Seemor

Pineapples Island Fresh CuisineB+Worth Trying

Name: Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine
Address: 332 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720, Hilo, United States
Rating: 4.6

332 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720 · New American restaurant, American restaurant, Family restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (5550 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Lively open-air spot for island-leaning American plates and cocktails; seafood shines, service is generally friendly but can lag when busy.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine delivers solid neighborhood dining through exceptional fresh seafood and friendly, attentive service, supported by a vibrant open-air setting with live music that captures Hilo's casual island spirit. However, quality variation on steaks and curry dishes and pacing challenges during peak times prevent grade A territory. Best experienced for what it does best—fresh catch and tropical cocktails in a lively, unpretentious atmosphere.

Restaurant Summary

Open to the street with ukulele tunes drifting in, this place feels warm and bustling from the moment you queue up. Servers are often friendly and quick, and plates of flaky local fish and jumbo shrimp land with that just-caught freshness. One guest put it simply: "Seafood tasted truly fresh and the music set the mood." Do expect crowds and occasional waits at peak times. The cooking leans island-inspired American: furikake-dusted shrimp, panko-crusted calamari, and a rotating fresh catch alongside burgers and local plates. It is produce-forward with Hawaiian cues rather than showy technique, and seafood is where the kitchen shines. Some dishes divide opinion—pumpkin curry and steaks can miss on busy nights—so lean into the fresh fish and pupus for the best experience. Families do well here. There is no formal kids menu noted, but kid-friendly staples like burgers, fish and chips, and sandwiches are present, and several families report picky eaters finishing plates. For adventurous eaters, the vegan kabocha curry and fresh catch offer options; for cautious kids, stick to fries, grilled fish, or a simple burger.

At a Glance

Fresh local seafood is the standout
Lively open-air vibe with live music
Waits and pacing issues during peak hours
Some inconsistency on steaks and curry
Street-side seating brings traffic noise for some tables

What Sets It Apart

open_air_music_vibe
island_seafood_focus
tropical_cocktail_flights

What People Love

Fresh, flaky fish and jumbo shrimp
Tropical cocktails and sampler flights
Cheerful open-air atmosphere with local music
Hearty portions that feel fair for island prices

Points of Concern

Peak-time service can slow with staggered entrees and long waits
A few reports of sanitation and restroom pests; monitor before seating
Polarizing pumpkin curry; steaks occasionally overcooked
Street-side noise may bother sensitive diners

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$45-62 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose grilled or panko fresh catch over beer-battered for texture control
Pair furikake shrimp with sweet potato fries to balance richness
Vegans should opt for the kabocha curry but request extra heat if desired

Perfect For

Casual seafood-focused dinner after sightseeing
Drinks and pupus with live music
Group meetups where energy matters more than hush
Families seeking approachable island flavors

Location Insights

Area: Walkable downtown Hilo, casual island vibe with shops and local nightlife; appeals to visitors and residents.

Safety: Generally safe, busy during dining hours; typical downtown foot traffic and lighting.

Nearby: Near bayfront, boutiques, bars, and live-music venues; convenient for sightseeing and evening strolls.

Downtown HiloDowntown Hilo features a mix of local shops, eateries, and cultural sites, attracting both residents and visitors seeking authentic Hawaiian experiences. The dining scene includes casual seafood spots, local Hawaiian cuisine, and some fusion restaurants, reflecting the town's laid-back vibe and island flavors.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday11:00–21:00 Wednesday11:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–21:00 Friday11:00–21:00 Saturday11:00–21:00 Sunday11:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →