our story
Chef Nakoa Pabre opened the original Umekes in 2013 with a mission rooted in family: to share recipes passed down through generations and bring authentic Hawaiian flavors to locals and visitors on the Big Island.
“Umeke” is the Hawaiian word for bowl. At any Umekes eating establishment, a majority of menu items are designed to be served in bowls. Owner and Head Chef Nakoa Pabre is a seasoned professional who takes pride in giving customers the freshest, most exciting and varied menus that the Big Island has to offer. Guests typically design their own custom meal by selecting from a wide variety of Hawaiian inspired entree items accompanied by their choice of sides.
Our Vision
Aloha, Shared with the World
To share with the world our unique traditional Hawaiian cuisine using the finest local ingredients. Umekes aspires to preserve the Aloha spirit in the communities we serve, encouraging stakeholders to be stewards of the land and sea.
Meet the Chef
Nakoa Pabre
Chef Nakoa Pabre pleases his guests by offering a variety of popular traditional Hawaiian food creations with a modern twist. Pabre has twice been awarded Winner Overall of the prestigious Sam Choy's Poke contest, and his restaurants were voted Best Poke in Hawaii in both 2016 and 2017. In addition to winning many other awards, Pabre and his specialty dishes have been featured on Food Network's popular television shows Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and G. Garvin Road Trip.
- Two-time Winner Overall, Sam Choy's Poke Contest
- Voted Best Poke in Hawaii, 2016 and 2017
- Featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
- Featured on G. Garvin Road Trip
Sam Choy's Poke Contest
Two-time Winner Overall
Best Poke in Hawaii
Voted 2016 & 2017
Featured on Food Network
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives