Growing up in Virginia, we often watched my dad’s Kodachrome
slide show of his tour of duty in Hawaii during the Korean War. It was
my first glimpse of the islands, and marked the beginning of my quest to one day get there myself. Like my dad, I loved anything water and sunshine, and I spent many happy summers in a swimsuit and bare feet – cliff jumping, waterskiing, body surfing & lifeguarding. But, Virginia had winter, and it wasn’t the endless summer I had dreamed about since those early slide shows.

So the plan was hatched, and upon graduation I convinced my best friend to drive across country and hop a plane to Hawaii. We ended up living in a garage that sat at the base of a volcano, in a remote part of the island of Oahu. At night, we fell asleep listening to ukuleles, and by day, we hung out on the beach watching the local surfers ride the huge, powerful Makaha waves. Eventually returning home, my lone souvenir was “Fred the Wonder Dog.” a local mutt who had become our faithful companion during our months in the islands.

I have returned to Hawaii many times since 1974 (Fred stayed back here on the mainland.), and Coconut Joe’s is an attempt to share with you this special place. Here at Coconut Joe’s, the food is more “beach” than “tropical.” It’s the culmination of years of “beachin’ it” – from the Caribbean to Australia. It’s the kind of stuff you crave after a long day in the surf. A local custom in Hawaii is the grilling of “Huli-Huli” chicken. I hope you enjoy our less-sweetened version of this island favorite. We’ve also skipped some of the more “traditional” foods (I didn’t think most of you would like poi.), and substituted more familiar “mainland” options. Our juicy mesquite grilled burgers are also a personal favorite and a staple of any good beach menu. I am also proud to offer our working moms a healthy alternative to fast food. Health is a lifetime journey, and it starts with good eating habits when we’re young.

Since 1987, our goal has been to provide freshly-made, great-tasting meals in a fun, friendly atmosphere. I hope you enjoy your stay – and remember – you’re always welcome here.

Coconut Joe has lived in Bakersfield since 1990, is happily married to his wife Leah, has two lovely “waterbugs,” and still dreams about returning to the islands.