Kamahao Kanekoa
Waimea
Summary
Motivated cook with a strong passion for the art of cooking and
a desire to apply acquired skills in a professional kitchen environment.
Eager to learn new techniques and gain hands-on experience while
working under the guidance of experienced management.
Overview
1
1
Certification
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Line Cook
American Seasons
Nantucket
06.2026 - Current
- Prepared meals in fast-paced environment serving 200+ covers
- Ensured efficiency and accuracy in kitchen operations
- Worked Under Chef Neil Ferguson
Line Cook - Culinary Externship
Providence LA
Los Angeles
04.2025 - 07.2025
- Contributed to the team that gained Providence's 3rd Michelin star.
- Cooked with extreme accuracy in fast-paced, high-stress environment
- Worked on garde manger station, cold appetizer station, and hot appetizer station, helped main line
Head Chef
Paina by Ocean, Culinary Experiences
Kamuela
08.2021 - 09.2024
- Promoted sustainability and farm-to-table
- Provided hospitality while interacting with guests and completed public speaking for food demonstrations
- Catered events for groups such as Apple, Coors Light, Toyota LA,Ironman Foundation, Food & Wine
- Created menus/dishes based on locally available produce
Volunteer Services
Inspire Church
Kamuela
04.2022 - 08.2024
- Practiced IMU cooking in an underground oven
- Cooked for church members once per week for 80 – 100 guests
- Prepared simple meals such as chili, fish, and spaghetti
Founder
Paina by Ocean, Online Farmers Market
Kamuela
03.2020 - 04.2022
- Founded a business dedicated to helping farmers ranchers and fishermen
- Distributed over 20,000 food boxes to the local community
- Moved over $500,000 worth of produce for 90+ different farmers, ranchers, and fishermen
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America
San Antonio, TX04-2026
Skills
- Culinary techniques
- Menu development
- Food safety practices
- Culinary presentation
- Inventory management
- Time management
- Team collaboration
Certification
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification National Restaurant Association, October 2024
Accomplishments
- Contestant, Top Chef Family Style, May 2021-June 2021
- FCCLA Food Innovations State & National - 1st Place 2024
- Keiki In the Kitchen Cooking Competition - 1st Place 2019
- FCCLA Knife Skills Competition State - 1st Place 2023
- Recognition from State of Hawaii Senate - Entrepreneurship and Community Contribution Award 2022
Timeline
Line Cook
American Seasons
06.2026 - Current
Line Cook - Culinary Externship
Providence LA
04.2025 - 07.2025
Volunteer Services
Inspire Church
04.2022 - 08.2024
Head Chef
Paina by Ocean, Culinary Experiences
08.2021 - 09.2024
Founder
Paina by Ocean, Online Farmers Market
03.2020 - 04.2022
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America