Sisterhood is a strong and sacred bond. The link between Pupukea princesses, the Bridgman sisters, boosts the overall character of Lei Lei’s Bar and Grill. The unique blend of a family atmosphere within a restaurant setting makes Lei Lei’s—at the Turtle Bay Resort—a favorite among North Shore residents and hotel guests alike.

Whether you are a golfer in search of a cold beer and pupus after a long day on the greens, a family enjoying a nice meal out, or a large party celebrating a special occasion, Lei Lei’s is the place. If you’re lucky, one of the Bridgman sisters: Natalie, 23, Sarah, 21, or Megan, 19, will greet you with one of their beautiful, smiling faces upon arrival.

It took a lot of hard work and commitment to get to where the Bridgmans are in the restaurant. The first step is getting hired. The key is to frequent the end of the night dinners, enjoy free grinds and to get to know the staff. Once hired you literally work your way from the bottom because everyone starts off as a dishwasher. Once you have proved yourself in the dish pit you begin prepping and making food in the kitchen. This process is essential because you learn what exactly is in the food that you are serving. Then you move out to the floor, where the real action is.

On any given night Lei Lei’s is filled with a variety of customers. Many returning locals enjoy their favorite dishes, while hotel guests experience Lei Lei’s for the first time. The restaurant is especially hectic during the winter season.

Winters on the North Shore attract all walks of life. The quiet seven-mile stretch transforms into a place filled with tourists, pro surfers and the ensuing “pro hoes.” The competitors arrive from all over the world for multiple contests, including the prestigious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing in November. They often choose Lei Lei’s when celebrating a victory or just catching up with some old friends, probably because “One of our goals is to treat everyone like family,” states Megan.

Natalie has worked at Lei Lei’s for almost six years. With that kind of experience she can work in nearly every position of the restaurant. From a day manager to a night bartender, her shifts are never dull. She is currently enrolled in the nursing program at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and her demanding schedule of classes and hospital visits keeps her very busy. “One of the great things about working at Lei Lei’s is how flexible they are when I am going to school,” said Natalie.

Like Natalie, Sarah also benefits from the restaurant’s flexible schedule. Sarah is currently enrolled at Leeward Community College and taking physiology classes. She enjoys attending school during the day and serving during the night. Sarah is the spark plug out of the Bridgman sisters and feeds off Lei Lei’s liveliness. “I love the energy and the environment,” says Sarah who has been a part of Lei Lei’s for the last five years. “I think it’s fun seeing everyone when I’m working. I don’t have to go to the party, the party comes to me.”




In essence, Sarah gets paid to be at Lei Lei’s various parties. When someone wins a big surf contest it’s almost a guaranty that the victory party is there. While Sarah’s tips go to her checking account for traveling, Megan’s pay goes to accessories.

Megan is the youngest of the Bridgman sisters and after taking a peek into her closet you can see where her money is spent. “My tip money goes: some to the bank and some to purses,” Megan admitted. “Okay mostly to purses.”

Megan recently started serving at night after working at Lei Lei’s for the last three and a half years. Between her classes at Leeward Community College and work, Megan, obviously likes to shop.

It’s not all work and no play when it comes to the Bridgman girls. When they are not clocked in at Lei Lei’s, the girls enjoy doing a variety of activities. From going to the beach and surfing, to arts and crafts.

So you wonder, do the Bridgman sisters ever get sick of each other? “Never!” they all answer in unison. Natalie adds, “We work together and we live together; so we just understand when one of us needs space. Most of the time we get along and just have fun!”