Saturday, June 7, 2025
Mauna Lani is set to elevate its summer offerings with a highly anticipated collaboration with OTOTO, the renowned sake izakaya from Los Angeles that boasts a James Beard Award. From June 7 to September 1, 2025, both locals and visitors to Hawai’i will be able to indulge in an exclusive culinary experience at Mauna Lani’s Surf Shack. This limited-time residency will highlight the fusion of traditional Japanese flavors and Hawai’i’s laid-back coastal charm, curated by Chef Charles Namba and paired with premium sake selections handpicked by Beverage Director Courtney Kaplan.
This exciting partnership with OTOTO marks an exceptional addition to Mauna Lani’s culinary landscape. OTOTO is celebrated for its creative twist on Japanese cuisine, and under the guidance of Chef Namba, guests will experience a menu that includes eight uniquely crafted dishes such as the Shaki Shaki Salad, Ode to Mos Burger, and Tebasaki – a specialty of OTOTO-style fried chicken wings with sesame. These dishes are designed to complement the expertly chosen sake, creating a dining experience that balances flavor and tradition with innovative flair.
Courtney Kaplan, OTOTO’s co-owner and Beverage Director, has curated a premium sake selection from small, family-run craft breweries, emphasizing authenticity and quality. Each dish on the menu is thoughtfully paired with a sake that complements its ingredients and flavors, providing a harmonious culinary experience.
“We’re thrilled to welcome OTOTO to Mauna Lani for this summer residency,” said Pete Alles, General Manager of Mauna Lani. “Their inventive approach to Japanese cuisine, paired with the stunning oceanfront setting, will offer our guests an unforgettable dining experience. This collaboration represents our shared passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of aloha.”
Chef Charles Namba, Owner of OTOTO, commented, “We are excited to bring a taste of OTOTO to Hawai’i, reflecting both my Japanese-American heritage and the vibrant flavors of California. Our menu is designed to pair perfectly with sake, and I believe it will offer a unique dining experience amidst the beauty of Mauna Lani.”
Courtney Kaplan added, “Curating a sake selection to complement the limited-edition menu at Mauna Lani is a true thrill. I can’t wait for our guests to experience the perfect match of sake and the fresh, salty air of the Kohala Coast.”
This collaboration is just one of the many ways Mauna Lani continues to deliver exceptional culinary offerings. Building on its recent renovations of Ha’Lani Restaurant and its award-winning CanoeHouse, Mauna Lani has forged numerous celebrated partnerships with culinary innovators such as Blue Ribbon, Nancy Silverton, and Andrew Zimmerman. With OTOTO, the resort is once again pushing the boundaries of dining experiences, blending innovation, tradition, and local culture.
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