Top Manapua Spots on Big Island

Two Ladies Kitchen (Hilo)

274 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Best for: Freshly made sweet and savory manapua

Two Ladies Kitchen is famous for its mochi, but its manapua is just as noteworthy. They offer both steamed and baked versions, filled with traditional char siu pork and unique local flavors. The buns are soft, generously stuffed, and always fresh. Since this spot is a local favorite, be prepared for a wait—it's worth it!

Teshima’s Restaurant (Kealakekua)

79-7251 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Best for: Classic char siu manapua in a homey setting

Teshima’s is a historic Japanese-Hawaiian restaurant in Kealakekua that’s been around since the 1920s. While they are known for their traditional Japanese dishes, they also serve delicious char siu manapua. This is an excellent stop if you’re looking for an old-school, no-frills experience with tasty homemade buns.

Suisan Fish Market (Hilo)

93 Lihiwai St, Hilo, HI 96720
Best for: A quick grab-and-go manapua fix

Suisan is best known for its poke, but don’t sleep on their manapua! This beloved fish market carries fresh, locally made manapua daily. It’s a great place to grab a snack while exploring Hilo Bayfront.

Parker Ranch Food Court (Waimea)

67-1185 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
Best for: Affordable, locally made manapua

Inside the Parker Ranch Center is a small food court with vendors offering local-style eats. One of the places here is a vendor selling fresh manapua—usually stuffed with char siu or kalua pork. It’s a great budget-friendly option if you’re in Waimea.

KTA Super Stores (Island-wide)

Multiple Locations (Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Waimea, etc.)
Best for: Convenient and consistently good manapua

KTA is a locally owned supermarket chain with multiple locations across the Big Island. Their deli section frequently stocks manapua, both steamed and baked. While it’s not a specialty bakery, their manapua is solid and easy to find if you need a quick fix.

Punalu‘u Bake Shop (Na‘alehu)

95-5642 Mamalahoa Hwy, Naalehu, HI 96772
Best for: Sweet and unique manapua flavors

If you’re heading to the southernmost point of the U.S., stop at Punalu‘u Bake Shop. While they are famous for their malasadas and sweet breads, they sell baked manapua with savory and sweet fillings. Try their coconut-filled manapua for something different!

Honorable Mentions

• Hilo Lunch Shop (Hilo) – A great spot for bentos and snacks, occasionally offering manapua.
• Pahoa Fresh Fish (Pahoa) – Known for fresh seafood but sometimes carries house-made manapua.
• Tex Drive-In (Honomu) – More famous for malasadas, but they occasionally offer local-style manapua.

The Best Manapua on the Big Island

While Oahu may be the go-to for manapua lovers, the Big Island has plenty of amazing spots to find these tasty buns. Whether you're looking for a traditional char siu manapua or a sweet, coconut-filled treat, there’s no shortage of delicious options.

Stop by Two Ladies Kitchen or Suisan Fish Market if you're in Hilo. In Kona or Kealakekua, check out Teshima’s. For a road trip snack, Punalu‘u Bake Shop has you covered. No matter where you go, you will surely find a satisfying, pillowy bite of Hawaii’s beloved manapua!