Cafe 100
Home of the Loco Moco
The birthplace of the loco moco (1946) and a true Hilo institution — a no-frills drive-in that's survived two tsunamis and now lists 30-plus loco moco variations (beef, Spam, Portuguese sausage, katsu, even tofu). Loco mocos and mixed plates run about $7–9, so two eat for around $15–18. Reliable, filling, historic local food.
Suisan Fish Market
Poke Bowl ~$13 (Feeds Two)
A working fish market on Hilo Bay since 1907 with a poke counter in back — shoyu ahi, spicy ahi, tako and more, straight off the local boats, over rice or crispy wonton chips. Bowls run about $13 and are legendarily large; regulars say one feeds two. Takeout only, with outdoor seating by the koi ponds. Closed Wed & Sun.
Hawaiian Style Cafe
Huge Local Plates
A Manono St local legend whose portions are so enormous locals warn first-timers to eat light before arriving — loco moco, Korean chicken, kalua, and more at reasonably low prices. One plate genuinely feeds two, so a single order and a side keeps two well under $20. Put your name down, stay close, and bring an appetite (or a to-go box).
Kuhio Grille
Home of the 1lb Laulau
A family-owned local favorite by the bayfront park, home of the famous one-pound laulau — pork (or chicken) steamed in taro leaf, big enough to share — plus mix plates, saimin and chicken katsu. The giant laulau plus a side or a bowl of saimin keeps two around $20. Friendly, full of aloha, and very Hilo. Closed Tue.
Hilo Lunch Shop
Okazuya · Nothing Over $3
A decades-old okazuya (Japanese-Hawaiian deli) where you build a tray from a glass case of fried fish, chicken, fishcake, tempura and musubi — and almost nothing tops $3, with most items $1–2. Two can assemble a big shared spread for well under $20. Made fresh daily, mostly takeout, beloved by locals. Closed Sun–Mon.
Puka Puka Kitchen
Chicken Katsu · Garlic Ahi
A tiny downtown hole-in-the-wall near the farmers market with huge, flavorful plate lunches — the crispy chicken katsu with curry-garlic rice is the move, plus garlic ahi and a fried-shrimp curry. Plates run $12–15 and the servings are big enough to share, so two eat for around $20. Little seating; plan on takeout. Closed Sun.
Hiro's Place
Local Plates · Bento
Think a local version of Panda Express — a fast, friendly counter of ready-made Hawaiian plates and bento (nori chicken, beef stew, curry, fried rice) at rock-bottom prices. One reviewer fed a family of four for $12, so two eat for well under $20 with leftovers. Grab-and-go with sturdy outdoor tables. Closed Mon–Tue.
Nori's Saimin & Snacks
Hilo-Style Saimin · Loco Moco
A homely hole-in-the-wall of handmade wooden booths serving Japanese-Hawaiian comfort food — Hilo-style saimin, a well-regarded loco moco, burgers and Korean plates — at prices regulars call insane for the portions. A bowl of saimin and a loco moco keeps two around $20. A reliable local stop. Hours vary, so check ahead.
Saucy Dogs
Gourmet Local Hot Dogs
A small, locally-owned spot building a huge menu of creative hot dogs — the kalua dog, the Mac Attack (mac-and-cheese, bacon, teri and spicy mayo), Chicago and Portuguese-sausage dogs. Prices are reasonable and they don't skimp, so two can load up on dogs and sides for well under $20. A few outdoor tables or takeout. Closed Sun–Mon.
Two Ladies Kitchen
Famous Strawberry Mochi
A Hilo legend of nearly 20 years famous for its whole-strawberry mochi — a fresh berry wrapped in pillowy mochi and sweet bean — plus peach, chichi, butter and more. Prices are lower than most mochi shops (around $36 for 16), so two share a big assorted box for well under $20. Order ahead; there's always a line. Closed Sun–Mon.
Munchi Box
Fresh Made-to-Order Malasadas
A tiny, beloved malasada spot frying made-to-order Portuguese donuts in avocado oil, in flavors from classic cinnamon-sugar to lilikoi butter, ube glaze, haupia coconut and parmesan-truffle. Great prices and a kind owner, so two share a box plus drinks for well under $20. Limited days, so plan around the hours.
Tetsumen
Hilo Ramen
A cozy little ramen gem on Manono St that locals say feels teleported from Japan — rich garlic ramen, grilled skewers, fresh sashimi, with order-from-your-phone convenience. Toppings are moderately priced and a bowl runs in the low-to-mid teens, so two eat for around $20. The garlic ramen is the standout. Closed Wed.
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These chain deals work anywhere in the country, including Hilo.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Pick 6 — Meal for Two from $19.99
The Pick 6 lets two people build a shared meal — choose six items across wings, tenders, and sides — starting around $19.99. A reliable two-for-$20 play at any BWW. Dine-in or takeout; pricing varies slightly by market.
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