Our Stories – the Next Chapter for Waioli

We invite our guests to take part in this grand experiment as we write the next chapter in the story of Waioli. Share in our journey as we grow, cultivate and harvest fresh products on the property. Join us as we help transform lives by providing vocational training, life skills and hope to individuals in recovery.  Be a part of our community here in Manoa as we return Waioli to its original purpose of making a social impact.

PBS Hawaii: Home is Here - Episode 202

Turning 100-years old is no small feat whether you’re a person, business or a landmark. And in this month’s episode of Home is Here, we’re sharing two stories that are celebrating a century.

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KHON2 - Modern Wahine Hawaii - Waioli Kitchen and Bake Shop


A hidden gem of Manoa, Waioli Kitchen is an amazing restaurant with even a more incredible mission. We hear from owner Stefanie Anderson about the redeeming stories of second chances that she has witnessed so far.

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The Star Advertiser Crave: A look inside the revamped Waioli Kitchen & Bake Shop

The Waioli Tea Room which has been closed for four years has been restored to its original purpose of helping some of the most vulnerable members of the community and offering them a second chance.

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Hawaii News Now - A Manoa eatery and bake shop serves up breakfast, lunch and second chances


HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Remember the old Waioli Tea Room? A new establishment has opened at the location in Manoa — and it’s much more than just an eatery.

The Waioli Kitchen and Bake Shop serves breakfast and lunch six days a week.

“We’ve tried to have great ingredients, bring them together in a very simple assembly. You can get a great meal,” owner Ross Anderson said.

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Ross & Stef - A Calling to Hospitality for All

Waioli Kitchen & Bake Shop is founded on the principal of social enterprise and the idea that successful restaurateurs can serve not only their guests but the greater community.

Our involvement in many aspects of ministry is a very significant part of our lives. This calling inspired us to develop groundbreaking programs for charitable outreach, work release training and the preservation of Hawaiian culture; and to implement those programs at some of the most financially successful restaurants in the state of Hawaii.

Today we are humbled by this opportunity to share what we have learned vocationally as part of a greater mission and to combine our livelihood with our passion.

Stones of Encouragement

In the Bible the prophet Samuel used stones as a memorial when God’s people wanted to remember His goodness and faithfulness. First Samuel 7:12 says that when God enabled the Israelites to defeat the Philistines, the Prophet Samuel “took a stone and … named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far has the Lord helped us.’”

Last year we had no idea what we would be doing for work, it was a tough time. However we knew God had always been with us in every situation we had ever gone through and he would help us again, so Stef painted a stone with one word Faithfulness.

Today we stand at Waioli knowing God had this in mind for us, and we invite you to discover the stones placed in our garden for those who may need an encouraging word or a simple reminder that God is good and he is with us.

Waioli Sea Salt

We are proud to use our own Waioli sea salt in select menu items. We bring Pacific seawater to our saltern onsite here in Manoa where we harvest small batches of pure salt for use at the restaurant. Our saltworks uses a natural solar dehydration process that produces large crystals high in mineral content that enhance the flavor of our savory menu items and baked goods. Our Waioli salt may also be available for purchase depending on our supply on hand.

Waioli Honey

The Waioli Kitchen & Bake Shop Apiary currently consists of ten bee colonies. Ross monitors and cares for the hives. He has been known to go on “house calls” to relocate unwanted hives in the community and make them part of the Waioli apiary. Our busy bees spend their days visiting the blooms of monkeypod and coconut trees as well as local flowers. Seasonally we harvest and package by hand small batches of our signature honey and make it available for purchase.