Hirano Store in Glenwood
Taking advantage of the long weekend, Bev and I went camping at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach on the south side of the Island. I hardly drive down there, so almost every time I do, I gotta stop by the Hirano store in Glenwood, which is after passing Mountain View and before Volcano. They have some mean grinds!
The people that work here are so friendly. It seems that the more remote an area is, the friendlier they get. 
Inside the store is all your regular stuff… drinks, chips, snacks, etc. And in one corner they have a menu offering plate lunches, sandwiches, hot dogs, and best of all their offerings… chili bowls!
Hirano Store Chili Bowl with Rice ($3.00), loaded with goodness! It’s a unique kind of style… a bit soupy, but still very hearty. The flavor and consistency sort of remind me of a Portuguese Bean Soup, but spicier with chili flavors.
It went wonderfully with their $.85 hot dog on a sweet bread bun.
Very satisfying… ready to continue driving!
Hirano Store
Glenwood
808-968-6522
November 14th, 2006 at 10:40 am
wow brah….ono once again brah! Da hirano store stay da dame from when I remembah da buggah 15+ yrs ago…..and da chili was always ONO!…….dey used to have good musubi too…..
November 15th, 2006 at 5:57 pm
So I’m just curious. You review all these different places. Do you go to places that your friends recommend or do you just try every restaurant you see?
November 16th, 2006 at 1:55 pm
That must be some good camera James– the chili glistens. Look so ono!!
November 17th, 2006 at 3:25 am
wow, the picture of the sign was sharp and so clear. I could see the weeds on the other side of the road.
portugese bean soup chili? It looks wonderful, like you just want to dig a spoon in…
November 18th, 2006 at 11:32 am
I miss the “red” hotdog. You can’t find those here in the mainland. I make sure I get one every time I go back to Hilo. That, and a couple of Itsus’ hamburgers.
November 27th, 2006 at 10:42 am
kelly, i’m glad to know that the chili is still da same after that long!
Mike, a lot of places are off friend recommendations and a lot on trial and error.
The Hirano store was actually recommended by my good friend… he said he drives there just for the chili. And as he described it to me, I offered to drive there that day! I couldn’t resist… so good.
Penny, yes, it’s my new camera
I love it!
jodi, yup.. it’s real comfort food
Chilly Willy, Itsus definitely is the best place for the “red hot dog”! I wonder why they don’t have it on the mainland?
September 25th, 2007 at 11:56 pm
Hey I work there and its the best job you could have.
Good people and perfect co-workers.
if your in town stop and have good time!
Here at hiranos your always welcome.
October 18th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
whats a red hot dog?
February 29th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
red hot dogs are made in most major cities in phillipines also similar ones
in Thailand. so…. try asian grocery stores , look in their FREEZERS.
good luck!!
bbah