Cafe, Bakery + Deli

Display case with various desserts including chocolate cake, roasted pineapple bread pudding, cheesecake, Nutella mousse cake, salted caramel tart, lemon bars, and layered chocolate desserts, all labeled with handwritten descriptions.
Close-up of a breakfast sandwich with a grilled croissant, scrambled eggs, bacon, and melted cheese.

Hilo’s go-to spot for…

  • Freshly baked pastries

  • Breakfast Bowls + Breakfast Sandwiches

  • Paninis, Salads + Lunch Favorites

  • Big Island Coffee Roasters Espresso + Coffee

  • Hilo’s best selection of desserts +

  • Custom Cakes + Desserts

So what’s on the menu?

Pick up or stay awhile — We're a counter-service café and bakery in Hilo, with shaded patio seating. Come enjoy a bite and a coffee at the Hilo Shopping Center.

Breakfast + Lunch

Start your day (or recharge at midday) with our made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, hearty bowls, and a tempting selection of fresh pastries. Perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal in our shaded outdoor seating.

Pastries & Sweets

Indulge in Hilo’s finest selection of cookies, macarons, cupcakes, cakes, and specialty desserts — each one handcrafted to satisfy any sweet craving. Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself, we’ve got your perfect bite.

Coffee + Espresso

Pair any of our menu items with a cup of Big Island Coffee Roasters’ rich, locally roasted coffee or a perfectly pulled espresso. The ideal complement to our breakfasts, lunches, and decadent desserts.

Breakfast sandwiches. Breakfast bowls. Bagels. Fresh pastries. Panini. Market salads. Cookies. Cakes. Desserts. Coffee + Espresso…

Display case with assorted cakes and desserts including cheesecakes, cream pies, and chocolate cake with colorful sprinkles.
Big Island Roasters Espresso shots being brewed from a coffee machine into two small glasses.
Close-up of a triple-decker sandwich with lettuce, bacon, avocado, and toasted bread slices.

Why Locals & Visitors Love Short N Sweet Café

Pick-up or dine in — We are a counter service cafe + bakery in Hilo with seating on our shaded patio. Stop in for a bite + coffee in the Hilo Shopping Center.

  • Convenient central Hilo location — easy to find, easy to love.

  • Fresh, high-quality ingredients — every bite made with care.

  • Freshly baked bread daily — the secret to our crave-worthy paninis.

  • Dozens of drool-worthy desserts — from cookies to cakes, guaranteed to satisfy.

  • Shaded outdoor dining area — relax and enjoy the island breeze.

  • Ohana Rewards Program — buy more, save more, and feel part of the family.

  • Locally owned & operated — proud to serve our community.

  • Decades of experience — trusted by Big Island food lovers for years.

  • Award-winning — Eater’s Best Award winner for outstanding flavor.

  • Big Island Roasters espresso & coffee — locally roasted, perfectly brewed.

  • Friendly, welcoming service — where every guest is treated like family.

  • Full menu variety — breakfast, lunch, catering, and specialty desserts all in one place.

Assorted pink and yellow macarons with sprinkles on a golden tray at Short N Sweet Bakery and Cafe in Hilo, HI.
Big Island Coffee Roasters Espresso coffee is being brewed from an espresso machine into a glass cup.
Short N Sweet Cake and Bakery in Hilo storefront of a bakery and café with glass doors and windows, an illuminated red "OPEN" sign, neon signs for Dubai Bars, Cappuccino, and Espresso, and a picture of a sandwich on the window.
Cinnamon roll with white icing on top and a cup of coffee in a paper cup on a glass table outdoors at Short N Sweet Bakery and Cafe in Hilo, HI.
Viral Dubai Chocolate Bars with gold leaf, Hilo's favorite cafe for custom and new desserts.
Variety of sandwiches and pastries in cardboard boxes on a table.
Close-up of baklava in paper cups, showcasing golden flaky layers and chopped nut filling.
A white plate with two pieces of fried bread topped with mashed avocado, cherry tomato slices, chopped red onion, and other toppings, held by a person's hand with a blurred outdoor background.
Two bagel open-faced with cream cheese, tomato slices, and avocado, served with lemon wedges.
Display case at a bakery filled with various cakes and desserts labeled with handwritten signs, including cheesecakes, mousse cakes, and decorated celebration cakes with sprinkles.
A slice of peanut butter and caramel crumb cake on a white plate, with a cup of black coffee and a glass of iced cola with ice cubes on a light-colored surface scattered with coffee beans.
Open-faced bagel sandwiches topped with cucumber, smoked salmon, and capers, garnished with small purple onion pieces, served with a lemon wedge on a decorative plate.
Stacked sandwich with bread, lettuce, bacon, cheese, and possibly avocado.
Assorted donuts displayed on a textured golden tray, with vanilla with sprinkles, chocolate glazed, and glazed with crushed toppings varieties.
Grilled panini sandwich with scrambled eggs, bacon, and melted cheese, at Short N Sweet Bakery and Cafe in Hilo, HI.
Display case filled with various desserts including cheesecakes, cakes, and pastries, with handwritten labels on the glass. Visible desserts include Nutella mousse cake, chocolate cake, lemon curd cheesecake, and others with decorative toppings.
Close-up of a grilled breakfast sandwich with bacon, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese on a toasted bun.
Close-up of an avocado toast topped with chopped red onions and bacon bits, served on a white plate.
Close-up of freshly baked bagels cooling on a parchment-lined tray.