You’re watching Kilauea volcano erupt in Kalapana near the new vent, Pu’u O’o. The sunset was glorious, and the evening lava show is spectacular. You’ve taken all the pictures you can, and you’ve oo’ed and aw’ed until your parched. Now your stomach starts to growl, and you realize it’s well after 8 PM. Where to go for dinner?

At 45-minutes away, Hilo is too far to make it in time for dinner (unless you’re willing to eat at Ken’s house of Pancakes again). The sidewalk there rolls up promptly at 9 PM. So Hilo is out. What else is there?

Pahoa is the answer. At 15 minutes away, you can make it in time for the last seating at any one of three good options.

1. Ning’s Thai Cuisine
   –Ning’s is fresh and inexpensive. They use local produce in many of their dishes, including their summer rolls, which were packed with fresh basil and mint. No bar or alcohol service, but you can BYO. If you don’t have anything to drink in the car, there is a 7-11 down the street that offers a basic selection of beer and wine coolers. Ning’s is not fancy, but it’s deliciously inexpensive. We had a 3-course dinner for four after volcano watching and got out for about $50, including tip. On a Saturday night, they stayed open until 10 pm.
2. Kaleo’s Bar & Grill
   –Kaleo’s is a relative newcomer in Pahoa town. They offer Pacific Rim and island fare as well as what you would expect from a bar and grill. Their list of appetizers includes blackened ahi sashmi and deep-fried mozzarella. Entree prices range from about $15-$35. They offer a full bar and wine menu, but they close promptly at 9 pm.
3. Luquin’s Mexican Restaurant
   –Luquin’s has been around Pahoa for years, and it remains the best place in town for a cold beer, chips and salsa, which sounds divine after a few parched hours on hot lava blacktop. Their food is not what I would describe as authentic Mexican, but it’s good enough. Anyway, you can’t go too wrong with cheese, sauce, meat and tortillas. Dinner for four with two rounds of drinks and tip was $100. They serve food until 10 pm, but stay open later for drinks.

Service Details:

Ning’s Thai Cuisine

Kaleo’s Bar & Grill

Luquin’s Mexican Restaurant