Frances “Junior” Ulep has rejoined Four Seasons Resorts Lāna‘i as chef de cuisine of The Lodge at Koele.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back Chef Junior in his new role, heading up the culinary team at The Lodge at Koele,” said Tom Roelens, general manager of Four Seasons Resorts Lāna‘i. “His expertise in local flavours and his talent for bringing together various cuisines is going to be a big hit upcountry.”

Chef Ulep rejoins Four Seasons after a stint at the Mauna Kea Beach hotel, on Hawaii Island. A native of Oahu, Hawaii, Ulep began his culinary career at the Winchester Inn Bed & Breakfast in Ashland, Oregon while he was still in college. From there, he came to Lāna‘i and served as a cook, sous-chef and chef de cuisine at Manele Bay’s Ihilani restaurant. He was chef de cuisine at CanoeHouse restaurant at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows before returning to Lāna‘i as sous-chef of Hulopo’e Court restaurant. A graduate of Southern Oregon State College with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Ulep enjoys spending time with his wife Mae, fishing, listening to music, outrigger canoeing and watching football.