chefs by nature
A celebration of culinary craftsmanship rooted in sustainability, seasonality, and a profound connection to the land. It's an exploration of how food and nature exist in harmony—where globally recognized chefs embrace locally sourced ingredients, honor traditional techniques, and craft dishes that reflect the essence of place. Through this series, we collaborate with like-minded culinary talents who share our commitment to mindful sourcing, offering immersive experiences that deepen the appreciation for food’s journey from farm to table.
Celebrating Culinary Artistry
Designed to celebrate our local farmers, ranchers and growers and the natural abundance of Kaua’i— hosted by the world’s most celebrated chefs, who’ll each visit us from across the globe. Our Chefs by Nature will collaborate with our culinary team to learn more about local ingredients and traditional techniques, develop featured dishes on our 1 Kitchen menu, teach master cooking classes for guests, and host charity dinners in support of the Kaua’i Community College Culinary Arts Program—helping emerging local chefs bring even more artistry to the island.
Chef Amanda Freitag
From her time in top New York kitchens to her role as a beloved Chopped judge, Chef Amanda is dedicated to making food approachable and inspiring. Through her EasyAF brand, cookbook, and podcast On The Line, she continues to share her passion, helping home cooks and chefs alike find joy in the kitchen. Her love for food is rooted in connection—bringing people together through cooking, storytelling, and shared experiences.
Chef Lee Anne Wong
Chefs By Nature with Lee Anne Wong brought culinary artistry and community to 1 Kitchen. From rolling fresh dumplings to savoring a nature-inspired charity dinner and indulging in a curated pairing experience, every moment wove together taste and intention. Mahalo to all who joined us in honoring Kaua‘i’s abundance while supporting a brighter future.
Chef Melissa King
Chef Melissa King featured dishes that showcased the perfect blend of global techniques and local ingredients. Together, we supported the Kaua’i Community College Culinary Arts Program as students worked side by side with her. This special event series allowed us to continue to build our 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay scholarship supporting students in pursuit of a culinary arts degree.
Chef Nancy Silverton
Chef Nancy was the first to take part in our Chefs by Nature series, setting the stage for an incredible partnership. She launched the series with a beautiful charity dinner benefiting the Kaua’i Community College Culinary Arts Program, followed by a hands-on cooking class featuring her favorite dishes from the Mozza cookbook.
A special culinary series
through immersive experiences
Cooking Masterclasses
Renowned chefs bring their expertise to Kauaʻi for an engaging exploration of sustainable, locally inspired cuisine. Guests have the rare opportunity to learn through interactive cooking demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and intimate discussions. Whether it’s mastering the art of dumpling folding or discovering creative techniques for minimizing food waste, each session is designed to deepen the understanding of seasonal, planet-conscious cooking.
Culinary Connection
Beyond the plate, this initiative fosters community engagement through charity-driven dining experiences. A highlight of the series is a special dinner benefiting local culinary students, ensuring that the next generation of chefs is supported in their journey. Through this initiative, food becomes more than just nourishment—it’s a way to give back, inspire, and connect.
perfect pairings
In this intimate setting, guests will also have the rare opportunity to mingle with the chef, gaining firsthand insight into the inspiration behind each dish and the creative process that brings the menu to life. This interactive session deepens the appreciation of both food and wine, making for a truly unforgettable sensory journey. Complementing the experience, a master sommelier leads a thoughtfully curated pairing event, where expertly selected wines enhance the vibrant flavors of the dishes.
savor your stay
Enrich your stay and take part in the dinner series through our Chefs By Nature room package featuring tickets for two to all event activities and more.
Bringing Island Flavors to Life
At 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, our philosophy is woven into every aspect of our food and beverage program. Our chefs work closely with local farmers, fishers, and purveyors who uphold responsible practices, ensuring that every ingredient we use supports the health of the land and sea. The abundance of the islands guides our menus, from the organic rooftop garden supplying fresh herbs to the sustainably harvested seafood and heirloom produce that highlight Hawai‘i’s agricultural heritage.
We invite you to our approach food as an invitation to connect with the natural world, with the people who cultivate our food, and with the traditions that shape Hawai‘i’s culinary identity.
This program is indicative of what it means to be a part of Kauai and not just operate on Kauai,” said Kawakami, “To have a hotel establishment that represents the top tier in hospitality, and allows our local young adults to see what it takes, and what it looks like to work side-by-side with some of the best chefs in Hawaii, is something that should be truly applauded.
