Ross Kilkenny has been appointed as Culinary Director at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection has appointed Ross Kilkenny as Culinary Director of its renowned food and beverage program on the Kohala Coast. With over 22 years of experience across the West Coast, Kilkenny brings refined expertise to his new role leading the resort’s established culinary scene.
A seasoned Auberge Collection professional, Kilkenny served as Executive Chef at Hotel Jerome in Aspen since 2022, and at Calistoga Ranch during its most transformative period in 2017 and 2018. His experience with Auberge Collection, as well as multiple restaurants and hotels–including The Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt Regency–propelled his career through owning menu design, prioritizing local and seasonal ingredients, and entrepreneuring his own business, Kilkenny Kitchen. His appointment at Mauna Lani will showcase new flavors and dishes available to guests and locals alike.
Mauna Lani’s culinary program has seen significant growth over the past few years, solidifying the resort as the top food and beverage destination on the Island of Hawai’i. Kilkenny’s appointment will enhance Mauna Lani’s already established gastronomic experiences, including the resort’s beloved al fresco restaurant HāLani, renown signature restaurant CanoeHouse, and Surf Shack at the newly reimagined Mauna Lani Beach Club, offering a variety of beach-side bites, such as street cart tacos and poke bowls. Chef Ross’s arrival is timely with Chef Rhoda Magbitang, Executive Chef of CanoeHouse, stepping onto the national stage as a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 23 (premiering March 9, 2026) and Mauna Lani partnering with Bar Leather Apron, one of Hawai‘i’s most acclaimed cocktail destinations–ranked among North America’s 50 Best Bars, for an unforgettable, limited time menu experience this Spring.