Weatherboy

For Hilo, a must-go-to place is Hilo Bay Cafe. Book reservations ASAP.

In Volcano, try the Lava Rock Cafe. I consider the place to be like a Hawaiian Style diner.

Section 107

Ya know, while in Hilo this past July we came across the only Lebanese food on the island (maybe in the entire state): Tabaraka Lebanese Food - Hilo, Hawaii (tabarakahi.com)

The owner and his wife were very friendly, great service and the food was delicious - made with love and on island time, but it's worth the wait. They are located in the parking lot behind the building across the street from Kozmic Cones.

Also, we really enjoyed Hilo Burger Joint.

ExpatExp

Nuang Mai Thai Kitchen in Hilo has a beautiful pumpkin curry (with choice of meat / seafood / tofu), and delicious mango sticky rice

italdesign

Thank you for this suggestion. The duck duck demi was a hit. Also, absolutely loved the park across the street (pic below).

Elsewhere, had excellent red curry with generous jumbo shrimps at Bangkok Villa Hilo. Best food during my 8 days on the island (Hilo Bay Cafe is #2).

Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo did not disappoint after the good experience at their Waimea location. I had a hard time choosing a dish, with so many good sounding choices. Ultimately chose the Mento Bento; it was tasty and enormous (can easily be 3 meals).

Another place I'd like to try is Moon and Turtle.

Avoid Tuk Tuk Thai Food Truck in Volcano. After 2 meals there, I can say while the food isn't the worst I had on this trip, it's nothing like Thai food.