Puka means a small space in Hawaiian, and this little takeout eatery certainly fits the bill. This is where you can experience authentic local fare such as lunch plates, a chicken katsu plate, or onolicious (delicious) fish-and-chips. It's within walking distance of the Hilo Farmers Market.

Served with Hawaii’s familiar aloha, the Puka Puka Kitchen cooks up delicious Island food including ahi don, garlic curry, and chicken katsu. It seems like there is a Greek and Indian influence to the Hawaiian flavors which makes Puka Puka unique and worth a visit!

For lower-key downtown Hilo, stop in at Puka Puka Kitchen (just a block down from Cafe Pesto). Their opening hours are super limited (11am-2:30pm) and the dining room is tiny but they just get everything right. The ahi don, chicken katsu, and garlic rice are especially good and everything is served with a mountain of fresh and colorful locally sourced salad lightly coated in a dressing that will knock your socks off.

Serving pita, wraps, sandwiches, curry, bento, and more, this no-frills restaurant serves up quick and tasty meals, whether on-the-go and in a rush or just downright hungry. If you decide to visit, don’t be turned away by their atmosphere. While it’s a no-frills location as mentioned, it doesn’t depict how delicious their food is.

A magical combination of Hawaii, Japan, Indian and Middle Eastern influence make Puka Puka Kitchen worth the stop. Memorable bites of ahi don, overstuffed falafel pitas, perfectly crisped chicken katsu, and garlic curry will leave you feeling joyfully satiated in aloha land. 270 Kamehameha Ave., 808/933-2121

With exception food and service expected from hometown eateries, Puka Puka Kitchen offers generous portions of Hawaiian classic dishes. Fresh seafood, chicken, beef, and vegetables from the Big Island itself makes up much of the menu, providing comforting classics for a quick lunch or dinner.

There are lots of good restaurants in Hilo, but I was dazzled by the superb Tom Kha soup and tangy papaya salad at Tina’s Gourmet Garden Cafe, loved the pita sandwich at casual Puka Puka Kitchen, and happily indulged in the savory Thai curries at the New Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine restaurant.

Puka Puka Kitchen is a little restaurant serving big flavors in downtown Hilo. Get ready for a flavor fusion of Japan, Hawaiian, Middle Eastern, and Indian fare. A local favorite, the menu features colorful and delicious grab-and-go Bentos, fresh fish, meats, salads, Pita, and more.

Like we mentioned above, Spam musubis are pretty easy to find at convenience stores and grocery stores across the island, but a few other spots you can check out to grab one are Puka Puka Kitchen (Hilo), Hilo Lunch Shop (Hilo), Kawamoto Store (Hilo), and Queen K 76 (Kona)

Unless you live in Hilo permanently we do not advocate having Middle Eastern food while on a trip to Hawaii. There are simply too many local flavors to enjoy and get to know the local culture through them. Same goes for Kamana Indian restaurant.

I’ve been sitting here trying to figure out how to explain what Puka Puka serves. It’s not really local food; it’s not Japanese; it’s not any one thing. It’s like the owners took their favorite things to eat and put it on the menu.

Puka Puka Kitchen – This modest plate lunch spot is popular with locals for a reason. Order one of the local specialties, like chicken katsu or the ahi don (teriyaki battered and fried ahi tuna).

270 Kamehameha AveHilo, HI 96720(808) 933-2121 Open in Google Maps. Puka Puka serves pita sandwiches, curry, bento, and other dishes in a small, simple setting.

Lunch: Puka Puka Kitchen - A hidden gem serving tasty Hawaiian plate lunches and poke bowls. Located 0.9 miles from Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.