Creating a Connection to Place at Mauka to Makai Eatery

Meet Justin Canelas and Jasmine Leitzel, stewards of Manadina Farm and creators of Mauka to Makai Eatery, an organic gourmet restaurant in Nāʻālehu on the southernmost side of the Big Island.

As farmers and restaurant owners, they believe food is the best way to connect to place. Their place just happens to be where land meets ocean, nestled on the slopes of Mauna Loa.

“I think connection to place is a sense of belonging, this ability to connect with farmers, living off the land,” Justin says. “A lot of that takes time and effort, but when you are able to slow down, connect to the land and the rich abundance of things that are grown here, there’s a sense of connection to the place.”

Food is more than just sustenance; it brings people together and celebrates regional culture.

“It was really exciting for us to be able to find a source of flour grown here on the islands and made here on the islands,” Jasmine says. “That opened our menu up quite a bit.”

Justin and Jasmine use ʻUlu Flour made with Hawaiʻi-grown Breadfruit as an ingredient in multiple menu items, including bread, pasta, and battering.

In addition to being Hawaiʻi-made and its unique flavor, Mauka to Makai Eatery uses ʻulu flour because it's naturally gluten-free yet provides the same crispiness as traditional flour.

You can visit Mauka to Makai Eatery at 95-5572 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu.

Find ʻUlu Flour at your nearest grocery store with our product locator.