Bringing the Aloha Spirit to Spokane | Meet Derek Medina
We had the pleasure of connecting with Derek Medina, the founder of Hapa Hawaiian Grill. Derek is passionate about sharing his Hawaiian culture and the spirit of Aloha with the Spokane community through his love of food. Here’s how he’s bringing a taste of the islands to the Pacific Northwest.
What inspired you to start your journey or business? What was your “aha” moment?
Derek started Hapa Hawaiian Grill in 2023, driven by a deep longing for the culture and food he grew up with in Hawaii. After living in the Pacific Northwest for nearly 25 years, he felt it was time to bring a piece of his heritage to his new home.
"I've been living in the Northwest for almost 25 years now, but I grew up in Hawaii and missed the culture and food. I'm a self-proclaimed foodie, and over the years, I thought it was time to share some of that Aloha spirit with the community here," Derek shared.
He recognized that food was one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster a sense of belonging. That realization sparked the creation of Hapa Hawaiian Grill.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Like many new business owners, Derek faced the challenge of navigating the logistics of running a food business. From getting the necessary licenses to managing operations, each step was a learning curve.
One of the most significant challenges was building relationships with the community while also figuring out the food business itself. Derek tackled these challenges with a spirit of perseverance and a focus on staying true to his roots.
"One of the challenges is just learning the ropes as a new business owner. I love creating relationships, whether it's with customers, vendors, or market directors. Every interaction is a chance to share a little bit of the Aloha spirit," he explained.
What do you love most about what you do?
For Derek, the most rewarding part of running Hapa Hawaiian Grill is building connections. Whether it’s welcoming new customers, collaborating with neighboring vendors, or sharing the culture he grew up with, he cherishes every interaction.
"It's really fun to share the culture and experiences that I grew up with. The coolest part is creating an environment where people feel welcome, sharing a meal, and just having that Aloha spirit resonate through the food," Derek said.
He emphasizes that the spirit of Aloha goes beyond just the food—it’s about fostering mutual respect and creating a space where people feel valued.
Can you share a bit about what the Aloha spirit means to you?
The Aloha spirit, according to Derek, is about respect and love for others. Growing up in Hawaii, he saw how food brought people together, thanks to his grandmother, who often fed the neighborhood kids.
"Aloha can mean a lot of things, but when you're talking about the Aloha spirit, it's about mutual respect and love. My grandmother was like that—always feeding people and creating a welcoming space. That's what I want to do with Hapa Hawaiian Grill," he shared.
How do you think bringing the Aloha spirit to Spokane has impacted the community?
Derek hopes that sharing the Aloha spirit through his food has a positive impact on Spokane. He wants customers to leave feeling uplifted, whether it’s from enjoying a delicious meal or just experiencing the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality.
"Sometimes life can get hectic, and my hope is that when people come by, they leave in a better mood. Maybe they’ve never had this kind of food before, but the environment feels good, and that positivity spreads," Derek said.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow a similar path?
Derek’s advice is simple: Keep it real and stay consistent. Focus on sharing what you’re passionate about and build relationships along the way.
"Stick with what you know and what you love. Be consistent and get to know your customers. It’s about building connections that make people feel welcome," he advised.
What are your goals for the next 1-3 years?
Looking ahead, Derek plans to grow the business by expanding his reach in the Spokane area. He recently ordered a food trailer, moving from a food booth setup, which will allow him to serve more areas and attend more events.
"We want to hit more spots around Spokane and keep spreading the Aloha spirit. The goal is to continue meeting new people and sharing our food and culture," he said.
What’s something people might not know about you?
Derek has spent most of his time in Spokane, but he also lived in Oregon for a few years while attending school. Although he now calls Spokane home, his Hawaiian roots remain central to his identity and his business.
What’s your favorite way to relax or recharge in the Pacific Northwest?
Derek enjoys being outdoors, whether it’s snowboarding in the mountains or grilling food. He loves taking advantage of the natural beauty that the Pacific Northwest offers.
"In the winter, I love going up to the mountains to snowboard. And grilling food, whether it’s at home or out with friends, is always a way for me to unwind," he shared.
What’s a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest that everyone should know about?
For Derek, the real hidden gem is the diverse landscape. Whether it’s hiking, boarding, or being near the water, there’s always something to explore.
"There are so many lakes, rivers, and mountains. Whether you’re into water activities or winter sports, the Pacific Northwest has it all," he noted.
Where can people find you?
You can find Hapa Hawaiian Grill at various Spokane farmers' markets starting in May, including:
Kendall Yards Market on Wednesdays
Perry Market on Thursdays
Liberty Lake Market on Saturdays
You can also follow them on social media or visit their website:
Website: https://eathapahawaiiangrill.com/
Derek Medina’s passion for food and community shines through in every dish. By sharing the Aloha spirit, he’s creating a space where people not only eat well but also feel connected. Stop by Hapa Hawaiian Grill to experience the warmth and flavor of Hawaii, right here in Spokane!
