HAWI — Until it closed several years ago, Luke’s Place and Tiki Lounge was the most popular gathering place in Hawi. With the opening of HUB Pub in its place in May, just such a spot has been restored.
HAWI — Until it closed several years ago, Luke’s Place and Tiki Lounge was the most popular gathering place in Hawi. With the opening of HUB Pub in its place in May, just such a spot has been restored.
The restaurant is one component of the multi-faceted Kohala Village HUB, which opened in September 2014 with community programs and special events. The HUB also operates Kohala Village Inn on the 6-acre property.
HUB Pub started with breakfast service and added a lunch menu on June 11. With seating for more than 40 people, indoors and out, the dining outlet is no small undertaking.
“We started small to get in the groove and then added lunch,” owner Delphina Dorrance said. “We look forward to adding dinner in the next month or so. Happy hour is definitely the first thing people ask about at the Pub. We will have craft beers and Kombucha.”
So far, customers have had positive reviews.
“I wasn’t expecting the quantity and how nicely the Asian quinoa salad is displayed,” Kari Miyasato said, who recently moved to Kohala. “It’s like what we would see on Oahu. It’s really healthy and not too heavy.”
Hawi residents Laura Burkhart and Mike Lillie had similar responses. “I like that it’s locally sourced, fresh food,” Burkhart said.
The restaurant partners with local farmers and purveyors, 11 of which are based in Kohala. They include Bee Divine Kohala Honey, Blue Dragon Farm, HIP-Ag, Inspired By The Sun for edible petals and local flowers, Lokahi Sanctuary Gardens, Hamakua Mac Nuts, Kohala Organic Produce, Sage Farms, Spicy Ninja Sauce and Sunrise Farms. Other Big Island purveyors used are Mamane Bakery and Rincon Family Farms in Waimea, Frank’s Foods in Hilo, Punaluu Sweet Bread in Pau and Kuaiwi Farm in Captain Cook.
“The main purpose of the HUB was education and supporting Kohala’s sustainable food,” Dorrance said.
According to the HUB’s executive director, Lehua Ah Ham, the menu was designed by the Pub team with input from HUB staff and the community.
“It focuses on Kohala crafted food and drinks,” she said. “Our menu items range from things that are ‘light to just right’ to fill your belly. We don’t offer the typical lunch plate, but locally sourced dishes that our community loves.”
Entrees range from $8.99 to $10.99. Options include burgers, salads, soup, lettuce wraps, a BBQ chicken plate and a ramen dish, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. The menu also offers a juice bar, full espresso bar and dessert specials, such as raw banana cream pie, expertly crafted on site.
Kohala Village HUB PUB is open Thursday-Sunday with breakfast from 8-11 a.m. and lunch 11a.m.-2 p.m. Info: www. kohalavillagehub.com/eat, 889-0404.