HANAMAULU — The echoes of Kauaians’ happiest moments can almost be heard at Hanamaulu Cafe.
Birthdays, graduations, retirement parties, baptisms — any kind of celebration you can think of has been held at the landmark restaurant since the Miyaki family opened its doors in the 1920s.
But come Friday, the popular cafe will serve its final meal.
“It’s really, really sad,” said Donna Leanio, of Wailua. “Since we heard it was closing we’ve been trying to come here more often.”
Word spread fast that the cafe was closing Friday. Leanio noticed the restaurant was busier than usual during the Tuesday lunch hour.
“It’s normally busy but not as busy as this is,” said Leanio as she picked up a large cardboard box of deluxe Chinese lunch plates. “The food is not only good but I’ve grown up here.”
Hanamaulu Cafe, she added, means so much more than an affordable meal.
“I’ve been going to parties here for over 20 years,” said Leanio. “Everybody has a party at Hanamaulu.”
Owner Kathy Miyake took a brief and seemingly emotional break from the kitchen on Wednesday. The Miyake family has owned the cafe at 3-4291 Kuhio Highway through three generations.
“We’re just trying to accommodate everyone,” she said.
When asked why they were closing, she could only say her daughters, who currently work at the restaurant, were not taking over the business and that they were closing for “a million reasons.”
She also said there are no plans to sell the restaurant.
Tuesday night, as word continued to spread about the closing, the line of loyal customers stretched out the door and spilled onto the sidewalk.
“We came here at least once a month and on Sundays for the buffet whenever we could,” said Shayne Ventura, of Kilauea, “I love their crab legs.”
Along with others waiting in line with her, Ventura said, “You wonder why nobody is buying out the restaurant. Maybe one day.”
While waiting in the take-out line, Lorene and Russell Rapozo reminisced about their wedding reception at the restaurant 44 years ago.
“We have family photos at this place from when we were kids,” recalled Russell Rapozo.
Lorene Rapozo added, “It’s sad. Where else do you go when this place closes down? Whenever we’d have visitors we’d bring them here.”
Another family eating in the restaurant, who asked not to be named, was celebrating a birthday. They said it was their mother’s favorite spot to go when she was alive. They came to Hanamaulu every Mother’s Day and anniversary party.
“It hurts,” said Steven Carvalho, of Lihue, another take-out customer when asked about the closing of the long-time establishment. “It’s monumental. We’re going to miss this place. I used to bring my kids here, all six of them. It’s too bad the family is not taking over the business.”
Fans of the cooking and friendly atmosphere at Hanamaulu Cafe are heartbroken.
“It’s the last chance to eat their chicken and shrimp,” said Lester Inouye, who flew over from Oahu to enjoy his last lunch plate.
“It was worth the cost of a plane ticket,” said Inouye. “When I heard nobody was taking it over, I had to come one last time.”
Leanio said she even knows people who would vacation in Kauai and order a box of their famous chicken to take back home with them.
“Them closing is like a part of Hawaiian history dying,” said Leanio.
Waitress Marion Morita has worked for many years, since high school, at Hanamaulu Cafe.
“This is family,” said Morita. “My other job is working as an administrative assistant for a non-profit. This is my fun job.”
Checking out the line forming at the front door on Tuesday with more than the usual number of customers, Morita said, “It’s bittersweet.”
• Lisa Ann Capozzi, features and education reporter, can be reached at 245-0452 thegardenisland.com.
