While dodging the winds and rain of approaching winter, look no further than Hāna Ranch Provisions for your escape from the flooded streets of Paia Town. Planted towards the top of town (on Baldwin Avenue) sits an eclectic dining experience that will shelter you from the elements, as well as the all-too-familiar anxiety of deciding where to eat in Paia.
When entering the establishment you’ll find yourself amidst melodies of animated conversation, with distant beats of rock ‘n’ roll thumping in the background. Hāna Ranch Provisions has a chic-meets-western feel and an earthy element that matches its hometown. Its neutral color scheme gives the space a simplistic aura, while the coffered ceilings juxtapose the industrial-style lighting, making a stylish connection between old and new. Pictures of Hāna Ranch, its livestock and produce, gives the diner an idea of where their meal is coming from—from farm to plate.
As you look around you will see families, colleagues and lovers alike, everyone immersed in conversation between sips and bites. The bar is stocked and is a haven for both those looking for a quick drink and those looking to linger a while. The shelves of the bar are backlit, showcasing a wide variety of wine, beer and liquor.
The service is friendly and simplistic like its surroundings. Servers have knowledge of the local produce of the day and are open to any and all questions about the menu, giving detailed responses. The menu is unpretentious, just simple heavyweight paper. Immediately catching my eye was the Coffee-Cocoa Rubbed Ahi, and came highly recommended by our server. Being an extreme pasta lover (so much so you may even go as far as calling her an expert), my friend who came along went with the Ali‘i Mushroom Fettuccine from the “Small Plates” section of the menu.
The coffee cocoa rubbed ahi.
As you wait for your food, you are able to see into the kitchen towards the back of the restaurant, an opportunity for a look “behind the scenes.” Before we knew it, our food was approaching, set before us in a wonderfully timely manner. The ahi, dry-rubbed with their coffee-cocoa blend, is styled elegantly with kale, a taro fritter and a papaya-miso sauce that is simply delectable. The ahi is rare, and its outer shell of coffee and cocoa is unassuming, adding an intriguing dimension to the dish. The fish has mild flavor, but is greatly enhanced by its surroundings.
The Ali‘i Mushroom Fettuccine may appear to be small in size, but it will leave you satisfied. It is complimented by melted leeks, mauichego cheese and just the right amount of sauce—not overbearing like many other fettuccine dishes. Mushrooms adorn the pasta, but don’t take over, giving the palate plenty of room to experience every dimension of the dish. This “Small Plate” is not to be underestimated, as it will fill you the perfect amount, with just enough room for dessert.
Pineapple pie dessert.
Ending the night on a sweet note, we decided to try the pineapple pie. This is not your typical triangular piece of pie. Its circular base has hints of ginger, and within the crust is chutney-like pineapple chunks. Grilled pineapple sits atop, enhancing the flavor even more, giving this dessert the perfect amount of sweetness that is sure to satisfy those who posses a sweet tooth, as well as those who do not.
At the end of your dining experience you will have the option to enjoy tea or coffee, or perhaps one last drink. While sitting in the dimly lit restaurant I felt as if I was transported back to a chic watering hole in Manhattan, and you may feel that metropolitan sensation as well. However, the natural, organic feel of the restaurant gives it a unique element that embodies the simple atmosphere of our island home.
For reservations, you can visit their beautifully designed website and book via OpenTable at http://www.hanaranchprovisions.com. While dodging our island winter weather, you are also free to pop in, too, as reservations are not required. Hāna Ranch Provisions is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., offering coffee and pastries. Lunch is also available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, call (808) 868-3688 or email info@hanaranchprovisions.com.
