Seaweed-fed goats, lighter wine bottles, and solar panels are among the many reasons this iconic restaurant has become carbon neutral.

by Regan Stephens - Published 3/8/23

When Peter Merriman opened his eponymous restaurant on Hawai'i’s Big Island in 1988, the chef was an early champion for working with local farmers and fishermen. Thirty-five years later, and with the help of solar panels, lighter wine bottles, and a new seaweed diet for goats, Merriman’s Waimea just became the state’s first carbon neutral restaurant.

“The restaurant business is a reflection of society, and [sustainability] is important for our industry, not just in Hawai'i, but all over,” says Merriman. “We can at least do our part.”

Time to dine for a cause! Merriman's Waimea, Maui and Kauai are honored to support Surfrider Hawai’i as a Restaurant Ambassador for the 4th Annual @TravelingPlateHawaii. Dine at Merrimans Waimea, Merriman's Maui, Merriman's Fish House Kauai, or Gourmet Pizza & Burger's by Merriman's in Kauai this August and ask for the “Traveling Plate Special” and a portion of the proceeds from your purchase of The Traveling Plate dish will go directly to Surfrider Hawaii. And to make the deal even more sweet, @konabrewingco will match the donation dollar for dollar!

Help us support Surfrider’s mission, centered on the protection and enjoyment of our ocean, beaches, and waves while enjoying ono food!

From West Hawaii Today: Peter Merriman donates $30,000 to three local organizations marking restaurant’s 30th anniversary

Merriman's marks the occasion by giving back to local Big Island non profits. Check out Peter's interview with Big Island Video News.

At the 4th annual E Malama Aina Kakou on September 22, 2018

Great article from Edible about Peter Merriman's partnership with West Maui's Pu'u Kukui Watershed Preserve. Merriman's Kapalua donates $1 from the sale of every caesar salad to protecting the native watershed in perpetuity.