Liko Lehua Cafe

A great local business that serves up tasty food. The portabella mushroom burger is a great option for vegetarians and the greek spinach pasta salad w/​grilled fish is my go-​to! Their service is always friendly and we have never had any problems with our call-​in orders. Their current location has very limited parking and is very tiny overall, so I can’t wait until they open at their new, larger location right in the heart of Hilo town (and closer to where a lot of us work!).
Liko Lehua Café was also an incredible part of the disaster recovery efforts after Tropical Storm Iselle hit Hawai’i Island. They coordinated food/​ingredient donations and gave tons of time, energy and restaurant resources to provide hot meals to people who were without power for days and even weeks. This business is definitely run with aloha!

Small place on the side of the road. Two smallish folding tables for seating. Small parking lot. Small interior…
But all that «small» is quickly overshadowed by the large portions of real Island foods, the large flavors in every dish we’ve tried, the large smiles from the staff, the large efforts to do things the right way.
No shortcuts, no phony, no b.s.
The plate lunches we enjoyed were phenomenal. Tender flavorful pork prepared three different ways, tasty lau lau, taro with coconut, pork and peas, Mac and cheese, Mac salad, the jalapeño burger, the Surfer Boy burger, ALL FANTASTIC.
After multiple visits we are fans and would strongly recommend this honest eatery.

What a spontaneous gem in Kaumana’s residential area. You’ll miss it if you don’t know where to go. Google Maps it. This is a must go to support local and small business and to get a unique food experience in limited Hilo.
It reminds me of that «fresh plate lunch» trend going around Hawaii.
I’d go back for the Hawaiian Plate. My last supper. They make me happy here.
The lau lau burger is really bold and delicious.
I do love their fries and aioli sauces. Not the kind of fries you’re used to in drive in Hilo town.
Anything they do with Mahi Mahi is wonderful here. And their version of fish n chips is the perfect lunch after a swim in the river.
If you’re a visiting tourist and going to see Kaumana Caves, Rainbow Falls or Boiling Pots around lunch time, this is the spot to hit on your way down for sure. You won’t see much like it anywhere else on the east side.
What I appreciate about this place is that they keep their menu small, simple and centered on a solid group of creations that are consistently fresh, flavorful, creative and executed delicately. Specials are on point too.
For years I’ve been faithfully buying their butter, even at their prices, it’s that good. You should definitely try it if you’re local and love lilikoi butter and wait for it… Guava Butter!!! Oh my god. I need some. Now. On a poppyseed cracker, waffles, toast, on a spoon, on anything… it is soo yummy. If you’re visiting, they make great gifts to take back to loved ones, especially those who love to jar things. Buy their butter, pay homage to their history and taste how Liko Lehua all started. You’ll be a fan too I’m sure and you can sit by me. :)
Small hole in the wall. Really friendly service. Not ideal for a dine in lunch date. Closes before 6pm. Grab take out and go to the park or beach for a nice view to go with your epic find.

Loved the hospitality and friendly atmosphere. I ordered the Hawaiian plate, based on the recommendation of the servers, and it was delicious! Many of the dishes I never had before and it added to my authentic Hawaiian experience. I felt special, they called me «auntie!» Mahalo!