Hilo Bay Cafe

Hilo Bay Cafe

123 Lihiwai St, Hilo, HI 96720, United States

+1 808-935-4939

Restaurant
(1457)
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About This Place

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Hilo Bay, Hilo Bay Cafe invites diners to indulge in a vibrant fusion of fresh, locally sourced Hawaiian and contemporary American flavors. Located at 123 Lihiwai St, this renowned restaurant effortlessly combines the casual elegance of island living with an upscale dining experience that is both inviting and memorable.

The menu is a true celebration of the region's seafood bounty and culinary creativity. Standout dishes like the Crab Cake California Roll and the perfectly crisp Fish and Chips paired with a refreshing House Salad offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors that captivate the palate. For those seeking bold, tropical flair, the Mahi Mahi and Garlic Shrimp Yakisoba are exquisite choices, each bite bursting with island-inspired seasoning and authenticity. Sushi lovers will appreciate the Aina Chirashizushi and the spicy kick of the Spicy Salmon Roll, showcasing the freshest fish with nuanced, delicate seasoning.

Hilo Bay Cafe’s desserts are nothing short of indulgent. Imagine sinking your fork into the warm, decadent Cast-Iron Cookie—a vanilla bourbon and dark chocolate chip cookie served with Tahitian vanilla ice cream and toasted macadamia nuts that melt together in a glorious harmony of rich, buttery sweetness. The Autumn Crisp Cup layers cinnamon- and nutmeg-spiced apple filling with a crisp oatmeal-coconut cookie and a cool coconut sorbet, creating a beautifully balanced finish to your meal.

The ambiance perfectly matches the culinary offering; diners are often drawn to the breathtaking patio seating where panoramic views of Hilo Bay create an unforgettable backdrop. From the golden glow of sunset to the twinkle of evening lights, the setting elevates every meal into a sensory escape. As one reviewer, B. Domke, shared, “The atmosphere is beautiful (reserve a table on the patio), and the service is stellar,” capturing the blend of attentive hospitality and enchanting scenery that defines the experience.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an exceptional dinner with a relaxed island vibe, Hilo Bay Cafe delivers on all fronts. The carefully curated cocktail list, featuring classics like the Mai Tai, complements the menu perfectly, adding a spirited touch to your lakeside dining. And for those seeking convenience without sacrificing quality, dinner take-away options allow you to bring the magic of Hilo Bay Cafe into your own home.

With its vibrant flavors, stunning location, and warm, professional service, Hilo Bay Cafe is more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to savor the spirit of Hawaii in every bite and every view.

Service options
Outdoor seating Kerbside pickup Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great tea selection Great wine list Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Healthy options Organic dishes Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Quiet Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended Lunch reservations recommended Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot On-site parking Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 02:30 PM 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 02:30 PM 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 02:30 PM 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 02:30 PM 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Saturday
    11:00 AM - 02:30 PM 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • B. Domke
    1 month ago

    You can't go wrong with the Hilo Bay Cafe. The food is soooooo tasty, the atmosphere is beautiful (reserve a table on the patio), and the service is stellar. I will be back here again. It's AMAZING!!

  • A N
    2 month ago

    The place is nice with a pleasant atmosphere. The food is good, but not amazing. Overall, it’s a decent spot for a relaxed meal by the bay.

  • Dave Fosbrook
    2 month ago

    The view of the bay from the outside seating is priceless. The service was good. The decor is upscale. The food was flavorful. I can only image the night views from the restaurant spectacular. The views and location are worth the price.

  • Holger Heine
    2 month ago

    Tasty dishes expertly prepared, locally sourced. Friendly staff, lovely views, relaxing atmosphere.

  • K Domke
    3 month ago

    Delicious food, amazing service & a wonderful view. Recommend making a reservation but even without one we were able to grab a seat at the bar and the view was still wonderful! Highly recommend this place.

  • Ash
    4 month ago

    I’m so glad we decided to check this place out. Best food I’ve had on this side of the island, if not the whole island. Everything from the tea to the apps to the soup all the way to main course was amazing. Unfortunately we didn’t get any dessert we were stuffed but I guarantee it’s good too. I recommend the pot pie!!! And as a vegetarian I was happy to see that option Also our server was awesome too! I can’t remember his name unfortunately but he was great. I definitely recommend this place and if we weren’t leaving, I would definitely have been back. And I’m picky lol

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