Refuge from Life’s Storms at the Wai’oli Tea Room in Hawaii

September 22nd, 2009

After a mid-morning tour of the Manoa Heritage Center, Rick and I planned lunch before returning to our afternoons of study and sailing.  Our tour guide suggested the Wai’oli Tea Room nearby.  I had heard a mention of it but hadn’t really figured out where it was or how to get there.  As it turns out, we walked the few blocks farther up into the Manoa valley, but it is also on a local bus route from downtown Honolulu and parking is available.

The tea room is a quaint Arts and Crafts-style bungalow with a wide porch (called lanai in Hawaii).  Seating is available outside or in the dining room.  A gift shop is in another room inside.  The menu offers light main courses, sandwiches, salads, soups and daily specials.  Prices are moderate and service is extraordinary.  It has an intimate feel — like lunch on the porch at Grandma’s house.

The weather in Hawaii changes significantly in a very small distance.  I have walked from the Manoa valley to Waikiki but the difference in climate is amazing.  Up the valley, it is cooler and there is more rain.  During our lunch, moisture misted frequently from the sky.  It wasn’t really heavy enough to be obtrusive, but the lush vegetation demonstrates appreciation.  The coolness of the mist and breeze would make tea there a welcome respite on any hot afternoon.

But the tea room serves up tradition along with food and (nonalcoholic) drink.  It was created as a vocational training opportunity for women and children who took refuge at the adjoining Salvation Army home.  Formal dedication ceremonies in 1922 "brought together elected Territorial officials, friends, Salvation Army staff and dignitaries from mainland America."  Afternoon tea was served for the first time and soon it was a popular stop for locals.  This account is from a book, Come Back to the Wai’oli: A Brief History of the Salvation Army Wai’oli Tea Room by Bette McAbee-Vincent Stillwell.  I bought it from the gift shop instead of dessert.  Double win: 0 calories and a double serving of history.

Just on the surface, the tea room is a serene oasis of nourishment for body and soul.  With the additional helping of history, it is irresistible.  I haven’t finished the book yet, but when I do, I’m going back for afternoon tea.

Posted by Cindy Scheopner  

Follow me on Twitter  @Scheopner

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Entry Filed under: Customs, Practices and Pastimes, In General, Oahu, Uncategorized