About Us
Papaya’s Passion is to help you become a better you…
for yourself, your community and your planet
We believe in gratitude, growth, & choices
We believe there are no right answers, no perfect diet, perfect food, or perfect person
We believe in individuals and the uniqueness of each other.
We believe community is essential and that we all have something to contribute
We believe everyone deserves good health
We are here for you!
Eli, Jessica, Sequoia & Zeb
Our Story
1991
Papaya’s opened in Kauai Village
May 1998
Leech family relocates to Kauai and buys Papaya’s Natural Foods
1999
1st Anniversary Celebrated
2000
The Wheel
2001
Kaua’i
2002
First expansion for more vitamins & produce
Sept 2004
Opened second location on the North Shore
2006
Second expansion for more vitamins & produce
2008
10th year Anniversary
2010
Papaya’s named Retailer of the Year
2010
Sold second location to partners
2011
Became a Non GMO project sponsor
2012
Supporting The Kapa’a Rotary at Taste of Hawaii for another year
2013
Joined INFRA
2013
4th Annual Community Appreciation Day
2014
5th Annual Community Appreciation Day
2015
Rebranded
2016
Construction of new store
Feb 2017
Moved to our current location on Kuhio Hwy
“Thank You…for helping us become…even better!”
Awards from Best of Kauai
“Owning Papaya’s has allowed me to help people discover new ways of eating or preparing foods they have no experience with. One of my favorite customers is one that has never stepped inside a natural food store, but they have eliminated something from their diet for health, environmental or ethical reasons and they don’t know where to turn. We show them that you can make small changes without sacrificing everything you are used to.”
– Jessica Leech
Owner of Papaya’s Natural Foods
