Story & Photos by Karyn Chambers
On August 8, 2025, the Kitchen Witch Cafe and Bakery, 15-2714 Pahoa Village Road, Pahoa, had its grand opening. If you are looking for farm fresh, local fruits and vegetables as well as food made from scratch, the Kitchen Witch provides wonderful options for lunch or breakfast. I ventured in with my friend Lauri Canencia-How to try it out. We were moved by the beautiful artwork for sale, creatively arranged on the wall, and the relaxing environment. We decided to order different breakfast meals so we could share and experience more than one choice. I ordered crab cake benedict with fresh fruit, and my friend ordered a Mediterranean omelet with zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and artichokes with homemade sourdough toast and fruit. The fruit bowl contained Thai melon and dragon fruit, a tasty blend of exotic flavors. The omelet had just the right combination of fresh vegetables and a delicious sauce. The Crab Benedict with a tangy Hollandaise added an intriguing experience. The omelet was a favorite with both of us !
After we finished our breakfast, we decided to have a pastry from their delectable made-from-scratch varieties fresh out of the oven–cinnamon rolls, lilikoi tarts, apple turnovers, or dragon fruit cake and coffee to complete our adventure. The pastry melted in our mouths and provided just the right combination to satisfy our sweet teeth.
We met the owner/cook/baker Dianna Kahler, a 52-year-old, Vietnamese single mom who has Hawaiian roots and returned to the island five years ago. She always knew owning a restaurant was in her future as her parents owned several restaurants in California when she was young, learning to be a cashier when she was nine, cooking and baking when she was 10. She loves buying her produce at the Maku’u Market on Sundays and enjoys creating her breakfast and lunch combos from scratch. In addition, Dianna has made contracts with local farmers to purchase eggs, meat, and herbs. Owning this restaurant in Puna has been her dream come true.
The Kitchen Witch offers breakfast all day, a pleasing opportunity for vegetarians, with gluten-free bakery options. Her hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 7 am-3 pm. On Mondays, she hosts community outreach for nonprofits and small business owners to utilize her space, a wonderful opportunity for local businesses to gather and discuss new possibilities for Puna. Folks can also come in and purchase fresh homemade bread and pastries as well as order takeout. It’s admirable to see someone working hard to fulfill her dream and be an example to her young daughter as well as becoming an active member in our community. Establishing a new restaurant is definitely a huge endeavor for a single woman. She and her staff are working diligently to fine tune their services. Patience and community support are very appreciated!
Next time you are looking for a new dining experience, check out the Kitchen Witch for breakfast or lunch. We are blessed to have new options close to home. I recommend the Mediterranean omelet and the homemade pastries. Give the Kitchen Witch a try!
Karyn Chambers
Karyn Chambers taught community college classes--English Composition, Study Skills, Critical Thinking, Philosophy, World Religions, and Biblical Studies for twenty-five years in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. She wrote articles for a local newspaper column Interfaith Voices for seven years. In 1996, she earned a Master’s in Composition and Rhetoric from OSU, and in 2015, a Master’s of Divinity from Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon. She’s an ordained minister and Kundalini Yoga teacher. In addition, she’s a certified hypnotherapist and enjoys working with a variety of clients. Her greatest passion is traveling and experiencing spiritual traditions around the globe. She’s taken several yoga and meditation courses in India. Although she’s technically retired, she teaches seniors Creative Writing: Write Your Life Story in Kea’au and currently at the Kamana Center in Hilo. Her greatest delight is sharing her research and knowledge of world religions and spirituality to promote understanding, peace, and love. She loves living in Puna for its wonderful healing properties.
Great article! Special thanks for mentioning the gluten free options. I will check out the Kitchen Witch at my next opportunity.