Taisei Lee

General Manager & Podcaster, Roy's Ko Olina - Honolulu, HI

Born and raised on the west side of Oahu, Taisei Lee is a local boy whose life and work have been shaped by a deep appreciation for people, culture, hospitality, and the stories that bring us together.

As a hospitality professional, Taisei has had the honor of carrying forward the legacy of Chef Roy Yamaguchi at Roy’s Ko Olina, one of the most celebrated restaurants in Hawaiʻi. His experience in fine dining has given him a front-row seat to the delicate balance between culinary excellence, human connection, and the moments that transform a meal into a memory.

Beyond the restaurant, Taisei is a devoted father to three beautiful daughters, a role that continues to shape his understanding of love, purpose, and what it means to leave something meaningful behind.

More recently, he has found a new passion in podcasting alongside his brother, Kenji, as co-host of Brotherlee Time, one of Hawaiʻi’s premier podcasts. Together, they explore the lives of remarkable people across the islands, namely, individuals who understand their purpose, stand for something greater than themselves, and have stories worth sharing.

Whether in a restaurant, at home with his daughters, or behind a microphone, Taisei is drawn to the same fundamental question…
“What makes us human, and what makes our time together matter?”

As moderator of “Can AI Taste?” at the 2026 Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival, he brings a perspective grounded in hospitality, curiosity, and a belief that the future of food must never lose sight of the people who give it meaning.