Martina Pfyffer
What a lovely place to dine! We were a party of 4, 2 adults, 1 kid, 1 toddler. Highchair directly offered abd brought to the table. The waiter on the front was very friendly. The waitress who served us was super nice and fulfilled all our wishes and the food….OMG i don’t even know how to tell you with words – DELICIOUS!!! Our family left verry happy!
… moreNick Shaw
Delicious food, fast service, and friendly folks. We were seated, had drinks, appetizers, dinner, and dessert in an hour. Not bad for an Easter dinner. We started off with sweet chili, coconut crusted calamari. They were huge and so tender. I had a giant prime rib, cooked to perfection with potatoes and squash. The wife had Cajun spiced mahi mahi with potatoes and mixed vegetables. For dessert, we shared banana spring rolls with vanilla bean ice cream. If you get the chance to stop by Pahoa, HI make dinner reservations and have a wonderful meal at Kaleo’s. They have 2 locations.
… moreVic H
Someone recommended the Kaleo’s in Pahoa (said it was better than Keaau) and I was very pleased we went. We sat and the bar and our bartender/server was sooo nice! I had the Thai coconut curry (I asked for tofu but the server said they were out of tofu, so I got the chicken). My husband got the crispy kalua pig wontons and coconut shrimp appetizers but the two were enough for a meal. He was really happy with the wontons and shrimp, and we even went back on a different day because he wanted them again. The Mai Tai was delicious. I have to mention that when we went back on a Sunday (about 2 hours til closing) and my husband ordered the shrimp he was told they were out. We had the same bartender and she was very apologetic. He ordered the burger instead but it was red and bleeding so he sent it back to get cooked more. Overall I’d say Kaleo’s is a pretty decent spot for food and drinks.
… moreJeffrey Viviani
This place was very friendly, welcoming, and has a Hawaiian theme to the painted walls and overall atmosphere. I also thought the prices were very good. The pina colada I had was tummy-rubbing delicious, and my pulled pork sandwich was stuffed with meat and a gigantic onion ring like a super bowl stadium.
… moreJason Dupee
We are from AZ and this place is absolutely amazing! Thai chicken pasta is the best I ever had! Katsu chicken is excellent too! Total cool vibe and great service!
… moreBob Capelli
Food was pretty good, my mushroom Swiss burger was actually very good, and my wife’s wife’s fresh catch of the day was lacking flavor and she didn’t like it that much. But what really surprised us was the price of the fresh catch. They say “market price” on the menu, and we thought it’d be between $20 and $25, but it came out at $34 for a small portion. Way too expensive.
… moreN Clever
Love Kaleo’s. We’ve eaten here about 30 times over the years and have never had a bad meal. The prices are reasonable. The staff are friendly and attentive. Love the decor and the beautiful art work. Will be back another 30+ times!
… moreSheila K
We are a huge fan of Kaleo’s. We usually go to the one in Kea’au, but decided to try the one in Pahoa. It had a quaint feel, and the food and service were excellent. We both got the special – bacon butter NY strip with mash and veggies. We were both impressed. The food is always good at Kaleo’s, and the service was top-notch. Great job, all around. We will be back!
… moreMarie Rice
Excellent. Everything all around. From there moment we pulled into the parking lot. A nice young gentleman directed us where to park. The hostess was very friendly seated us right away. Immediately got waters as we sat, our server came to us within minutes. Everyone was very friendly. The menu had excellent choices. We chose the ahi appetizer, the fish and chips, and the guava glazed ribs. Ordered the calamari to take home for my wife. She absolutely loved it. It was also cooked to perfection. Not rubbery. Perfectly fried. Everything was cooked to perfection. The fish was nice and fresh, crispy and juicy, lots of flavor. The ribs were perfectly glazed, not over powering BBQ sauce. Excellent. I feel as if this will be our new favorite restaurant.
… moreMatt McKeown
Kaleo’s Bar & Grill, Pahoa: Local Cuisine, Great Cocktails, and Old Town Charm
Kaleo’s Bar & Grill stands as a beloved fixture in Pahoa Town, offering a quintessential Big Island dining experience. The restaurant is the original location of the Kaleo’s family of restaurants, with a second, more modern establishment located in Orchidland (Keaau), closer to Hilo.
The Pahoa location has a distinct, rustic appeal. It occupies an older building that aligns perfectly with the unique, historic atmosphere of Pahoa Village Road. While the structure itself is simple, the practicalities are well-managed; there is ample parking, which is always a bonus for a busy local spot. Inside, the restaurant is clean and functional, including the provision of a useful and private restroom setup: two total individual-use bathrooms, one for men and one for women.
We chose to sit at the bar, enjoying the company of a local relative, and found the experience entirely positive—we had no complaints. The service at the bar was a standout. The bartender was professionally dressed, exuded a sense of competence, and was notably friendly and attentive without being overly familiar. Their professional demeanor meant they did not come across as rude or flirtatious, making for a comfortable and enjoyable seating arrangement.
The strength of Kaleo’s lies in its commitment to excellent local-style cuisine and a solid beverage program. The drinks were great—well-mixed and satisfying, a perfect complement to the vibrant atmosphere. The food was good overall, but the seafood was particularly excellent, showcasing the freshness of the island’s bounty. The calamari deserves specific praise; it was perfectly prepared, hitting that sweet spot of crispy texture and tender interior. Their menu features a rotating selection of fresh catches and local favorites, including the house-favorite Kalbi Ribs and Lilikoi Cheesecake.
Beyond daily meals, Kaleo’s is a cultural hub in Pahoa. They offer live entertainment nightly, featuring local Hawaiian musicians. Additionally, the kitchen runs consistent specials, often highlighting creative preparations of fresh Ahi and other seafood or steak dishes. For instance, their Friday night menu often features an Herb Crusted Prime Rib special, making the end of the week a popular time for locals and visitors alike.
Kaleo’s successfully manages to bridge the gap between a cozy, old-town spot and a reliable, high-quality dining destination. It is a genuine taste of Pahoa, where history, quality ingredients, and professional service converge to create a truly memorable experience.
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