Kuleana Rum Works launches monthly guest chef series

Kuleana Rum Works is launching a monthly series featuring guest chefs who pair the Kohala Coast company of farmers, distillers and blenders’ liquor with innovative dishes.

The inaugural Rum & Guest Chef Series event is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Dec. 29 in the Tasting Room at Kuleana Rum Shack at Queens’ Marketplace, located at 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Drive, in Waikōloa.

This kickoff dinner will spotlight the theme “Rum & Hawai‘i Island Pork,” with a crafted 4-course dinner, each paired with signature Kuleana Rum Works cocktails.

Guests will also enjoy an exclusive preview of the Special Release Jamaica 13, the fourth special release from Kuleana Rum Works.

The featured chefs are:

• Chef Olelo Pa’a Ogawa: A celebrated Hawaiian culinary icon with more than 50 years of experience. Born and raised on a sugar plantation in Waipahū, O’ahu, Ogawa’s deep connection to the land and dedication to showcasing locally sourced ingredients earned her numerous accolades, including induction into the Hawai’i Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. Her expertise in farm-to-table cuisine reflects her passion for sustainability and traditional Hawaiian cooking.

• Chef George Gomes Jr.: Gomes brings more than 35 years of culinary experience and has had executive positions at Hawai’i’s finest resorts and restaurants from the Kohala Coast to Maui. He’s dazzled diners worldwide with appearances that include New York City and Tokyo. He blends traditional and modern techniques.

“This is an amazing opportunity to showcase the deliciousness and versatility of Kuleana rums alongside the craft and passion of chefs, farmers, fishers, producers and brewers that together create the dynamic culinary scene of Hawai‘i Island,” said Keith Mallini, vice president of hospitality for Kuleana Rum Works.

For more information, visit the Kuleana Rum Works website.