Review Vernas Iii - Hilo

No nonsense drive in. Great portion and decent prices. We had Verna’s twice while in Hilo :)

You will not be disappointed with this Gem if you're looking for something quick to eat. Ordered the fish plate and I was pleasantly surprised, the breading was delicious, fish was not soggy, it was very tasty. The Mac salad was definitely impressive, homemade of you all me, and a generous portion of rice. My only gripe for the 1 start reduction is the price, it's pushing a restaurant price point and I'm not sure it competes there, but it was tasty. I would order a whole extra side of the Mac salad. Great location, I will definitely return!

Since this place is within walking distance from our hotel, we decided to take a short walk instead of driving. It was a about 6:45pm local time and no wait to order. Got a BLT and hamburger Loco. It hits the spot. Fast service, good food, and very reasonable prices. Worth a return visit.

I'll be honest I've only tried the gravy fries with garlic (not on the menu) so far and they were fantastic. The flavor is really good and I'll get them every time I go here.

Delicious! Read a previous review that it reminded him/her of Rainbow's Drive In....maybe in the past, but now I'd compare Verna's to Leeward Drive In. This place was amazing. Great food options. Tried the corn chowder with a sandwich (tuna or grilled cheese). Tuna had lettuce and chopped onions. Great chowder, very well seasoned, lots of corn. Wish had more potatoes and/or bacon. The gravys on our two plates were flavored differently, but both were delicious 😋

Since this place is within walking distance from our hotel, we decided to take a short walk instead of driving. It was a about 6:45pm local time and no wait to order. Got a BLT and hamburger Loco. It hits the spot. Fast service, good food, and very reasonable prices. Worth a return visit.

We found this place to our way to the hotel, it looked interesting, so we decided to give it a chance, and we don't regret it, it is delicious, good portions, good taste, hot food, great staff. You can eat here on the benches out side, but I don't recommend it, so we took it to our hotel room.

This is just what we hoped for. We can tell it’s a local favorite. Walk up to the window to order and take your food or sit there under covered picnic tables. The service was great and she helped us with questions happily. My husband ordered a combo plate with fried shrimp , teriyaki steak, chicken katsu that came with rice and macaroni salad. He is a professional chef and restaurant owner and said it’s the best Mac salad he’s had, the breading on the katsu chicken and shrimp was perfect and the teriyaki steak was cooked and flavored perfectly. I also had the katsu chicken and subbed the Mac salad for greens. The sauces were good and the rice was wonderful. Our daughter said her grilled cheese sandwich was the best she’s ever had and the spring rolls are very good. We all agreed that the French fries were good! I’m sure we will be back again. Check this place out!

This is what I’ve been looking for. A drive up restaurant with an epic choice of local food. The Lau Lau (pork wrapped in spinach) was delicious. The slow roasted pork was also a hit.

Had a fantastic lunch here at Verna’s. We were able to place an order fairly quickly and the food was ready just a few minutes later. The outdoor tables were clean and the food tasted fantastic. We’ll definitely be back!

Verna passed away but her place is still kicking. I grew up in Hilo and the locals know, "If no can, no can. If can, Vernas". Outsiders should be wary of Keaukaha and Hilo. It's old school Hawaii. They don't like outsiders. I traveled to Hilo 2 months ago to say good bye to my dying mother. It was an eye opening trip. Hawaii is being changed by outsiders. The ocean, the forest, the people, everything. The mainland mentality is slowly filtering in and with it comes the death of Hawaii. Take my advice and go to Costa Rica. Stay away from the big island and all but Oahu. Keep Hawaii Hawaiian. My step father is a Kaili. My step mother a Kekaualua. Both pure Hawaiian. Leave their land unchanged if you must go. And if you do go, definitely hit Vernas. Local kine grinz.

Great value and big taste. Prices were more than reasonable and the food super tasty. Would definitely come back. Highly recommend the Mana burger. Or garlic cheese fries. Happy tummy.

Love the local vibe and great food from Vernas. It reminds me of Rainbows in Honolulu, but it has it's own style. A must stop, but be prepared for await behind all the locals. Plenty of parking and prices are great, cheap good food.

Update 5/22: Prices and plates have changed a little. Check out the menu. Stew and chili is skimpy now, more rice than anything else. 2021: Its the best spot for quick easy affordable local kind grinds. I love their stew bowl!

I always get the mushroom 🍔 burger and garlic cheese 🧀 fries Soooooo good 👍 😋🫡 Service is always friendly and fast😁 You will not be disappointed See you again soon🤩

They say, “you can’t judge a book by its cover “ - same goes for Verna’s. So - if you’re hungry and want something that is local and tasty and filling - then this is where you want to go. I am so happy that we were told about this place.😀

Drive in food at it's best. Huge menu great selection. Small covered seating on side of building. Very helpful person with menu.