Outrigger Hospitality Group has announced two key operational appointments – Deab Kamiya as executive chef for its flagship Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Mitch Yokoyama as general manager for the Outrigger-managed Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations.
Kamiya overlooks the operations of the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort's newly revamped Kani Ka Pila Grille, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as exceptional room service. In addition, he is in charge of catering and the exclusive Voyager 47 Club Lounge.
Kamiya began his food and beverage journey in high school - from cooking plate lunches to washing dishes to bussing tables. Since 2007 and most recently, he was executive chef at Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra; before that, he was chef de cuisine at Ilikai Hotel.
Kamiya shared that on-the-job training was integral to his culinary growth. With a culinary arts qualification from a programme at Kapi'olani College and Leeward Community College, he enjoys challenging himself by pushing the envelope to create something better.
In 2016, Yokoyama joined the Outrigger family as assistant general manager at the Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations. As of 2021, he has assumed the role of interim general manager, overseeing resort operations cost-effectively and professionally to the satisfaction of guests, hosts and owners while meeting Hilton brand standards. Prior to joining Hokulani, Yokoyama held various positions with Hilton, including housekeeping manager, quality assurance coordinator for front- and heart-of-the-house, and resort and guest services manager.
With a bachelor's degree in psychology from Santa Monica College in California and fluent in Japanese, Yokoyama started with Hilton as a guest service agent (linguist) in their vacation-ownership area.
