Wade Ueoka

MW Restaurant - Honolulu, HI

A graduate of Mid-Pacific Institute, Wade Ueoka was born and raised in Hawaii, and attended Kapiolani Community College’s Culinary Program. His first job was a fry cook at Zippy’s Restaurants. His humble beginnings led him to becoming a prep cook at Alan Wong’s Restaurant, and seven years later, Ueoka rose to become Chef de Cuisine. Ueoka completed notable stages at The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California, and Las Vegas’ Alex. In 2013, with the support of family and investors, Ueoka opened MW Restaurant alongside his wife Michelle Karr-Ueoka. In 2016, Hawaiian Airlines announced the duo in their Featured Chef Series with their dishes being featured in Hawaiian Airlines’ Japan Routes. Ueoka has been recognized Nationally as a Rising Star Chef and has received numerous local awards for being one of the leading chefs in Hawaii. In 2020, Wade Ueoka became the Executive chef for Hawaiian Airlines first class meals.