Japanese grocery store (Hilo, Kailua, Waimea: live, shop, airport)

[OldGrampa]

Where on Big Island can I find a Japanese grocery store.

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by OldGrampa

Where on Big Island can I find a Japanese grocery store.

The closest thing to a Japanese grocery store that you'll find on the Big Island is KTA, which began as "K. Taniguchi Shōten" in 1916.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by Jonah K

The closest thing to a Japanese grocery store that you'll find on the Big Island is KTA, which began as "K. Taniguchi Shōten" in 1916.

Two thumbs up on KTA. They have a store in old downtown Hilo, on Keawe Street, and a bigger store on E Puainako in South Hilo that is my go-to supermarket. They have mainstream standards, but also many different Hawaiian specialties, like prepared poke, poi, fresh saimin noodles, local coffees, Asian vegetables. In addition they have a large section devoted to Japanese specialties, like dried seaweeds and sushi molds. I eat a lot of brown rice for health reasons, plus I use a variety of furikake (Japanese rice seasoning). They carry an assortment of each, plus much, much more.

They also have stores in Waimea, Waikoloa Village, Kailua-Kona, and Keauhou.

KTA Superstores : Locations and Services

[hotzcatz]

What sort of Japanese store? Shigi Drug store is sort of a Japanese store. There's also the Asian market across from where the Ford dealer was in Hilo. Hmm, or was it Chevy? Anyway, come out of the airport, keep going straight (or forward depending on your persuasions) and keep going until the road tees into - is it Kilauea? Anyway, near Helco and then turn right and you'll find the Asian store across the street. There's Ikeuchi's Hardware in Honokaa if you want a Japanese hardware store. There's a Japanese fabric shop over in Kanialu.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

What sort of Japanese store? He said Japanese Grocery.

There's also the Asian market across from where the Ford dealer was in Hilo. Hmm, or was it Chevy? Anyway, come out of the airport, keep going straight (or forward depending on your persuasions)

Yep, the road is called Airport Road on the east side of the highway, and it's Kekaunaoa on the other side... take Kekaunaoa to the T-intersection at Kilauea, then a right turn about a half a block, then left into the parking lot.

There's a Shell Station just past it on the corner, on the other side of Lanihuli Street.

and keep going until the road tees into - is it Kilauea?

Exactly. It's called Kilauea Market, and it's at 1178 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720 (808) 935-8828 They have a sign right at the corner of Lanihuli Street and are in the two-story building set back behind the parking lot.

Although it is mixed Asian, including Chinese and Korean, etc., some of the reviews call out that folks find Japanese items at Kilauea Market that they don't find at KTA, and one specifically mentioned Japanese style cuts of meat.

Directions - Kilauea Market - Hilo, HI

[hotzcatz]

There will also be folks pounding mochi at different places around the island for New Year's, should you be looking for fresh mochi.

[OldGrampa]

So far I haven't been to the Kilauea Market in Hilo.
I did check out the KTA, it has some selection.

I know the "Big Island" is really a "smaller place",
and I will need to go elsewhere for a bigger selection.

Some USA Asian grocery stores that I have liked are:

Uwajimaya in Beaverton, Oregon
and
Sunrise Asian Food Market 70 W 29th Ave Eugene, Oregon.

Like some other folks I've met here,
I will enjoy special items I make,
and relish memories.

Thank you for the imput.

Old Grampa

[hawaiian by heart]

Originally Posted by OldGrampa

So far I haven't been to the Kilauea Market in Hilo.
I did check out the KTA, it has some selection.

I know the "Big Island" is really a "smaller place",
and I will need to go elsewhere for a bigger selection.

Some USA Asian grocery stores that I have liked are:

Uwajimaya in Beaverton, Oregon
and
Sunrise Asian Food Market 70 W 29th Ave Eugene, Oregon.

Like some other folks I've met here,
I will enjoy special items I make,
and relish memories.

Thank you for the imput.

Old Grampa

Yes Uwajimaya in Beaverton, Oregon is awsome, except for the fact they don't stock a good selection of crackseed anymore. You might want to try online for stuff you cant get.

Heres a few sites for example:

Hawaiian Oriental Seasonings from NOH - International Seasonings and Sauces

Hawaiian - Asian Japanese Food Online Shop Marukai e-STORE

[hotzcatz]

Yeah, Uwajimaya is sort of like KTA, Chinatown and the old Ranch 99 Market all rolled into one. My brother lived several blocks from there and it was a great place to shop. Nope, nothing like Uwajimaya's anywhere near here.

Any specific items you're looking for? Might be small shop tucked in somewhere that would have them.

[OldGrampa]

Can't find Yuzu (citron chili paste), but I am making my own.

But my main goal is just to have a place I can browse-in and dawdle,
for trying new things, and getting ideas.