ABOUT US

FROM PASTURE TO PLATE

Inside the refrigerated workroom, our lively crew at Hamakua Meat Processors wear hoodies under their white coats. They laugh and joke with each other, while they turn punching bag-size cattle carcasses into high quality grass-fed beef tenderloins, strip loins and rib eye steaks. These Big Island meats will be packaged and labeled, ready to start a journey that eventually ends at tables across the islands, from family BBQs to some of the best restaurants in the islands.

This part of Hawai‘i Island’s grass-fed beef industry may not be glamorous, but it is absolutely key to the success of all the other parts. And, while consumers and connoisseurs like to think of the creative chefs that promote local food products, or the lifelong ranchers, stewarding the island’s verdant pasture lands—we’re preparing the meats for sale, straight from the ranches.

When you go to your favorite restaurant and order that beautiful grassfed steak, it’s going to look amazing, and smell as delicious as it tastes. It may be a simple trip from the kitchen to the table, but it takes many, many hands to provide that amazing steak, from the pasture to the plate.

OUR BUSINESS

Hamakua Meat Processors buys beef from a select client list of ranches raising 100% grass-fed animals. We process, butcher, and pay the ranch by the pound, then sell to trusted business clients like grocery stores and restaurants. We also offer meats here on our website, where customers can arrange an order for pick up at one of several farmers markets around the island.

From ranches to Hamakua Meat Processors, to restaurant and grocery clients, to direct customers … each has a vested interest in the very best grass-fed Big Island beef. And, every step of the way, we are responsible for the safety and quality of the product.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

The meat industry is a highly regulated industry. Hamakua Meat Processors has an assigned USDA inspector on site every single day we are open. There is a full in-house lab so the product can be tested for quality assurance, and safety. We carry numerous third party certifications that ensure the humane handling of animals, as well as product safety. And we are responsible to meet extensive requirements for labeling regulations, mandatory insurances, on the State and Federal levels, all of which adds layer upon layer of complexity, work hours, and costs.

WE BELIEVE IN WHAT WE DO!

Not only are we contributing to food sustainability in Hawai‘i by keeping local food raised and sold locally, we are supporting our community in many ways. We hire and train a team of the best and brightest employees. We purchase beef from island ranches at a fair price, and we are committed to providing the highest quality products to vendors, at price points where they can be profitable too.

You have to believe in it. You can’t do it without heart.