If you’re looking for the most delicious food on the big island, Vibe Cafe & Health Bar is where it’s at. No matter where you’re staying, trust me, it’s worth the drive to Hilo JUST to eat here.
Our favourite restaurant on the Big Island of Hawaii
From the moment you walk in, you know you’re in good hands. The space is set up beautifully with cute neon quotes, fresh wallpaper, and a friendly staff to greet you.
Wishing we could try it al
This vegetarian restaurant has a healthy offering of vegan options. If you’re coming in for a drink, you’ve got your choice of coffees, teas, lattes, cold pressed juices, organic lemonades, and ceremonial bevvies unique to Hawaii. If you’re coming in to eat, you’re in for a real treat!
Vibe Cafe offers plant-based versions of many Hawaiian dishes (I’m looking at you loco moco & beet poke bowl), in addition to more “traditional” dishes.
Get in my belly
We were lucky to try as many as we did in one sitting. Don’t judge us, we showed up with empty stomachs and were heading to the airport soon afterwards 😉 Here goes!
- Jackfruit “pulled pork” street tacos
- Beet poke bowl
- Tofu “chicken” caesar
- The classic Vibe burger
- CBD donuts
- Chocolate milkshake
- Lemonades: Ginger, Lavender, Charcoal
- Locally grown Kratom tea shot
There’s so much good stuff. It’s hard to choose! You can see their full menu here.
If i had to choose…
It’s not easy when you love it all! In terms of mains, my faves were probably the tacos and the caesar salad. The tacos… they might just be the best ones I’ve ever had. They have a nice spice, just the right amount so that you can still taste all the other flavours.
The dressing that comes in a little cup on the side is a must. Richard, the chef, has been getting many requests to sell a bottled version of it, and for good reason! Its a mix of fresh mango and habanero, and it’s DAMN good. If you’re thinking of passing on these because you’ve tried jackfruit tacos before, these are unlike any others I have ever had before.
Vibe Cafe gets it right
The caesar salad is HUGE! The dressing is on point, the croutons are perfect, and the baked tofu “chicken” fits right in. Christopher’s not usually one to go for salads, but this one… he kept eating away!
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, my guess is you wont have a hard time finding something here. You might have a hard time choosing what to get though. Tough life eh?
The milkshake is thick and creamy, reminiscent of ones you might have gotten in the past from a diner kinda thick <3. And donuts…well…you have to try them! These are special though… hello CBD.
Do you travel just for food too?
We drove just over two hours from our hotel to get to Vibe Cafe, and would do it again in a heartbeat. Would you?
You should! It’s worth it. If you’re coming from Kona, the drive along highway 19 on the north shore is incredible. I’ve never been anywhere so green. The highway will take you into Hilo. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can head south towards Mackenzie State Recreation Area. From there you can see the newest lava flows, including where the lava crossed highway 137. It’s impressive!
