Shaymus Alwin

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki - Honolulu, HI

Shaymus Alwin has returned to The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort as its executive chef after spending nearly 10 years at the resort’s culinary landmark, Azure Restaurant. As executive chef, he oversees all culinary operations across the 528-room property, including Azure, Mai Tai Bar, Surf Lanai, Royal Hawaiian Bakery, and Ahaaina, a Royal Hawaiian Luau, as well as banquets and special events. Alwin has crafted a reputation for blending innovative techniques with a deep respect for local ingredients. With a distinguished background that includes training with The French Laundry and other prestigious kitchens, he is redefining the resort’s culinary landscape with dishes that celebrate Hawaii’s vibrant produce and seafood, all while championing sustainability and farm-to-table practices.

Born and raised in Kennebunkport, Maine, Alwin discovered a love of cooking at a very young age. He enjoyed cooking Italian meals with his mother at age 10 and dreamed about becoming a chef. When Alwin started working at a local restaurant and got to see firsthand what it was about, there was no turning back. Alwin began his career at age 15 as a dishwasher at Seascapes Restaurant in Cape Porpoise, Maine. Under the mentorship of Chef Martin Carlton for six years, he worked his way to become sous chef.

In 2000, he made a move to the island of Oahu and joined Chai’s Island Bistro. He took a fry cook position and worked his way to become sous chef in three years. Prior to joining the resort, he held an executive chef position at Bistro Catering where he often served over 1,000 guests at events.

During his previous tenure at Pink Palace of the Pacific, Alwin was featured on the Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay in 2016. In the same year, he appeared at the acclaimed James Beard House in New York City. As the first and only chef from Oahu invited to the Beard House that year, Chef Alwin brought a taste of the islands to the Big Apple with his menu of locally sourced ingredients, including abalone and lobster from Hawaii Island. In 2017, he was one of two chefs who represented The Royal Hawaiian and the State of Hawaii at a Hawaii Tourism United States event in New York City promoting travel to the 50^th state.

Prior to his return to The Royal Hawaiian, Alwin held various positions with G. Lion. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with wife Nikki and their two children.