- (808) 885-0693
- P.O.Box 6960
- Kamuela, Hawaii, 96743
- Waimea's first frame house - circa 1852 - is now "home" to: Maha's
informal cafe of culinary pleasures.
- Please join us in discovering a different Kona Coffee Estate each
month... along with delicious island-style edibles... light breakfasts,
lunches, old-fashioned island desserts and afternoon tea... in a historic
home that is still owned by the same Hawaiian family.
Her birth certificate reads: Harriet-Ann Namahaokalani Schutte. She added the surname Kraan when she married, shortly after graduating from Kamehameha Schools. And she's 'mom' to three strapping young men. But to most of us, she's simply 'Maha'. Whatever you call her, she brings to historic Spencer House a great sense of taste, attention to detail and warm aloha.
Maha began her culinary training in a large Hawaiian family, preparing local favorites. She turned professional as a pastry chef, and then apprenticed as a sous chef at the Sheraton Makaha Resort & Country Club. She moved to the Ala Moana Hotel as Executive Sous Chef, and dozens of courses later she was invited in 1989 to open and manage Knickers, the popular golf course club restaurant at Mauna Lani Resort on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Maha's 'home cooking' for her extended family, coupled with professional training, were the perfect blend for her own catering business, called 'Simple Elegance'. A willing volunteer, she regularly lends a hand to Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club, friends of the future, Kohala Arts foundation, Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Park, Kawaihae Transitional Housing, Big Island Suicide & Crisis Help Line and Hospice. She assisted with planning North Hawaii Community Hospital's kitchen. We welcome you to Maha's Cafe at Cook's Discoveries. As always, we appreciate your suggestions and are pleased to provide personalized service!
Come see our menu!
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