On Kīna‘u Street: Healthy, Affordable, Flavor Bomb Sandwiches

Photo: Maddy Chow

A chance meeting with Waikoloa Noa, the owner of The Valley Health Bar, outside a ramen restaurant one day led us to check out his sandwich and wrap shop. Noa told us he opened his lunch place to offer affordable, healthy options in a city where a lot of people suffer from diabetes. I was blown away, to say the least, and not just by his mission.

For $13 to $15, just about the price of a meal at McDonald’s, you can get tacos, wraps, sandwiches and big salads at The Valley Health Bar. (Each one is named after a valley on one of the islands.) I try to eat healthy, but often after paying a premium price at other health-food counters, I feel like I could still eat more. For me, the main differences at The Valley are portion sizes and flavor.

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Here are some of our favorites.

Kalama Valley

This is a vegan taco, and although the word vegan may come with a stigma, I promise that even meat-eaters will not be disappointed. Kale is mixed with avocado and tossed in a toasted miso dressing for an effect that blew my mind—you wouldn’t even know you are eating kale. Now at the top of my list for vegan options, this is what I crave when I am hungry.

Photo: Maddy Chow

Hilo to Hanalei

This elaborate açaí bowl is stuffed to the brim with strawberries, bananas, granola, Nutella and honey. The combination of Nutella and fruit is a highlight. The açaí isn’t too frozen, so eat this right away if it’s hot out. The bowl is perfect for sweet tooths.

Waipi‘o Valley

This one is hands-down my favorite item on the menu. The Waipi‘o turkey sandwich comes with spinach, sprouts, sun-dried tomatoes and a pesto aioli spread that adds a creamy richness. Everything is mixed together, creating flavor explosions on the palate. For me, the sandwich is filling, but it comes with a side salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. If you love sandwiches, you have to try this one.

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‘Iao Valley

The Valley’s smoked salmon wrap blends in cream cheese, tomatoes, spinach and red onions for a hearty, healthy, mouthwatering lunch. I’m from Seattle, so good smoked salmon options always hit home. All the wraps come with the side salad, leaving me extra satisfied.

Recently, we found out The Valley could cater a small family picnic, so that’s what we did. It turned out to be an excellent idea: We ordered sandwiches individually along with a pan of salad, all of which stayed fresh without going soggy.

Getting to the shop is a little complicated. It’s on Kinau Street before the H-1 off ramp, so it might be easiest to get there by going up Alapa‘i Street and turning right on Kīna‘u. Drive past the pink building, and you’ll see a sign. Parking is to the left of the store, and there are a few seats if you want to eat in.

Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 725 Kīna‘u St., (808) 523-3838, @thevalleyhealthbar