Four Seasons Resort Hualālai Announces 2026 Chef in Residence Lineup in Celebration of 30th Anniversary

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai announces the 2026 Chef in Residence program, introduced as part of the Resort’s milestone 30th anniversary celebration. Honouring three decades as one of Hawai‘i’s premier luxury culinary destinations, the Resort will welcome back a series of guest chefs who have visited and complimented Hualālai’s distinctive culinary identity over the years. Throughout 2026, these returning chefs will bring their unique perspectives, signature techniques, and personal culinary stories to Hualālai, while drawing inspiration from the abundance of local ingredients, Hawaiian flavours, and the deep sense of place that defines the Resort’s approach to cuisine.

The year begins with the return of Chef Edward Lee, the James Beard Award–winning chef, author, and television personality, who will headline two evenings of culinary exploration on February 18 and 19, 2026. Known for his refined blend of Southern and Asian flavours, Chef Lee will craft signature dinners that integrate his creative culinary lens with the vibrant produce, fresh seafood, and regional specialties of the island—an approach that reflects the spirit of Four Seasons Resort Hualālai and the Resort’s commitment to showcasing local purveyors and seasonal treasures.

As part of this anniversary celebration, Chef Tyler Florence will host a series of Paniolo Dinners, blending the deeply rooted steakhouse culture of Miller & Lux Hualalai with the Hawaiian tradition of ranching. Reimagined for Hualālai’s 30th year, these open-air, ranch-inspired dinners will highlight Florence’s elevated live fire cooking while honouring the paniolo traditions that have influenced Hawai‘i’s ranching communities for generations. On March 26 and 27, 2026, Florence will bring his bold, approachable culinary style to Hualālai’s unique setting, creating menus that celebrate both his signature flavours and the extraordinary local ingredients sourced from across the island.

Chef Andy Ricker, the James Beard Award–winning chef celebrated for introducing regional Thai cuisine to a global audience, will return to Four Seasons Resort Hualālai for a weeklong residency from July 25 to August 1, 2026. Ricker will bring his deeply researched, ingredient‑driven approach to Thai cooking back to Hualālai, crafting menus that blend his distinctive culinary perspective with the vibrant produce, herbs, and the seafood of Hawai‘i Island. During his residency, guests will experience a series of curated dinners and interactive culinary events in which Ricker reimagines the bold, balanced flavours of northern Thailand through the lens of Hualālai’s unique sense of place, resulting in a fusion of technique, culture, and locally inspired storytelling.

Additional guest chefs, many of whom have contributed memorable moments to Hualālai’s culinary evolution over the past three decades, will be announced throughout the remainder of 2026. Each chef in residence will infuse their own culinary point of view into menus crafted specificallyfor Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, while engaging meaningfully with the Resort’s longstanding relationships with local farmers, fishermen, and artisans. The evolving lineup will include multi-night residencies, oceanfront dinners, mixology showcases, and hands-on classes designed to immerse guests in the flavours and traditions of Hawai‘i Island.

“Our 30th anniversary is a celebration not only of Hualālai’s rich history, but of the chefs and partners who have helped define our reputation for exceptional dining,” says Michael Hofstedt, Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. “Each returning chef brings something entirely their own to the Resort. Their menus will be inspired by Hualālai’s distinctive sense of place and extraordinary local ingredients- presenting a truly unforgettable experience for our guests,” continues Michael.

Guests can follow upcoming announcements and chef additions on the Resort’s website and social media channels as the 2026 program continues to expand.