Hawai’i Land Trust Pa’ina at Merriman’s Waimea

I recently had the privilege of attending the Hawai‘i Island Pa‘ina, a special event hosted by Merriman’s Waimea and the Hawai‘i Land Trust (HILT). Typically an annual event held in December, the Pa‘ina had been placed on hold due to the pandemic, making this the first gathering of its kind in a few years.

The evening began in the restaurant’s garden; guests mingled, discussed HILT’s current projects, and even danced a bit of hula while enjoying music by 14-time Nā Hōkū award-winner Mark Yamanaka. The crowd, clearly excited for the return of this event, sipped on wine and cocktails (including a mind-blowing coconut lime sangria) as the evening started with small, delicately crafted flatbreads topped with kabocha squash or Kahua Ranch lamb prepared in front of guests on an open grill. Everyone enjoyed a beautiful Waimea sunset and just-cool-enough weather that paired perfectly with the event to create a great tone for the night.

After a few hana hou rounds from Yamanaka the crown began to move inside to the dining room, where we were greeted by Merriman’s incomparable wait staff and our hostess for the evening, Mileka Lincoln. From there, a whirlwind of family-style plates were coursed out in front of us, our wine and water glasses regularly filled. We were being treated to a five-course meal full of dishes from Merriman’s Hawai‘i Cookbook, originally published in 2015. It’s a rare treat to taste the dishes prepared from the Merriman’s team, and we enjoyed every bit from start to finish.

In addition to indulging in delicious Hawaiian-grown food, pa‘ina-goers had the opportunity to hear more about the Hawai‘i Island Land Trust, the co-hosts of the dinner. This annual gathering allows the organization to share its work, active projects, and mission, To protect and steward the lands that sustain Hawaiʻi, and to perpetuate Hawaiian values by connecting people with ʻāina. The event also raises funds for that work (Peter Merriman serves on the advisory board and as chair of the fundraising committee), all while enjoying the amazing, locally-grown food that the Merriman’s team brings to life. 

This year, HILT is particularly excited to share the work that they’ve been doing in the Mahukona area, working to purchase and protect this special area from development. From the HILT website:

Mahukona Navigation & Ecological Complex has been slated for a resort development for years, but the Kohala community and Mahukona’s voyagers have long since hoped for the land’s protection. Mahukona is a historic training ground for traditional Hawaiian navigators. The lands include hundreds of ancient cultural sites including Koʻa Heiau Holomoana, an ancient site of worship revered by navigators from all over the Pacific. Mahukona’s clear night skies, free from light pollution, allow for star study, and the combination of its calm bay and rough deep ocean waters create the ideal environment to train young navigators. Today, the nonprofit Nā Kalai Waʻa teaches the next generation of navigators at Mahukona, and drydocks the traditional canoe Makaliʻi on site.

As abundant as Mahukona is in history and culture, it is equally abundant in native species. Mahukona’s clean turquoise waters teem with native fish, rays, dolphins, and whales. Endangered ʻŌpeʻapea (Hawaiian Hoary Bats) feed there, and native coastal plants grow along the shoreline.

Learn more about HILT’s work and make a donation to support it at their website.

Merriman’s Hawaii Cookbook makes a great gift, no matter the time of year. Find it in the lobby of Merriman’s Waimea or order from the Merriman’s online shop.

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