Verna's Drive In
If you find yourself in Hilo, Hawaii, craving a meal that feels like home, Verna's Drive In is the perfect stop. Located at 1765 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, this iconic eatery has been serving up local comfort food with a side of Aloha for years. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, here's why Verna's Drive In should be your go-to destination for tasty, affordable meals.
A Local Favorite with a Rich History
Verna's Drive In isn't just a restaurant—it's a cherished part of the Hilo community. For decades, it has been known for its friendly service, delicious comfort food, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like family. While many visitors flock to Hilo for its natural beauty and historical landmarks, Verna's Drive In stands as a culinary landmark in its own right.
What sets Verna's apart is its blend of local flavors and traditional American comfort food. Whether you're in the mood for a classic burger, savory loco moco, or crispy fried chicken, Verna's Drive In has something for everyone. Its commitment to fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes is evident in every bite.
Tasting the Local Flavors at Verna's Drive In
One of the things that make Verna's Drive In so special is the diverse menu. The restaurant expertly combines Hawaiian comfort food with American favorites, offering dishes that reflect the island's rich culture. Here are a few must-try items when you visit:
Loco Moco: A beloved local dish, Verna's version of loco moco is everything you want in this comfort food. A hearty bowl of white rice topped with a juicy burger patty, a perfectly fried egg, and smothered in brown gravy. It’s a satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for more.
Fried Chicken: Crispy, golden-brown, and seasoned to perfection, Verna's fried chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. Served with a side of mashed potatoes or rice, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Burgers & Fries: If you're in the mood for an all-American classic, Verna’s burgers are a must-try. Juicy, flame-grilled patties stacked with fresh veggies, cheese, and your choice of condiments. Don’t forget to pair it with a side of crispy fries.
Why Choose Verna's Drive In?
Verna's Drive In stands out for several reasons, and it's not just about the food. Here are a few reasons why locals and visitors alike keep coming back:
Fresh and Local Ingredients: Verna’s takes pride in sourcing fresh, locally grown ingredients whenever possible. This dedication to quality is what gives every dish its signature flavor. Whether it's their hand-cut fries or the tender chicken, you’ll taste the difference in every bite.
Fast and Friendly Service: If you’re in Hilo and looking for a quick bite, Verna's Drive In delivers not only on food but also on excellent service. The staff is always welcoming and ready to make your dining experience memorable. You can expect quick service, especially if you’re dining in or picking up.
Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you're on a road trip, grabbing a quick meal after exploring the area, or sitting down for a relaxed dinner with friends, Verna’s Drive In is perfect for any occasion. The casual, no-frills atmosphere makes it an easy choice for families, solo travelers, and everyone in between.
Affordable Prices: One of the highlights of Verna’s Drive In is the affordability. You get generous portions of delicious food without breaking the bank, making it an ideal stop for travelers and locals looking for a satisfying meal that doesn’t cost a fortune.
The Verna's Drive In Experience
From the moment you drive up to Verna's, you're greeted with a sense of warmth and comfort. The quaint, retro-style diner feels like a step back in time, offering the nostalgic charm of a classic drive-in. Whether you're enjoying a meal inside or taking it to go, you’ll feel like you’re part of the Hilo community.
Many visitors have shared their experiences of feeling welcomed like family as soon as they step into the restaurant. The combination of great food, friendly service, and the casual, welcoming atmosphere is what keeps people coming back for more.
Reviews
After swimming all day at Coconut Island, our group of 11 was very hungry. Wanted to order on things so we decided not to go to a in and instead do a drive-in for faster service that was more affordable. We ended up choosing this drive-in and it was a great choice because the girl at the front register was very sweet and super caring. The food was all very delicious and filling one of the kids got weirded out by the pink hotdog sausage so they switched it out for a burger for them, and even gave all the kids a rice crispy, which is very nice. The customer service was exceptional, and the food was great.
Good reliable food service where locals of all types eat. No frills, just good food when you're hungry and don't wanna cook at home. Comes with 4 bench tables that seats 6, first come first serve. No spam musubi, but their staff can recommend more interesting alternatives.
Didn't realize they were still open!!! I thought they closed down during 2019 and I'm so glad to find out they're still going strong!! I used to come by at odd hours for the fried rice all the time LOL (still as fluffy and delicious as ever~ I'd almost forgotten the taste of a good hawaiian style fried rice ) Sorry no pics on the fried rice- ate 'em too fast haha. Around $6 for a side of fried rice; it comes in one of those little soup/chili containers, and it's sooooo good~ Glad they're still serving all-day fried rice (don't ask me about breakfast hours bc I have no clue lmao). I will say it did taste a bit different than what I remembered. Strangely enough, I got a strong, almost minty flavor/aroma from the rice while I was eating? My best guess is that they started putting cilantro into it bc that's the only thing that makes sense. Tasted great for the most part! 90% sure the menthol smell/taste is just cilantro messing with me again Branched out and got a kimchi burger as well this time- it's pretty simple, just a burger + bun + kimchi, but ohhhh my goodness it's so ono! Super flavorful, you can taste it's an actual beef burger and not whatever flat meat you get from McDonald's. It's a good amount of beef, and the kimchi is delightfully crunchy! I have the spice tolerance of a child, so usually I'm kind of wary of things like this, but I will say the spiciness of the kimchi was just right! Just enough heat to feel it, but not so much it overwhelms the flavor of the burger! Really adds a nice kick to the whole thing- I'm definitely getting another one of these next time!!! Prices are about what you would find anywhere else in Hilo, but actually worth the money. I'm cheap, so the $6 price for a burger still kills me a little inside, but considering inflation it isn't too bad. I mean, it's about what I paid at college for a burger. Considering I was just about to spend $15+ at McDonalds, $6 for a burger I'd actually enjoy eating isn't too a bad price to pay!
Amazingly fast service today. Friendly staff. On beautiful banyan drive Delicious choice. Chicken drummetts.
The Kolohe plate is bomb. Ono local food that's been in Hilo forever! If you need a quick plate lunch or just want lunch, go Verna's