The Acclaimed Chef Brings Decades of Culinary Leadership and Big Island Roots to the Oceanfront Resort
KAILUA-KONA, Hawai’i (August 14, 2025) — King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort proudly announces the appointment of George Gomes Jr. as Executive Chef. A native of Hawai‘i with more than 37 years of culinary experience, Gomes brings an extraordinary depth of knowledge, leadership, and island-rooted perspective to the culturally rich, beachfront resort.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Gomes to our ‘ohana here at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort,” said General Manager Revell Newton. “His local upbringing, unmatched experience across Hawai‘i’s top kitchens and deep commitment to sourcing locally and honoring culture through cuisine make him an incredible fit for our team.”
Prior to joining King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, Gomes served as the Executive Chef at the Royal Kona Resort, bringing a wealth of culinary expertise to the Kona dining scene. His impressive career spans decades, including a pivotal role in the 1990s when he partnered with acclaimed Chef Jean-Marie Josselin to develop menus and service standards for restaurants across O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i, and Las Vegas, serving as Corporate Chef and Partner.
Gomes has held esteemed roles across the Islands, including Executive Chef at Merriman’s Restaurant Hawai‘i in Kapalua, and Corporate Executive Chef for Tri-Star/Jas Restaurant Group, where he oversaw a portfolio of celebrated restaurants such as Sarento’s at the Ilikai Hotel on O‘ahu, Nick’s Fishmarket at Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, Sarento’s on the Beach in Maui, and Son’z at Swan Court at Hyatt Regency Maui. Gomes has also represented the spirit of Hawaiian cuisine internationally, with culinary experiences spanning New York City, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Taipei, and Tokyo.
In his new role, Gomes will lead the resort’s culinary operations, including its signature restaurants Honu’s on the Beach and Billfish Poolside Bar & Grill, catering programs, and the Island Breeze Lūʻau—consistently ranked the best lūʻau on the island. With his appointment, the property continues to showcase a commitment to authentic, locally driven dining experiences that honor the stories and traditions of the land.
About King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort
Experience the Island of Hawaiʻi like never before at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort. The culturally rich resort encompasses the land where King Kamehameha the Great peacefully governed after uniting all the Hawaiian Islands under his rule, and sits on 22 idyllic beachfront acres adjacent to the Kailua Pier. Set on a picturesque white sand beach, the beachfront resort features 455 contemporary guest rooms and suites with stunning water views, an infinity pool, oceanfront restaurants, an on-site day spa with daily sunrise yoga, and the #1-rated luau on the Big Island. With adventures and activities fit for any traveler only steps away from the resort, guests are invited to set sail, kayak, scuba-dive, paddleboard or even challenge themselves to the famous IRONMAN® World Championship Swim Course alongside the pier. Throughout the resort, visitors will find an endless array of history and culture, including the largest single collection of work from renowned Hawaiian Historian and Artist Herb Kawainui Kāne. For more information on King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, please visit konabeachresort.com.
