Restaurant Kenichi

This place is AWESOME. We were craving some good Japanese/Korean food after a Mauna Kea hike, and we were lucky to find this place on our route back. It was bustling at 8:00pm on a Thursday, which you know is a good sign! Regardless, we were seated right away and had our food within 20 minutes. My partner ordered their spicy miso ramen, which he graciously let me sample (and eat his fish cakes out of 💕). The ramen was flavorful, complex and was an incredible steal at just over $10 for a “regular” (it was HUGE) bowl. I ordered the catch of the day, which was grilled Mahi. It was easily some of the best Mahi I’ve had on the island, if not ever. I ordered it with rice and salad, which paired perfectly. Our waitress (Donna) was even nice enough to bring me a requested side order of kimchi, even if I didn’t initially pick it as a side. The kimchi tasted like someone’s grandma made it, and it also came in a sizable portion. Needless to say, I ate all of it and probably got a week’s worth of probiotics in one go. We split their Japanese cheesecake for dessert, which was also delightful. We decided to take one of their brookies home and enjoyed it as our dessert the next day. I don’t know who in this establishment bakes all these desserts, but they do a fantastic job. In sum, this place seems like it’s a well-oiled machine and I hope they continue to crank out their excellent food and service. We will certainly be back next time we’re in Hilo!

What a great restaurant filled with locals who come here to eat. Donna was our waitress and she was super nice and helpful. We ordered the 12oz Ribeye medium rare, Kimchi Fried Rice, Boneless Korean Chicken and a Tonkotsu Ramen. The stand out items were definitely the steak and boneless chicken....those are definite must tries for sure!! Give it a try when you're in the area. Enjoy.

Most of the seats were mixed with local customers, but it was helpful to have a female staff who can speak Japanese. We had chicken cutlet and ahi cutlet. Well-fried fries go well with Japanese-style katsu sauce. When I visited again, I had ramen, but the orthodox soup with thin noodles was well mixed and delicious.

This place was amazing! I already have gone here and the food ceased to amaze! Sadly, I could not capture enough pictures before the food was devoured. We went here a second time and received the same amazing food. Luckily, I was able to capture some photos. We ordered the ramen, boneless Korean chicken, and the bone-in too! Service is great as well and the bathrooms are fairly clean. Overall, this is a must go place and we will definitely be returning again.

I can see for sure many local people love this restaurant. The majority of customers are local, which as a traveler like me do need to taste and feel why and how famous the restaurant is. Waiting time during rush hours is usually less than 30 minutes. For the food, they are perfectly awesome. The restaurant looks dated, family owned, and full of history. Many stuff I believe they have been in the restaurant since its grand opening. I am not complaining, but I actually like it too. Something original should keep its original. Nor their price is crazy expensive too. I ordered the Kim chee fire rice(appetizer), which costs me about $10, and I got a big plate as surprise. I thought it was two orders' quantity. If come at day time, parking maybe bit trouble, but in the evening, parking shouldn't be a problem. Just to be fair, they are not 6 stars Michelin restaurant. Please don't expect they must have 6 stars customers' skills for tourists. Overall, 5 stars. For culture, history, and awesome food. Thank you.