Mo'Bettahs

We were blessed to be born of native Hawaiian ancestry on the island of Oʻahu where a strong culture of aloha (love) is rooted in ʻohana (family), traditions, the ocean, and the ʻāina (land). When we started Mo' Bettahs in 2008, we wanted to bring that special experience to everyone who entered our restaurant and share Hawaiʻi as the island locals know it, which is very different from the stereotypical representation.

Our goal was to recreate the feel of family gatherings on the island. It is very common to see families gathered in the backyard or garage to share meals. Our mother and aunties were wonderful cooks who always made sure there was enough for us and any guests who might drop by. They cooked with real aloha, with a love of great taste and a love for those who were eating. With those meals, aloha was shared and relationships strengthened. It was there we learned to love the diversity of foods present in Hawaiian culture.

With Mo' Bettahs, we also wanted to share our special connection to the ocean. In Hawai'i, the ocean is used for more than just recreation. Surfers and paddlers will tell you that the ocean has a cleansing effect on their bodies and souls. They tell of the humility and gratitude that comes from being vulnerable in a powerful ocean. Handmade surfboards and paddles carry the mana (power/influence) of those who have made and used them.