Last year I hopped over to Hilo, it was just a quick day trip to catch up with my friend and her husband, who recently swapped California sunsets for Hawaiian rainbows. I’ve known her since our nursing school days, and I remember them always dreaming about moving to Hawaii. Well, fast forward to a year ago, they were vacationing on the Big Island and decided to check out some houses in this small town in Hilo called Hawaiian Paradise Park. They were doing the classic “let’s just peek at this listing” move when—boom!—the owner spots them and says, “Come on in!” Seriously, people in Hawaii are so nice; it’s the Aloha Spirit in action! And wouldn’t you know it, they ended up buying the house. My friend retired from her nursing gig, and her husband was already living the retired life from his government job.
When I was there, I took her to this awesome spot I love called Hawaiian Style Cafe. I don’t get to Hilo often, but when I do, this place is a must. The portions are enormous, and the menu is packed with so many tempting options that choosing just one feels like a culinary crisis! After we stuffed ourselves, we made a sweet pit stop at Big Island Candies. You can’t go to Hilo without grabbing some of their famous macadamia nut shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate—so addictive, you’ll wonder why you didn’t buy more! We did a bit of sightseeing, and then I told my friend I had to make a quick run to Two Ladies Kitchen. They’ve got this mind-blowing mochi, and mochi with chocolate strawberries? Oh, it’s like biting into a little cloud of heaven.
Now, I’m not getting any kickbacks from these places, but I’ve got to share the love for the best eats in Hilo! I only had a day, but it was packed with good food, great company, and a whole lot of fun checking out my friend’s new house in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll move back to Hawaii. Fingers crossed!
