Kitchen Door Napa Lands in Hawaii in February 2023
The critically acclaimed restaurant to introduce dual concept at Wai Kai, a new Oahu recreation destination.
Kitchen Door Napa expands to Hawaii with its inaugural location within Wai Kai, Oahu’s first-of-its-kind waterfront recreation and entertainment destination. Set to open on February 10, 2023, the signature restaurant will feature a dual-dining concept presented by the trio of partners known for their hospitality and culinary expertise; Michelin-awarded Chef Todd Humphries, Maui-born restaurateur Richard Miyashiro, and Kitchen Door Napa Managing Partner Tim Seberson.
The three partners have been eyeing the Hawaii market for some time and they found the most suitable opportunity through a partnership with the exciting Wai Kai project. The nine-acre Wai Kai development is located within Hoakalei Resort in Ewa Beach on West Oahu.
“We wanted an anchor restaurant that delivers a high caliber of culinary techniques, harmonious flavors, and an excellent level of consistency,” said Larry Caster, director of retail development for Wai Kai Commercial Development, LLC. “With its impeccable reputation, Michelin-awarded chef and beloved fan following, Kitchen Door Napa will be an excellent complement to the dynamic offerings at Wai Kai and we’re elated to be the home of the first and only Kitchen Door in Hawaii.”
The synergistic restaurant concept, housed in a two-story, 7,200-square-foot establishment at the heart of Wai Kai, will bring a sophisticated yet approachable menu that caters to broad-ranging appetites. On the upper Plaza Level is the premier restaurant, the Plaza Grill, a family-friendly restaurant and bar in a contemporary setting. The venue will boast a full-service dining room, lanai seating with lagoon views as well as a private dining room ‘parlor’ for intimate gatherings and celebrations. The dining room is sophisticated yet inviting, highlighted by a wrap-around bar offering front row seats to the open kitchen.
A spiral staircase connects the Plaza Grill to the second concept located on the Wai Kai Lagoon level—the Boardwalk Cafe. Perfect for a quick dine-in or grab-and-go, this interactive yet intuitive counter-service restaurant will feature an all-day menu of eclectic yet traditional favorites, elevated and prepared a la minute by classically trained chefs.
“It’s been our long-held dream to establish a location in Hawaii. Being chosen as the signature restaurant at the next unprecedented immersive experience on Oahu is more than we could’ve imagined,” said Todd Humphries, chef and co-founder of Kitchen Door Napa. “We aim to honor and celebrate the local culture by creating a beautiful space that brings family and friends together to share a memorable meal.”
Designed by Studio GOGA, Kitchen Door Napa at Wai Kai presents a “destination-forward” restaurant aesthetic that seamlessly integrates the Hawaiian landscape and underscores the balance of form and function. Open floorplans, generous natural light and complementary tones and textures create an inviting atmosphere on both levels. Upon entering the dual dining venue, guests will be delighted with a feast for all the senses, starting with the warmth and energy of the space followed by the aroma emanating from the Humphries kitchen.
“Hawaii is an ideal destination to carry out our culinary and hospitality philosophy. Our mission is to create a sense of community where we locally source ingredients and serve flavorful dishes that are meant to be shared by a caring culture,” said Richard Miyashiro, restaurateur, and co-founder of Kitchen Door Napa.
Maui-born Miyashiro plans to continue honoring his Hawaii roots at this new location much like he has at the Napa restaurant which features several island-inspired dishes and the ever-popular Aloha Friday happy hour.
Designed to satiate and entice, the menus are designed with the active Wai Kai visitors in mind— whether engaging in water activities, entertainment events, or simply gathering with family and friends. Drawing on his 30 years of experience which includes cooking at notable restaurants in Hawaii, NYC and San Francisco, Chef Todd Humphries’ eclectic menu reflects the diversity of local and seasonal ingredients and global flavors.
Guests can expect favorites such as a variety of fresh salads, wood-fired pizzas, Asian-inspired noodles, local seafood, steak, house made desserts and a craft beverage program of spirits, beer, wine and sake. Future plans include curated tastemaker events with celebrity guest chefs, wine tastings, and other exclusive culinary experiences.
“Understanding that Wai Kai is meant to be a destination where people can find all they love about Hawaii in one spot, we conceived this restaurant to be a gathering place for locals and Hawaii visitors. We’re excited to offer a new space where everyone can come together, relax, and indulge in an incomparable dining experience,” said Tim Seberson, managing partner at Kitchen Door Napa.
Currently hiring, Kitchen Door Napa will create more than 75 new jobs for the local community.
Plaza Grill will be open for lunch Monday-Friday, dinner daily, and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Boardwalk Cafe will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. For more information, visit www.kitchendoorwaikai.com.
About Kitchen Door Napa
Kitchen Door Napa, originally located at the Oxbow Public Market, was co-founded in 2011 by Michelin-awarded Chef Todd Humphries, restaurateur Richard Miyashiro and managing partner Tim Seberson to deliver a menu that is always ingredient-driven, prepared by classically trained chefs celebrating eclectic flavors from around the globe. Since then, it has grown to become a beloved brand for its warm hospitality coupled with sophisticated cuisine bursting with flavors that showcase local and seasonal ingredients. In summer 2022, it relocated to First Street Napa. The same hospitality and level of cuisine that epicureans have come to expect of Kitchen Door Napa is carried over to the dual-concept restaurant at the heart of Wai Kai, the nine-acre development poised to become Oahu’s first-of-its-kind waterfront recreation and entertainment destination. Opening February 10, 2023, the dual-concept features the signature restaurant, the Plaza Grill, on the upper level, while the casual counter-service concept, Boardwalk Cafe, is located on the ground level. For more information, visit www.kitchendoorwaikai.com.
About Wai Kai
This exciting waterfront recreation and entertainment destination is set to open February 10, 2023 at Hoakalei Resort on West Oahu. The LineUp at Wai Kai will serve as a dynamic social and activity hub featuring the Wai Kai Wave powered by citywave® along with stand-up paddling, kayaking and other water activities on the adjacent Wai Kai Lagoon. A dual-concept restaurant presented by Michelin awarded Chef Todd Humphries of Kitchen Door Napa sits at the heart of the property with the Plaza Grill and the Boardwalk Cafe. Other dining venues include The LookOut Bar & Restaurant offering a front-row view of the surf action and Foam Coffee & Bar. The upscale Nalo Kai Club Lounge will also be available along with Sessions Lifestyle & Apparel. Events International will curate a robust schedule of engaging events and experiences for all ages across multiple onsite venues. For more information, visit: Wai Kai Experience and The LineUp.
Haseko Family of Companies
As a developer of residential, commercial and resort properties in Hawaii since 1973, the Haseko Family of Companies have built a solid reputation for high-quality projects and a genuine commitment to the community. Among its most prized hotel, commercial and residential projects are the award-winning, master planned communities of Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei Resort, Kauai Beach Villas and Kauai Hilton Hotel, Kaanapali Shores resort condominiums on Maui, The Courtyards at Punahou and Ocean View Center in Honolulu. The Haseko Family of Companies are separate and independent companies which include Wai Kai. For convenience, these companies are referred to as the Haseko Family of Companies.