Chuck Furuya, MS

Master Sommelier - Honolulu, HI

Chuck Furuya first began working in restaurants while attending college as a way to earn extra income. Wine and food quickly became his passion so he pursued work at some of Hawaii’s most highly-regarded establishments, including Bagwell’s 2424 in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki and La Mer at the Halekulani. He also served as cellarmaster at the former Kahala Hilton.

Wine service and education led him on the path to certification as Master Sommelier. In 1988, while working at Bagwell’s, Chuck became only the 10th person in the United States – and the only person in Hawaii – to pass the rigorous Master Sommelier examination.

A noted expert on pairing wines with Pacific Rim cuisine, Chuck continues to collaboratewith some of the finest chefs in the world while he brings his expertise to guests of Hawaiian Airlines as their official sommelier