Hawaiian Airlines has appointed Dell Valdez as its new executive chef for first-class dining, succeeding the team from MW Restaurant. Valdez, a Hawaii native, brings his experience from local establishments to enhance the airline's in-flight menus. His new dishes debuted on international flights this week.
Hawaiian Airlines announced on March 5, 2026, that Dell Valdez will serve as the new executive chef for its first-class dining program. Valdez, born and raised in Hawaii, has been part of the airline's culinary team since 2021. He succeeds the husband-and-wife duo Wade and Michelle Ueoka of MW Restaurant, who had led the program since 2021.
Valdez is known for his work at Vein at Kakaako, Dell’s Kitchen and Bakery, and Mio Pastalogy. His menus for international business class guests include braised short rib with scallion ginger risotto and roasted chicken with shiso beurre blanc. These debuted on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, with domestic first-class flights scheduled to follow later in the year.
Valdez will continue to oversee the airline's featured chef series. “It’s an honor to bring the flavors I grew up with to guests from around the world,” Valdez said. “Hawaiian Airlines is such an important symbol of home, and I wanted these menus to reflect that feeling of warmth and belonging. Every dish is inspired by the ingredients and traditions that make Hawaii special, prepared with the same care and intention we put into our food at home.”
Starting in May 2026, Hawaiian Airlines will introduce a first-class pre-order meal program. Passengers can select from an increasing number of meal options throughout the year, available via the airline's mobile app or website from two weeks to 20 hours before departure.
