Hokuli’a Appoints George Gomes Jr. as New Executive Chef

Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i (May 24, 2023) – Hokuli’a, a spectacular private residential enclave on Hawai`i Island, has announced the appointment of George Gomes Jr. as the Club’s new Executive Chef. On the heels of welcoming a new General Manager in early 2023, Hokuli’a will welcome Chef Gomes as he oversees the incredible culinary program at the Club and all its F&B operations that have contributed to Hokuli’a being regarded as one of the top luxury clubs in Hawai`i. 

With over 37 years of culinary experience, Chef Gomes has held positions among top several Hawai`i Island culinary locales that include executive chef titles among the best resorts along the Kohala Coast, from Mauna Kea to The Sheraton in Kona. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef at the Royal Kona Resort. During his decades-long leadership roles, Chef Gomes has also held roles as Executive Chef at Merriman’s Restaurant Hawai`i, Kapalua, and Corporate Executive Chef of Tri-Star/Jas Restaurant Group, where he oversaw five restaurants, including: Sarento’s at the Ilikai Hotel on Oahu, Aarons at Ala Moana Hotel, Nick’s Fishmarket Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, Sarento’s on the Beach Maui, and Son’z at Swan Court Hyatt Regency Maui. In addition to dazzling diners in Hawai`i, Chef Gomes has been a guest chef in New York City, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Taipei, Taiwan and Tokyo. 

“George Gomes Jr. carries incredible esteem among the Hawai`i culinary world and we’re honored to welcome him into our Hokuli’a family as the new leader for our culinary team,” said Barry Bevers, General Manager. “George has established high quality service standards across the Islands of Hawai`i and on the mainland, and we look forward to having him usher in a new era of `ohana inspired, attentive service for our members.” 

Chef Gomes joins Hokuli’a following the Club’s recent debut of its golf course and club amenity renovations. Members dining at the Clubhouse can take in the scenic views of the renovated 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course and panoramic views of the Kona Coast and Pacific Ocean. Additional enhancements made at Hokuli’a include an updated dining facility, refinished tennis courts and the addition of two new pickleball courts.  

“While I have traveled and served as a chef around the world, there is no place quite as beautiful to me as the Kona Coast, a spot where Hokuli’a offers an incredible paradise,” said Gomes. “I am thrilled to join the Hokuli’a community and introduce my style of casually elegant fare to the members and fellow Hokuli’a culinary staff.” 

Born and raised in Hawai`i, Chef Gomes graduated from Hawai`i Community College’s Culinary Program in Kailua-Kona and was raised between Kalihi, Waiana’e and Honoka’a. Classically trained as a certified chef from the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Gomes draws on his sophisticated palate to create global cuisine.  

For additional information on Hokuli’a and its real estate offerings, please visit www.hokulia.com, email hokulia@hawaiilife.com or call 808-731-4354.