Mila’s Kitchen Hawaii Poke Bar

12/01/2025

10/24/2025

Born and raised on O‘ahu, Chef Bricyn “Kale” Afong is a self-taught Native Hawaiian chef whose cooking is rooted in resilience and aloha. From learning to cook at age 8 to feed his baby brother, to working at Zippy’s as a teen parent, Kale’s journey is one of grit and heart.

Today, with his wife Claren, their children, and grandson, he continues to blend family and food through his “Ocean to Table” experiences taking guests diving, fishing, and cooking their fresh catch. His YouTube channel Hawaii’s Only shares island recipes and adventures from land and sea.

10/24/2025

Chef Ippy Aiona was born and raised in the culinary industry to his Italian mother and a Kānaka father. His dad had a Hawaiian Plate Lunch shop and his mother had an Italian Restaurant setting a fire to his passion for everything food. Ippy was top of his class from Le Cordon Bleu, was the youngest finalist on Food Network’s “Food Network Star” and was Forbes Magazine Food & Wine “30 under 30” list. With deep respect for the islands, his restaurant, Ippy’s Hawaiian BBQ, is a Hawaii must visit!

10/24/2025

✨ Honored at the Island Swirl Launch Party • Disneyland® Hotel • Nov 5, 2025

🌺 Hawaiian Hero: Chef Nakoa Pabre
Known for his authentic flavors and heart for community, Chef brings the essence of Kailua-Kona to every table. Through Umekes Restaurant, he uplifts local fishermen and Big Island flavors, proving that aloha is best served fresh. 🎣

09/29/2025

I know you all have been waiting for the big announcement since we hit pause on the food truck. Something even bigger was calling.

On November 5th, we’ll celebrate at the Disneyland Hotel with the reveal of our newest location and a brand-new dessert debut of my modern take on 🍨🌺 Pani Popo reimagined: coconut, caramelized sweetness, and cinnamon rolled into one Island Swirl.

This private launch event will also honor:
🎓 Our interns & the academic institutions who’ve helped us grow
🍰 The innovation behind our next dessert release
🌟 The milestone that marks our biggest leap forward yet

Not everyone can be in the room, but this journey is for all of you! Stay tuned…we’ll be sharing the reveal right here on Nov 5! 💫

09/25/2025

🌺✨ Meet the 2025 Mila’s Kitchen Hawai‘i Internship Cohort! ✨🌺

This year, we’re proud to welcome an incredible group of interns whose academic journeys span some of the region’s most respected institutions:

🎓 California State University, Fullerton – Business Management Program (our official university site partner)
🎓 Cal Poly Pomona – Collins College of Hospitality Management
🎓 Mt. San Antonio College
🎓 University of La Verne
🎓 University of California, Riverside
🎓 University of California, Santa Barbara
🎓and our food science intern from University of Maryland!

Each week, we’ll be spotlighting one of our interns & sharing their stories, passions, and what inspires them as part of the Mila’s Kitchen Hawai‘i ‘ohana. 💛🌴

09/16/2025

We’re so proud of our incredible pastry chef interns at MK Hawaii! They absolutely crushed their first night, producing dozens of pastries for this week’s chef-catered event. 🥐💫

As an official internship partner to Cal State Fullerton, we were thrilled to welcome international students and Cal Poly Pomona Hospitality Management talent who are diving into our seasonal internship program.

🍫🥧 There are still 4 slots open for Guest Relations & Assistant Pastry roles. We are looking for students ready to grow in a high-energy, creative kitchen. Send your candidates our way and join the Mila’s Kitchen ‘ohana!

07/06/2025

Our very own Mila Avalani won 1st place in the .central Yorba Linda coloring contest! Her shave ice was so colorful, and she found real shells at the beach and pasted them to her artwork. This is the second art award she has received and we are so proud of her! 🎨🎨🎨

03/09/2025

That one time I was on the cover of 🔥

02/28/2025

🚨 Guess where Chef Charles is catering next! 🚨

Here’s your clue:

⚾ A legendary place where the Boys in Blue make history.

🌭 He’s making a signature dog for a very special client!