Pizzas & More
for almost 2 decades
a family tradition
Our Story
It doesn’t take much to convince someone to come to Hawaii. With its stunning beaches and unique landscape, it begs to be enjoyed.
In 2004, Jim & Joy came from California to get away from the LA rat race and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Once suitable employment was secured their journey began. After several trips to Hilo, they purchased a home and settled in.
Life seemed to be good. Unfortunately, like an earthquake, there plans were unexpectedly shaken up. The employment position evaporated when the previous employee decided retirement wasn’t a good option.
Left wondering what to do and little ability to return to California, the long lost desire to open a pizza shop surfaced. Big Island Pizza came about from the ashes of one opportunity and the blossoming of another.
After a year in the making and not realizing the monumental task that lay before them, Big Island Pizza (Hilo) opened in March of 2006. The long lost dream of owning a pizza shop was fulfilled. However, the dream was quickly overwhelmed by the reality of the huge amount of work it takes to run a restaurant.
In an effort to provide the residents of Kona with a unique dining experience, Big Island Pizza Napoletana was started in 2012. The rest is history. Well, almost….
In 2014, the restaurant was sold to the current family members due to an unforeseen medical situation. Joy’s sister and brother, Gracie and Mikey, are just as passionate and driven to provide the very best customer service and dining experience possible.
Why so Good?
What makes Big Island Pizza so good? Uncompromising attention to the quality of ingredients is just the beginning. The highest quality produce and meats are procured from local farmers and businesses.
All the recipes for pizza combinations, salads, dressings, sauces, deli meats were all developed in the BIP kitchen until perfect.
Recipes were developed to have a WOW factor....if one didn't say WOW after one bite, it didn't go on the menu. The process hasn't changed in almost two decades. By creating unique flavor profiles our customers can be assured of a flavorful, high quality experience.
Why is our service so friendly?
Our dedicated staff provides friendly, attentive services to ensure that your visit with us is a pleasant one. If you are looking for a cheerful, family-friendly restaurant offering premium pizzas, Big Island Pizza is your pizza palace.
Perfect balance of taste and texture.
Mike Petralba, Chef and Owner
Why our Marinara Sauce is so Good?
Why is our Marinara Sauce so Good? Well, for starter's - we put over 5 pounds of seasonings in each batch. But, we don't just throw them in and "stir". We slow simmer the onions, garlic and olive oil. Then we "fold" the seasonings in which "blooms" the flavor throughout the sauce. Plus, our sauce is blended from several different textures of tomatoes, and sauces. This gives it an amazing taste and hearty texture you just won't find with ordinary "runny" pizza sauce. Yes, it's more work than just opening a can of tomato sauce and adding sugar like others do...but, great flavor doesn't come straight out of a can.