Kawamoto Store

Line was out the door at like 9am, but sooo worth it! We ended up ordering a build your own bento box en route to Volcano Nat’l park, and boy I wish I had enough time to go to this place once more before we left. The shrimp tempura and the ono tempura was so tender and fantastic. I preferred the ono to the mahi imo (mahi was a little on the drier side). I’d skip the musubi, unless you’re looking for a heavy rice snack to hold you over. The long rice is like a thick glass noodle and it was delicious!! I didn’t want to share with my fiancé lol. Tempura eggplant and the shoyu fish cake were both excellent as well (the latter was a little sweet but I rather liked it). Overall, everything was delicious here – highly recommend! Oh oh and the Japanese manju cake things that are in plastic packages. They’re like pie crust outside and red bean inside. Pretty tasty!

I was heading to the hostel on my way back from farmers market and decided to give this place a try when I saw the line out the door. One of the best decisions I've made on this trip!!! The prices are super affordable, especially compared to the same things that you'd get at farmers market (like spam musubi). I built a custom bento box for my partner and I and it came out to just over $12. And we have leftovers in the fridge! Super yummy, super affordable, super worth the (admittedly long, but I went about 10am) wait.

This place was recommended to me by a co-worker. This is by far one of my favorites. The Spam Musubi is really good, but the rest is sooo good and worth trying. I picked a couple different things and I'm definitely going back for more. I spent $12 and got enough for breakfast and lunch. The prices are great!

I'm so impressed with their friendly and efficient service. They had the most affordable pricing on bentos we had to order lots for my dad's memorial service. We also ordered other trays of main dish also for a family gathering. Everything was ono. The staff members I spoke with were kind and patient. I tell everybody I know....you guys are great and thank you so much for all your hard work!

Ok…I remember always loving the food here for as long as I can remember growing up on Hawaii Island. Maki sushi, shrimp tempura, nori chicken, fried chicken, mahimahi and shoyu pork hit the spot on a recent visit. Plus the Pie Crust Manju and Ranger Cookies are #brokedamout too! An absolute must stop if you’re in Hilo. Old school grinds made with love. You can taste it in every bite. 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼