A favorite Chef, among chefs.
That’s Allen Hess. Known among locals, chefs, and celebrities in the industry as a grounded, innovative spirit with a passion for his family and the ‘Aina (“land”) he calls home. He is modernizing Hawai’i Regional cuisine but preserving its local-source, farm-to-table practices for the future.
Allen is a seasoned hands-on ambassador. Hawai’i Regional cuisine is about dining close to the land, experiencing the real Hawai’i- its seasonal tastes and textures. Sometimes it means getting out of the kitchen. He visits farms & ranches, hunts and fishes, builds friendships and immerses guests.
Food Network star Tyler Florence went on his first Boar Hunt. Top Chef Season 6 Winner Michael Voltaggio suited up for Tako (“octopus”) diving. He even invited half a dozen celebrity chefs including Chef Aaron Sanchez and the Bromberg Brothers (Blue Ribbon Restaurants) on the precarious journey down into Waipi’o Valley. A tale documented in the Huffington Post. As one put it, “This guy is one of the best chefs I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing!”
![waikoloa bacon Hawaii Chef Allen Hess](https://chefallenhess.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/waikoloa-bacon-shot-1024x684.jpg)
Check out Allen’s recipes and gallery of memorable dishes.
![chef allen hess big island best restaurateur](https://chefallenhess.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/qtq80-OzXB7s-1024x674.jpeg)
Product collaborations and events with Allen.
![poke bowl recipe allen hess hawaii chef](https://chefallenhess.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20190509_ARH-6200-Edit-1024x682.jpg)
Discover a range of dining experiences sourced throughout the Island.
Media & Features
![Bon Appetit big island chef allen hess](https://chefallenhess.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bonappetit-tust-to-tail-1-9-11-hugh-garvey-article-3-1024x726.jpg)
If you know Big Island, you know Allen Hess. – Frolic Hawaii
A sensation among the second wave of island chefs. – San Francisco Chronicle
A collective of Hawai‘i’s most celebrated chefs and restaurants have committed to bring local ingredients to the center of the plate. – Hawaii News Now
![Chef Allen Hess weighs in on Hawaii's food scene](https://chefallenhess.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/press-light-1024x768.jpg)
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Recognized by American Culinary Foundation, Kona-Kohala Chapter 2018 for ongoing efforts to perpetuate Hawai’i’s local food culture.
Best Chef’s America, Peer nominated and Accepted #BestChef 2017
James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef’s Tour, Participant 2014
Slow Food Conference, Torino, Italy, Hawaii Delegate 2010