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The islands of Hawaii boast a blend of culinary dishes and flavors. With influences from cultures around the world, tropical fruits and fresh seafood surrounding the area, chefs in Hawaii have the ability to create a variety of dishes using locally grown and harvested ingredients. As a leader in tourism, this state provides a wealth of opportunity for a career as a chef.
For many people, the idea of an education in this tropical paradise is exciting. At the Maui Culinary Academy or the Travel Institute of the Pacific, students can master the culinary arts specialty of their choosing. The average salary for a chef in Hawaii is $39,000. However, in highly visited areas, this number can quickly rise, leaving more opportunity available to people who aim to have a career in this field. Pastry chefs are in particular demand to serve the large number of resorts that host destination weddings.
Some of the most renowned include Chris Garnier, the executive chef at Roy's in Hawaii Kai, Wade Ueoka of Alan Wong's restaurant in Honolulu and Arnulfo Gonzalez of the Lahaina Grill in Lahaina. Casey Logsdon is one of Maui's top wedding cake designers and pastry chefs and has also won numerous awards for her designs.
If you want to be a chef in Hawaii, it is important to seek an internship under one of these or other top-rated chefs in the area. The best way to get started on that road is to begin checking out culinary programs in the region today.