Robby Valdez

Leilani's on the Beach - Lahaina, HI

Robby Valdez is the Executive Chef at Leilani’s on the Beach. He has extensive experience in the scratch kitchens of multiple award-winning restaurants and is extremely ambitious and highly skilled in a wide variety of cuisines with a strong understanding of flavor profiles. A force of perseverance and determination, Valdez never fails to produce. In fact, his will to finish strong while simultaneously supporting his team leaves a lasting impression on all those who have worked alongside him. Valdez’s first experience working in the industry began at Sunnyside, Lake Tahoe, during his high school years. Following graduation, he sought higher education with the Art Institute of San Diego. Seeking to expand his knowledge and skill further, he aimed to gain real, live, kitchen experience and worked part-time as a line cook. He was quickly appointed the position of kitchen manager and would later open three restaurants in the position of sous, or executive chef, during his time in San Diego – even receiving the award for Best Burger in San Diego and being highlighted for his accomplishment in San Diego City Beat Magazine.

After spending 11 years in San Diego, Robby Valdez and his wife were torn between staying in the community they had come to love or making a shift toward Hawaii shores. He had reconnected with T S and with an abundance of potential, T S charted him off to Maui where he has been for over 10 years now.