Mauna Lani Resort, Hawai’i Unveils Culinary Mastermind Ross Kilkenny As New Director – Will He Redefine Island Dining?

Published on March 7, 2026

Image generated pinch Ai

Hawai’i’s iconic Mauna Lani Resort, located connected nan pristine Kohala Coast, has appointed culinary master Ross Kilkenny arsenic its caller Culinary Director, signaling an breathtaking caller section successful nan resort’s renowned eating program. Kilkenny’s extended 22-year career, which spans nan West Coast’s astir prestigious hotels and restaurants, promises to redefine nan resort’s culinary offerings and bring an innovative twist to Hawai’i’s nutrient scene.

Kilkenny’s assignment comes astatine a pivotal clip for Mauna Lani, arsenic nan edifice continues to turn its estimation arsenic a top-tier nutrient and beverage destination connected nan Island of Hawai’i. Known for its stunning landscapes and luxurious accommodations, Mauna Lani is besides recognized for its world-class eating experiences. With Kilkenny’s expertise, nan edifice is group to push nan boundaries of Hawaiian cuisine, taking it to caller heights that are judge to captivate some locals and visitors alike.

A Seasoned Culinary Visionary pinch Auberge Collection Roots

Kilkenny is nary alien to luxury hospitality, having been a cardinal fig wrong nan Auberge Collection for respective years. His travel pinch nan prestigious marque includes serving arsenic Executive Chef astatine Hotel Jerome successful Aspen and overseeing nan translator of Calistoga Ranch during its pivotal years successful 2017 and 2018. Kilkenny’s heavy relationship pinch Auberge Collection, a sanction synonymous pinch exclusive culinary experiences, will let him to transportation guardant nan resort’s bequest of excellence.

His profession spans acold beyond Auberge Collection, including positions astatine world-renowned hotels specified arsenic The Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt Regency, wherever he developed his expertise successful good dining, paper design, and creating culinary experiences that bespeak nan principle of each destination. Additionally, Kilkenny’s entrepreneurial tone led him to create Kilkenny Kitchen, a business that further cemented his estimation arsenic a visionary successful nan culinary field.

With a wealthiness of knowledge and a passion for incorporating locally originated ingredients, Kilkenny’s activity is poised to elevate Mauna Lani’s nutrient segment by blending Hawaiian flavors pinch innovative techniques and world influences.

A Feast for nan Senses: Mauna Lani’s Culinary Expansion

As Culinary Director, Kilkenny’s power will beryllium felt crossed Mauna Lani’s celebrated eating venues. The resort’s flagship restaurant, CanoeHouse, is known for its stunning oceanfront views and exceptional good eating experience. Under Kilkenny’s leadership, CanoeHouse is expected to characteristic moreover much refined, bold, and caller culinary creations, celebrating section flavors and ingredients while pushing nan boundaries of nan accepted Hawaiian eating experience.

Alongside CanoeHouse, Mauna Lani’s al fresco eating gem, HāLani, offers guests an unforgettable outdoor eating experience. With Kilkenny astatine nan helm, diners tin expect to bask caller dishes that will item nan island’s freshest seafood, tropical fruits, and locally originated meats. The summation of innovative paper items will make this already celebrated spot moreover much of a must-visit destination for some locals and edifice guests alike.

In addition, nan recently reimagined Surf Shack astatine Mauna Lani Beach Club, which offers casual yet delectable beachside fare for illustration tacos and flick bowls, will spot a refreshing revamp. Guests tin expect a revamped paper that delivers nan eventual beachside indulgence while showcasing Kilkenny’s expertise successful creating memorable, flavorful bites.

Chef Rhoda Magbitang’s National Spotlight and Mauna Lani’s Expanding Influence

Kilkenny’s assignment comes astatine a clip of heightened visibility for Mauna Lani’s culinary program. Chef Rhoda Magbitang, Executive Chef of CanoeHouse, is stepping into nan nationalist spotlight arsenic a contestant connected Bravo’s Top Chef Season 23, group to premiere successful March 2026. Magbitang’s nationalist tv debut is expected to make moreover much buzz for nan resort’s culinary reputation, bringing moreover greater attraction to Mauna Lani’s already awesome gastronomic offerings.

The edifice is besides taking its culinary offerings to nan adjacent level by collaborating pinch Bar Leather Apron, a prestigious cocktail barroom classed among North America’s 50 Best Bars. This business will bring an exclusive, limited-time paper acquisition to Mauna Lani this Spring, combining expertly crafted cocktails pinch culinary creations that item nan champion of Hawai’i’s ingredients.

A Taste of Hawai’i’s Future: What’s Next for Mauna Lani’s Culinary Scene?

Ross Kilkenny’s assignment astatine Mauna Lani represents much than conscionable a alteration successful leadership—it marks nan opening of a caller culinary section for nan edifice and for Hawai’i’s good eating scene. As nan edifice continues to summation nickname arsenic a gastronomic destination, Kilkenny’s expertise will thief style nan early of Hawai’i’s luxury culinary offerings, offering guests an moreover much dynamic, creative, and immersive eating experience.

For nutrient lovers and travelers seeking unforgettable culinary experiences, Mauna Lani’s expanded programme nether Kilkenny’s guidance promises to present conscionable that. Whether it’s enjoying an exquisite multi-course repast astatine CanoeHouse, savoring tropical bites astatine HāLani, aliases indulging successful beachside flavors astatine Surf Shack, Kilkenny’s imagination will guarantee that each repast astatine Mauna Lani becomes a infinitesimal to remember.

As nan edifice continues to pull some section residents and world visitors, Ross Kilkenny’s activity will undoubtedly play a cardinal domiciled successful shaping nan early of Mauna Lani’s culinary identity. For those seeking nan champion of Hawaiian cuisine and innovative dining, Mauna Lani is group to go nan spot to beryllium successful 2026 and beyond.

Image: Mauna Lani Resort