LIHUE — As a native of Kekaha, it only makes sense that Jody Valente is bringing his popular island eatery, Kalapaki Joe’s, to Kauai’s Westside. In fact, Valente says it has been a goal of his since the brand’s inception.
LIHUE — As a native of Kekaha, it only makes sense that Jody Valente is bringing his popular island eatery, Kalapaki Joe’s, to Kauai’s Westside.
In fact, Valente says it has been a goal of his since the brand’s inception.
“It’s like I have come full circle,” he said. “It has certainly been my goal to have a business on the Westside and complete the cycle.”
Starting Feb. 1, Waimea will be home to the island’s third Kalapaki Joe’s location, as well as what Valente is considering the westernmost sports bar in the United States.
“That is extremely unique and very, very awesome,” he admits.
After spending the majority of his adult life on the Mainland, Valente returned to Kauai to raise a family and opened Kalapaki Joe’s in Lihue in June of 2008. Less than two years later, he expanded to Poipu. Like both restaurants before it, Valente says the Waimea location will function like “uncle’s garage” — a place where friends and family can enjoy delicious, reasonably priced food as well as one another’s company.
“That is what I’ve always wanted my businesses to be,” he said.
The new location will be nestled amongst the coconut trees in the historic Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages.
As a boy, Valente used to play and ride his bicycle in the sugar cane fields of Mana. Ironically, the building where the new restaurant is opening is made up of several old plantation homes, taken from the fields and remodeled, he said.
One specific portion of the building is actually the old home of one of his close childhood friends, a home he remembers playing in when he was 6.
“It really doesn’t get much more special for me,” Valente said.
Valente is proud of his Westside roots and excited to bring Kalapaki Joe’s to his family and friends there. While many things will mirror his other restaurants, he said Waimea will stand out in its own ways. The menu will be similar, but with a touch of local flair thanks to Executive Chef Norma Jean Hoopii, also a native of Kauai’s Westside.
“She is fantastic,” Valente said. “And she brings that Hawaiian local indigenous element to the company that I’m extremely proud to feature.”
The new restaurant will also feature its own freshly baked bread, 24 beers on tap (nearly double what’s available at the other locations) and banquet facilities for private parties.
Valente said the Kalapaki Joe’s Waimea is a major upgrade for his business — one that will eventually trickle down to both the Poipu and Lihue locations as soon as possible.
“It’s going to catch up,” he said. “We do plan on remodeling the other establishments.”
Kalapaki Joe’s employs about 70 people between its two locations. The third will bring the total to around 100, according to Valente.
And Valente seems to have no intention of stopping at three.
“We would love to have a location on Kauai’s east shore and/or at Waikiki some day,” he said.
In addition to the “Island’s Best Happy Hour” from 3 to 6 p.m. daily, Kalapaki Joe’s Waimea will offer a wide selection of dishes including burgers, fresh grilled fish tacos and a variety of green salads.
The new location, at 9400 Kaumualii Highway, will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations call 338-1666.
