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Hilo › Hilo › Pho 99
Pho 99A-Worth Trying
18 Furneaux Ln, Hilo, HI 96720
· Vietnamese restaurant, Pho restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (272 reviews)
Takeout
Cozy, family-run Vietnamese spot with standout pho, friendly hospitality, and fair prices; expect occasional irregular hours and a simple, warm room.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Pho 99 earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality—particularly the flavorful, aromatic broth that keeps diners returning—paired with warm, attentive service from owners who genuinely engage with guests. The solid consistency and fair value reinforce its standing as a respected neighborhood favorite, though the small, warm room and occasional operational hiccups prevent it from reaching grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked off a downtown lane, this tiny room hums with warm mom-and-pop energy. Diners rave about the clear, aromatic pho broth and the owner who shares Big Island tips. One guest said it felt like being welcomed into a friend’s home, with kind, attentive service and plenty of fresh herbs at the table. The cooking leans traditional Vietnamese—pho, bun with crisp spring rolls, papaya salads, and banh mi—done with clean, balanced flavors rather than flash. Portions are generous and prices fair for Hilo. If you love soulful broth and fresh textures, this is comforting, classic Vietnamese more than modern fusion. Families do well here. Kids often enjoy chicken pho and simple rolls, and several reviews mention sweet gestures toward little ones. There is no formal kids menu, but accessible options like small pho bowls and chicken banh mi make it easy for younger eaters.
At a Glance
- Exceptionally flavorful pho broth with generous portions
- Genuine, friendly owners create a welcoming experience
- Fair prices for quality and portion size
- Irregular opening hours; sometimes closed during posted times
- Small, warm room on humid days with limited seating
What Sets It Apart
- broth_crafted_pho
- family_run_hospitality
- vermicelli_with_crisp_rolls
What People Love
- Broth that tastes clean and deeply savory
- Crispy, fresh rolls over vermicelli
- Kindness and local tips from the owner
- Hearty bowls that leave you full
Points of Concern
- Hours can be unpredictable; multiple reports of arriving during posted times and finding doors closed
- Space is tiny and can feel warm; fans help but AC is limited
- A few service hiccups reported, including one order dispute and a tense moment heard from the kitchen
- Banh mi feedback is mixed, especially pork filling and portion size
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$30-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Vegetarians: order Vegetarian Pho or Vegetarian Papaya Salad with tofu
- For kids: Small Chicken Pho $14.50 is a reliable choice
- Pair rolls ($12.50-$13.50) with a small pho for a satisfying light meal
Perfect For
- A comforting pho fix on a rainy Hilo day
- Casual family lunch after the market
- Low-key dinner with classic Vietnamese flavors
- Solo noodle craving with quick service
Location Insights
Area: Compact downtown lane near Hilo Bay markets; casual, local-leaning with tourist spillover.
Safety: Generally safe, daytime foot traffic; basic lighting, typical small-town feel.
Nearby: Near Hilo Farmers Market, shops, and bayfront; walkable to galleries and cafes.
Downtown HiloDowntown Hilo features a mix of local shops, eateries, and cultural sites, attracting both residents and visitors seeking authentic Hawaiian and diverse dining experiences. The dining scene is casual and community-oriented, with many small, family-run restaurants offering local and ethnic cuisines.
Furneaux LaneFurneaux Lane is a small street within downtown Hilo known for its local businesses and eateries, providing a more intimate and neighborhood feel compared to the busier main streets.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday10:30–18:30
Wednesday10:30–18:30
Thursday10:30–18:30
Friday10:30–18:30
Saturday10:30–18:30
Sunday
Available: Takeout
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