Kealoha Family Serving Tasty Menu At Pali Lanes Restaurant
Fans of family-operated Hale Kealoha and ‘Ai Pono Catering Services can now dine-in at its restaurant, Kealoha, open at Pali Lanes in Kailua. The Hawaiian-style restaurant occupies the old Tiare space and since January has been serving up local favorites such as kalua pig, chicken long rice, lomi salmon and much more.
The business was initially two catering services. “My part of the company was Hale Kealoha, and my dad’s part of the company was ‘Ai Pono,” explained Tammy Smith. The business is now in its third generation of family ownership.“My sons (Kawika and Kaneala Smith) merged both companies together and now are Hale Kealoha – ‘Ai Pono Catering Services.”
“We kind of butt heads every once in a while, but it’s good because he’s family, all day every day,” Kawika said of working with his brother.
The inspiration for the name stems from within the family. “The restaurant is named after their great-grandma, Lucy Kealoha,” explained Tammy, “… for her hard work and dedication to taking care of her family, especially when things got hard. She shared all that she owned, which was little, and always took care of lots of children.
“(She) always had her doors open to share food and shelter. Our family continues to honor her lifestyle.”
Live music entertains diners Wednesdays and Saturday nights, as well as first Fridays.
“(People should expect) an awesome experience with great service, very family friendly,” said Smith.
Kealoha is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thurs- days, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; takeout orders welcome. For details, call 262-1100.
