Celebrating a Long Time Advertiser: Kadota Liquors and K’s Drive In

If you’re from Hilo, then you’re well acquainted with two local joints—Kadota Liquors and K’s Drive In.

These Hawai‘i Island businesses are third-generation owned and operated and have been open for more than 50 years.

“It opened in 1964 by my grandparents, Thomas and Kay Kadota,” says current Kadota’s manager Ryan Kadota.

Since then, the restaurant and liquor store have expanded to include a wide variety of choices for customers.

When the drive-in first started, Ryan said the restaurant had a more limited menu than they have today. Now customers can order everything from Japanese dishes to Filipino grinds to satisfy their taste buds. “Satisfying the customer is what it’s all about,” Ryan says.

“There are certain dishes that people have been ordering for decades in Hilo,” Ryan says of the restaurant’s menu that features local cuisine.

One favorite is the twist cone, which Ryan says resonates with many customers.

“A lot of people come for the twist cone. People who move away and come back, they hop right off the plane and grab a twist cone,” he says.

Along with the restaurant, Kadota Liquors has made a name for itself as the only true liquor store open in Hilo.

“We have the widest selection of fine wines, spirits and liqueurs, an d craft beers on the island. We specialize in having many of those hard-to-find items, especially those called for in holiday cocktails and concoctions,” Ryan explains.

“My favorite part of work is being able to make our customers happy with their purchases,” he says. “I think that the majority of our customers feel we are a little gem in our town.”

No matter what, they’ll do their best to maintain that reputation.

“We aim to provide our customers with what they want to the best of our ability. If we don’t have it in stock, we try to locate it,” he says.

Ryan believes that Hawai‘i Island could really grow as a foodie destination, and he hopes to grow with it. In the meantime, Ryan and the staff at K’s and Kadota are aiming to please.

Kadota Liquors and Kʻs Drive In
194 Hualalai St, Hilo 96720
808.935.1802