We have eaten well on this short trip to Hilo.
Yesterday evening, after a successful media symposium wrapped up at UH Hilo (bravo to Tiffany Edwards Hunt for pulling this all together), we joined others for libations back at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. It was their Saturday Hawaiian Seafood Buffet, and the restaurant was well on its way to being packed. Some Japanese tour groups, but a whole lot of local families there to chow down.
I have to admit, though, that Meda’s problems with crab and some shellfish, and the $37.50 buffet price tag, sent us in search of another option. Luckily, it was only a couple of minutes away. Six of us ended up back at Sombat’s Thai restaurant, just next door to Ken’s House of Pancakes. It’s kind of a hole in the wall, but the food was very good, we stuffed ourselves, and the tab for six people (including tax) was just $82.
I failed to take a picture of the food as it was served, but I made up for it this morning with a shot of my fluffy ham and cheese omelet at Ken’s. It was almost 7:30 a.m., after our morning walk along the bay, and the Ken’s was already very bustling, although not quite totally full yet. Getting close, though. Ken’s is obviously popular with Hilo folks, who seemed to be about 95% of the early eaters.
After a meal like that, it’s going to take a while to get started again. Meda grabbed a flier yesterday for the Big Island Coin Club’s 4th Annual Antique and Coin Show, just a few blocks away. So now it’s time for a shower, then a visit to the coin club’s show, and then a flight back to Honolulu.
I’ll dig into a few of the issues that came up at yesterday’s media symposium after I have a chance to look over my notes.
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Ken’s is the “go to” place whenever I’m in Hilo. It’s a “tradition” that started for me way back whenever I was sent there on assignment for the Star-Bulletin.
On a couple of occasions I even happened to meet people visiting from Honolulu. I guess it’s that popular.
Ken’s omelets have killed more men than bullets. But they are irresistible!
Ken’s is a good night spot, so many Hilo drunks appear in their splendor from judges to mini biz tycoons. It was opened four decades ago as the first (and still ) only 24-hour eating house on Big Island.
Legendary Herb Caen, the late unrivaled San Francisco columnist was on hand for the grand opening and gave it some stature up front.
Ownership has changed hands a few times but it remains mostly the same place with bad parking and imperfect food.
But is a place to meet folks and not get lost in the effort. I guess “landmark” fits by now. (In January my old college roommate of 50 years ago who ives in Indiana came over and that’s where we gathered one morning while he was in town visiting his daughter).
My California brother considers it the best breakfast house in the islands. My wife regards it as among the worst. I fall somewhere in between. But knowing Ken’s is part of understanding Hilo.
I love the omelets at Ken’s! Best deal in town. Too bad you did not dine at Cafe Pesto in downtown Hilo. It was packed when we got there on a Sunday evening. Good thing we made reservations.
The buffet at the Hilo Hawaiian is quite good considering the price.
Gigi’s recommendation of Cafe Pesto probably would have suited you and Meda well from reading what you like to cook over the years.
Ken’s is always a stop for us when we’re on Big Island, no matter how long we have to wait for a parking place. One fun aspect of Ken’s is that we always seem to meet interesting folks there, both locals and visitors. The atmosphere there somehow encourages striking up conversations with other diners.
I really love the walk along Hilo Bay. and the area around the Hotel you stayed at.
Ken’s used to make wonderful German potato pancakes served with apple sauce,but the last time I visited they had discontinued them.
I love Ken’s. When I go, I always get my omelet with BACON and cheese. They are so generous with their portions there, and I’m never disappointed with the layers of meat and cheese. What makes Ken’s even greater, is that with my omelet I can get a side of delicious fluffy pancakes. Specialty syrups just make the whole experience a sinful indulgence! Can’t get me enough Ken’s and bacon.