If you’re looking to support restaurants that utilize the concept of farm-to-table, then you should hop on by and try out the delicious food at Hukilau Lanai in Kapa‘a. For 10 years, Hukilau Lanai has been a champion of farm-to-table,
If you’re looking to support restaurants that utilize the concept of farm-to-table, then you should hop on by and try out the delicious food at Hukilau Lanai in Kapa‘a. For 10 years, Hukilau Lanai has been a champion of farm-to-table, sourcing locally grown produce, fresh fish, beef, coffee, honey — the list goes on and on.
Krissi and Ron Miller, in partnership with the former owners of Gaylords, opened Hukilau Lanai in 2002. Eight years later, in 2010, Krissi and Ron took over.
“When we started out, we really just wanted to do something that had good value, was affordable, but had delicious homemade food,” said Krissi Miller, general manager of Hukilau Lanai.
At that time, Ron spent a lot of time trying to talk to local producers.
“We got hooked up with Original Hawaiian Chocolate factory, the Hawaiian Vanilla Company and Kaua‘i Kunana Dairy — which is everywhere,” said Krissi. “We started on this idea that we would look here first and see what we can find. If it’s not here, then we’ll look on the outer islands.”
Hukilau Lanai works with more than 24 local farms and 10 local artisans. Some of the farms and artisans include Kaialani Farms, Moloa‘a Organica, Nani Moon Mead and Koloa Rum Company. Hukilau Lanai also works with local fishermen, who provide Hukilau Lanai with fresh fish nightly.
“The fish is an awesome thing,” Krissi said. “We have a lot of local fishermen bringing fish to us. It’s a lot of fun. We change that portion of the menu a couple of times per week, so we have five or six different fish per night. We’re really known for our fish.”
Hukilau Lanai is only open for dinner, but if you’re in the mood for some lunch, the pool serves some fantastic grinds. Poolside is open from 11 a.m. to sunset.
“People are always asking us if we’re open for lunch,” Krissi said. “We do all the food at the pool bar. There are salads, wraps and on Fridays they have a special prime rib sandwich, which sells out very quickly.”
At 5 p.m., Hukilau Lanai opens its doors and serves a fabulous dinner. Starters are marked at $9 to $13; salads are $5 to $9; and entrees are $18 to $28.
Kaua‘i Times was treated to some of Hukilau Lanai’s onolicous delights, and the restaurant did not disappoint. First up was Adam’s Ahi Poke Nachos. The dish consists of ahi poke, local tomato, avocado, tobiko, inamona, wasabi cream and crisp wonton chips. Ahi is provided by either local fishermen, Kai Bear Sportfishing Charters or ‘Ohana Fishing Charters. Tomatoes are locally grown from Kaua‘i Fresh Farms, and the avocados are sourced from Alden the Avocado Man.
Next up was the Sweet Potato Ravioli. Three ono raviolis are stuffed with roasted Okinawan sweet potato, Kilauea feta cheese and come with a lemongrass cream sauce. The cheese is locally processed at Kaua‘i Kunana Dairy, and the lemongrass is locally grown at Moloa‘a Organica and Kaua‘i Farm Connection.
After the Sweet Potato Ravioli, the Mixed Greens & Maytag Blue Salad was served. It’s made from Kailani Farms greens, pickled fresh beets, corn off the cob and basil vinaigrette. After the delicious mixed greens, Hukilau Lanai served some fresh fish. The Candied Ahi with Coconut Chipotle Sauce hit the spot. It consists of a Cajun coffee spice (coffee provided by Kaua‘i Coffee), coconut chipotle sauce and fresh ahi from local fishermen.
Make sure to make your reservations, for Hukilau Lanai does fill up quickly.
Live music also runs nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday nights have easy listening jazz; Wednesdays have melodic Hawaiian serenades; Thursdays and Fridays hosts Hawaiian music and slack-key favorites; Saturdays have a mix of contemporary and classic Hawaiian jams; and Sundays alternates between country favorites and contemporary Hawaiian music.
Hukilau Lanai, located on 520 Aleka Loop in Kapa‘a, is open nightly Tuesday to Sunday, from 5 to 9 For reservations and more information call (808) 822-0600 and visit www.hukilaukauai.com.
