KAPA‘A — It only makes sense that on an island of such natural beauty, like Kaua‘i, health food stores would be abundant as well. Jessica Leech, owner of Papaya’s Natural Foods & Café in Kapa‘a, agrees. “The very nature of
KAPA‘A — It only makes sense that on an island of such natural beauty, like Kaua‘i, health food stores would be abundant as well. Jessica Leech, owner of Papaya’s Natural Foods & Café in Kapa‘a, agrees.
“The very nature of Kaua‘i lends itself to healthy living … the natural beauty, fresh clean air, abundant water … there is a life to everything here and we are blessed to call this island home,” Leech said.
For the past 13 years, she has owned and operated Papaya’s. While the store originated in 1990 with the first owner, she and her family moved here in 1998 to take it over from its second owner up in Hanalei.
“We spent the next years renovating, expanding and working to bring a better selection of natural and organic products to the island,” Leech said, “while increasing and encouraging our local vendors for better products produced on the island.”
Tucked away in a tranquil corner of the Kaua‘i Village Shopping Center (Safeway Shopping Center) in Kapa‘a, Papaya’s has accomplished just that. Leech operates the store herself, along with the help of her three teenagers and a staff she gushes about, saying she “couldn’t do without them.”
On their website, Papaya’s boasts of carrying over 300 bulk items, full lines of refrigerated and frozen products and an extensive selection of organic beer and wine. They also feature a large selection of locally grown produce, and pictures of local, smiling farmers and their families hang above the products.
Along with striving to offer one of the biggest natural foods selections on Kaua‘i, Leech said at Papaya’s they make sure the service is high quality as well.
“We truly want to be of service to our customers; we take the time to explain, show where a product is located, answer their questions and listen,” she said.
The role of diet in one’s personal health is of the utmost importance, something that Papaya’s has taken to heart and plays a vital role in the products they carry in the store.
“Health is a very personal matter,” Leech said, “and what is right for one body may not be right for another’s.”
They carry products ranging from high-quality, ethically raised meats to all-natural vegan or gluten-free foods. Leech said she wants customers to make informed decisions about what they’re eating and make the right choice for themselves.
“We strive to be the place where everyone feels comfortable; there are no stupid questions; we are here to help you,” Leech said.
Another popular feature at the store is the hot and cold salad bar. Each day Papaya’s staff prepares a different array of hot food items, salads and works the café as well. The menu options are always changing.
“It is also an opportunity to get as much or as little as you want, depending on your hunger or budget of the day,” Leech said.
There are always raw, vegan and gluten-free options. With the more popular items, like the fish tacos, it’s an easy way to get a friend who is “not so keen” about eating at a health food store to try something new — and often get hooked.
While many feel put off about eating or shopping at a place like Papaya’s, Leech sees every customer as a new opportunity to provide help and assistance.
“One of my favorite customers is one that has never stepped inside a natural food store,” Leech said, “but their doctor has eliminated something in their diet and they don’t know where to turn. We show them that you can make small changes without sacrificing everything you are used to.”
Situations like that are the reason Leech says Papaya’s has been a blessing in her life.
“I have loved owning Papaya’s for the past 13 years because it allows me to help people discover new ways of eating or preparing foods they have no experience with.”
Leech says she wouldn’t be anywhere without her wonderful staff, though; some have been with Papaya’s for more than 10 years.
In the future, Leech says she hopes Papaya’s will be able to have a space that is more in line with their values of health, sustainability and environmental practices. For the time being, however, they simply aim to make each day at the store better than the last.
“We will never stop improving,” she said.
Papaya’s is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit their website at www.papayasnaturalfoods.com or call at 823-0190.
• Ali Vandergon, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or by emailing avandergon@thegardenisland.com.
