A Program of The Arc of Hilo

Good Food.
Great Purpose.

A vocational training cafe where every meal supports individuals with disabilities in building skills, confidence, and independence.

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Home of Hilo’s Dole Whip · a new flavor every week

Open Mon - Fri · 10 AM to 2 PM
Dive In
Our Purpose

More Than a Cafe

We believe every person deserves a chance to shine. At Tiki Turtle Cafe, we create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to discover their potential through meaningful work and culinary training.

When you dine with us, you witness transformation. You see confidence being built, skills being mastered, and dreams becoming reality. This is not just lunch. This is community in action.

$425K+
Earned through real work
23,500+
Meals made by our team
220+
Families supported through The Arc of Hilo
3
Years serving Hilo
Team members preparing food together in the kitchen
Learning together, growing together
Team member slicing fresh tomatoes
Building real culinary skills
August 2026

Three Years of Aloha

We opened our doors in Hilo in August 2023. This month we turn three, and we are celebrating all month long with tacos, prizes, and a birthday bash. Come be part of it.

Aug25

Birthday Bash Finale

First 15 customers get free tres leches. Then cake, spin the wheel, and the live drawing for 24 Plates On Us. Our biggest day of the year, and you are invited.

 days to go

Mark your calendar

  1. Mon3

    Celebration Begins

    Three years to the month. Our “Reintroducing Tiki” reel drops, and Golden Taco entries close tonight at 8 PM.

  2. Tue4

    Taco Tuesday Kickoff

    First 30 customers get a free drink, the Golden Ticket goes into hiding, and we announce the Golden Taco winner at 8 AM.

  3. Mon10

    LauLau Collab

    A one day collab with Kimo & Melia’s. When the laulau is gone, it is gone.

  4. Tue11

    Dole Whip Follow Day

    Dole Whip drops to $3 all day. Just show us you follow @tikiturtle at the register.

  5. Aug17

    Double Taco Week

    Tacos twice in one week, Tuesday the 18th and Thursday the 20th, because turning three calls for extra. Secret passwords drop in our Stories.

  6. Mon24

    LauLau Collab Returns

    Last call for the Kimo & Melia’s laulau before the big day.

  7. Tue25

    Birthday Bash Finale

    First 15 customers get free tres leches on us. Then cake, spin the wheel at the register, and the live drawing for 24 Plates On Us. Our biggest day of the year.

  8. Thu27

    Winner Recap

    We share the winners and everything you helped us pull off this month.

Prizes worth chasing

Week one

The Golden Taco

One winner eats Taco Tuesdays free for the whole month. Entries close Monday Aug 3 at 8 PM, and we announce it Tuesday morning.

One is hidden

The Golden Ticket

A single golden ticket is hidden somewhere in the cafe. Whoever finds it takes home an Ohana Pack: three plates and three drinks.

All month

Surprise Drops

Free Dole Whips, Tiki tees and stickers, handed out at random all month long. Be in the room when it happens.

Drawn live Aug 25

24 Plates On Us

Our grand prize. Two specials every month for a full year, drawn live at the Birthday Bash from every entry we collect.

Running all month

Follow along at @tikiturtle with #3YearsOfAloha, or see this week’s specials.

Meet Our Ohana

The amazing people who make the magic happen

Chef Angelina, Tiki Turtle Cafe team

Chef Angelina

Head Chef & Mentor

The heart of our kitchen, guiding our team with patience and passion.

Allyssa, Tiki Turtle Cafe team

Allyssa

Team Lead & Mentor

Trains our front of house team and is a source of support for all participants.

Jace, Tiki Turtle Cafe team

Jace

Team Member

Brings energy and enthusiasm to everything he does.

M

Matt

Team Member

Known for his attention to detail and friendly demeanor.

D

Dayton

Team Member

His hard work and determination make him invaluable.

L

Lisa

Team Member

Brightens every shift with her warm smile and caring nature.

Ethan, Tiki Turtle Cafe team

Ethan

Team Member

Approaches every task with focus and commitment.

G

Genesis

Team Member

Brings creativity and joy to our team every day.

← Scroll to meet more team members →

Catering with Purpose

Bring the spirit of Tiki Turtle to your next event. Our catering services deliver delicious food while supporting a meaningful cause.

  • Fresh, made-to-order meals
  • Customizable menu options
  • Corporate events, parties & gatherings
  • Support our vocational training program

What People Are Saying

Real reviews from our amazing customers

"Great food, cute place and all for a good cause! We will definitely eat there again and again."

L
Laura R.
Google Review

"Amazing fresh ingredients. Please don't pass up on this place. We need more places like these. Thank you!"

C
Carmen F.
Google Review

"The service was phenomenal, the person that helped us was kind and professional! If you want a delicious lunch or a DOLEWHIP for a decent price come here!"

L
Laura D.
Google Review

"Great spot with a cool vibe! The staff was super helpful, and the food was fresh, healthy, and delicious. Definitely worth a visit!"

E
Edward D.
Google Review

"The chicken salad Mac nut pesto is really good as a wrap. You must try the pineapple slaw, it is sweet and crunchy. Perfect for a warm afternoon!"

J
Jeff M.
Google Review

"Love that place, the workmanship of bar and decor is very fine. The food excellent and the staff friendly and accommodating."

M
Mike H.
Google Review
See All Reviews on Google
The Tiki Turtle mural at the cafe

Visit Us

Address

1099 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720

Hours

Monday - Friday, 10 AM to 2 PM

A Program of The Arc of Hilo

For over 70 years, The Arc of Hilo has promoted and protected the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through meaningful employment at Tiki Turtle Cafe, we build a more inclusive Hawaiʻi, one meal at a time.

Learn More About Our Mission
Arc of Hilo white pineapples - Every purchase empowers a life
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