Hanalei Gourmet was founded by Tim & Andi Kerlin in 1989, in the same historic classroom you see today. They developed a tried & true menu, an undeniably loyal following, an incredibly capable and talented staff, and made a splace that felt like a second home to so many.

Black-and-white photograph of a low-roofed building beside a marked roadway, with palm trees and a steep mountain in the background
Bright tropical restaurant interior with a polished wooden bar, dining tables, chairs, artwork, and potted plants.
Colorful chalkboard menu featuring Hawaii-themed food and drink specials, including poke, burgers, tacos, pizza, cakes, and shaved ice.
Cozy, warmly lit restaurant interior with string lights, dining tables, a bar, wall-mounted television, and seated diners.
Busy casual restaurant dining room with families eating at wooden tables, chalkboard menus, colorful wall art, and large windows.
Man preparing food beside a charcoal grill on a beach with mountains in the background
Group of friends smiling together at a restaurant bar with drinks and napkins on the counter.
Live acoustic performance at a restaurant, with two guitarists singing into microphones and a woman dancing beside a seafood specials chalkboard.

When we heard it had unexpectedly shut it’s doors for good in May of 2026, Sami & Chas from Kilauea Bakery fought to keep it alive. The love of the Gourmet was so strong that we quickly realized we weren’t the only two who couldn’t say goodbye just yet. Some things are worth holding onto.

Young woman in a striped cap standing in front of a chalkboard menu.
Busy restaurant dining room with groups of people seated at tables, a bar area, and a wall-mounted television.
Black-and-white photo of two women embracing affectionately indoors.