Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection has appointed Michael Arnot as Culinary Director of its renowned food and beverage programming on the Kohala Coast. A veteran of the Hawaii hospitality industry with over 19 years of experience, Arnot will spearhead strategy and expand the iconic resort’s culinary operations in his new role.
Originally from California, Arnot spent the past 14 years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts across its properties in Vancouver, Chicago and most recently held the role of Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. His experience includes an extensive background in luxury F&B, including banquets, fine dining and beach/offsite venues, where he has developed complete restaurant and hotel catering concepts from the ground up. His new appointment at Mauna Lani will see him relocate from 7 years on the Island of Oahu to the Island of Hawai’i.
Mauna Lani’s culinary prowess has expanded in recent years, establishing the gastronomic experiences available to guests and locals alike as some of the top offerings in the Western US. Arnot’s appointment comes on the heels of the transformation of Mauna Lani’s beloved al fresco restaurant HāLani, which recently unveiled a fresh Coastal Mediterranean concept. The resort’s renown signature restaurant, CanoeHouse, is credited with helping birth Hawai’i Regional Cuisine, a major food movement in the 1990s that shifted focus to locally-sourced ingredients and cultural influences of the Hawaiian islands. The Mauna Lani Beach Club is the resort’s newest addition, featuring a wide range of food and beverage experiences including street cart tacos, poke bowl pop-ups, shaved ice from a poolside mini bus, and an oceanfront pizza oven for delectable open-air fare.
“I am delighted to join Mauna Lani leadership as the property continues to extend its culinary excellence,” said Micheal Arnot, Culinary Director at Mauna Lani. “I look forward to working alongside this best-in-class hospitality team to further develop the resort’s offerings to surprise and delight guests and Island of Hawai’i locals looking for an elevated food and beverage experience.”
“We are excited to welcome Michael into the Mauna Lani ‘ohana, which will benefit from his expert leadership during this new chapter at the resort,” says Pete Alles, General Manager at Mauna Lani.
