After 25 years in Prince Kuhio Plaza, Kuhio Grille is relocating to the former Liko Lehua Restaurant at 80 Pauahi St. in Hilo.
Kuhio Grille closed June 14, with signs outside letting customers know about the relocation. Before closing, the popular spot was offering takeout only during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 was definitely a factor in our decision to move,” said owner Lauren Araki. “This space offers us a better value and will work better for what we want to do.”
Kuhio Grille tentatively is reopening Monday, July 6, for dining in and takeout.
The new building will have the same amount of tables as its location at Prince Kuhio Plaza, although only half the space will be used because of the pandemic. Araki is planning to open a lanai for outdoor seating in the future.
The reopening will also bring the opportunity for Kuhio Grille to get a liquor license and serve beer with meals, which was not possible at the last location.
“Honestly, it was hard to leave that space after 25 years,” Araki said. “But this gives us a chance to grow more going forward.”
Kuhio Grille will continue to update customers about the reopening on its website and social media accounts.
COVID-19 also was a factor in the closing of Liko Lehua, which will move to 177 Kaumana Drive.
Owners Dawn and Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder have been in the process of remodeling the kitchen, which is used to make their lilikoi butter.
They plan to reopen the Kaumana kitchen for takeout and delivery in late July or early August.
“We are looking forward to bringing back some of our employees and revisiting with our favorite customers,” said Dawn Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder. “We wish Kuhio Grille all the best in this new journey forward for both companies.”
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com