Two Ladies Kitchen — Attraction in Hawaii

Due to all the hype, I thought I would try Two Ladies & see what I thought. There was no line the day I visited, so at first I walked right by their store due to the small signage. Anywho, there were several pre-packed variety packs at the register and the signage for the individual mochi flavors didn't mention what they are fully translated into English which made ordering flavors something you had to consult with staff for, which I could see slowing down the line on busy days (examples: shiro-an, koshi-an, tsubushi-an). None of the variety packs were marked with what flavor(s) they were. Being adventurous, I asked for a variety pack with more traditional Japanese flavors, and the staffer sold me a pack that they recommended. Although they looked colorful, the 80% of the pack was just different colored mochi with the same filling - azuki bean (aka red bean paste, which is slightly sweet). The other 2 were more like a baked cake (butter mochi) & one of the 2 was a cake filled with - azuki bean. I like azuki bean, but I was disappointed that was the only filling that was offered to me in this so called variety pack. I have had fresh mochi before & I've had fresh mochi filled with azuki bean before too. I feel like this shop offers nothing unique in flavor that you can't find elsewhere based on my experience. I wish I could've experienced some other flavors. I think their signage for ordering individual mochi being translated into English & the contents of their variety packs being standardized and labeled would help a lot with customer satisfaction.

Also another problem with Two Ladies is lack of ingredients listed - so if you have allergens or are avoiding certain ingredients like say, artificial colors, you have no clue if Two Ladies's mochi is something you can eat or not.

I also am blown away that a place this popular in 2023 doesn't have a website - I would've been able to at least look up and review flavors in advance vs. having to scour reviews for user uploaded pictures, which tend to be...

This is where the party is at! Definitely the busiest place in Hilo! It's a definite must stop and try for anyone visiting Hilo.

I must confess, this was my first time here. I know isn't that crazy? Lived in Hawaii my whole life and never had Two Ladies?! Now after I've experienced their delectable soft mochi, I'm definitely coming back for a visit soon. Plus the ladies working here are soo nice.

Those Two Ladies sure know how to make mochi. Is it busy? Well it's all about timing. When we went it wasn't busy but then as we were ordering, but 10 people showed up and filled up the small space.

Take a photo of the menu since it will be your legend or key for your mochi if you can't remember what you ordered or what is what if your ordered almost one of everything like me.

Their mochi is so colorful like konpeitō and fun to look at. They make me happy just looking at them.

They have plain chi chi dango, bite size mochi with candy in them, manju, mochi with various fillings and of course their fresh fruit mochi (their menu changes depending on the season). Prices range depending on your selection. They have a menu up that you can order by piece and create your own box, or they have various pre-packaged assortment.

Their chi chi dango mochi was super soft. Everyone comes here for their fresh strawberry with azuki bean mochi ($3.25 each). I'm not an azuki bean fan but I did try it and it was pretty good.

I really liked their mochi with fresh grape. It's so fresh and not as much azuki. I also liked the mochi filled with brownie and their butter mochi! Although I'm not a fan of azuki, I did buy almost one of everything to try and devoured them all!

Everything was so good, the flavors were delicate and the mochi was freshly made. We kept ours refrigerated and it kept nicely for 2 days.

It's cash only, so make sure you bring at least $20, $50 if you're buying gifts. Better make it $100 if you have to bring back for family too!

Two Ladies Kitchen Fresh strawberry mochi...hmmm When...

This is my first time here. I did not eat the mochi treats so I am not reviewing the quality/taste of the mochis themselves. I ordered the mochis on behalf of my family. Based on their expressions, they really like it.

So, why 3 stars.

Upon arrival, there's a scattered group of people inside and outside the main entrance. Some waiting to get their order and some placing an order.

It would be very helpful if there were signs to inform their customers on where to wait for their orders and where to place and pick up orders.

I asked one of the staff members if those who order over the phone take priority over those waiting outside and she said yes (be aware of this). Again, with no clear direction (and being new to this store) it can cause frustration to those who have been patiently waiting.

Additionally, there needs to be a clear/enforced regulation of how many customers or occupants can remain in the order/waiting area.

It is way too small to accommodate more than 6 people and blocking the doorway (sadly, I did this to be seen next and to allow space for those to leave or pick up their order) is a fire hazard.

I didn't have much choice or space to adjust and I'm sure others find this to be the "norm". It is unacceptable for a business to permit this and they should make it clear (potentially using signs) to instruct their customers of this hazard and where to wait.

Finally, after placing my order, I knew I had to wait for my order to be made (no problem), however the issue I had was having to carry the trays until I get the rest of my order and then put it in a bag. I asked if I can pick it all up when my order was ready and she sad...