Keoki’s Paradise comes of age

Focus on community, employees a recipe for success

by Blake Jones – The Garden Island

While Po‘ipu has boomed with development over the last two decades, Keoki’s Paradise has been one of a handful of constants amid a changing landscape.

Celebrating its 21st anniversary in November, Keoki’s has consistently provided Pacific Rim cuisine in a lush, tropical setting that appeals to both visitors and residents. The orange ginger baked ono and the kahuna cut prime rib may keep customers coming back for more, but beyond good food is the restaurant’s commitment to its employees and community — which has provided a solid foundation for its success.

According to General Manager Derek Kessler, Keoki’s Paradise has cemented its presence in the Koloa and Po‘ipu areas through service. It has a strong relationship with Koloa Elementary School, which does not go unnoticed.

“They have been very generous,” said Koloa School Student Services Coordinator Leila Kobayashi, noting the restaurant always helps out when asked. “They are very supportive of our efforts.”

For the last few years, the restaurant has sponsored the school’s educator of the month program, offering dinner and recognition to each honored teacher. In addition, Keoki’s recently provided 20 pumpkins for the school’s Halloween-themed family night, during which parents and their students make jack-o’-lanterns. Not all families can afford to bring a pumpkin, Kobayashi said, and some just can’t bring as many as they have kids, so the annual donation allows everyone a chance to participate.

The restaurant also provides a senior Thanksgiving lunch, works with Kaua‘i Hospice, provides food for the Festival of Lights, sponsors Koloa Pop Warner and the Kauai Surfing Association’s junior league, and bought team jackets for the Kapa‘a volleyball team.

“We don’t spend as much on advertising in the area so we are able to help out in the community,” said Kessler, who has been with Keoki’s for two years and with parent company T S Restaurants for close to 15.

Kessler noted that, despite the volatile food industry’s high turnover rates, Keoki’s puts a lot of emphasis on taking care of its employees. One staff member is honored each month, and awards go out quarterly to employees in four categories, including attention to cleanliness, enthusiasm, pride and passion for quality, all of which translate to customer service.

“We treat each guest as one and not as the hundreds that are coming here,” Kessler said.

When asked how the surroundings have changed over the years, Kessler said, “Ask me that in a few years. … There’s going to be a lot of people in the Po‘ipu area in the next 10 years.”

For now, the company does not have any plans to change what has worked so well over the years. “We’re going to expand on what we’re already doing,” Kessler said.

An invitation-only anniversary bash will take place Nov. 9 to honor key supporters, purveyors, community members, longtime customers and, of course, staff.

Kessler described the restaurant as a “rockin’ indoor tropical paradise.” Menu staples include fresh island fish and prime steak, and there’s usually live entertainment.

Keoki’s Paradise is one 13 eateries under the T S Restaurants umbrella, including Duke’s Kauai in Kalapaki. Keoki’s Paradise is open from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily, serving dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations or more information, call 742-7534, or visit www.keokisparadise.com.

• Blake Jones, business writer/assistant editor, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or bjones@kauaipubco.com.