Discovering KTA Super Stores - Puainako: A Local Gem in Hilo

“ KTA is one of the first places I hit up for omiyage for family and friends back in Honolulu. Get snacks and treats you won't find on Oahu ... including Two Ladies Kitchen mochi and manju!!! That's right, if you can't make it there or don't want to stand in line, call your closest KTA to check they have some in stock. It's a variety of pre-made mochi and manju so you won't get your pick (and I don't think there were any fruit ones) but hey, at least you got some! This location is larger than the one in downtown Hilo, and their bakery had some fantastic looking doughnuts. It's a large store with a large parking lot, so if you have the time during your Hilo trip, stop by here! ”

“ Hilo wouldn't be the same without KTA. Timeless memories of the same space with all the local staples for every palate. Mahalo to all the hands that make it happen on the daily! ”

“ Stopped by to pick up lunch but ended up buying other items... a cheesecake, Asian pear, coffee pods and bread. What a great place for a one stop shop! You can get ready made bentos or lunch, a delish dessert, fresh poke, fruits and everything else under the sun. Prices are a bit higher than Honolulu but what can you do? Cashiers always friendly and makes us smile! ”

“ By far my all time FAVORITE Supermarket on da Big Island! KTA Super Store - Puainako location is my favorite store out of all the KTA locations on the Big Island. KTA Super Store is a juggernaut of a store, and I believe it's sorta a "one stop" kinda joint where you can almost get whatever you need! Anytime I'm working in Hilo, garans Bruddah Fran is gonna hit up da KTA on Puainako. When checkin' out da store, I usually creep up on the Bento's & Musubi's. Of course, one can't forget to take a quick peek at the bakery dept., as it appears that KTA makes their bakery items "fresh" & on the spot! They also have a great hot foods deli dept. if you're hankering for an ono plate lunch! If you're down with poke, they have that too!!! Locally owned & operated, shop & support local whenever you can, that way we can keep the local money in local hands! ”

“ Fantastic huge store with groceries and much more! Got a bunch of baked goods. Of course it's expensive - it's the Big Island! Happy to be able to shop here for our family visit. ”

“ Let start by highlighting my favorite department in this beautiful, spacious store in Hilo. The Bakery at KTA Super Stores Puainako. No other supermarket bakery on the Big Island of Hawai'i compares to the quality, care and the variety offered as this bakery does in such an outstanding fashion. That's how I feel, honestly. I love their bakery. Everything about it, everything that's offered, all that I've bought and tasted. This one is worthy of a visit. Trust me. When the store doors get unlocked every day at 5:30am, that's the best time to go for breakfast pastries, all freshly baked. The display case is full with eye-catching goodies, so many options. It's always a time consuming decision for me. Pondering, deciding; "yes that one", "no, I want that one, "I should take two of those", "which one should I take". Always, yup. Into the morning and early afternoon, the bakery display case stays full, giving me a chance to venture down later in the day or after work for a KTA Bakery treat(s). I won't name all of the items, but here are some of my favorites. Bear Claw, Apple Fritter, Mochi Donuts, Chocolate Long John, Blueberry Cream Cheese Squares, Doissant, Cream Snail, Baked Char Sui Manapua. Hawaiian-style Chantilly Cake, found here in individual cupcake form, whole round cake and, sheet cakes for gatherings. OMG. This syle of chantilly cake is much different from the traditional way with vanilla cake layered with white chantilly cream and fresh berries. Pretty much found only in Hawai'i, this unique chantilly cake style resonates quite largely with the locals. With the moist chocolate sponge cake and the rich, decadent gold-colored buttery chantilly frosting, finished with a sprinkle of Hawaiian macadamia nuts. The bakery at KTA Puainako shines with this item. Always a smile for me, as I easily recognize any KTA cake. Next to the bakery is the always delicious Deli. Korean Fried Chicken "Wiki Packs" or sold by the pound. FYI, order by the pound, you get more for the price. The deli team reminded me multiple times to order this way. Daily specials along with rotating items and, a handful of Deli staples are found after 11am. Head down quickly after work or you might just miss the Deli being open or with minimal options to choose from. Catering options also available, the maki sushi is always a smart choice. They sell it in individual packs too. One of the best Asian/Ethnic aisles anywhere I feel, is found at this store, this location. This is where I buy most of my items. Miso, oyster sauce, ponzu, mandoo sauce, tonkatsu sauce, furikake, panko, fukujinzuke, bamboo shoots, somen noodles, nori and more. Great selection, good prices, something is always on sale. Fresh produce, displayed in an inviting area, always stocked and organized. Other than the Hilo Farmer's Market and Marcy's Variety Store, this is where I buy almost everything else for produce. Fresh anthiriums are always a good find for a vase to honor family members respectively at home. Chilled boiled peanuts, kim chee edamame, assorted poke, lomi lomi salmon plus more are all found at the awesome Seafood Department. And next door, is the Meat Department with marinated Teriyaki or Korean-style pork, beef, chicken and shortribs. Perfect for grilling, sold by the pound. This store also supports local Big Island businesses by carrying their products. Amano tempura, Mrs. Lee's lau lau, Kohala kim chee, Kelly Boy's cookies, Donna Cookies, Big Island Delights, Nori's, Mt View stone cookies, Liko Lehua butter and more. One of the reasons why KTA stands out over the other supermarkets. The warm wood tones, the plantation style lighting fixtures which add a nostalgic touch to the shopping ambiance, the stocked shelves + choice selections and, the KTA team who are always there to embrace me in a way that makes me feel valued as a shopper everytime. Some of the key reasons why I frequent this store at least once/week. Not to mention the great deals printed on ads, placed in our local paper as inserts, something other companies have stopped all together. Seven stores proudly only on the Big Island of Hawai'i, still owned and managed locally by the founder's family, there is no national brand presence here at KTA Puainako. And it shows in everything this store and this local company does. From their exclusive Mountain Apple Brand products, their commitment to community involvement including corporate sponsorship to key island events and, taking care of people like me every day I'm on this amazing island. 108 years later after founders Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi started a modest business, their dream has turned into a huge success. All made possible between the Taniguchi family and the loyal, strong and commited relationship KTA Stores has gained over the years with the Big Island community by serving people like me since I was a kid. Yes, I honestly agree with their slogan where, "You're Someone Special Every Day At KTA". So true. ”

“ One of the best grocery store in Hilo. They have almost every variety of food here so expansive, both premade and non premade food. I fell in love with the Haupia cake they have, its freaking delicious and light. This will be my forever go to store while in Hilo from now on lol. Service at the bakery was great. It can get a bit packed but such a great grocery store if you're looking for some good local food. ”

“ I got KTA breakfast and absolutely loved it. The price for the portion size was perfect and something I would get again. The bacon eggs and fried rice were delicious. If you wanna grab a quick breakfast head to KTA! ”