Waipi'o Cookhouse
At the Waipi’o Cookhouse, “Farm to Table” is measured in just steps. Our new restaurant, featuring island ranched, farmed and angled foods, is located in Kukuihaele. A hub of activity in the old historic plantation days, now the gateway to beautiful Waipi'o Valley. Farmers and ranchers Colleen Gold and Larry Vidlak have received from the State Department of Agriculture the first-of-its-kind Certificate to operate a restaurant at their 16 acre ranch. Kanahonua Farms, on the Hamakua Coast, rests three quarters of a mile from the Waipi’o Valley Lookout. As an Agriculture-based Commercial Operation, their personal mission and the mandate from the State of Hawaii is to offer a menu showcasing their own beef and lamb, orchard fruits, and garden produce, as well as those of local farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and producers of value added agricultural products. This concept is the Department of Agriculture's latest step toward growing sustainable agriculture and economic development in the state. Their Tropical fruit orchard consists of Citrus, Mangos, Avocados, Coconuts, as well as 3 banana patches which produce 20 different kinds of bananas. Their beehives produce honey for the restaurant, while contributing to the success of the orchards. Fresh laid eggs, with house cured bacon or local sausage. Poi pancakes with a caramel banana topping to start your morning off right. Beef and lamb burgers, fish and pork sandwiches, along with inventive salads, offer local tastes and freshness throughout the day. Also offering Hamakua coffee and Mauna Kea teas, plus fruit smoothies from the orchard. Freshly baked pastries and breads, jams and jellies will also highlight Hamakua tastes. The Cookhouse will be open for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week, from 6am-6pm. In time dinner service will be offered on the weekends. Every 1st & 3rd Saturday, from 3pm-6pm, we offer Fresh BBQ Brisket and Pork Ribs, along with Live Music. The Waipi'o Cookhouse has an open air dining pavilion, certified imu, and performance space for catered parties and private events. The proprietors welcome hula and music in a scenic setting, and will serve as an information hub, to share the history, culture and attractions in the area. A Crafters and Farmers Market is planned for the future, presenting local artistry and bringing more opportunity to our community. In a macadamia nutshell, Larry and Colleen “would like to share the aloha of Hawaii, the culture and history of the Hawaiian people, and serve the best and freshest tasting food, to all who come.”
