Every day after school, Chad Dusenberry would tend to his father’s lo’i kalo (taro patch) deep in Waimea Valley on Kaua’i, never dreaming that work could possibly be fun. Born of hardworking parents who raised six children, Chad learned the meaning of “You reap what you sow.” His father was a carpenter for Olokele Sugar while his mother worked as a cook at Kaua’i Veterans Memorial Hospital. In their “spare time” they grew taro, which helped feed the family, kept the kids busy, and brought the family together to work toward a common goal. “If you ever buy poi from the Makaweli Poi Mill, that’s my family’s taro,” Chad says, with a tinge of pride. To read more click here. Kaua’i
Chad Dusenberry
Every day after school, Chad Dusenberry would tend to his father’s lo’i kalo (taro patch) deep in Waimea Valley on Kaua’i, never dreaming that work could possibly be fun. Born of hardworking parents who raised six children, Chad learned the meaning of “You reap what you sow.” His father was a carpenter for Olokele Sugar while his mother worked as a cook at Kaua’i Veterans Memorial Hospital. In their “spare time” they grew taro, which helped feed the family, kept the kids busy, and brought the family together to work toward a common goal. “If you ever buy poi from the Makaweli Poi Mill, that’s my family’s taro,” Chad says, with a tinge of pride. To read more click here. Russell & Karolyn
Karolyn Stokes expected to find culinary inspiration when she traveled to Kaua’i for an internship. What she didn’t plan on was meeting the love of her life, someone who dreamed the same dreams- and who would help make them a reality.
After finishing her studies at the California School of Culinary Arts, Karolyn went to Kaua’i to fulfill her final requirment, an internship at a renowned restaurant. Upon arriving at Roy’s Poipu Bar and Grill in 2001, she met Russell Stokes, then the executive chef. Russell’s culinary knowledge came purely from hands-on experience. His mother and grandmother had operated a commercial kitchen, churning out baked goods and Italian specialties. By the tmie Karolyn came along, Russell had dedicated ten years to the industry and moved up through the ranks at Roy’s. To read more click here. Sign Up For Events and Special Promotions
