Hana is a beautiful destination in Hawaii. This small community on the northeast coast of Maui is surrounded by rainforests and Haleakala National Park. The road to Hana is famous, with more than 800 switchbacks and amazing views of the lush rainforest and waterfalls. There is much to do and see while traveling along this road. If you get hungry, be sure to stop at Hana Farms Roadside Stand and Bamboo Hale Restaurant.
Hana Farms is situated along the road to Hana about four miles outside the town. Much of the farm is situated in an area that includes volcanic rock, making the soil especially nutrient-dense. This means that ultra-healthy vegetation is produced on the property.
This vegetation provides many of the ingredients for the items offered at Hana Farms Roadside Stand and served at Bamboo Hale Restaurant. The farm produces local fruits, spices, vegetables, and flowers. In the spice garden, find cinnamon, curry-leaf, all-spice, cardamom, black pepper, and more. Additional items grown on the farm include beans, Hawaiian chili peppers, lemons, limes, bananas, cherries, Lilikoi, papaya, and other tropical fruits.
The Hana Roadside Stand started in 1996 and the only product available at that time was banana bread. Now, it’s a local marketplace where you can find all sorts of items made in Hana as well as products from Hana Farms. Expect to find hot sauces, spreads, desserts, and four types of banana bread. In addition, there is a grab’n’go fridge that features bagels and other snacks. This is a great place to stop and grab a snack while traveling down the road. You can feel good about supporting local merchants.
If you have more time, stop and dine at Bamboo Hale Restaurant. Eat at the pizzeria and grill, which features ingredients from the Hana Farms and other farms in Hana. It’s an open-air restaurant made of bamboo. Hale means ‘home’ or ‘structure’ in Hawaiian, so you will get to dine in a bamboo hale. All of the bamboo came from Whispering Winds Bamboo Farm, a regenerative and organic farm. While eating, enjoy the ocean breeze and lovely views of the tropical garden.
Here is a look at just a few of the tasty options available at Bamboo Hale Restaurant:
Harvest Salad
The Harvest Salad changes depending on what’s available from the harvest. Whatever’s in it, you can rest assured that you are getting a healthy meal. Some ingredients you may find in this salad are arugula, kale, wild greens, katuk, Okinawa spinach, red zinger, and moringa.
Farm Plates
Inspired by more traditional Hawaiian meals, the farm plates are for meat-lovers. Choose from BBQ beef brisket from Maui Cattle Company or pulled pork that is smoked in-house. The meat is topped with homemade BBQ sauce and each plate comes with jasmine rice. Patrons can also choose from a side of papaya salad, mac salad, curry potato salad, or the Hana Farms garden salad, which is freshly picked from the farm.
Wood Fired Pizza
Pizza is made in their handcrafted clay oven. They are topped with Maui-grown meat and produce, which include many items from Hana Farms. There are many fun combinations to try, including freshly harvested sweet potatoes and homemade pesto.
No matter if you want to make a quick stop, or stay for a meal, Hana Farms Roadside Stand and Bamboo Hale Restaurant are a truly authentic Hawaiian experience. Eat fresh food and support the locals while stopping in.
Insider Tips:
-Live music is available every Friday night. Make an evening of it and go grab dinner while enjoying the sounds of local artists from across the islands.
-This restaurant does not take reservations, it’s walk-in only.
– While the roadside stand might be open at 8 am, the restaurant is only open Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday at 11 am to 3 pm, and on Friday & Saturday 12 pm to 8 pm.