The remodel of our signature restaurant, Kō, is nearly complete!

Kō, which translates to “sugarcane” in Hawaiian, is inspired by the many cultures of the sugarcane plantation era. The menu includes authentic Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese menu items with an innovative twist.  Many menu items are based on treasured family recipes passed down for generations to our employees and chefs.

While the final touches are being added to the new space, we are busy planning for the opening of Wailea’s newest destination restaurant. Kō will not only offer a unique culinary experience, but the atmosphere, energy and entertainment will also be unlike any other Maui restaurant.

At the beginning of March, we will be inviting a local Kahu (Hawaiian Minister) to Kō to bless new space in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony. Following the blessing, the Kō team will go through an exhaustive training in preparation for the opening. In addition to working in the new space, the team will go through training in Hawaii’s history and the history of Maui’s sugar plantations. They will also go learn about the history and roots of local foods, and will be “talking story” with the local framers and fishermen who supply our food. 

Following the training, we’ll have a series of soft opening dinners, developed to emulate a busy night at Kō. This exercise will offer the Kō wait staff and chefs a valuable training opportunity while providing resort staff the chance to taste new menu items and evaluate the overall dining experience. The soft openings will be followed with two “Pau Hana” (Happy Hour) events, where we will invite our valued community partners to try out the new Kō bar, listen to our newest local entertainment and sip on specialized cocktails.

After weeks of training and months of anticipation, Kō will officially open to the public in late March/early April.  We couldn’t be more proud of this unique restaurant and cannot wait to share it with Maui visitors and residents. Let the countdown begin!

Introducing Kō's featured menu item: Crispy Calamari

About Executive Chef, Tylun Pang.

Watch the Kō Video, narrated by Executive Chef, Tylun Pang