Wainiha Country Market opens Saturday

  • Contributed photo

    Wainiha Country Market owners JD, Gabrielle, Jim and Joell Edwards have been preparing the former location of the Wainiha Store for it’s grand opening.

At last the cozy small town shopping outlet and traditional gathering place in Wainiha is reopening, under the new name Wainiha Country Market.

Family business owners Jim, Joell, Gabrielle and JD Edwards have been preparing the former location of the Wainiha Store, also known as Last Chance, for its’ opening at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021. The public is welcome for barbecue from noon to 2 p.m.

“We’re here for the community. This is a gathering place. During the flood time in 2018, I remember what it was like then. Everyone would say ‘Come on down to the market,’ for all kinds of things that they needed. We want to make it like that again.” said Joell Edwards. “Whether it was during the hours of operation or not, the Wainiha store has always been a popular place for people to talk story and provide for the community.”

Following the 2018 flood and subsequent road closure, many people would bring boxes of goods to give away in front of the store, such as canned foods, diapers, and clothing for those who needed. Because of the closures, many Wainiha and Haena residents fell on hard times, but neighbors and other residents on island gave back to those in need.

Wainiha Country Market will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store will offer a wide variety of products including traditional local favorites such as spam, rice as well as alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.

For more information email: wainihacountrymarket@gmail.com. Call: 431-4313.

5 Comments
  1. Spalto January 1, 2021 7:01 am Reply

    Spam, Alcohol, and Tobacco, that’s a major necessary convenience for everyone, and an addition to the remote area of the Haena area as a Resource of a Life Longevity Center.

    Vodka, cigarettes, and a strong cup of coffee have always been the beginning of a good day, especially for a hike on the trail.

    Mahalo for the last place to start ones day.


  2. Rev Dr Malama January 1, 2021 10:55 am Reply

    A multi purpose store such as Saltpond Market, Lawai Store, 711 or Anahola would be welcomed!!!!
    The majority of people do not need spam, alcohol and cigarettes!!!
    Local favorites like NATURAL shave ice, fishing supplies and safe reef sunscreen products are a better bunch of products to protect/promote the environment and our beautiful people…. just saying.
    Stay PONO.


  3. Joell Edwards January 1, 2021 2:01 pm Reply

    Aloha all-

    Just for clarification- we will be selling locally sourced meats, produce and value added products made here on Kaua’i.
    Although we will sell tobacco and eventually beer and wine , our main focus is providing this community with food items, personal hygiene and refreshments 🙂
    We look forward to seeing you at the market


  4. Ed Hayes January 2, 2021 10:38 am Reply

    Was at the store first thing this morning! Awesome job!


  5. randy kansas January 2, 2021 11:42 am Reply

    thanks Joell and best of luck with the new venture….Also, please stock up on the personal hygiene items for sale…should be a good market for that !!!!


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