The ocean’s presence is constant at this new restaurant, which features a multilevel open-air dining area with Old Hawaii charm and a picture-perfect view of Keauhou Bay.
Since opening roughly three weeks ago, Akule Supply Co. has become a gathering place for families and friends while also continuing to reflect the rich heritage of the place.
The site, owned by Kamehameha Investment Corp., used to be the home of the Keauhou Yacht Club. It was heavily damaged by the March 2011 tsunami. Business owners, Bobby and Eddie Gellert, have always been passionate about the area, which was a favorite hideaway for alii and the location of many defining moments in history, including being the birthplace of King Kamehameha III, said Akule Supply Co. general manager Joey Keeney.
Staying true to Keauhou’s name, meaning “the new era,” the Gellert brothers were determined to give this corner of the bay just that. Given the stipulations of keeping the original footprint, they came up with the idea in 2012 of creating a cafe and general store that brings visitors and residents together. After months of planning, design and renovations, Akule Supply Co. is their dream come true, Keeney said.
“Fishing is part of life at Keauhou Bay. Migrating schools of akule have long sought the inlet for rest, nourishment and protection, and it is their presence that we celebrate. Their appearance in splendid sculpture is breathtaking. Families gather and share catches as generations past have done for centuries,” according to the restaurant’s website. “Akule Supply Co. is a simple gathering place — a restaurant in Keauhou Bay. But is also so much more than that, formed on the principles of land and sea stewardship. Just as the families of Keauhou have guarded and nurtured their kuleana, or personal sense of responsibility, we carry forth this reciprocation as we care for this place, its history, and for all who come.”
Akule Supply Co. is a casual, cozy retreat, one that’s proved irresistible Keeney said to those in between sessions on the water or patrons wanting to unwind for sunset and pau hana. Customers needing to wash the salt and sweat away are welcome to use the outdoor shower before venturing inside.
Near the entrance, there are a few vendors selected from a nearby farmers market who sell crafts, artwork, jams and honey in a space that will eventually be transformed into a general store. The plan is to have a general store offering merchandise, including logo wear, sunscreen, towels, underwater cameras and practical supplies by the beginning of next year. Akule Supply Co. already has begun selling 50-pound bags of ice from its giant machine located on the property, Keeney said.
Here, customers can hear the sound of water lapping at the shoreline while watching the active adventurers, fishermen and canoe paddlers. Taking in the scene on a bench in front of the large fire pit or allowing keiki to play on the lawn while dining on the covered lanai is encouraged.
Open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, Akule Supply Co. serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also two takeaway windows. A lot of the food is island-grown, raise or caught and served on plates made from pressed bamboo leaves. All the utensils and cups can be recycled or are biodegradable, Keeney said. He added, Akule Supply Co. has a devotion to fresh ingredients, supporting local farmers and fishermen, and limiting its environmental impact.
The menu includes Spam, sausage or fish musubi; a Hilo-style loco moco; a bento box with fish, meat, pickled vegetables and rice; Kona ale fish and chips; poke bowls; steak or fish plates; sandwiches, burgers, wraps and salads. Prices range from $3 to $25 and a kamaaina discount is available. There is also a coffee, espresso and a cocktail bar. The coffee served is Mama’s 100 percent Kona Coffee.
Complimentary Wi-Fi and bike racks are also available. Parking is limited and patrons are advised to park off-site in some of the overflow parking belonging to Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Akule Supply Co. is looking into getting some kind of entertainment. However, the music will not be amplified. There is a possibility that a hula halau may practice on-site a couple times a week, Keeney said.
The Gellert brothers had noted Hilo designer Sig Zane create Akule Supply Co.’s logo. The design pays tribute to the beauty and synergy of the area’s akule, or bigeye scads, and helps serve as a reminder to help preserve the bay, Keeney said.
The restaurant has 15 employees, and as the business grows, more may be hired, he added.
For more information, call 498-4987 or visit akulesupply.com.