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Hilo › Hilo › Ola Brew - Hilo
Ola Brew - HiloB+Worth Trying
1177 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
· Brewpub, Beer store, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1208 reviews)
Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Hilo brewpub with creative, Asian-Hawaii fusion pub fare, strong house drinks, and generally fast, friendly service, with occasional service lapses and inconsistency on busy nights.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Ola Brew delivers solid neighborhood brewpub performance with strong food quality—particularly the smash burger and creative fusion plates—and quick, friendly service. However, inconsistent execution on temperature and seasoning prevents a higher grade, and the comfortable but unpretentious setting lacks destination appeal. Worth visiting for the beer flights and casual vibe, though expect occasional off-nights during peak service.
Restaurant Summary
Big windows, high ceilings, and a hum of trivia nights set a warm, lively vibe at this Hilo brewpub. Servers are often upbeat and quick, with flights landing fast and burgers following close behind. One diner put it simply: "Great beer, quick bites, easygoing staff"—though on busy nights, timing and tone can wobble. The cooking leans fusion-forward: bao with char siu, dan dan gnocchi, birria tacos, octopus with potato pave, and an island-famous smash burger. It is creative without pretension, matched to house beers, seltzers, and hard juices that many guests assemble into choose-your-own flights. Expect bold flavors and the occasional miss when the room is packed. Families do well here: there is a dedicated keiki menu (burger, waffle, avocado toast) and plenty of kid-friendly picks like smash burgers and fries. Adventurous kids can nibble bao or tacos, while picky eaters stick to classics. Noise rises on event nights, so earlier visits are best for little ones.
At a Glance
- Crowd-pleasing smash burger and creative fusion small plates
- Build-your-own beer and hard juice flights with staff guidance
- Service can slow or slip in tone during peak times
- A few reports of inconsistent seasoning and temperature on fries and select dishes
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- creative_fusion_pub_menu
- house_brewed_beer_and_hard_juices
- trivia_night_energy
What People Love
- That smash burger comfort hit with island character
- Playful fusion like pork belly bao and dan dan gnocchi
- Flexible flights to explore beers and hard juices
- Friendly, fast staff on most visits
- Lit back-lot parking and easy access
Points of Concern
- Occasional rude or curt interactions reported, especially when busy
- Temperature and seasoning inconsistencies (cold fries, oversalted lechon) appear sporadically
- Event nights can mean waits for seating and slower checks
- Pricing on some pupus feels high for portion compared to other items
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$34-$52 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Start with Pork Belly Bao and Brussels Sprouts, share an Ola Burger, finish with Ice Cream Bao
- Pescatarians: Ahi Tostada, Walnut Shrimp, Crispy Tako
- Vegans: House Salad, Fried Plantains, Fried Tofu Sandwich, Avocado Toast
Perfect For
- Casual group hangouts with drinks and shared plates
- Post-hike or beach-day refuel with easy parking
- Date-night drinks with lively trivia energy
- Families seeking a relaxed meal with kid options
Location Insights
Area: Casual, local Hilo corridor with a laid-back, community vibe; popular with post-hike and beach-day crowds.
Safety: Generally safe with active foot traffic; reviewers note a lit back lot and visible security presence at night.
Nearby: Near Hilo attractions like Rainbow Falls and Kaumana Caves; convenient for travelers and locals.
HiloHilo offers a relaxed, small-town Hawaiian atmosphere with a mix of local eateries, casual dining, and cultural spots. The dining scene is diverse but generally informal, reflecting the town's laid-back vibe and strong community ties.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday10:00–20:00
Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating
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