U’ilani Klattenhoff wants to say “thank you” to the community for supporting her business, especially during COVID-19 restrictions, and will be giving away free meals to anyone who walks through the doors at Kau Kau Corner on Thanksgiving.

“I wanted to say ‘mahalo’ to the community for coming in and being a blessing unto me and my business,” Klattenhoff said.

Kau Kau Corner in Oak Harbor serves up a tasty Hawaiian menu, including kalua pork (Hawaiian pulled pork), mochiko chicken (made with a sweet and salty marinade), spam musubi, poke bowls and more.

The menu changes often and interested diners can check the business’s Facebook page for the day’s menu.

She also serves a variety of desserts such as haupia pie (a creamy coconut dessert) and other sweets featuring tropical fruits.

Anyone looking for a meal on Thanksgiving will be able to find a plate of Hawaiian delights waiting for them at the restaurant on Northeast Midway Boulevard.

If someone couldn’t make the trip on Thanksgiving because of health concerns, Klattenhoff said she could also arrange to have the food delivered in Oak Harbor and Coupeville.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected her business, she said, but she appreciates her customers and wanted to do something for the community to show her thanks.

This is not the first time she has done this. She served about 110-120 people last year for Thanksgiving.

She said she expects that number to double this year.

“Once the food is gone, the food is gone,” she said. “But I want to bless as many people as I can.”

She moved to Whidbey several years ago and decided to stay. She knows some people may not have family in the area or are not celebrating with them this year because of public health concerns, so she is looking forward to spending Thanksgiving serving them.

“(It) makes me happy to do this because I don’t have family” in the area, she explained.

She said she understands that times are tough for a lot of people right now and hoped that her food could help, as well as show her own thanks.

“I wouldn’t be here without the community, honestly. God is good,” she said.

“This is really just my way of showing my gratitude and my thanksgiving.”