Our Main Dining Panorama
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Naung Mai Thai Kitchen

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A beloved neighborhood Thai eatery serving authentic curries and noodles with fresh, local ingredients and a wide array of vegetarian options.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Our Main Dining Panorama

Naung Mai Thai Kitchen

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved neighborhood Thai eatery serving authentic curries and noodles with fresh, local ingredients and a wide array of vegetarian options.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Authentic and delicious Thai food with friendly service, a must-try for locals and visitors alike!"

TIP

Don't Underestimate This Gem

Small in size but mighty in flavor, this Thai kitchen offers an unforgettable culinary experience.

Try Recommended Dishes

Consider the peanut sauce, fried rice, Tom Ka with tofu, Panang Curry, and chicken Pad Thai for standout choices.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

Thai

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(808) 934-7540

Address

86 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Thai Flavors

Authentic Thai Flavors

Experience vibrant and authentic Thai cuisine, with dishes praised for their big flavors and fresh, local ingredients.

Naung Mai Thai KitchenGoogle Review+2
Vegetarian Paradise

Vegetarian Paradise

A wide array of vegetarian options ensures everyone can enjoy flavorful Thai dishes, from curries to noodles.

Our Favorite Big Island Vegetarian RestaurantsGoogle Review+1
Cozy Neighborhood Eatery

Cozy Neighborhood Eatery

This charming spot offers a warm, comfortable atmosphere with friendly service, making it a beloved local favorite.

18+ of the Best Places to Eat in Hilo (and some drinking options too) 2024Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We love Auntie Carol 🫶🏼🥹🇹🇭 #fypシ #thaifood #bigisland #hilo #hawaii #kona #mangostickyrice
@4theloveofjazzy
68 likes • 2.5K views

Don't Underestimate This Gem

Small in size but mighty in flavor, this Thai kitchen offers an unforgettable culinary experience.

Try Recommended Dishes

Consider the peanut sauce, fried rice, Tom Ka with tofu, Panang Curry, and chicken Pad Thai for standout choices.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

To avoid crowds and ensure a smoother dining experience, consider visiting outside of peak times.

Ask for Spice Level Guidance

Friendly staff are happy to help guide you on spice levels and menu recommendations.

Tips

from all over the internet

Don't Underestimate This Gem

Small in size but mighty in flavor, this Thai kitchen offers an unforgettable culinary experience.

Try Recommended Dishes

Consider the peanut sauce, fried rice, Tom Ka with tofu, Panang Curry, and chicken Pad Thai for standout choices.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

To avoid crowds and ensure a smoother dining experience, consider visiting outside of peak times.

Ask for Spice Level Guidance

Friendly staff are happy to help guide you on spice levels and menu recommendations.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Naung Mai Thai Kitchen is lauded for its authentic and delicious Thai cuisine, with many praising the fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the wide range of vegetarian options. Reviewers often highlight friendly service and a cozy atmosphere, though a few have had negative experiences with specific dishes like Pad Thai. Overall, it's considered a must-try for Thai food lovers in Hilo.

"OMG fantastic Thai food. Every time we come to Hilo we have a meal here. Great service, airy restaurant- we love the Tom Ka with tofu, Panang Curry with veggies and the chicken Pad Thai. Give this place a try you won’t regret it."

Michaelanne Stevens

"The worst pad Thai Ive ever had in my life. Really low quality for top dollar. The broccoli added a terrible flavor and the sauce tastes like an old tomato base. I couldn't eat more than a couple bites before I threw it away. Pretty sure all their good reviews are fake."

annaka M

"Visited this cute little Thai spot in Hilo, Hawaii about a week ago.

Food: I eat a lot of Thai food, and I will say right away that the flavor of the food here is unique.

For our appetizer, we got the Thai Spring Rolls. They were very fresh and it is a decently large portion size. I ordered the Pad See Ui and it was nothing like any other Pad See Ui I've ever had, but it was delicious! The dish also tasted very clean- not super oily. My boyfriend got the Pad Thai and cleaned his plate. I'm not usually a Pad Thai fan, but I even had a bite and enjoyed it :). Portion sizes for entrées are generous.

I also ordered a Thai Tea and it was perfect. My boyfriend got the Thai Coffee and it was strong and yummy!

Service: Our server was very sweet. I think that it was hard for her to understand us at times, but regardless, we had a great experience.

Atmosphere: Very cute, cozy, comfortable interior. Seems to be a locally known place. We saw people coming in and chatting with one of the employees so it seems that they knew each other. I really enjoyed dining here.

TLDR: Cute place, good food, and good service! Would love to come back here next time I'm in Hilo."

Natasha Havanur

What People Like

Authentic Thai flavors
Extensive vegetarian options
Friendly and attentive service

What People Dislike

Inconsistent Pad Thai quality
Can get busy

Frequently Asked Questions

Many diners recommend the Tom Ka with tofu, Panang Curry with veggies, chicken Pad Thai, and their fried rice.

Google Review+3

Yes, the restaurant is very vegetarian-friendly with many options available, including curries and Pad Thai.

Our Favorite Big Island Vegetarian RestaurantsGoogle Review+1

Yes, you can often choose your spice level for dishes, and the staff can guide you on recommendations.

Google Review+2

It's described as a cute, cozy, and comfortable interior, giving a warm, homely, and local feel.

18+ of the Best Places to Eat in Hilo (and some drinking options too) 2024Google Review+1

The restaurant can get busy, so it's advisable to consider visiting during off-peak hours or making a reservation if possible.

Parking might be limited as it's on a small alleyway, so a walk from street parking may be involved.

Google Review

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86 Kilauea AveHilo, HI 96720(808) 934-7540 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Naung Mai is a Thai restaurant that serves curries and pad thai made from local ingredients.

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