If you’re looking for a taste of the Island, look no further than Kahuna in Victoria.
The popular Hawaiian style restaurant first opened in Duncan in May 2021. After a successful few years in business, owners Ajay Oppelaar and Robert Stutzman decided it was time for a second location, which opened Nov. 1, 2023 at 102-515 Chatham St., Victoria.
“We've brought something completely different to the market for everybody,” says Oppelaar. “It's been quite an adventure.”
Oppelaar and Stutzman have been together for five and a half years, and came up with Kahuna Burger, as well as their second storefront Aloha Bowls, together. Oppelaar used to live in Hawaii, and the pair are both passionate about the way of life there, so they decided to bring the flavours they love to BC.
“Let's live that Hawaiian lifestyle on Vancouver Island as much as possible and spread the aloha!” Oppelaar says.
On their menu you’ll find flavours that are “sweet, savoury, salty and tangy all at once.” One of their most popular items is the Kahuna Burger, which is a bacon cheeseburger with an Hawaiian twist.
In addition to burgers, they also serve an array of desserts such as Haupia pie, a classic Hawaiian chocolate and coconut pie. They also have Lava Cones, which is a waffle cone with a spicy chilli and passionfruit sauce over pineapple soft serve.
Soon, they also hope to be liquor licensed, at which point they’ll be able to offer some creative and delicious cocktails. One such creation will be called “the best Mai Tai in the world.” Oppelaar describes it as a classic Mai Tai topped with Pineapple Dole Whip.
For more information on Kahuna, visit their website here, or follow them on Instagram here.
