Can I import contacts from vcf and NOT sync to Google?
To import a vcf: Copy the vcf to your phone, then Contacts > Import/Export

To view hidden contacts: Contacts > More > Display options, you have the option of displaying "Only contacts with phones" and under "Choose contacts to display" you can choose to view or hide contacts based on their source. Perhaps your contacts are hidden because they are stored in your phone, but you don't check "Phone" under "Choose contacts to display"

Disclaimer: I use Froyo (2.2) so the menu name might be different.