Seemor
Hilo › Hilo › Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill HiloA-Worth Trying
64 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720
· Hawaiian restaurant, Grill, New American restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2105 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Polished Hawaiian-inspired seafood and grills in a restored bank with strong happy hour and generally attentive service, but occasional long waits and inconsistency.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality highlighted by expertly prepared poke, ribs, and fresh seafood, paired with exceptional setting appeal in its restored historic bank. However, inconsistent execution—occasional overcooked fish, temperature lapses, and peak-time service delays—prevents the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. The restaurant excels as a reliable neighborhood destination with creative Hawaiian-fusion cuisine and genuine hospitality, though operational consistency during busy periods remains the limiting factor.
Restaurant Summary
Set in a restored downtown bank, the room feels warm and bustling with a vintage bar and the old vault as conversation piece. Guests praise the friendly team and polished plates, noting, "service made our anniversary feel special." However, a minority report slower pacing at peak and occasional lukewarm dishes. The cooking leans contemporary Hawaiian with global accents—think mochiko-crusted fish, guava-glazed ribs, and an ahi poke tower—delivered with colorful, modern presentation. It suits diners who enjoy fresh local seafood and creative touches more than strict traditional fare, and happy hour pupus offer a strong value. Families do fine here: burgers, fish and chips, and simple salads keep picky eaters covered, while seafood plates appeal to adventurous teens. Portions on appetizers are generous; still, for very cautious palates the creative spins may feel a bit adventurous.
At a Glance
- Historic bank setting with stylish presentation
- Strong happy hour for drinks and pupus
- Peak-time delays can lead to long waits and temperature issues
- Occasional inconsistency on ribs texture and fish doneness
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- historic_bank_setting
- island_influenced_menu
- popular_happy_hour
What People Love
- Inviting historic ambiance with the old vault
- Fresh catch and seafood trio done with care
- Friendly, celebratory service touches
- Generous pupus and balanced cocktails
- Colorful, photo-worthy plating
Points of Concern
- Service speed dips at peak lead to 40-80 minute waits for food in some visits
- A few reports of overcooked or lukewarm dishes suggest line strain during rush
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($25+ mains) which may surprise casual diners
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$52-70 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians/vegans, consider the Flame-Charred Tofu Steak ($28) with gluten-free notes
- Gluten-free diners: ask for accommodations noted by reviewers
- Families: Steakhouse Burger ($24) and Fish & Chips ($29) are safe bets
Perfect For
- Happy hour grazing before a waterfront stroll
- Date night with island-inspired seafood
- Celebration dinners in a unique historic space
- Travelers seeking polished Hawaiian-influenced plates
Location Insights
Area: Historic downtown near the waterfront with a casual, artsy vibe and local shops.
Safety: Generally safe with regular foot traffic; a few reviews mention loitering or uncomfortable moments outside.
Nearby: Close to bayfront, galleries, and small businesses; convenient for pre/post-stroll dining.
Downtown HiloDowntown Hilo is a vibrant area featuring a mix of historic buildings, local shops, markets, and eateries. The dining scene is casual and diverse, with many restaurants offering fresh seafood and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, catering to both locals and visitors seeking authentic island flavors.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–20:30
Tuesday11:30–20:30
Wednesday11:30–20:30
Thursday11:30–20:30
Friday11:30–20:30
Saturday15:00–20:30
Sunday10:00–13:30, 16:00–20:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →