“Waiahole is such a special place, bursting with ‘Aloha’ and rich in history and agriculture,” said general manager Kathryn Hurd of Waiahole Nursery and Garden Center (WNGC). A family run center, WNGC was founded by Hurd’s mother, Dr. Patricia Dukes with a mission to “provide a nurturing and safe environment to educate our island community and its visitors, on sustainable gardening practices and to provide quality products and services.”

Grown from a family farm started in 1947, Hawaiian Maid Eggs and Ka Lei Eggs have the highest standards and quality of eggs possible. “It all started with our grandfather, Mankichi Shimabukuro, an immigrant from Okinawa. He came here in 1906 with $10.00, looking for a better life and to raise his family,” said vice president Iris Shimabukuro, explaining the roots that her family has in the islands.

International Market Place is home to many local eateries featuring all types of tastes and experiences. A few restaurants located in the marketplace will be participating in Food-A-Go-Go Restaurant Week from April 5-19. Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi, Shorefyre, Mitsuwa, Magnolia Ice Cream & Treats, and Kona Coffee Purveyors will each be offering a unique selection or dish representing the many types of food in the marketplace.

With a beautiful ambiance and an abundance of delicious fried chicken, Restaurant XO is always adding new dishes to their diverse menu. Restaurant XO will be participating in Hawaii Agricultural Foundation’s Restaurant Week from April 5-19. They are offering their “XO Favorites Family Style Tasting Menu” for people to try, complete with seven different and creative dishes, including their signature adobo fried chicken and a bunny-shaped butter mochi for dessert.

“Helping the farmers and ranchers is amazing,” said president and owner Lane Muraoka, who partners with HAF often and is excited to help them support the local restaurant industry and HAF’s K-12 agricultural education programs.