Serve Up Exceptional, Unparalleled Flavor with Niihau Lamb
When you’re searching for an extraordinary flavor to highlight your protein menu, consider Niihau lamb.
Grazing along coastal sand dunes, grassy plains and high ridges, Niihau sheep roam in a relatively untouched environment. Seldom in contact with people, their varied, wild diet gives Niihau lamb an exceptional flavor that’s unparalleled.
Known as the Forbidden Island, Niihau provides its sheep herds with an extremely diverse range across the 72-square mile island. Only the ocean serves as their fence so you’re serving your customers a delicacy that is 100% free range.
The original sheep brought to Niihau were some of the finest New Zealand stock available. Over the years, the Robinson family has continued to refine both the size and flavor of their breed to provide you with the best-tasting, free range lamb available island-wide.
Discover the Only Source for USDA-certified Wild Harvest Eland
Raised on pristine Niihau forage─without antibiotics, growth hormones or steroids─wild harvest eland is fully sustainable and delicious. The largest of the antelope family, native to the dry African deserts, eland thrive on the arid island of Niihau.
Makaweli is the only company in the world that sources USDA-certified wild harvest eland. Ninety-five percent lean with only half the calories of beef, eland is rich in various nutrients and very low in saturated fat.
In addition, with a very low amount of cholesterol (even lower than chicken breast), it is the perfect option for those patrons who are concerned about heart health. These superior qualities make wild harvest eland a desirable commercial protein─now in high demand─that should be featured on your menu.
Download the Niihau Ranch brochure here
The Story Behind Niihau Ranch
Niihau Ranch is located on the privately-owned 72-square mile island of Niihau, 17 miles west of Kaua`i. It is the westernmost ranch in the United States. In 1864, Eliza Sinclair purchased the island from King Kamehameha IV. It has since been passed down through five generations to its present owners, Keith and Bruce Robinson.
Due to its limited access, Niihau is known as the “Forbidden Island.” It is home to a closely-knit community of native Hawaiians who are descendants of the original families who resided there during ancient times. Today, the residents balance their lives between modern culture and ancient traditional customs. A unique Niihau dialect of the Hawaiian language is spoken on the island.
Living a Simple Life on the Island of Niihau
Niihau is where the owners and residents live the old Hawaiian lifestyle, the last remnant of old Hawaii. The island lifestyle is simple yet busy.
With no utilities and no stores on Niihau, each household must provide for all of its own needs. Staples and dry goods come from nearby Kaua`i by Niihau Ranch boat, but all fresh food must be caught by the residents. The traditional food is seafood. However, when the Sinclairs bought the island in 1864 they started a sheep ranch. The descendants of these sheep are a delicious modern addition to the Niihau cuisine.
Niihau Ranch is dedicated to providing the economy to support the longevity of this Hawaiian island.
Support Local. Contact Us Today to Place Your Order
Browse this site to explore Makaweli’s various protein offerings – from grass-fed beef to Maui Nui Venison. If you have a question or want to place an order, please contact us at (808) 426-5902 or email here.
