Pineapples, a family-owned and -operated restaurant located on the Big Island, keeps island sustainability in mind. The restaurant brings fresh, local ingredients to a menu of Pacific Rim cuisine mixed with flavors from other parts of the world. Located in Hilo's historic Pineapple Building, the restaurant takes advantage of an open-air, corner location with a full view of the surrounding hip neighborhood.
Summer Crab Salad at Pineapples — Photo courtesy of Pineapples
The eatery makes a home in Hilo city's hippest and up-and-coming neighborhood Bayfront. As the name implies, this part of Hilo fronts beautiful Hilo Bay. It's always been home to a number of galleries, unique shops and boutiques, and the always fun and busy Hilo Farmers Market, where farmers and local artisans sell their handmade and locally produced food and creations. Before or after a meal at Pineapples, browse the streets of Bayfront to absorb the culture of Hilo.
The restaurant has turned the historic building, which was unoccupied for years, into a beautifully decorated venue boasting bright colors and unique decor. The open windows allow for people watching and let in a lot of sun and the warm tradewinds. To cool you down, Pineapples features a full bar that pours exotic tropical cocktails such as Coconut Dream and Kohala Cooler.
Alcohol-free Ginger Lilikoi Lemonade — Photo courtesy of Pineapples
The eclectic menu offers a combination of Pacific Rim-, Mediterranean- and Asian-inspired dishes. Whether you're in the mood for olive tapenade, vegetable tempura, a curry or a steak or fish plate, you'll find a varied selection of dishes to choose from.
Vegetarians will find comfort in a classic veggie burger, an array of salads like the Hilo Wedge and Avocado Spinach Salad. Local style pupus (Hawaiian for appetizers) include sizzling Hamakua Ali'i Mushrooms and Short Neck Clams.
Pineapples embraces its community, featuring artwork in the restaurant by local artists from One Gallery, located across the street. Live music is featured Tuesdays through Sundays, with an array of local musicians that get guests dancing.
Pineapples offers a 10% discount to active duty military personnel. Street parking is available, and it's usually not hard to find a parking spot in the area.
Other highlights of the immediate area include Liliuokalani Park - just a short drive away - where you can watch the ocean by Japanese fish ponds. Rainbow Falls is just a short drive up the street, where nature lovers can take in a majestic towering waterfall and the rainbows it makes above its vast pool below.
Visit Pineapples at 332 Keawe Street.
Phone: (808) 238-5324
Flavorful Tempura Ahi Rolls — Photo courtesy of Pineapples
