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Hilo › Hilo › Kuhio Grille - Home Of The Famous 1lb Laulau
Kuhio Grille - Home Of The Famous 1lb LaulauB+Worth Trying
80 Pauahi St, Hilo, HI 96720
· Hawaiian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1449 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Hearty Hawaiian comfort food with the headline 1 lb laulau, big portions, and fast, friendly service; expect occasional inconsistency and add-on charges.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Kuhio Grille delivers reliable Hawaiian comfort food with a signature 1 lb laulau that draws devoted fans across the island. Strong food quality and attentive, quick service anchor the experience, but inconsistent execution—with reports of bland gravy, dry items, and overcooked fish—prevents higher performance. The casual, family-friendly setting with convenient parking makes it a solid neighborhood choice for hearty plates, though it lacks the polish or distinction of grade A establishments.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with booths, big plates, and servers moving quickly. Diners describe the 1 lb laulau as the headliner, with saimin and fried rice close behind. One guest summed it up: "Big portions, friendly faces, and food that comes out fast." The cooking leans classic Hawaiian comfort rather than cheffy experimentation: laulau steamed tender in taro leaves, kalua pig, katsu, and noodle bowls. Flavors hit hearty and familiar, though a few diners found gravy bland or fish overcooked. It is a good stop after sightseeing when you want something filling with easy parking. Families do well here thanks to kid-friendly standbys like burgers, chicken katsu, fries, pancakes, and fried rice. No formal kids menu is listed, but portions are shareable. Expect upcharges for swaps like fried rice and plan for non-refill sodas, which can surprise first-timers.
At a Glance
- Signature 1 lb laulau draws fans for hearty, traditional flavor
- Big portions and easy parking make it convenient for groups
- Inconsistent execution reported on gravy, fish, and occasional dryness
- Upcharges and limited refills can irk value-minded diners
- Kid-friendly options like katsu, burgers, pancakes, and saimin
What Sets It Apart
- signature_1lb_laulau
- breakfast_all_day
- easy_parking_access
What People Love
- Hearty, meaty laulau wrapped in tender taro leaves
- Comforting saimin and loaded fried rice
- Friendly, fast service during busy hours
- Breakfast favorites available all day
Points of Concern
- Occasional bland or dry dishes including gravy, pancakes, and fish
- Policy friction: no half-and-half rice swaps reported by some diners
- Upcharges for fried rice and to-go cups; some sodas lack refills
- Large parties may face longer waits or split seating
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair the laulau with tossed greens to balance richness
- If sensitive to salt, consider saimin or grilled fish and request sauces on the side
Perfect For
- Post-sightseeing refuel near Hilo
- Casual family meals with shareable plates
- Travelers seeking a classic Hawaiian plate experience
- Groups who want easy parking and quick service
Location Insights
Area: Casual, small-town Hilo setting catering to locals and visitors, near retail and everyday services.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical daytime bustle, quiet evenings.
Nearby: Near Prince Kuhio Plaza area, Starbucks, shopping and parking; convenient stop while sightseeing.
Downtown HiloDowntown Hilo features a mix of historic buildings, local shops, eateries, and government offices. The dining scene is casual and family-friendly, with many establishments serving traditional Hawaiian and local plate lunches alongside breakfast options. The atmosphere is relaxed and community-oriented, reflecting the town's small-city charm.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–19:30
Tuesday
Wednesday09:00–19:30
Thursday09:00–19:30
Friday09:00–19:30
Saturday08:00–19:30
Sunday08:00–19:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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