🌺 Ken's House of Pancakes is a family-owned restaurant with that nostalgic, old-school diner feel. They have everything from fluffy pancakes an...
Ken's House of Pancakes
Craving pizza while exploring Hilo? Add Antics Pizza to your list! A fun change of pace when you want something other than the usual plate lunch. AND my gosh their Garlic Knots are to DIE FORR! So delicious and soft!!!
Antics Pizza
Zippy's is a great stop when you're craving something quick, filling, and comforting. From their famous chili to plate lunches, there's plenty to choose from. Including a bakery with yummy local treats!! But YOU MUST try their Korean Chicken!! I go n...
Zippy's Hilo
You can't visit Hawaiʻi without trying some poke! Poke N Sides is one to add to your food stops if you're looking to enjoy one of our favorite local foods.
Poke N Sides @ the Hilo Farmers Market
Don't let the name fool you! This little mini mart is a hidden gem in Hilo, and their sandwiches are seriously worth stopping for. Sometimes the best food spots are the ones you'd never think to check out! I don't normally crave sandwiches but if it'...
Manono Mini Mart
Made in Hawaiʻi🐚
Hawaiʻi is home to so many talented artists and small-business owners! From handmade jewelry and clothing to skincare, artwork, and other beautiful creations, these are some of my favorite ways to support local. If you're looking for something specia...
If you're looking for beautiful, high-quality aloha wear, I definitely recommend checking out Sig Zane Designs in Hilo! Their clothing features some of the most uʻi (beautiful) designs inspired by Hawaiian culture, native plants, and traditions. I tr...
Sig Zane Designs
If you're looking for a special gift made right here in Hawaiʻi, check out LewisKoa Co.! 🌺 This family-owned business specializes in beautiful handcrafted koa wood creations, from bowls and home décor to jewelry and unique keepsakes. I especially lo...
LewisKoa Co.
Looking for beautiful aloha wear that's actually made here in Hawaiʻi? Check out Naupaka Island Designs in downtown Hilo! 🌺 This lovely family-owned business creates handmade clothing, from aloha shirts to dresses, patterned and sewn right here in H...
Naupaka Island Designs
If you're looking for beautiful island-style clothing, definitely check out Simply Sisters!! I absolutely love their uʻi (beautiful) designs and the welcoming atmosphere every time I shop there. Their clothing is so lovely, and the friendly vibes mak...
Simply Sisters by Lola Miller Designs
🛒 Shop Local
Hawaiʻi Grocery Stores worth checking out!
A true Hilo classic! 🌺 KTA has been serving our island community for over 100 years! This locally owned, family-run grocery store is a great place to find fresh produce, local snacks, poke, and Hawaiʻi-made products. I especially love that they supp...
KTA Super Stores
Another great local grocery stop! 🛒🌺 Sack N Save is perfect for stocking up on groceries, grabbing some local snacks, or picking up a quick meal while exploring the island. They have a selection of poke, deli foods, and everyday essentials. Whether...
Sack N Save Hilo
If you're ever in Hilo, you HAVE to stop by the Locavore Store!! This lovely little shop is all about supporting Hawaiʻi's local farmers, families, and small businesses. Everything they sell is grown or produced by Hawaiʻi residents, from fresh produ...
The Locavore Store
If you're ever in Pāhoa, definitely stop by Mālama Market!! They have a great selection of local snacks, groceries, bakery goodies, and so much more! I especially love their sushi and poke selection!! 🤤💕 It's a great place to grab something ʻono, s...
Mālama Market Pāhoa
Hiking Trails🥾
Featuring trails from the Hāmākua Coast all the way to Kaʻū
One of my top recommendations when visiting Hawaiʻi Island! 🌋🌺 Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is such an incredible place to experience the natural beauty, history, and culture of our islands. From breathtaking volcanic landscapes and lush rainfor...
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
One of the most beautiful waterfall spots on Hawaiʻi Island! 🌺 Surrounded by lush tropical greenery, this short nature walk leads to a breathtaking view of the 442-foot ʻAkaka Falls. Perfect for families or anyone wanting to enjoy Hawaiʻi's natural ...
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Beautiful walk through native greenery and with a spectacular view of our coastline! Make sure to stay on trail and be safe!
Onomea Bay Trail
A beautiful reminder of how powerful nature can be! 🌿 This short, paved trail takes you through a landscape transformed by Kīlauea's 1959 eruption. You'll see volcanic cinders and plants slowly reclaiming the land. A wonderful stop for anyone intere...
Day Hike - Devastation Trail
One of the most culturally significant places to visit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park! 🌺🌋 Puʻuloa is home to over 23,000 ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs (kiʻi pōhaku), carved into the lava rock by our kūpuna (ancestors). These carvings tell storie...
Pu'uloa Petroglyphs Trail - Hawai‘i
If you love peaceful nature walks, this is such a beautiful place to explore! 🌺 Kīpukapuaulu is home to native Hawaiian plants, birds, and old-growth trees. It's a wonderful place to slow down, listen to the sounds of nature, and appreciate Hawaiʻi'...
Hilo Forest Reserve (Kūkūau Sec.)-Kīpukapuaulu Trail (Bird Park)
A little hidden gem for nature lovers! 🌿 Kaulana Manu is a wonderful stop for anyone interested in Hawaiʻi's native birds and plants. Take your time walking through the forest, listen for bird calls, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. A great remi...
Kaulana Manu Nature Trail
🍧‘Ono Treats!
Hawaiʻi has some of the BEST treats!! From fresh malasadas and butter mochi to shave ice, cookies, and other local favorites, there's always something delicious to try.
If you love mochi, you HAVE to try Two Ladies Kitchen!! Their mochi is DA BOMB, especially their fresh fruit mochi! The combination of soft, chewy mochi and fresh, juicy fruit is soooo good. BROKE DA MOUT!! 🤤💕 Definitely one of my favorite places t...
Two Ladies Kitchen
Papaʻa Palaoa has some AMAZING baked goodies! If you're craving something sweet, this is definitely a bakery worth checking out. Their cinnamon rolls are sooo delicious, and I love being able to support a local bakery while treating myself to somethi...
Papa'a Palaoa Bakery
If you're driving along the Hāmākua Coast, you HAVE to stop at Tex Drive In for their malasadas!! 🤤💕 Seriously, some of the BEST malasadas! They're fluffy, delicious, and such a perfect sweet treat for a little road trip. Whether you like them plai...
TEX Drive In Hawai‘i
If you wanna bring home a little piece of sweet Hawaiʻi to share with your ʻohana, then YESSS, stop by Big Island Candies!! 🍪💕 They're known for their delicious cookies, chocolates, and beautifully packaged treats that make perfect gifts. And don't...
Big Island Candies
THIS is the place for boba! I absolutely love it! She makes her boba by hand every morning and its super chewy and flavorful, so amazing. My favorite drinks are the Waipi‘o Taro Fantasy. It has chunks of Taro, a sweet cheese from, plenty boba, and bl...
Big Island Pearl Tea
You can't come to Hawaiʻi without trying some good shave ice!! 🍧💕 Kula Shave Ice is SOOO good and definitely a must-try if you're in Hilo! They have delicious flavors, and I highly recommend mixing things up and trying something new. Don't be afrai...
Kula Shave Ice