Kuulei Akuna

Little Plum - Honolulu, HI

Born and raised on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, Kuulei Akuna has dedicated her life to the art of hospitality for over 15 years. With a passion for creating memorable experiences, she has embraced every front-of-house position in the industry, from Bartender to General Manager.

As a Certified Sommelier, Akuna has honed her skills and knowledge in the world of wine, further enhancing the dining experience for her guests. Her belief in making every guest feel at home at her bar, ensures that each visit is not just about food and drink, but about building connections and creating lasting memories. Her journey through the hospitality landscape has included bar and management roles at renowned establishments such as Livestock Tavern in Chinatown, Honolulu, Pint and Jigger, and The Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki, and an opening ownership role in Wild Orange.

Today, Akuna proudly stands as an Owner & Operating Partner of Little Plum, a nostalgic, Japanese restaurant in Manoa Marketplace, alongside its sister retail outlet, Uncle Paul’s Corner Store, where her commitment to exceptional hospitality continues to shine. With an excited eye toward the future, she eagerly anticipates the finalization of their third store, Lady Elaine, a Mediterranean concept, opening soon in Manoa Marketplace.