Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, located on the picturesque Kohala Coast of Hawai’i, has announced the appointment of Michael Arnot as the new Culinary Director. Arnot, who brings over 19 years of experience in the Hawaii hospitality industry, will oversee the development and expansion of the resort’s celebrated food and beverage programming. His arrival comes at a pivotal time for Mauna Lani, as the resort continues to enhance its culinary offerings, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier destination for food lovers and travelers alike.

Originally from California, Arnot’s career has been defined by an extensive and diverse range of roles in luxury hospitality. He spent 14 years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, working across several prestigious properties, including those in Vancouver and Chicago. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, where he developed and refined his expertise in luxury fine dining, banquets, and offsite catering. His broad experience in creating innovative food concepts makes him the perfect choice to lead Mauna Lani’s culinary initiatives.

Arnot’s appointment marks a new chapter for Mauna Lani, as he moves from the Island of Oahu to the Island of Hawai’i to take on his new role. His leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the resort’s food and beverage strategy, including overseeing the expansion of its dining offerings, elevating guest experiences, and introducing fresh, exciting concepts that reflect both the local culture and global culinary trends.

Mauna Lani’s Expanding Culinary Presence

Mauna Lani has long been a standout in Hawaii’s luxury resort scene, known not only for its stunning natural beauty but also for its exceptional culinary offerings. The resort has consistently been recognized for its dedication to providing guests with a world-class dining experience, blending locally sourced ingredients with global flavors to create unique and unforgettable dishes. Arnot’s expertise will allow Mauna Lani to continue evolving and enhancing its culinary portfolio.

In recent years, the resort has undergone significant transformations in its dining offerings. One of the most notable changes has been the reinvention of its beloved al fresco restaurant, HāLani, which has embraced a new Coastal Mediterranean concept. This reinvention reflects Mauna Lani’s commitment to staying ahead of culinary trends while offering guests an elevated experience that celebrates both the natural beauty of the island and the rich cultural influences of the Hawaiian region.

A central part of Mauna Lani’s culinary legacy is its renowned signature restaurant, CanoeHouse. This iconic establishment played a major role in the development of Hawai’i Regional Cuisine, a culinary movement that emerged in the 1990s. Hawai’i Regional Cuisine focuses on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and incorporating the cultural influences of the Hawaiian Islands into modern cooking techniques. CanoeHouse helped set the stage for this movement, offering diners an authentic taste of Hawaii’s diverse food traditions, and remains a cornerstone of Mauna Lani’s culinary offerings today.

Another exciting addition to Mauna Lani’s culinary repertoire is the Mauna Lani Beach Club, which provides guests with a wide range of casual yet high-quality dining experiences. From street cart tacos and poke bowl pop-ups to shaved ice served from a poolside mini bus, the Beach Club reflects the laid-back, island lifestyle of Hawai’i while still delivering a gourmet experience. The oceanfront pizza oven at the Beach Club allows guests to enjoy fresh, open-air pizza, offering a casual yet indulgent dining experience with stunning ocean views.

Arnot’s vision for the future of Mauna Lani’s food and beverage operations will continue to build on these successful concepts, adding new and exciting elements that will surprise and delight guests while maintaining the resort’s focus on local ingredients, sustainability, and culinary innovation.

Arnot’s Leadership and Vision for Mauna Lani

Upon accepting the role of Culinary Director, Michael Arnot shared his enthusiasm about joining the Mauna Lani team. “I am delighted to join Mauna Lani leadership as the property continues to extend its culinary excellence,” he said. “I look forward to working alongside this best-in-class hospitality team to further develop the resort’s offerings to surprise and delight guests and Island of Hawai’i locals looking for an elevated food and beverage experience.”

Arnot’s approach to leadership is one that values collaboration and creativity. He is excited to work with the resort’s talented culinary team to create a dining experience that is both innovative and reflective of the unique flavors and traditions of Hawai’i. Under his guidance, Mauna Lani’s culinary offerings will continue to evolve and grow, with new dining concepts and menu offerings aimed at enhancing the overall guest experience.

In addition to his culinary expertise, Arnot brings a strong understanding of the hospitality industry and a passion for creating memorable experiences. Throughout his career, he has developed catering concepts and restaurant experiences that have become staples in luxury hotels and resorts. His ability to lead and inspire his teams will be key in maintaining Mauna Lani’s position as one of Hawai’i’s top resort destinations.

Mauna Lani’s Commitment to Culinary Excellence

Mauna Lani’s commitment to culinary excellence is evident in every aspect of the resort’s dining experience. From its fine dining establishments to its more casual offerings, the resort has consistently strived to provide guests with exceptional meals made from the finest locally sourced ingredients. This focus on quality and sustainability aligns with Hawaii’s broader tourism and hospitality initiatives, which emphasize the importance of supporting local farmers, fishermen, and artisans.

According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state has long been a leader in promoting local, sustainable food practices, with an emphasis on incorporating Hawaiian culture into all aspects of tourism, including dining. The HTA’s vision for the future of tourism in Hawaii places a strong emphasis on sustainability, cultural preservation, and creating authentic experiences for visitors. Mauna Lani’s culinary program aligns perfectly with these goals, offering an elevated experience that highlights the flavors, ingredients, and traditions of Hawai’i.

The Future of Mauna Lani’s Culinary Operations

With Arnot at the helm, the future of Mauna Lani’s culinary program is bright. His leadership will ensure that the resort continues to push boundaries in the food and beverage space while maintaining a deep connection to the Hawaiian culture and its commitment to sustainability. As he works alongside the resort’s team to further enhance and expand its culinary offerings, guests can expect even more exciting and innovative dining experiences that reflect both the beauty of the island and the richness of its culinary traditions.

As Mauna Lani continues to evolve, it remains committed to offering guests unforgettable dining experiences that go beyond just great food. With the addition of Michael Arnot as Culinary Director, the resort is well-positioned to continue its legacy as a leader in luxury resort dining while setting new standards for culinary excellence in Hawai’i.

Conclusion

Mauna Lani’s appointment of Michael Arnot as Culinary Director signals an exciting new chapter for the resort, as it continues to enhance its food and beverage offerings. With Arnot’s wealth of experience in luxury hospitality and his passion for creating exceptional culinary experiences, the resort is poised to further solidify its reputation as a top destination for food lovers. Guests can look forward to even more innovative dining concepts that celebrate the flavors, culture, and spirit of Hawai’i, while also enjoying the unparalleled beauty and service that Mauna Lani is known for.

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