Hilo

WSW The Steakhouse at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

· Hilo · Steakhouse

The Reliable

WSW won't make any wine lists' most-wanted lists, but it prices honestly, pours generously, and doesn't embarrass itself in a category where hotel restaurants often do. If you're in Hilo and want a bottle of wine with your steak without getting gouged, this is a safe call.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hilo Bayfront Restaurant

Bayfront · Hilo · Hotel Restaurant / Bar

The Lazy List

This is a wine list that exists because hotels have to have wine lists. If you're serious about what's in your glass, order a cocktail — the bartender probably cares more about that anyway.

Ponds Hilo

· Hilo · American / Seafood

The Lazy List

Ponds Hilo has a setting that deserves a wine list to match, and this isn't it. Grab the Prosecco split, enjoy the view, and save the serious wine drinking for somewhere else.

Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo

· Hilo · Contemporary American / Seafood

The Reliable

Jackie Rey's wine list is a genuine surprise for a neighborhood seafood joint in Hilo — thoughtful picks, fair prices, and enough range to keep a wine-curious table happy. We'd send a friend here without hesitation, just tell them to ask about the glass pours before they sit down.

Temple Kitchen + Bar

Downtown Hilo · Hilo · Craft American / Bar

The Reliable

Temple Kitchen + Bar keeps things safe and recognizable, which is either reassuring or boring depending on your mood. If you're in Hilo and want a decent glass without any homework, you'll be fine — just don't come here expecting to discover anything.

Hilo Bay Cafe

· Hilo · Contemporary American / Seafood

The Reliable

Hilo Bay Cafe isn't a destination wine list, but it's a genuinely thoughtful one for where it sits — geographically and price-wise. Send a friend here if they want a solid pour with their fish without getting taken for a ride.

Lehua Restaurant

· Hilo · Contemporary Hawaiian / American

The Wild Card

For a 16-bottle list in a small Hawaiian city, Lehua is doing more than most — thoughtful picks, fair prices, and a Sancerre that punches well above its geographic weight. If you're eating in Hilo and you care about drinking well, this is your spot.

Nanea Lounge at Grand Naniloa Hotel

Waiakea Peninsula/Banyan Drive · Hilo · Hotel Bar/Lounge

The Lazy List

Nanea Lounge is a perfectly fine place to have a drink while you watch the sun go down over Hilo Bay — but the wine list is pure hotel autopilot, and nobody here is going to help you drink better. Order a mai tai and save the wine for somewhere that cares.

Cafe Pesto

Downtown Hilo · Hilo · Italian

The Reliable

Cafe Pesto isn't a wine destination, but it's a fair one — reasonable prices, an approachable list, and enough to keep the table happy while you focus on the view and the pizza. Send a friend here for the food and tell them to keep it simple on the wine.

Coco Cantina

Downtown Hilo · Hilo · New American

The Lazy List

Coco Cantina is almost certainly a fine place to eat, but it has opted out of the wine conversation entirely. Order the Cava, enjoy your meal, and don't come here expecting more than three options.