At the edge of the shoreline in Kapilina, where trade winds carry the scent of salt and sunsets draw people in, there is a hidden gem that brings the community together.
D’lish at the Beach Cafe & Bar is more than a place to grab delicious food and freshly baked pastries and desserts. It is where neighbors become friends.
Gina Ornellas and Leigh Adams grew up in Australia as two of seven children in a family that loved to cook. That spirit stayed with them.
At just 24 and 25, they opened their first restaurant in Newport, Australia. It was a bold start and an early success. When Leigh moved to Hawaiʻi, Gina came to visit and never left.
Together, 23 years ago, they built a catering business, serving weddings, hosting events, and creating custom desserts. Long days and late nights shaped their reputation and resilience.
Ten years ago, in 2016, they took over a small beachside restaurant in Kapilina. Today, it serves a growing community of more than 1,500 homes. Kids stop by straight from the water. Families gather at sunset, pups in tow. Regulars return each week.
“What we are most proud of is creating a place where people can come together for great food, company, and entertainment,” Gina said.
At the edge of the shoreline in Kapilina, where trade winds carry the scent of salt and sunsets draw people in, there is a hidden gem that brings the community together.
D’lish at the Beach Cafe & Bar is more than a place to grab delicious food and freshly baked pastries and desserts. It is where neighbors become friends.
Gina Ornellas and Leigh Adams grew up in Australia as two of seven children in a family that loved to cook. That spirit stayed with them.
At just 24 and 25, they opened their first restaurant in Newport, Australia. It was a bold start and an early success. When Leigh moved to Hawaiʻi, Gina came to visit and never left.
Together, 23 years ago, they built a catering business, serving weddings, hosting events, and creating custom desserts. Long days and late nights shaped their reputation and resilience.
Ten years ago, in 2016, they took over a small beachside restaurant in Kapilina. Today, it serves a growing community of more than 1,500 homes. Kids stop by straight from the water. Families gather at sunset, pups in tow. Regulars return each week.
“What we are most proud of is creating a place where people can come together for great food, company, and entertainment,” Gina said.



D'lish at the Beach offers a variety of food, snacks, and drinks throughout the week. Photo Courtesy: Instagram/@delishatthebeach
The menu is always evolving. Taco Tuesdays. Night market Wednesdays. Burgers and brews on Thursdays. Fridays feature rotating global themes from Italian to Aussie to local favorites. Weekends bring packed breakfasts, lunches, and lively evenings with music.
They host four major events a year, including Cinco de Mayo, Christmas Market, and a New Yearʻs celebration. This year, D’lish is adding a 10th anniversary celebration on May 23. There will be a Happy Hour with live music from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., live music by 11th Hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., a hula show at 6:30 p.m. and Taulia & Band from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. All plates and specialty cocktails are $10 and a Lūʻau-themed menu is served at 4:00 p.m.
What keeps people coming back is not just the food. It is the feeling. The music in the air. The laughter on the sand. The way a quick stop turns into an evening with friends. Follow along: @dlishatthebeach
The menu is always evolving. Taco Tuesdays. Night market Wednesdays. Burgers and brews on Thursdays. Fridays feature rotating global themes from Italian to Aussie to local favorites. Weekends bring packed breakfasts, lunches, and lively evenings with music.
They host four major events a year, including Cinco de Mayo, Christmas Market, and a New Yearʻs celebration. This year, D’lish is adding a 10th anniversary celebration on May 23. There will be a Happy Hour with live music from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., live music by 11th Hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., a hula show at 6:30 p.m. and Taulia & Band from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. All plates and specialty cocktails are $10 and a Lūʻau-themed menu is served at 4:00 p.m.
What keeps people coming back is not just the food. It is the feeling. The music in the air. The laughter on the sand. The way a quick stop turns into an evening with friends. Follow along: @dlishatthebeach
Cover Photo:
D’lish at the Beach offers a unique blend of Aussie inspired food. Photo Courtesy: Instagram/@delishatthebeach
Cover Photo:
D’lish at the Beach offers a unique blend of Aussie inspired food. Photo Courtesy: Instagram/@delishatthebeach
Category Tag:
Share this story
Subscribe to the District 9 mailing list
Receive mid-month and end of month updates, sent directly to your email!







