HONOLULU — Chef’s kiss. 

The University of Hawaii announced in a news release that Roy Yamaguchi has been tapped to be the next executive director of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapiolani Community College. 

Yamaguchi is known for being one of the 12 chefs who founded Hawaii Regional Cuisine in 1991. Two years later, he became the first person from Hawaii to receive the James Beard Best Chef Award. Throughout his long career, he has founded more than 40 restaurants across the U.S., including Roy's Restaurants, the Tavern by Roy Yamaguchi and Eating House 1849. In the 1970s, he started his cooking career by studying at the Culinary Institute of America. 

“Roy has strong family and business foundations in Hawaii and the greater Asia Pacific and understands the unique economic, political, business and cultural environment of our region,” Kapiolani CC Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi said. 

The executive director leads the CIP program, overseeing credit and non-credit courses, culinary research, food innovation, and internships. Most importantly, the executive director will develop the new CIP restaurant at Diamond Head, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in late 2024. 

“The development of the CIP at Diamond Head promises to take us to the next era of our culinary education, and is possible because of the inspiration, dedication and financial support of many,” said Takabayashi. 

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents approved Yamaguchi's appointment at a Nov. 16 meeting. He will begin his new job on Jan. 2, 2024.