Puainako Center

Puainako Center - Community Shopping Center in Hilo
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Puainako Center is a community shopping center in Hilo close to downtown and the Hilo International Airport. The anchor of the Center is a supermarket, and other vendors include several beauty salons, fast food restaurants, banks, and an urgent care facility.

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

Puainako Center is on the eastern side of Hawaii in the town of Hilo. Tall palm trees grace this local shopping center giving it a classy look, as does the Center’s glass canopy that’s nothing short of stunning. 

Puainako Center has over 80,000 square feet of leasable space and 450 parking stalls. The Center also has public restrooms. It is minutes away from downtown Hilo, the University of Hawaii in Hilo, and Hilo International Airport.

The anchor of this neighborhood shopping complex is Sack N’ Save Super Market. The remaining vendors range from banks to restaurants to hair salons. 

Visitors to Puainako Center report that it is clean, well taken care of, and visible from Kanoelehua Avenue.

While leasing can change, let’s look at some of the current stores and vendors at Puainako Center.

Sack N’ Save
Foodland manages this full-service supermarket with a deli, bakery, meat and seafood departments, and produce. Hours are 5 AM-12 AM seven days a week.

5-Spice
Also known as Cracked Seed Shop, they sell the largest selection of seeds and preserves on the island. They also serve bentos, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sweetbreads.

Ling’s Chop Suey
Ling’s serves authentic, affordable Cantonese cuisine. Dine-in and take-out are available. 

Pizza Hawaii and Deli
If you’re looking for NY-style pizza, try Pizza Hawaii. They sell pizza by the slice along with deli sandwiches, wraps, salads, and something they call “pizza bake.”

Baskin-Robbins
Nationally known for ice cream and Baskin-Robbins Classic Cakes. They’re open seven days a week from 10 AM-10 PM.

Fast Food – Do you need a quick bite before heading out for sightseeing or back to the airport? Puainako Center has you covered! 

  • McDonald’s
  • Subway
  • Taco Bell

Kauka Express Urgent Care
Naturally, we hope your trip to Hawaii is accident-free. But should you get a non-emergent medical condition, Kauka Express Urgent Care is there to help.

Magic Cuts
This locally owned and operated hair salon offers fast and friendly service. You can call ahead to set an appointment for anything ranging from a haircut, perm, or tinting. 

Sally Beauty
While Sally Beauty can dye your hair, they are known for manicures, pedicures, and even makeup. 

Nail Tech
Do you need to spruce up your fingernails? Maybe a Brazilian waxing is in order? Nail Tech can have you looking beautiful in no time. Walk-ins are welcomed, and they’re open seven days a week. 

Hilo Chiropractic Clinic
If your back goes out when you attempt a Hawaiian dance, Hilo Chiropractic Clinic can get you mended. Walk-ins are welcomed, and they offer massages by appointment. 

Puainako Center may not offer high-end cuisine, designer boutiques, or world-class architecture. Instead, it supplies the local community with essentials like groceries, restaurants, and non-emergency medical care. 

Insider Tip:
The only parking issue centered around Taco Bell. During busy times, the line can block several parking stalls. Although not listed on Puainako Center’s website, recent guests said that a Jack In The Box is now at the Center, too.