Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts has promoted George Gomes Jr. to regional executive chef for the Royal Kona Resort on Hawaiʻi Island and Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui.

The two resorts reopened after expansive renovations encompassing guest room enhancements and upgrades to common areas and restaurant outlets.

Chef Gomes was appointed executive chef for Royal Kona Resort in 2019. He elevated the Kona dining experience for hotel guests and local residents, featuring locally sourced and seasonal ingredients on his menu.

In his new role, Chef Gomes will oversee the culinary activities of both resorts, while cultivating the individual creativity of the food and beverage teams at each property.

“For the past two years, Chef Gomes has delighted our Royal Kona Resort guests with his creative talent and fresh approach to cuisine,” said Gary Hogan, CEO of Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts. “His locally-inspired menus will extend to the Royal Lahaina Resort, offering exquisite dishes served with seasonal flavors that will create memorable dining experiences for all of our guests.”

Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Chef Gomes grew up enjoying foods from diverse cultures, and called upon that experience and his sophisticated palate to create his own world-class cuisine.

Classically trained as a certified chef from the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Gomes worked at a number of fine dining establishments in Hawaiʻi including Tri-Star Restaurant Group, where he served as corporate executive chef for five restaurants on multiple islands.