Chef Charles featured as the cover story of Hawaii Business Magazine
IN THE NEWS:
Kokua Maui expands to Advancing Aloha throughout the United States
Chef Charles Akau spearheaded efforts last year to help provide humanitarian aid to Lāhaina victims during the Maui Wildfire of 2023. We were honored to have our Executive Chef featured on CBS News, OC Register, Chino Valley Champion, and to be recognized as "Citizen of the Month" by the State of California's 29th District. We also would like to thank Cal State Fullerton School of Business for nominating our company for the "Social Impact" Hall of Fame Award in 2024. To learn more about his newly founded non-profit to continue philanthropy via Mālama Kōkua, please visit our website at advancingaloha.org.
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Mila's Kitchen Hawaii is a family, veteran and Native Hawaiian-owned pop-up poke bar concept led by Hawaiian Chef Charles Akau IV who was born and raised in Lihue, Kauai. Chef has worked in the culinary field for over a decade at world-renowned restaurants and resorts including Four Seasons Hualalai, Four Seasons Beverly Hills at Wolfgang Puck's Michelin restaurant, CUT, Disney Aulani and the Walt Disney Company, Roy's Hawaii, Sam Choy's Kai Lanai, and most recently, for Michelin-starred Chef Tony Esnault's French restaurant at South Coast Plaza, Knife Pleat.
The heart of Mila's Kitchen Hawaii is the 6-year old "boss" of the kitchen, Miss Mila Avalani, who is fondly known as Ava. She runs the kitchen, and is the muse for his art, as he connects his Hawaiian heritage with the flavors of Southern California to bring a taste of aloha in every bite and to share Hawaiian tradition with his Mila.
Mila's Kitchen is not just a dining destination; it is an immersive experience that uplifts the community by educating guests about healthy eating while embracing our rich cultural heritage. Through unique culinary experiences, we invite our visitors to celebrate the flavors of Hawaii, creating lasting memories that extend beyond the plate. Each visit is a journey that reinforces the importance of health, culture, and community, making every dining experience at Mila's Kitchen a meaningful celebration.
Our brand is rooted in authenticity, advancing the spirit of aloha and the rich concepts of Hawaiian culture. This commitment is at the forefront of everything we do, ensuring that each meal reflects true Hawaiian values.
About us
Meet Chef Charles & Mila
Want us to bring the aloha to your next party? We are a flexible mobile kitchen concept that provides Hawaiian catering, perfect for customizing special celebrations.
Like voyagers in a canoe, we are known as a nomadic kitchen, popping up whenever and wherever the best events and people are in Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire. We craft menus for special events, celebrations and for memorable occasions that include private chef services and food that match your event concept. We conveniently come to you or pop-up in your neighborhood bars, restaurants and favorite mom n' pop shops. All in all, whether at your home or at your event venue, convenience and high quality food are only one call away as Mila's Kitchen Hawaii brings the aloha to you.
SERVICES:
- Private Chef Dining Experiences
- Wedding Catering
- Corporate Events
- Food Truck Services
- Cooking Classes
“Chef Charles made our birthday such a special celebration.”
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Chef Charles was born and raised on the Garden Isle where they embrace the values of love of family, love of land, and love of culture. Mila's Kitchen Hawaii is deeply rooted in the belief that Hawaiian food is a way to perpetuate chef's indigenous culture, and remember the spirit of aloha in all that we do.
01. OHANA
Core values
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Food from the Asian Pacific region sustains our operation. Mila is both Filipina and Hawaiian, among other cultures represented in her identity, so chef creatively fuses different genres of food from different places around the world to create an unforgettable Hawaiian fusion dining experience.
02. CULTURE
Core values
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We believe that every one of our customers, employees and friends should be treated with aloha. Aloha is an overused, commercialized term, but in Hawaiian, it is a way of life. From caring for our planet to caring for our people, Mila's Kitchen Hawaii operates with the spirit of aloha in everything that we do.
03. ALOHA
Core values
