Pa’ina by Ocean

03/31/2026

It’s hard to believe that in just a couple weeks, Ocean will be wrapping up his time at 🎓

Texas was easy to fall in love with, but Hawaiʻi still guides his heart — and his palate. What’s been most special are the full-circle moments along the way. Vendors he first connected with as a 15-year-old kid are now the same ones supporting his vision today.

During his final semester, Ocean had the opportunity to work in the campus restaurant, composing dishes that highlight the best from and bringing an elevated taste of Hawai'i to the middle of America. 🐟

Mahalo to the team at Blue Ocean for supplying incredible kanpachi — and surprise swag to keep the students inspired all the way through the finish line 🤍

04/30/2025

We haven't posted much lately, but this update was worth sharing with our Pā'ina fam!

We are thrilled to share that Ocean has temporarily relocated to Los Angeles to complete an externship at the highly acclaimed restaurant, Providence! A two Michelin Star restaurant, Providence is mastermind Chef Michael Cimarusti's fine-dining destination that delivers innovative and sustainable seafood - right up Ocean's alley!

We prayed on this opportunity. Ocean poured his heart into working toward this opportunity. And he survived his first day! 😆

Hopefully we get some bts to post more along this journey! 🤙🏽

03/15/2024

HAU’OLI LĀ HĀNAU to our “Chef”, the founder of Pā’ina by Ocean - Kamaha’o Ocean! 🎈Today he celebrates his 18th birthday and it with great pleasure that we also share his commitment to the Culinary Institute of America - San Antonio! 🥳

Ocean will spread his wings this Fall with a move to Texas to continue his education and training within a top-notch culinary institution.

We are so proud of all your accomplishments, Ocean, and can’t wait for all the amazing things you’ll continue to do 🔪♥️

02/03/2023

Excited for tomorrow! Come check out Ocean at 10:30AM - Pukalani Stables. He’ll be taking the place of dad, Chef Jayson, who will be his Sous 🙂 Then stick around for the one-and-only, Chef Alan Wong!

CELEBRITY CHEF Alan Wong headlines the festival's lineup of chef demos!—he appears 1pm at Pukalani Stables. The detailed itinerary of the festival's chef demos at Kamuela Hongwanji and Pukalani Stables, plus entertainment at the Stables and Church Row Park, follows:
• Kamuela Hongwanji Chef Demos:
10am Shiono, 11am Chef Junior Ulep of The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort's Meridia, noon Chef Allen Hess of FORC
• Pukalani Stables Chef Demos:
10:30am Jason Kanekoa of Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 11:30am-1pm Pukalani vendors demo crepes, falafel, Ukrainian and Filipino food, 1pm Hawaii Celebrity Chef Alan Wong
• Church Row Park Entertainment with MC Kuehu Mauga
9:15am Hula Halau Poohala, 10:30am Ryukukoku Matsuri Taiko Taiko, 11:15am Chinese Lion Dance
• Pukalani Stables Entertainment:
10:15am Chinese Lion Dance, 11am Bon Odori Taiko, 1:30pm Darlene Ahuna

01/30/2023

It’s been a while but we’re back! 😊

Ocean will be kicking off 2023 this coming weekend at the 30th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Waimea!

CHECK US OUT at Pukalani Stables at 10:30am for Ocean’s FREE cooking demo! Learn how to make one of his favorite recipes utilizing local shiitake mushrooms, sample his dish (first come, first serve) and snap some photos 📸 Stick around for a day of festivities and check him out again at 1pm as he assists one of his all-time favorite mentors!

We’re stoked that the Cherry Blossom Festival is making its return and hope to see you there! 🤙🏽🌸