Peter Pahk is the new executive chef of The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
Peter Pahk is the new executive chef of The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
The Oahu native is returning to Hawaii after a 30-year career leading culinary teams at other resort hotels, country clubs and five-star restaurants.
“Peter is a remarkably gifted and experienced chef, and we are delighted to welcome him to The Mauna Kea,” said Jon Gersonde, Prince Resorts Hawaii vice president of operations.
The Mauna Kea, which opened in 1965, has three restaurants: Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar, Hau Tree-Beachside at Kauna‘oa and the “Number 3” golf clubhouse restaurant.
“Its wonderful to return home to Hawaii, which has inspired my cuisine abroad,” Pahk said. “My goal at The Mauna Kea is to bring my array of diverse cultural cuisines with a Hawaii twist and to develop a sustainable culinary program, something I’ve been passionate about for many years.”
Pahk began his career as an apprentice in Waikiki. After receiving training in French cuisine at Michel’s and JB’s, he worked at several local restaurants. His formal training took place at Syracuse University and at the Culinary Institute of America in New York.
In 1993, Pahk was recipient of the “America’s 2000” award given to outstanding chefs in North America. In 1994, he was honored with an invitation to cook the New Year’s Eve Dinner for members of the James Beard Foundation in New York.