Seemor
Hilo › Hilo › Moon and Turtle
Moon and TurtleAMust Try
51 Kalakaua St, Hilo, HI 96720
· Seafood restaurant, Bar, Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (684 reviews)
Reservations
Intimate, creative Hawaiian seafood spot delivering standout small plates and a strong cocktail program; reservations essential and portions run small for the price.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Moon and Turtle exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional seafood-focused cuisine with creative technique—kiawe-smoked sashimi, sizzling poke, and inventive small plates executed at peak freshness. Warm, attentive service and reliable execution across repeat visits cement its standing as among the region's finest dining establishments. The intimate bar setting and strong destination appeal make this a must-visit for serious diners, despite the small space and advance reservation requirement.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels cozy and intimate with a small bar that regulars call the best seat, where staff guide you through a short, changing menu. One diner said the food tasted "picked at peak freshness," and service came with warm, attentive energy. Do book ahead—this spot is tiny and fills quickly. In the kitchen, the approach blends local seafood with creative techniques: kiawe-smoked sashimi, a sizzling hot-iron poke, papaya-bright ceviche, and a miso-laced Basque cheesecake. Plates lean family style and can arrive fast; flavors are dialed in, though a few guests wished for gentler pacing or skipped the shrimp when texture missed. For families, the focus is seafood and vegetables over crowd-pleasing staples. Kids who enjoy simple fish, pasta, or ice cream will find something, but there is no dedicated kids menu. Expect smaller portions and shareable plates; desserts like mango sorbet and vanilla ice cream keep it kid-accessible.
At a Glance
- Exceptional local seafood with creative small plates
- Intimate vibe and engaged service at the bar
- Reservations essential; space is very limited
- Portions run small relative to price
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- daily_menu_changes
- local_seafood_focus
- intimate_boutique_space
What People Love
- Explosive freshness of local fish
- Inventive takes like sizzling poke and miso cheesecake
- Knowledgeable, friendly servers who guide choices
- Bar seating that feels like a chef-driven show
Points of Concern
- Small dining room with limited availability; book early or try the bar
- Pacing can be quick with family-style service; request slower coursing if desired
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($28-$37 mains) which may surprise casual diners
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; limited options for conservative palates
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$62-$82 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair ceviche or sashimi with a citrus-forward cocktail from happy hour
- Balance small plates with one pasta or risotto for heartiness
- Finish with miso cheesecake or mango sorbet depending on richness preference
Perfect For
- Date night with cocktails and seafood
- Food-focused travelers seeking local catch
- Solo bar dining with guidance from the team
- Small celebrations in a cozy setting
Location Insights
Area: Relaxed historic downtown with locals and visitors; low-rise storefronts, artsy and low-key evenings.
Safety: Generally safe with regular foot traffic; quiet after hours, standard downtown caution at night.
Nearby: Near Hilo Farmers Market, bayfront shops, galleries, and casual cafes; street parking around blocks.
Downtown HiloDowntown Hilo features a mix of historic buildings, local shops, eateries, and cultural sites. The dining scene is casual and diverse, often highlighting fresh local seafood and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, catering to both locals and visitors seeking authentic island flavors.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:30–21:00
Wednesday17:30–21:00
Thursday17:30–21:00
Friday17:30–21:00
Saturday17:30–21:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations
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