Moon and Turtle

Located in the heart of charming Hilo on Hawaii's Big Island, Moon and Turtle is an elegant restaurant and bar that has become a true gem of local gastronomy. Founded by husband-and-wife team Mark and Soni Pomaski, this establishment offers guests a unique Asian-Hawaiian fusion concept, where fine dining meets homey comfort.

Moon and Turtle. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Chef Mark Pomaski, who has experience working in some of the best restaurants in the USA, focuses on local seafood and seasonal Big Island ingredients. The menu is constantly changing, reflecting the day's catch and the freshness of local farm produce. The restaurant's interior is designed in a style of understated elegance, emphasizing the philosophy that "simplicity is the soul of style."

Moon and Turtle received special recognition in 2022 when it became a semi-finalist for the prestigious James Beard Award. It is a place where the chef's skill turns an ordinary dinner into a magical event, while Soni's signature cocktails complement the overall atmosphere of island hospitality.

To ensure your visit to this popular spot goes smoothly, it's worth checking the contact information in advance. Knowing the exact address and contact methods will help you easily find the restaurant's entrance in the city's historic district.

Below are the current contact details for reaching the management and finding the location on the map.

A gastronomic journey at Moon and Turtle should definitely begin with their legendary Smokey Sashimi. This dish features ultra-fresh ahi tuna complemented by soy sauce smoked over kiawe wood and Hawaiian chili water—a true explosion of flavor inspired by global techniques while maintaining its island character.

Since the menu is updated frequently, visitors are encouraged to try various small and large plates designed for sharing. Favorites often include fish dumplings, tender Saigon scampi in aromatic butter, and exquisite mushroom risotto. Every dish is a harmony of color, texture, and local accents.

Don't forget to explore the cocktail menu: Soni Pomaski creates craft drinks that perfectly complement the spice and freshness of the cuisine. The cozy, almost family-like atmosphere allows you to relax and feel like a local while enjoying desserts such as the vegan coconut-based chocolate mousse.

Finding the venue is quite simple: it is located in the very heart of Hilo at 51 Kalakaua St. The restaurant is within walking distance of downtown's main tourist paths and the scenic Hilo Bay, making it a convenient spot to end a city stroll.

If you are coming from Hilo International Airport (ITO), the drive will take only 10–15 minutes. Follow Hwy 19, which will lead you directly to Kalakaua Street. For transportation, it is most convenient to use a taxi or Uber, as public transport has limited service in the evening.

For those traveling across the Big Island by rental car, look for Hwy 11 or Hwy 19. Parking can usually be found directly on the street in front of the entrance or at nearby municipal lots just a couple of minutes' walk away.

The story of this place began in 2013, when husband and wife Mark and Soni Pomaski decided to breathe new life into the space formerly occupied by the Full Moon Café. Mark, a Hilo native, returned to his home in Hawaii after working in legendary restaurants like Nobu 57 in New York, dreaming of creating a place that reflected the spirit of the island.

Interestingly, the project was originally envisioned as a tiny family sushi shop. However, the venue's potential allowed the concept to expand into a full-scale fusion restaurant. The name Moon & Turtle was chosen a year after opening, symbolizing harmony between the sky (the moon) and the earth or sea (the turtle).

The restaurant's success would not have been possible without the support of the local community. In its early years, city residents literally helped stock the kitchen, bringing fresh fruit from their gardens and sharing family recipes. This close connection with the island's people helped Moon and Turtle become a semi-finalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for "Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific" in 2022.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and culinary masterpieces of Moon and Turtle, we recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This will provide enough time for a leisurely tasting of several courses and an introduction to the signature cocktail list.

Since the establishment's concept involves ordering dishes to share ("family style"), the dining process becomes a social ritual. There is no need to rush—each set of appetizers and main courses deserves thoughtful attention to the textures and flavor combinations created by the chef.

When planning your evening visit, keep in mind that the establishment operates on a specific schedule. The restaurant is open to guests Tuesday through Saturday, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Moon and Turtle is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Due to its high popularity and limited seating, we strongly recommend checking for availability or booking a table in advance through their official social media pages, as the venue often fills up shortly after opening.

Its location in the historic city center allows you to combine an exquisite dinner with some local sightseeing. A walk through the surrounding streets will give you a chance to feel the flavor of old Hilo and see unique architectural monuments.

Many interesting sites are just steps away from the restaurant, making the area ideal for leisurely exploration.