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Hukilau combines its unique dining flair and accommodating milieu with a sense of charitable giving.  Within months of Hukilau Honolulu's foundation, its management and staff have already participated in a few community-veered events.  One of these being "Dine Out, Devour Hunger" where restaurant and staff have donated a percentage of their earnings for that specific day to a charitable cause.

"Giving back to the community creates the most rewarding results," said general manager Keenan Silva.  "We are the community as a whole, and all is in balance when the other is supportive."

Silva encourages his staff to be socially active, instilling in them the value of being Hawaiian.

"Aloha means so many things," he said.  "We encourge our staff to find what it means to them, and reciprocate it using the Hukilau, towards the community."

Hukilau's business philosophy traces back to its trio of owners who shared one common sentiment when they opened their first restaurant in San Fancisco: to serve aloha to kama'aina and kama'aina-at-heart.  Within months of its establishment in April 2001,  Hukilau SF quickly shot to the top tier of Hawaiian-themed eateries in the region and built loyal patrons, especially among kama'aina expats.

"We started the Hukilau as three guys from Hawai'i who were homesick for the local style food we grew up on - in a relaxed and festive island environment," said Kurt Osaki, one of the principals of Hukilau LLC.  "Our restaurants in the Bay Area feed the stomachs and souls of kama'aina and kama'aina-at-heart, bringing Hawai'i to our customers."

In May 2007, Hukilau LLC has returned to its conceptual origin with the opening of its fourth restaurant at the Executive Centre in Honolulu.  
Hukilau Honolulu celebrates the accomplishments of Hawai'i's world-class athletes by featuring Hawai'i sports memorabilia and a sports theme throughout the establishment. ESPN 1420 broadcasts its live shows from the restaurant.

"Our bar and grill in Executive Centre serves local food, but in a setting that highlights Hawai'i athletes, their stories and successes," Osaki said.

Chef Jason Takemura, formerly of Chai's Island Bistro, heads the kitchen staff.  Chef Takemura was executive chef of Chai's Island Bistro from July 2003 through the end of 2006. He was previously in the kitchens of several California restaurants, including Roy's, San Luis Obispo's Seven Hands on Higuera, Monterey's Montrio Bistro and Pebble Beach's Inn at Spanish Bay.

According to Silva, the fact that "Chef Jason understands flavors and creates a complimentary marriage of those flavors makes his stlye of cooking unique".

"His delicate use of color and layering of every aspect of each dish shows dedication and passion, making his every creation, pleasing to the eyes and palette," Silva said.

"Incorporating Hawai'i regional cuisine with California cuisine fits right into our philosophy," said Takemura.  "I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of a group who believes in the local community and the aloha spirit."

For more information, please visit www.dahukilau.com.

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