My culinary journey is a colorful mosaic of experiences, stretching from the vibrant vineyards of California to the serene retreats of Maui. Every meal I craft draws on a diverse background that blends travel, wellness, and a deep love for hospitality. My classical training at California Culinary Academy’s Le Cordon Bleu program is just the beginning of a story enriched by backpacking adventures through Southeast Asia and Central America, where I gathered unique flavors and techniques to bring back to my kitchen.
In Maui, my passion for incorporating local, sustainable ingredients comes alive in both my retreat catering and private chef services. Whether it’s the rustic elegance of wine country meals or the bold layers of Panasian and traditional Mexican cuisines, I strive to offer dishes that are either timeless classics or vibrant contemporary experiences, all highlighting the bounty of Maui’s farms and seas.
After two decades in the hospitality industry, transitioning through roles from the kitchen to event management, and further deepening my connection with food through studies in Holistic Nutrition, Ayurvedic cooking, and Hawaiian medicinal food, I founded Lotus Chefs. This venture is a collective of incredible female chefs who share my ethos of cooking with intention and love. As Lotus Chefs grew, my life also blossomed with the birth of my daughter, prompting a shift to a more managerial and nurturing role. This transition allows me to focus on guiding and supporting my team, ensuring that our culinary creations continue to empower and delight every guest at your retreats and gatherings.
Motherhood has profoundly enriched my understanding of food as a source of nourishment for both the body and the soul. While I treasure the moments spent nurturing my daughter and exploring new culinary landscapes, my incredible team at Lotus Chefs helps extend this nurturing to more tables and gatherings. Together, we ensure that every meal we serve is not only healthy and delicious but also brings people together in meaningful ways.
Whether you’re looking to create an unforgettable culinary experience at a yoga retreat or desire a personalized meal at your private event, my team and I dedicate ourselves to excellence. We ensure that every dish reflects the care and passion I believe in, with every menu thoughtfully aligned with the energy and intention of your event.
If you’re searching for a culinary experience that goes beyond just eating and becomes a part of a larger journey of discovery, connection, and joy, you’re in the right place. I encourage you to reach out and let us transform your next gathering with bespoke menus that showcase the best of Maui’s local produce, executed with expert care and creative flair by my team.
Connect with Lotus Chefs or me personally today, and let’s bring the essence of Maui’s culinary richness to your table!
Private Chef Offerings:
Maui Retreat Catering Services
Nourish the spirit of your retreat with lovingly crafted meals that resonate with your event’s purpose. Let every dish serve as an invitation to connect deeper, blending nourishment with mindfulness.
Delight in a sequence of beautifully curated courses, each designed to enchant the senses and celebrate the bounty of the season. Experience the joy of fine dining, where each plate tells a story of passion and local flavor.
Relax and reconnect with your loved ones while I take care of the meals. Enjoy heartwarming, casual cuisine prepared with love, perfect for unwinding and creating cherished family moments.
As a private and personal chef myself, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities you face. Let me guide you through enhancing your culinary business with strategies and insights tailored just for chefs like us.
Let the vibrant tastes of the island bring joy and unity to your table, one dish at a time.
My training & certifications
1
Le Cordon Bleu Certification, California Culinary Academy
2
Holistic Nutrition Certification, Hawthorn University
3
Ayurvedic Chef Certification, Hale Pule
4
Hawaiian Wildcrafter Certification, Earth Medicine Institute
5
Yoga Teacher Certification, Mangala Yoga Maui
6
Multiple International Regional Cooking Immersions
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“Our family owns multiple restaurants in both Chicago and Seattle, some for more than 30 years. During that time we’ve sampled the food of dozens of chefs who wanted to work for us, including CIA grads and some with Michelin stars. KYRA RANKS AT THE VERY TOP. With her terrific assistants, Heidi and Allisa, Kyra created an incredible 6 course dinner and served 10 of us with incredible style and timing from the miniscule kitchen of our hotel suite. We’ve eaten in fine restaurants all over the world (including our own) and would rate the meal Kyra created for us as truly among the very best. You’ll be lucky if you can book her!”
Dan RosenthalRestauranteur, Pike Place Hospitality Group, Seattle
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“Kyra was so accommodating to my picky eater status. She called me ahead of the retreat to ensure she had food for the week that I would be able to enjoy. I was very appreciative. Throughout the week I ate way more than I thought I would and even tried some new foods I had never had before. She is an amazing, creative chef who I highly recommend!”
Brittany MacKinnonMother and cancer survivor, Project Koru
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“Kyra and her team provided us with a world-class experience of cuisine during our company retreat in Maui. She also helped get us in touch with other amazing people in the hospitality industry that included a mixologist, massage therapist, and more. Highly recommend!”
Armon PetrossianFounder & CEO, Coalesce Software
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“Kyra is amazing! She was always pleasant and very responsive to my emails. Meeting her in person was a delight with her upbeat personality and love for her craft! She is skilled and creative. The plant based meal she created for us was thoughtful and delicious! Each dish is beautifully prepared and presented with attention to every detail. She went above and beyond our expectations! If you are looking for an extraordinary experience I highly recommend Kyra-you will not be disappointed!”
Janice WrenProfessional vacationer and foodie
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“Kyra is pure magic! I worked with Kyra to create a stunning picnic on the beach in Hawaii, and her food was so delicioius. On top of that, she helped to coordinate a gorgeous picnic set up with some of her colleagues out there, and holy MOLY was the result incredible. She *even* helped us get a few professional photographs--which speak for themselves. If you are looking for any kind of catering or prepared meals, Kyra infuses all that she makes with pure love. Thank you for making our experience so special, Kyra!”
“I had the pleasure of hiring Kyra to cater my most recent ShaktiRize retreat in Maui. She showed up on so many levels, from bringing altars, to Kangan water, to dropping into class with the other women. The menu was fully vegan and gluten-free and was not only delicious, but also intentional and presented beautifully. She put a lot of work into featuring local vendors and produce. I can't wait to work with her again.”