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Enjoy local poi, luau and more

A La Carte

April 18, 2021

Story By: Don Robbins |

Offering ono Hawaiian foods, Waiahole Poi Factory at 48-140 Kamehameha Hwy. in Kaneohe sells an array of memorable local treats.

Items available at Waiahole Poi Factory are inspired by cuisine that can be sampled at a traditional Hawaiian luau. Its mission is to be a place where traditions and flavors of authentic Hawaii can be shared and maintained.

Customers can choose to order a multitude of items. Combo plates range from laulau kalua pig, squid and beef luau, and more. They come with rice or poi, lomi salmon and haupia.

The eatery also has a range of single-item plates, like chicken long rice, kalua lig and laulau, just to name a few. There are a multitude of sides to choose from as well, like poi, rice, lomi salmon, haupia and hoio salad.

Those with smaller appetites can opt for a mini beef luau, mini kalua pig and other selections.

Refreshing and delightful drinks are on the menu, too, like mamaki tea, limeade or ginger tea. Don’t forget dessert, like Sweet Lady of Waia hole, which features warm kulolo and haupia ice cream.

Nourishing patrons with locally sourced food and spiritually with love of Hawaiian culture, tradition is literally built into Waiahole Poi Factory. Its origins date from 1905 when it was constructed as a poi-making enterprise, and was in operation for nearly 70 years until 1971. Through the decades, it had one time been transformed into an art gallery, then received a revival when it was refurbished to again produce poi.

Beginning in 2009, the business became a full- time homemade Hawaiian food and hand-pounded poi restaurant.

The owners emphasize that the mission of Waiahole Poi Factory is to create a place sharing Hawaiian culture through food, along with supporting community agriculture and farmers.

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