Kauai United Way Blog

“My passion is to serve great meals. The best way to do that is through the showcasing of Hawaii’s farms and ranches and the food they produce. ‘Fresh’ and ‘local’ are the two words which guide every decision we make at Merriman’s.” –Peter Merriman

Thursday, August 19th is quickly approaching and this marks a special day for Kaua’i United Way.  We will be having our Annual Campaign Kickoff Celebration at The Grand Hyatt in Poipu.  Ron Wiley and Doug Sears will be hosting the event.  We are very excited to have secured a guest speaker from the island, Peter Merriman.  He has been a strong supporter of Kauai United Way and we look forward to his words, which will compliment the luncheon.  A little more about Peter Merriman………….

Peter Merriman is a culinary artist, a chef and a restaurateur.
After arriving on the Hawaiian Islands in 1983 to work as a cook at the new, world-class Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, it was not long before Peter Merriman advanced to executive chef at the resort’s Gallery Restaurant.

A man of vision, Peter Merriman took his career to a new awareness.
It was at the Mauna Lani where Peter began to climb coconut trees to get the perfect coconuts for his spicy fish sauce. He even convinced a laundry truck driver to bring him the rare, supersweet, number 10 corn from the other end of the island each day, so he could serve it with his innovative dishes. He thought of unique compliments like Ono with Mango Sauce and Poached Opakapaka with Snow Pea Puree and Ginger Lime Sauce.  His reputation blossomed around the island and word quickly spread about his passion and dedication.

In 1988, Peter and Vicki, his wife, opened their signature upcountry restaurant, Merriman’s, in Waimea.
Merriman’s uses 90% local product in its dishes, and many of the farmers he supports grow organically.
Over the years, Peter Merriman has cultivated a rich relationship with local ranchers and farmers, by encouraging them to try new varieties of fruits, vegetables and range-raised meats, which he, in turn, can buy and serve at his exquisite restaurants.

He now plays a role in three different enterprises.  First, his flagship restaurant, (in Waimea), offers a genuine Hawaii Regional dining experience. In addition, Peter teamed up in 1992 (with TS Restaurants) to open Hula Grill on the beautiful island of Maui.  Lastly, in 2003, Peter opened a quaint Merriman’s Market Cafe, which has a more casual environment then his flagship restaurant, and offers indoor and outdoor seating with a phenomenal Mediterranean inspired cuisine.  This time he chose Waikoloa Beach Resort King’s Shops on Hawaii’s Big Island for the location.
We look forward to hearing the words of wisdom that Peter Merriman will impart at the Kauai’s United Way Annual Campaign Luncheon.  And we extend gratitude from KUW for his generosity in sharing this event with us.