Ken's House of Pancakes

The 16 Best Restaurants in Hilo, Hawai‘i | Eater

"Ken Pruitt and Bonnie Twitchell opened Ken’s House of Pancakes in 1971, when it was the only 24-hour business on the east side of the island. In 1990, under the ownership of Lindberg and Frances Ching, it received a much-needed face-lift but remains a storied icon, with framed celebrity photos on the wall featuring guests like Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson and Oscar the Grouch. Ken’s has long been a favorite spot for university students seeking a late meal after studying for finals or celebrating the end of a semester. Large groups often visit for diner-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including pancakes (try the banana mac nut chocolate chip). For especially hungry customers, there are “sumo-size” meals, offering hefty portions of local favorites, like the Sumo Loco, which consists of 2.5 pounds of hamburger on top of six scoops of rice, served with three Spam patties, three eggs, and brown gravy. Prices are reasonable, and portions — no matter the stated size on the menu — are generous. Though Ken’s has shortened its hours, it remains a slice of Hilo history and a rite of passage for UHH students." - Maya-Lin Green