Mermaids Cafe is serious when they say their fish is fresh-caught and they have the boat to prove it! “We go out about three days a week,” said owner Kelsey Maraven of the 24-foot white Mermaids fishing boat. “We mostly
Mermaids Cafe is serious when they say their fish is fresh-caught and they have the boat to prove it!
“We go out about three days a week,” said owner Kelsey Maraven of the 24-foot white Mermaids fishing boat. “We mostly get Ahi but also sometimes Mahi and Ono.”
Unique menu offerings such as the Ahi Nori Wrap, The Ahi Cilantro Wrap, the Focaccia Sandwich and many more all feature the fresh fish caught regularly by the Mermaids crew. The cafe also supports local fishermen, when necessary, to supply their fresh fish.
Mermaids Cafe opened its doors back in 1999 under Debra Elkins, the original mermaid. Maraven, who helped Elkins run the cafe through the years, has now taken over as part owner along with business partner John Charter.
The cute outdoor cafe is located right off Kuhio Highway in Old Kapa‘a Town, next door to Java Kai. It is brightly colored yellow with teal trim, giving it a classic tropical look you can’t miss as you drive by.
In addition to bringing in the fresh fish, the Mermaids crew helps out with the vegetable garden located nearby where they grow much of the ingredients used in their flavorful dishes. Kale, bok choy, cilantro, lemon grass and basil are just a few of the fresh-grown treasures you will find on your plate at Mermaids. Right now all the salad greens come from Dante’s farm in Kapahi, but Maraven said he plans to start growing his own salad greens soon.
“The goal we have for Mermaids Cafe is to be self-sustainable,” said Maraven.
With the fishing boat and the garden, I’d say they’re well on their way to achieving that goal. They also bake their own focaccia bread and make all their own sauces, dressings and salsas from scratch.
Maraven said that he is constantly hearing from customers how fresh the food tastes. There are many locals and visitors who enjoy coming back again and again and since taking over two years ago, Maraven has strived to make sure the food is consistently fresh, healthy and delicious. The open kitchen is a welcome site and you can look right in and watch the chefs hard at work preparing your food.
“It’s nice to see your food being cooked in front on you,” Maraven said. “That’s one of the things that attracted people in the first place.”
Mermaids cafe tries to be as accommodating as possible for its customers. When it comes to special dietary needs, they offer vegan and gluten-free options and can even adjust the amount or type of cooking oil used if need be. When it comes to small children, there is a high chair as well as a special keiki menu available by request. Want something that’s not on the menu? Just ask. Mermaids will do what they can to help suit your needs.
Don’t forget to ask about their daily specials. Monday is Pad Thai day with a choice of chicken, tofu or ahi pad thai in a delectable peanut sauce with noodles and veggies. Everyday of the week a new special is determined depending on what ingredients are available.
What to drink? How about Thai iced tea with coconut milk, or organic spearmint, lemongrass or tropical hibiscus iced tea? Refreshing homemade lemonade, tropical hibiscus lemonade and bottled water are also available.
Umbrella-shaded tables are the perfect place to sit and enjoy your meal or take it with you to the beach in a biodegradable to-go container. Parking is available on the street out front and there is additional parking around back.
Mermaids Cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday. Located at 1384 Kuhio Highway in Old Kapa‘a Town. Call them at 821-2026.
