Lance Kosaka

BASALT - Honolulu, HI

Lance Kosaka joined the BASALT culinary team in April 2025. He was born in Honolulu and raised in Aiea, where he was influenced by his aunties on the importance of making good food for family gatherings. He always had a keen interest in cooking, but as a boy he wanted to be a fireman or a marine biologist. He is a graduate of Iolani School and received a degree in Sociology from the University of Hawaii, but it wasn’t until after college that he discovered his calling as a chef and attended the Kapiolani Community College culinary program.

In 1995, Kosaka joined Chef Alan Wong to help open his famed King Street restaurant. It was there that he developed his culinary skills. Under Chef Wong’s tutelage, Kosaka helped to open several of the brand’s restaurants. After 17 years, he moved on to lead the culinary teams at Café Julia, Sky Waikiki, Top of Waikiki, 53 By The Sea, Merriman’s and most recently Mariposa.

His philosophy as a chef is to keep things simple and approachable. He strives to make the dining experience at BASALT relaxed and comfortable. He gets excited when trying something new that works. He is thrilled when his staff provides excellent service and is happy when he sees a young cook grow and become more passionate about food.

Lance Kosaka is thankful to his wife, Kathleen, who reminds him daily of what’s important in life and keeps him grounded. When not in the BASALT kitchen, he can be found at home enjoying time with his family.