Ken's House of Pancakes

Restaurant · Hilo

Ken's House of Pancakes

Restaurant · Hilo

3

1730 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720

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Ken's House of Pancakes by Photo by alchen_x/Flickr
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
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Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null
Ken's House of Pancakes by null

Highlights

American diner with Hawaiian twist, macadamia pancakes  

Featured in Eater
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1730 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720 Get directions

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@kens_house_of_pancakes

$10–20 · Menu

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1730 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720 Get directions

+1 808 935 8711
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@kens_house_of_pancakes

$10–20 · Menu

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Sep 9, 2025

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@eater

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

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-hilo-hawaii
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@eater

The 29 Best Diners in America | Eater

"A blue-collar Hilo institution since 1971, this 24-hour-origin diner serves massive portions of island favorites—banana-and-coconut-topped pancakes, 'sumo' loco moco with sliced Spam and brown gravy, saimin, teri-burgers, and Portuguese sausage and eggs—inside a groovy interior of burnt-orange booths and swiveling bar stools. Its warm service and comforting local flavors make it a beloved stop for residents and visitors alike." - Eater Staff

https://www.eater.com/23753457/best-diner-restaurants-america
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@afar

"Pancakes and Island Breakfasts We walked into Ken's House of Pancakes and instantly felt the small-town diner experience wash over us like the waves in Hilo Bay. Classic coffee cups with Ken's logo splashed on the side, massive stacks of pancakes, and plates of the loco moco sat on tables full of people enjoying their morning. The large restaurant serves up local food and local culture. With daily specials and warm waitresses, you will feel exactly like you are in a Hawaiian country town."

Breakfast and Brunch on the Big Island
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Matt Motoki

Google
We went there twice. The food was ok but the waitresses and hostess were super friendly. We ordered pancakes and oxtail stew the first day and more pancakes and oxtail soup the next day. The pancakes had good taste but they were a little dry but I guess that’s good for soaking up syrup. Pro tip: ask for one of each pancake (coconut, Mac nut, banana) if you want to try them all—we liked the Mac nut the best. The oxtail stew and soup were ok, but not amazing.

Debra Caracol Person

Google
We love this place haven't been here in 10 yrs. everything looked the same! Laura our server was beaming with Aloha ! Food was plentiful! especially the crab omelet to abundantly full of crab!! Each v plate cans with pancakes..& hash brown or rice! Best part they offered 2 different pancake syrups, coconut, guava & lilikoi!!

Oliver

Google
This place is one of my favorites on the island. Long hours, many options for food and great service—what is there not to love? Food is far above average with reasonable prices. It is HOT inside, but I would return to Ken’s without hesitation the next time that I am on the island. PARKING & AMBIENCE: Lots of parking and seating, with an old school diner vibe. There is not AC so it can get a bit warm, but there are fans and windows. In hindsight, I would elect for a beer at the outset. FOOD: Everything was enjoyable. The lap chung omelette was shockingly great. The eggs was very tender for an omelette, and I can be rather picky with overcooked omelettes and scrambled eggs. The wonton saimin was massive with a generous portion of meat. The broth was great. The wontons were a bit undercooked and not good. I would suggest the regular saimin noodles. Oxtail stew was around $32 and was the most exciting order. It came with two oxtails and was coated in a black pepper style sauce, resembling some chinese dishes. Came with a massive portion of fries, which are always welcome. I would skip it if you are not persuaded by the price/aesthetics.

Nando Daiello

Google
Food and service was solid! Having great food in paradise is a plus This place's been rooted in Hilo's history for many many decades! It's like a landmark The menu is EXTENSIVE! There's so many options that it can become a bit overwhelming great choices however. As mentioned above the service was great! Food came out fairly quick and delicious it def delivered. Def will return to Ken's on my next visit.

Wendy Day

Google
I went back twice for the homemade syrup. Guava, passion fruit, and coconut. I had pancakes the first time and a waffle the next morning. The place isn’t cheap and it seems to stay packed. But it’s worth it. Staff is friendly and kind.

Caleb Freeman

Google
This place is super popular due to its location to the greater Hilo area. It is a classic diner style restaurant. Nothing in particular is anything to write home about. I say again, it is a classic diner style restaurant. Our food wasn’t bad and it wasn’t amazing. Service was pretty solid! We had Mrs. Crystal. She did an amazing job! We never had an empty glass and she was very attentive. If on the island for a vacation I’d recommend checking it out. It’s one of those good for one time experiences. For food I had the Da Bradah Omelette. My wife had the eggs n things meat choice breakfast with spam. (Added pictures of the menu as well.)

Arianne Randolph

Google
Ken’s House of Pancakes is the place where breakfast dreams come true (and possibly may defeat you). If you find yourself in Hilo and you’re not at Ken’s House of Pancakes, you’re doing breakfast wrong. This place is a local legend — the kind of spot where the syrup alone would make you never leave, and the menu is so huge you might need a few rest days just to read it all. The coconut syrup? Life-changing. Forget your diet, your worries, maybe even your own name — just pour it over your pancakes and accept that you’ve reached peak island happiness. Speaking of pancakes, they’re the obvious star here: fluffy, plate-sized, and clearly baked with some kind of aloha magic. But don’t sleep on the rest of the menu. The crab omelette was rich and decadent without being over the top, and the breakfast sandwich could probably double as a building material — sturdy, satisfying, and guaranteed to keep you full until… well… tomorrow. For the brave (or possibly the unhinged), the Sumo challenges are here to test your willpower and your waistband. They’re massive. They’re slightly terrifying. They’re the culinary equivalent of a bear hug from an NFL lineman — comforting, but you’re not sure you’ll survive. Bottom line: Whether you’re here for a casual stack of pancakes or to earn your place in the Sumo Hall of Fame, Ken’s is the breakfast epicenter of Hilo. Just bring your appetite — and maybe your stretchy pants.

Avezel Lenze

Google
I feel at home while away from home! The Spam Moco was one of our best highlights of the day. It was so good! It has fried spam layered with over easy eggs, steamed rice, and gravy! Yum..😋
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Jordan T.

Yelp
A true historical landmark in the small town of Hilo, Ken's continues to provide a welcoming environment with local-style grindz. The interior has not changed much, although nothing about Ken's has changed through the years. Their food portion sizes have definitely gone down, albeit to combat inflation. Food quality, though, is still good for what you pay for. I had their breakfast special, a prime rib hash and two eggs my way. It also came with hash browns and two pancakes. The hash was flavorful and not greasy at all. The pancakes were smaller than usual but still fluffy. Their housemade coconut syrup is my go-to. Service was a bit slow, but that was expected with how busy they were during a Sunday mid-morning. Overall, it's still a nice place to grab a comforting breakfast or brunch with family, friends, or both! I definitely will be back.
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Alexander G.

Yelp
On a recent day trip to Hilo, we all wanted to start our adventure with a hearty meal and decided on the classic Ken's. Despite being in town many times, it was my first here and I loved the experience. It's a quick drive from town, with parking and nearby street parking for busy times. It's also near the airport making it an easy stop. The decor is a mix of vintage and diner, with proudly local photos and memories. The menu is huge, but not as big as the portions! Check out the Sumo Menu for giant plates, finish one and get your photo on the wall. We opted for small fare; I had an omelette which was made to perfection and filled with protein and veggies. A friend had a short stack of pancakes, which was huge, and three types of tropical syrup made in house to try. Our server was dressed for the part and very attentive the whole time. It seemed most of the staff has been working there a long time. If you're looking for a fun local breakfast spot in Hilo, this is worth checking out!
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Mike Z.

Yelp
I had to drop my partner off at the airport in Hilo. I had a lot of time before work so I thought I would give Ken's one more chance. Restaurant itself is clean. And the staff is definitely friendly. The vibe is old school dining. It's a tourist destination.. I got here really early and was sat in the back. Pricing is outrageous as far as I'm concerned, especially if you live here. $19.95 for a 2 egg breakfast with choice of meat, rice or hash browns, toast or a pancake. ) your $4.95 for coffee. $25 total. Plus tip.. Total $30! That's outrageous. There's even a $24 omelette. That's crazy. The Good: friendly staff and clean restaurant The Bad: Very expensive for what you get. Chances I'll Be Back: Not likely. There are other places that are just as good or better for a lot less money.

Ryan M.

Yelp
Lady gave me water and I found a cockroach in it. I was not pleased. I hope this is not normal for their service. This must be corrected.
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Shawn N.

Yelp
A lot of celebrities have been here, you can see them all on the wall and I can see why after we gave this place a try. Negatives -the specialty syrups were a little artificial. Positives -Value: everything is definitely bigger in the big island. My wife's macadamia pancakes (small) were the size of normal pancakes. She even had to Togo the last pancake. My teriyaki combo also came with a lot of meat and rice along with tuna mac. I've never had tuna mac in the states and honestly l like tuna mac much more than the normal Hawaiian Mac at L&L. -taste: I liked my teriyaki dish a lot, I finished everything. The pancakes were really good too. -service: service was exceptional, they were very kind and filled us with the aloha spirit. -ambiance: very much like a classic mom and pop diner. You can see the rich beautiful history throughout the restaurant. Overall 5/5 We really enjoyed our visit to the big island and we'll definitely be back.
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Dawn F.

Yelp
Love coming back here after living in the Mainland for so long. We used to come here in high school for late night munchies. Staff is always friendly and they outdid themselves this time. I wanted the fried noodles with teri beef, but was told they were out of teri beef. Then later on, server came back to say the kitchen was going to make me some just for my plate. I was so happy and it tasted as delicious as it always did. Extra tip for everyone and extra appreciation for making a Hilo girl's homecoming extra special.
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Inga S.

Yelp
Amazing service .. loved that I could order lunch and my husband could order breakfast..def recommend..great loc too
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Nando D.

Yelp
Food and service was solid! Having great food in paradise is a plus This place's been rooted in Hilo's history for many many decades! It's like a landmark The menu is EXTENSIVE! There's so many options that it can become a bit overwhelming great choices however. As mentioned above the service was great! Good came out fairly quickly and delicious it def delivered. Def will return to Ken's on my next visit. Mahalo
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Derek S.

Yelp
The ambiance is an authentic diner that welcomes you in and makes you feel like you can slow down a bit. The service is very friendly but they are moving fast and busy, so expect to be left alone for a while at times. The food looks amazing at everyone's table and it makes you want to try it all, but we were limited on time in this stop so we opted for some quick lunch options. I was surprised how delicious the chicken and beef Terri platter was! This spot is a hidden gem that more people need to try it! I would love to come back and try their sumo platter challenges, but it was on the list for today.
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Courtney C.

Yelp
Good vibes and good food! Ken's is in a great location in Hilo near many of the hotels, so we walked here for breakfast one morning. We read it got busy so arrived before 8am and were immediately sat. By the time we left around 9am, there was a wait, so if you want to beat the crowds get there early. The restaurant is a classic diner vibe with booths, a counter with stools and pictures on the walls. The menu is huge with plenty to select from. We tried one of the loco mocos (with pork), the crab cake benedict and the mac nut pancakes. Everything was solid and really generous portion sizes. Definitely try the pancakes and try the unique syrups they offer!
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Keith H.

Yelp
Brah, the pancakes SLAP at dis place! Dis breakfast knocked my tongue in da dirt! We had the keiki to kupuna "jess nuff" breakfast with scrambled eggs, Portuguese, sausage, and two pancakes. Also includes choice of drink! Wifey had the Da Kwiki on da run breakfast sandwich. She loved and then started eating my plate as well! Lol! We ordered small portions but it was more food than we could finish. It was fairly priced and our server was terrific! I don't do it very often but I am giving out 5 stars today because the food, the price the service and the overall experience was excellent! Extra tip -If you are really hungry and have a big appetite go to the last page of the menu and look for the Sumo meals! They look like they would be FIRE!
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Rudy J.

Yelp
The food is good local fare and the portions are huge! I got the won ton min with a side order of Portuguese sausage and hubs got the Teri Burger that comes with fries. I wonder what the Sumo size won tin min looks like because the regular one could feed 2!
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Justin B.

Yelp
Thank you Ken's! Stopped here real quick to sit and rest before we did several activity around town, we were seated right away and had a great service the whole time. Ordered the Eggs Benedict. It came with a side of hash browns and two pancakes. I ate it all! It was nice to have some comfort food in Hawaii. The restaurant felt like an older diner and I loved it, made it feel nostalgic American. It wasn't the best eggs benedict but it satisfied me just enough that I would come here again and try their other food. To the staff and owners of Ken's! Thank you guys for the great service and good food!
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Sam O.

Yelp
A good spot to stop for a quick breakfast and/or Hawaiian-style lunch in Hilo. Right by the airport so don't be startled if a jet comes screaming over the restaurant on final approach. Servers were a bit gruff, not too much aloha spirit. The pancakes were pretty good, and the 3 syrups (Lilikoi, passion fruit, and coconut) were amazing (they have regular maple syrup as well). Teriyaki chicken was decent, but I've had better. The chicken barley soup which was the special was EXCELLENT! Very flavorful. The server gives the bill to you at the table and you pay at the cashier counter. Look for a picture of Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird from Sesame Street on the wall. Caroll Spinney who played these characters visited here. The sumo menu on the back features HUGE portions and has been featured on Man v. Food by Casey Webb on the Food Network.
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Joanne J.

Yelp
Food was very good. I recommend coming here. There is a constant flow of people. Staff is friendly, the piped in music is enjoyable. The English muffin was surprisingly delicious. I don't think it's your regular Thomas' English muffin. We'd come here again.
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Gerald L.

Yelp
Lot of history with this restaurant but sorry, not that great for me. I love the retro decor and photos of celebrities and originator. I love the classic diner vibe. I didn't like the food or the prices they're tagged with. Pancakes were so so. Eggs were eggs. Nothing special about the Portuguese sausage. Smallish portions for the price. Cheaply made syrups, though they did have a selection (maple flavored, coconut flavored, guava flavored, and I think mango flavored).
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Kevin V.

Yelp
The service was excellent with our server (Laura) providing kind hospitality with quick food delivery. The ambiance is exactly what you expect from a diner. The dishes were packed with intensely savory flavors which made me immediately think this is "Hawaiian soul food". The portion sizes were massive with food coming out in mounds on large plates. Sorted by our favorites, we ordered Really Crab Omelette, Corned Beef Loco Moco, Oxtail Soup, and Mac-Nut Pancakes. The Omelette was absolutely amazing with fluffy, creamy eggs filled with crab, green onions and other toppings. The Mac-Nut Pancakes were a little sad feeling pretty dry and flabby; we expected a lot better from a "House of Pancakes". The rest of the dishes were solid with no major flaws or crazy praise necessary.
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Mark F.

Yelp
This is the only place we do breakfast when we're on the big island. We've been coming here for many years, every trip. You will leave here full and happy. The wait staff are always very friendly and the service is really quick. Today I had two eggs over easy with Portuguese sausage, four pieces!, hash browns and a side of the banana pancakes which I upgraded from the regular pancakes. The choice of Lily Koi, guava, or coconut syrup is amazing on those pancakes. My only critique is that they put the bananas on top of the pancakes instead of cooking them in.
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Tung D.

Yelp
we came here for breakfast before our Volcano National Park visit. We were surprised they had oxtails stew at 7AM in the morning, so we ordered it. The oxtails were delicious! The meat was tender and beefy. The broth was thick and aromatic. Went really well with white rice and macaroni salad. Portion was good too! We also ordered macadamia pancakes, but without a sweet tooth, we couldn't finish it. It was tasty too though.
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Sandy D.

Yelp
Haven't been to Ken's House of Pancakes for over 10 years. The food is fine. What I love is the smell of coffee when I walk in. It just triggers those good memories of when I was little. My breakfast hash browns were crispy- maybe a little freezer burnt. But my eggs and homemade corned beef hash was delicious. Arrive by the aunties are nostalgic. I'm a breakfast lover so need to frequent more often when I visit.
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Jay B.

Yelp
We came here 4 years ago and the girls barely remember on our way to the volcano. This time I decided to try the Sumo Loco Moco and failed miserably. My daughter had the French toast and both were delicious. The restaurant was probably built in the 70s or 80s and has the feel it hasn't changed. Service was good.
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Zynette C.

Yelp
Not gonna lie this place is pretty awesome. The food is pretty amazing. Staff are friendly and attentive, constantly checking if our water and drinks are filled. Ambience is what you expect at a true American diner. A must in Hilo!

Micah W.

Yelp
The pancakes was thick in a good way and the syrup that they had was cherrah! They had coconut, guava, and lilikoi! I liked the lilikoi the best! The service was a bit slow as the server was busy and but when they got to use she was so kind!
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Anna B.

Yelp
24 hour spot, perfect for a casual meal! Came in for breakfast on Christmas Day, got seated right away and service was great. Ordered the keiki size loco moco with spam and shared mac nut pancakes for the table. Portions are large, typical diner style. Attached to a small parking lot!
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Dijon B.

Yelp
Basic good home breakfast the salmon looked good have to try next time. Nandi
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Ericka H.

Yelp
Incredibly delicious spot for breakfast in Hilo! After our first visit, at the highest most recommendation of locals, we knew this would be a regular stop going forward! My husband's go to is their Sumo Braddah Omelette, Sumo Loco, and Mac-Nut pancakes while I am literally obsessed with their melt-in-your-mouth Sweet Bread French Toast!!! And OF COURSE I always enjoy it with coconut cream drizzled on top with a scoop of Maui made Roselani strawberry ice cream! Don't forget the POG! Staff here are welcoming and friendly and many have been employees for years! Music and atmosphere is relaxing! Remember that you are on island time here ... relax and enjoy :)
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Conner S.

Yelp
Came to Ken's on Christmas morning for breakfast and it was a great meal! Service was very friendly and attentive - and quick even though it was crowded. I ordered a Loco Moco - the classic version and it was delicious. There was tabasco on the table and it was a nice addition to the richness of the dish. My group shared the mac nut pancakes and those were great! I loved how they served it with a variety of syrups (maple, coconut, guava and I think lilikoi?). I really enjoyed the coconut syrup with the pancakes. The inside is a very 70's-80's vibe and very fun. They have pictures of people that have completed their large Sumo challenges throughout the restaurant. Definitely worth the visit while in Hilo!
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Lucas S.

Yelp
Food was absolutely delicious. For a diner style restaurant the steak was way better than expected, the scrambled eggs were cooked great, and of course the banana pancakes were great. The inside gave a cool 70s diner throwback, and the server was very kind.
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Angela H.

Yelp
Sadly, this place has become a ripoff. I have lovely memories of Ken's over the years but the prices are just outrageous for the food you get. My mom, husband and I paid $72 (with tip) for French toast, macadamia nut pancakes and a blueberry waffle with whipped cream. Yes, the portion sizes are good but the food, while overall decent, is not reasonably priced. Example: The macadamia nut pancakes. The regular pancakes are $10.95 on the menu. A few chopped macadamia nuts thrown on top of those pancakes raise the price to $18.95! There is no way that the addition of this small amount of nuts justifies a price difference of eight dollars! Similarly, the blueberry waffle: A basic Belgian waffle is $10.95. The addition of blueberries and cream came out to eight dollars more. Our coffees were never topped off. Toward the end of our meal we had to find a waiter to get a refill since our waitress only asked after she brought the check whether we would like more coffee. Our sad conclusion: Save your money or take it somewhere else. This place isn't worth it anymore.
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Sean R.

Yelp
Ken's House of Pancakes is my number one go to for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The nostalgia, customer service, even the decor hasn't change since I was in diapers. You can always get a good start to your day eating a hearty breakfast with their perfectly round pancakes or end your day with a perfect bowl of saimin and crispy French Fries. Or if you up for one challenge do it sumo style so they bang the gong before bringing it to your table! And you always going leave satisfied. Ken's will always be my first place to eat when I land in Hilo and as busy as they always are it's never a long wait. From locals to tourists everyone knows Ken's is one of da best!
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Melissa L.

Yelp
We were greeted by friendly staff at breakfast today! The restaurant looked 70's retro with orange booth seating that was comfortable. I ordered the trio of pancakes. The pancakes were good and fluffy, topped with shredded fresh coconut and macadamia nuts, and banana chunks. The top pancake was filled with macadamia nuts, the middle pancake was filled with coconut flakes, the bottom pancake was banana filled. They were all really good, but my favorite was the banana. The syrup choices included guava, Lilikoi with passion fruit , guava, and coconut. They also have maple syrup. My favorite syrup was the Lilikoi with passion fruit! You can honestly consume these without any syrup! Definitely give them a try, you won't regret it!
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Marie joy A.

Yelp
We dined here for breakfast, and honestly I'm not sure what the hype is about. The food prices are outrageously high especially for the quality of food you receive. My kids ordered the pancakes and it tasted like pancake mix from a box. The fried rice was bland and mushy. I gave 2 stars for the homemade Guava syrup which was pretty good! I'm not sure if I'd come back to eat here.
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Helen H.

Yelp
TLDR: Heard so many recommendations for this spot so had to try it when we were in Hilo for lunch! This was also one of the only restaurants open on Christmas Day in town. Missed the mark on overall experience and food, but I'm glad I tried it once. ------ SERVICE: We had to wait 30-45 minutes which was reasonable given how many people were trying to dine there. After we got seated and ordered, it unfortunately took another 45+ minutes before our food came out. I'll chalk it up to the busy holiday! ------ FOOD: We got their steak + Mahi Mahi special, as well as their original loco moco. Loved the loco moco -- gravy was flavorful and the rice was so soft. The special was unfortunately lacking -- the steak was really overcooked and didn't have much flavor (though the side of jus helped). Mahi mahi was only ok, and the sides were also all only average. ------ ENVIRONMENT / AMBIANCE: Very much a classic diner look and feel. There's a large parking lot here so shouldn't be too much of an issue to find a parking spot.
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Lisa V.

Yelp
The "diner experience" was quintessential here. Frank Sinatra played classics played, tables wiped a million times, booths with red vinyl, real photographs on the wall, this place had all that a bag of chips! The service was phenomenal, water refilled so quickly, food brought out piping hot and quick! The flavor of the food was adequate. We all ate it. There were lots of choices to choose, The loco moco was 6/10, Mac nut pancakes 7/10, kid gave mozzarella sticks 9/10, spaghetti 3/10. There were 4 different types of syrup for pancakes which was fun to try. Overall, it was fine, we were full, but we won't be returning.
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Kara S.

Yelp
Food was good, typical diner experience. The fried noodles and saimin were really good! The loco Moco was so-so. I would go again.
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susan v.

Yelp
The food was really good, the service was like being at your favorite Aunty's house that you haven't seen in a year. The ambiance is just an old fashioned diner, nothing special but when they ring that bell and shout out "Sumo" when someone orders that giant plate of food you know this place is different. The little lady serving us had a grin from ear to ear. The steak was awesome, the pancakes had guava, lilikoi and coconut syrup...omg yum!
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J G.

Yelp
Ken's House of Pancakes is a Hilo institution. Let's be real--you don't come to Hilo expecting a five-star culinary awakening, so finding a solid, dependable breakfast joint is key. Ken's fits that bill like syrup on hotcakes. It's got that classic American diner energy--vinyl booths, retro signage, and a generous helping of Big Island aloha. The kind of place where the coffee keeps flowing and the menu has everything from pancakes to plate lunches. The first time my wife and I stopped in, I ordered the corned beef loco moco--comfort food at its finest. They brought the wrong plate by accident, but our server was hilarious about it and had everything fixed before I could even consider complaining. The food slapped, the vibe was great, and we left already looking forward to our return visit at the end of the trip. We shouldn't have. Second time around, our server was... let's say, a much older woman. She wore a mask but still had to lean in way too close to hear us, which--given her visibly unwell, trembling voice and overall frail demeanor--was a little unsettling. She fumbled our order twice, and eventually another server had to step in to sort things out. By then, our appetite had pretty much left the building. So, what do you do with a place that gave you both a 5-star memory and a 1-star meltdown? You split the difference. Ken's gets a 3 from me. Worth a shot--just hope you catch it on a good day.
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Cara B.

Yelp
I always come to Ken's when I visit my family in Hawaii. My fiance decided to order the sumo saimin and he absolutely loved it and ate the entire thing. The broth is amazing as usual. We had to make sure we had the full Ken's experience with them shouting "SUMO". I order the crab cake, eggs, hash browns , and pancakes. I love the lilikoi and Haupia syrup, so pancakes are a must for me at Ken's. Our waitress was amazing and very helpful. Our food came out so fast. I love the classic diner vibe that I get from Ken's and I especially love how much it hasn't changed since I was a kid. Still such a warm, welcoming, and familiar environment.
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Sydni K.

Yelp
I came here last year for the same team trip, and we ate at Ken's and had the greatest time. We had to come back again this year, and the owner was so kind to accommodate our large group once again. There aren't many places in Hilo that can accommodate large groups, especially open on Sunday's, so I really appreciated her allowing our group to dine once again. They were very well staffed the morning that we came, and our food came out in a timely manner. Our waitresses were also very friendly. Some people got the sumo size meals, which always makes for an enjoyable meal! I ordered the red waffle, which had candied strawberries and whipped cream. It was super sweet, but you come to Ken's for the good ol breakfast food. I will definitely be back to Ken's because of their friendly service and relaxing atmosphere.
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Cheryl L.

Yelp
Local breakfast at its best. Talk about value and quality service- they are still around for a reason all these years. They have plenty of seating but it's gets packed to make that reservation. The employees are so nice you feel welcomed by everyone! We will be back for sure
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Rosalynn O.

Yelp
Not sure why this place is so popular. I went yesterday morning with my husband since we heard so many good reviews about this place. The prices for food is a little higher than usual. My husband got the short stack and tea and I got the half order of crab cakes Benedict. The food came out quick. I really liked the guava syrup and my husband really liked the lilikoi syrup. But the texture to the pancake wasn't great, it was close to eating a biscuit. The crab cake was good but not much crab and I thought the hash browns was overcooked. They over crunch the bottom of the hash making it was hard to chew. The parking lot is small so if you are interested best to come early. By the time we got out of the restaurant, there was a long wait at the door. The pancake syrup is the highlight of the place, but other then that I was unimpressed.
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Terri B.

Yelp
I have come here a few times to enjoy a super fat healthy breakfast egg, hash browns bacon and toast. Each time I have come her the food has been great The service was fast, they have a hostess or host to seat you, the servers were all kind and fast they also helped each other out. It's a great family place to take the entire family for a great fun filled meal while in Hilo HI
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Andrea J.

Yelp
I was told this place has great oxtail stew! I must say it was very good! The service was fast and friendly. I highly recommend this place if you have the taste for some good stew! My soda was flat but that's the least of my worries.
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Pete B.

Yelp
Get off the plane, and Ken's is a great place for breakfast. My go-to place in Hilo, and it never disappoints! People are super friendly and they have a huge variety. A bit in the expensive side, but then again, everything on Hilo is. The eggs & crab cakes were fantastic, and pancakes finished it off. Treat yourself!
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Katherine G.

Yelp
We found this place and thought it would be a great spot for brunch. Upon arriving, we didn't wait too long to be seated. However, the entire time from being seated to getting our food took around 45 minutes which is a ridiculously long wait in my opinion for regular breakfast food. I got the keiki loco moco which was not bad. The burger was well cooked and had a nice smokey flavor, and the gravy paired well with the meat and rice. I also did enjoy the egg. However, the rice was really mushy and a bit unpleasant to eat because of the texture. Our table also got the sumo stack pancakes which was HUMONGOUS. That could easily be shared amongst 4 people. I had a little try of the banana pancakes, which were pretty good. Be prepared to wait if you come here - I think there are better options around.
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Andrea W.

Yelp
Open air restaurant, 24 hours (per sign), reminds me of Wailana coffee house (in Waikiki) or Anna millers vibes. Good selection of food as well came for a late lunch/brunch. Pros: -friendly waitress -lots of seating -cash/card accepted Cons: -Charge for take out boxes (but plate with foil no charge) -during summer time I'm sure it can get hot inside
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Brandy R.

Yelp
I've never walked out of a restaurant but there's a first time for everything. We came on a Saturday morning. They were busy but not as busy as expected. We were seated within 10 minutes. The hostess got our drinks. And that's where everything went downhill. Time ticked by. No one came to take our order. The guy who came after us got his food. Still no one to take our order. The table next to us got their food and almost finished eating. We got up and asked the hostess if we could order. And we waited. The waitress FINALLY came to our area but headed to the table that sat 15 minutes after us to take their order. That was it. Literally so frustrated that we just walked out. We're always patient and understanding but that was our limit. Never again.
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Angelica H.

Yelp
Went during MM weekend, wait for two people was about 5 minutes. I will say food took a little longer than I would've liked, to be anticipated bc of MM...but the breakfast was great! Our waitress served us water and visited every now and then since it was busy. The diner itself is more traditional style (not really like on O'ahu), cozy and old-school. My favorite were the pancakes: they were small but pretty thick. Waitress brought over lilikoi, guava, and coconut syrup to top. I recommend the lilikoi! It's not overly sweet and has a nice consistency. Can't wait to return to Ken's next year.
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Max F.

Yelp
This is the place to go to in Hilo. I ate tripe stew and breakfast with fried rice. The service is great, and the staff is friendly. It's a classic diner. I've seen the infamous "Sumo Challenge" merchandise. I mean, even Adam Richman and Casey Webb from Man v. Food dined here and did the "Sumo Challenge".