Pacific Bakey operated at 19 Kalakaua in Hilo, then … “Rumors widely current in the city to the effect that the Pacific Bakery is planning to transfer its field of operations to a larger structure on the vacant lot at the corner of Kalakaua and Keawe streets, are not denied by the management, although it does not wish to make a statement until final action is taken.”
“From other sources, however, it is learned that a prominent local Japanese merchant is preparing to build a two-story structure on this ground fronting Keawe street”.
“The plans have been under contemplation for a number of months, it is said, but they appear nearer fruition now than ever before.” (Hilo Daily Tribune. Oct 19, 1921)
“[T]he new two-story structure at the corner of Keawe and Kalakaua streets, which will be known as the ‘Pacific Building,’ will be rushed to completion”. (Hilo Daily Tribune, Jan 11, 1922)
“The main business site will be occupied by the Pacific Bakery and Restaurant, the entrance to be on the corner of Keawe and Kalakaua streets, this concern to utilize the entire lower floor fronting on Kalakaua street and extending back to the police station. On the Keawe side there will be four additional business rooms available”.
“The Pacific Bakery and Restaurant rooms will occupy a space … divided in three sections, to accommodate the bakery and restaurant feature, dining room, kitchen, and workroom. The kitchen will be equipped with electric washing machines and other modern equipment.” (Hilo Daily Tribune, Jan 11, 1922)
“On the second floor of the Pacific building there will be located 24 large, airy, well-lighted rooms for the accommodation of the general public, in connection with which there will be hot and cold water bathrooms for ladies and gentlemen.”
“The water for the bathrooms will be heated from a large tank in the bakery and carried to the upper floor by asbestos covered pipes. The entrance to the upper floor will be located about the middle of the building on the Keawe street side.” (Hilo Daily Tribune, Jan 11, 1922)
“N. K. Takahashi is proprietor of the hotel as manager of the restaurant and bakery, all of which give employment to 29 people, including bakers, waitresses, cooks and other hotel employes.” (Hilo Daily Tribune, Nov 2, 1922)
“In the basement of the new structure, which was designed by F. Arakawa, local architect and civil engineer, provisions are made for a cold storage plant in connection with the restaurant and bakery, In which may be stored meats, eggs, butter, vegetables and other perishable food products.”
“Among the promoters and principal owners of the new bakery, restaurant and rooming house are K. Takahashi, T. R. Saiki, Y. Hata, S. Murakami and S. Kawasaki, the latter having the contract for the construction work.” (Hilo Daily Tribune, Jan 11, 1922)
It is one of the first businesses that developed the concept of a sidewalk cafe in downtown Hilo. In 1924 the Hilo Library was a tenant on the first floor and in 1929 a bakery moved in at the corner of Keawe Street.
In order to be profitable for owner, tenants and the islanders/tourists have tried to have diverse businesses as tenants – to be a place to shop, eat, sit and meet.
Keawe Street is covered with a canopy so shopkeepers put tables and chairs outside, provide free internet and allow people an open-air dining experience. While customers are eating or doing work, some with their pets alongside, others are playing a music and singing, and making new acquaintances. The general feeling is uplifting and community centered. (HHF)
During the war, in a survey of structures, the Pacific Building was identified as one of downtown Hilo’s “approved shelters”, noting, the “spacious hall upstairs … can easily accommodate at least 200 comfortably without utilizing the rooms themselves.”
The “Recommended evacuation to this shelter is as follows: All occupants of Theo. H Davies & Co, offices and warehouses. All concerns on Keawe St extending for Paul’s Beauty Shop to and including the five residences … and from the Style Center (on the lower Keawe side) to and including Economy Motors.” (Hilo Tribune Herald, Jan 18, 1942)
The Pacific Bakery & Hotel was listed in the 1949 business directory and served as a gathering place for people travelling on the railroad tracks from Hāmākua and Kona, allowing them overnight eating and resting place, and a library for entertainment, and access to other businesses on the first floor. The commercial property has upkept its image as a community gathering place. (HHF)
Pacific Bakery was dissolved on September 10, 1954. (Hilo Tribune Herald, Sep 30, 1954) Later, the upper floor room rentals were monthly, as well as used by visiting sports teams for overnight accommodations; then, commercial office rentals took over up and down stairs. The 2-story reinforced concrete Pacific Building still stands at the corner of Keawe and Kalakaua.
