Our Story

Our story began in 2013, when award-winning Chef James and Realtor Christine Babian first opened Pueo’s Osteria in Waikoloa Village. They decided to open Pueo’s as a gathering place where the community and visitors can enjoy great food, boutique wines, and handcrafted cocktails, in a fun and upbeat environment.

“Food, Wine & Fun!”

In Italy, an Osteria is a small gathering place where villagers would meet to enjoy a beverage and conversation after work. The Pueo is an indigenous owl, native to Hawai‘i. We are an evening-only restaurant – hence, the name Pueo’s Osteria.

Where The Night Owls Meet

Chef Jim’s culinary approach is “RSA” – regional, seasonal, and artisanal. We source from the region; we stay in the season; and we support local artisans who produce amazing goat cheese, smoked Hawaiian sea salt, white organic honey, and Kona coffee espresso, just to name a few.

Our passion is Italian cuisine; we import the finest Italian products and pair them with a philosophy of regional sourcing. Chef Jim has always worked closely with local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers to source ingredients and create Italian seasonal menus for all to enjoy.

While Chef Jim’s focus, along with Chef Jaron, was on the cuisine and preparing the kitchen staff, Christine focused on the front of house and all design aspects (especially our lighted tree).

“At the end of the day, it’s all concrete and paint. It’s the staff that brings us to life. They’re our most precious resource.”

~A truly from-scratch restaurant~

Food that nourishes & land that sustains

Meet the Team

Locally sourced

  • Blue Ocean Mariculture’s kampachi are sustainably raised in submersible sea pens off Keahole Point in Kona on Hawai‘i Island. As a globally native species, kampachi is highly versatile and well-suited to a wide range of culinary traditions. These fish are raised without antibiotics or hormones and fed a non-GMO diet, resulting in a clean, healthy source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health and help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

  • Kekela Farms is a family-owned farm committed to producing top-quality, flavorful vegetables. Their farmers market features over 30 types of vegetables and more than 100 varieties, many available year-round, with some changing with Waimea’s seasons. Dedicated to safe, responsible, and sustainable farming, Kekela Farms grows its vibrant lettuce and other produce in accordance with USDA National Organic Program standards.

  • Adaptations Inc. is a leader in sustainable agriculture in Hawai‘i, cultivating certified organic crops on two farms: a 7.5-acre farm in Honaunau that produces vegetables, herbs, and fruits, and a one-acre farm in Captain Cook that grows coffee and vegetables. In addition to their own harvests, Adaptations partners with over 100 local growers across the island to offer a wide range of island-grown produce.

Local Farms & Partners

NOE Farms | Kawamata Farms Tomatoes | Kekela Farms | Kamuela Tomatoes | Tess Family Farms | Kona Abalone | Kona Shrimp | Blue Ocean Mariculture: Hawaiian Kanpachi | Maiau Farms | Puna Chicks | Big Island Goat Dairy | Hawaiian Volcano Sea Salt | Hawaii Beef Producers | Parker Ranch Paniolo Cattle Company | Hamakua Hearts of Palm | Kona Fish Company | Suisan Fish Company | The Fishermanʻs Fish | Adaptations Farm | Denise Trunk | Rachel Adessa | New Beginning Farm | Will Pote | ʻAama Farm | Jerry Walsh | George Peavy | Roger Adviento | Bill Adams | Ahuimanu Farm | Johnson Family Farm | Rincon Family Farm | Jeff Buffington | Kealaʻola Farm | Huluhulu Farm | ʻAnoʻAno Farm | Ha Farms | Makana Raw | OK Farms | Lapaʻau Farm | Hamakua Mushrooms | Mermaid Mushrooms | Ginger Ridge Farms | Mahi Pono Farm | Local Harvest | Roy Honda Farm | PAws Farm | Heart of Palm Hawaii | J.Wang | Hawaiian B Natural | Pepito Valdez | Hawaii Ulu Producers Coop. | Royal Sea Farms