Recently voted “Best Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine” at the 2019 ‘Aipono Awards, Mauka Makai and The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas have much to celebrate since opening their doors just two years ago. Executive Chef Ikaika Manaku and Sous Chef Gemsley Balagso grew up in Hawai‘i hunting and fishing. They live the ahu’pua’a lifestyle from which they draw inspiration. They take pride in sharing dishes that represent the importance of perpetuating the land by sourcing ingredients within a 40-mile radius of the resort’s signature restaurant. Chef describes, “There is great importance in utilizing sustainable resources that support the community. It teaches our future generations to practice caring for their ‘aina (land).”
Chef Ikaika has brought this principle into the kitchen with his mentorship of Chef Gemsley. With their dinner menu featuring island favorites with a uniquely modern twist, Chef Ikaika encourages his team to enjoy food and the process of creating dishes that remind them of home, “…I like to cook the way I like to eat.
I don’t mind sharing my recipes because then I have a reason to create something new.” Chef Gemsley added, “It’s never about who’s cooking what, but the love of the food and who you’re cooking for.”
Come in and try their nightly share plate menu featuring dishes like the Hot Stone Natural Prime Beef cooked at the table on a Pōhaku stone. This is paired with calamansi ponzu and local herb chimichurri. Or enjoy their new weekly Friday Pa‘ina dinner and Sunday Brunch buffets featuring live entertainment and drink specials.
Come to Mauka Makai for their one-of-a-kind dining experiences, stay for their people.
Located at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas.
Open daily for breakfast and dinner.
For reservations call 808-662-6400
or visit westinnanea.com.
