Personal Chef and Caterer Honolulu
Award-Winning Cuisine, Served Where You Are
Transform your home, vacation rental or Event into a world-class dining destination with 50+ years of culinary mastery
"If you can imagine it, we can make it!"
53+
Years Experience
12+
Hale 'Aina Awards
1000+
Events Catered
Tailored Culinary Experiences
Exquisite food, expert coordination, and gracious service for your special moments
It's Personal
Personal Chef Services
Custom menu creation tailored to your unique style and budget. Perfect for intimate gatherings, dinner parties, and elegant cocktail receptions.
Premium service ware & professional staffing
Legendary service & attention to detail
Serving homes & vacation rentals
Throughout Oahu
$150+ Per Person
Beyond Expectations
Catering
Customized menus for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations of any scale. From intimate gatherings to grand affairs, executed with precision and style.
Premium service ware & professional staffing
Legendary service & attention to detail
Serving homes & vacation rentals
Throughout Oahu
Custom Pricing
Hands-on Learning
Cooking Classes
Guided classes creating multi-course meals from start to finish. Perfect for team building, family gatherings, date nights, and celebrations.
All ingredients & professional tools included
Expert instruction from Chef David Paul
Designed for intimate gatherings
All ages & skill levels welcome
Contact For Details
Culinary Artistry
A glimpse into world-class cuisine and unforgettable dining experiences
PRICING
Transparent Pricing for Exceptional Experiences
Every event is unique. Our pricing reflects the quality, expertise, and personalized service you deserve.
Per Person
$150+
Menu Dependent
Custom menu creation
Premium fresh ingredients
Expert food preparation
Kitchen cleanup included
Professional Staffing
$45/hr
Per Server • 5-Hour Minimum
Experienced service staff
Professional presentation
Attentive guest service
Event coordination support
Service Ware
Available
As Needed
Premium dinnerware
Elegant glassware
Flatware & linens
Complete table settings
Important Pricing Notes
Final pricing varies based on menu selections and ingredient availability
Taxes and gratuity are at client discretion
Travel fees may apply for remote locations
Ready to discuss your event and get a custom quote?
Chef David Paul
Award-Winning Menus, Brought to Your Table Across Honolulu
Explore Our Sample Menus and Start Imagining Your Evening
Welcome to an extraordinary culinary journey, where we invite you to savor the finest creations from the kitchen of Chef David Paul. Every dish we serve is a love letter to the Hawaiian islands, rooted in the rich, fertile soil of local farms and the pristine, bountiful waters that surround us.
From vibrant farm-fresh produce to thoughtfully raised organic poultry, lamb, and beef, and the freshest fish pulled straight from Hawaiian waters, every ingredient is chosen with intention and care.
Your evening unfolds as a beautifully composed progression of courses, beginning with a tantalizing appetizer that sets the tone for the meal ahead. From there, you'll be treated to a carefully crafted soup or salad, followed by a sumptuous dinner entrée accompanied by perfectly complementing starches and seasonal vegetables.
To close your experience on a sweet note, a decadent dessert awaits, a fitting finale to an unforgettable meal.
All of this is offered at one elegant, all-inclusive price, so you can sit back, relax, and simply enjoy the moment.
Come gather at our table and let the vibrant, authentic flavors of the Hawaiian islands transport you. We are honored to be a part of your story.
Starters
Soups & Salads
Entree's
Side Dishes
Desserts
THE JOURNEY
From Humble Beginnings to
Culinary Excellence
Meet Chef David Paul
From humble beginnings and a seriously troubled adolescence, Chef David Paul elevated himself to one of Hawaii's brightest culinary stars, turning a teenage passion for cooking into a brilliant career spanning over 30 years.
"I was in a juvenile detention center. We were allowed to watch only Public Television and I became enthralled with Julia Child. That was it for me," he recalls. At 14, he began washing dishes at a pizza parlor, eventually finding his mentor Max Mercier who taught him French cooking fundamentals and encouraged his culinary journey through Paris, Mexico, and Japan.
In 1990, he opened the legendary David Paul's Lahaina Grill, collecting more than a dozen consecutive Hale 'Aina Awards and earning recognition from Gourmet Magazine as one of "America's Top Tables" and three stars from renowned critic Mimi Sheraton in Condé Nast Traveler.
Awards & Recognition
Dozen+ Hale 'Aina Awards
James Beard House Featured Chef
Gourmet Magazine Top Tables
Johnson & Wales Distinguished Chef
A career defined by awards, refinement and island influence. Chef David Paul trained in Paris, Mexico and Japan, opened renowned restaurants and earned national recognition, a career defined by awards, refinement and island influence.
Client Experiences
★★★★★
"Chef David Paul transformed our anniversary celebration into an unforgettable culinary journey. Every dish was a masterpiece, and his attention to detail was impeccable. Truly a world-class experience in our own home."
Sarah & Michael T.
Kahala, Oahu
★★★★★
"We've hired personal chefs around the world, but Chef David Paul's expertise and warmth are unmatched. He created a custom menu that perfectly captured the essence of Hawaiian cuisine with his signature sophistication."
James R.
Vacation Rental, Hawaii Island
★★★★★
"From the initial consultation to the final course, Chef David Paul's service was legendary. Our corporate retreat became the talk of the company. His coordination with our event was seamless and professional."
Patricia L.
Corporate Event, Oahu
The David Paul Signature
Signature Style
Experience exquisite food, expert coordination, and gracious service.
My Commitment
Locally sourced produce and the freshest ingredients mean food that is exceptional in quality and taste.
It's Personal
I work with you to create a menu that fits your personal style and budget.
Make any occasion memorable with Chef David Paul
Dear Busy Host,
Have you ever missed your own party?
Has this ever happened: you've thrown a party and spend the whole night running back to check on the food... and you finally sat down and someone asks for more wine.
Then the timer goes off and you realize you forgot the salad. By the end you're tired and you barely talked to anyone.
My Story
I started cooking when I was 14 and washed dishes at a pizza parlor. One day I saw Julia Child on TV and something clicked... I wanted to do that.
I trained in Paris, Mexico and Japan. I opened David Paul's Lahaina Grill in 1990 and ran it for years. That restaurant won a dozen Hale 'Aina Awards and became one of the top restaurants in Hawaii and listed among the top restaurants in America.
Gourmet Magazine put us on their list of America's Top Tables. Condé Nast Traveler gave three stars.
The James Beard House in New York invited me to come cook for them. That meant a lot to me. Bon Appétit also featured us
Now I Come To You
Working as a personal chef in Hawaii has been a fun and exciting experience for both my clients and me. I get to do what I love doing and I get to share my years of experience as a chef. I come to your home or vacation rental and cook for you there.
Birthday dinner, anniversary, retirement party, holiday gatherings, corporate lunch or whatever you've got planned. I handle the food so you can enjoy your guests.
I will meet you first and we talk about what you like, what your guests eat and what fits your budget. Then I build a menu around that.
Everything is fresh and locally sourced when possible. I show up and serve. You don't do anything but eat and have a good time.
Private chef service starts at $150 per person depending on the menu. I bring a professional serving staff as needed and all the service equipment for an additional fee.
Catering For Bigger Events
For bigger events I do full catering. Weddings, graduations, cocktail parties and corporate functions... buffet, plated or family style. My team handles coordination and service ware and all the details.
I work all over Oahu. Private home, vacation rentals, condominium dining rooms, guest lounges and poolside venues to your backyard or wherever you need me.
Learn To Cook With Me
I also teach cooking classes. Small groups are hands-on and you get to cook with me.
This is great for couples, families and team building at work.
Beginners welcome. You learn real skills and eat great food at the end.
What Clients Say
One client said they've hired private chefs around the world but my expertise and warmth are unmatched.
One corporate client told me their retreat dinner was all anyone talked about the next day.
That's what I'm going for every time.
Let's Talk
Got something coming up? Let's have a conversation about it. Consultations are free.
Call or text me at 808-895-6777 or email [email protected]. Just tell me what you're working with. We'll figure out the rest from there.
—Chef David Paul
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I charge for children?
Children under 12 are half price if they eat off the same menu and the minimum chef-fee is met.
What time do you arrive to set up and serve the meal?
Depending on what time you want to dine, I try to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours ahead of time to set up, finish cooking and serve.
How long does dinner service last?
On average and depending on the number of guests, dinner lasts for 2.5 to 3.5 hours including clean-up and packing.
Do we need to have a server, is that optional?
I don’t usually work alone; this allows me to focus on meal preparation. So no, having a server is not an option.
Is gratuity included? If not, what is the appropriate amount to give and to who?
Gratuity is not included in my services and is usually at client discretion. Average amount is based on check total, usually around 20 percent of pretax total.
Are substitutions available?
Yes, but it depends on what menu item(s). Generally, everyone eats from the same menu, and the menu can be constructed around any specific menu needs. I.e., vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan.
Can you provide birthday or anniversary cakes?
Yes, there is an additional charge depending on the cake and how many it is for.
How many courses do you include?
1 to 2 appetizers start as passes or plated, then soup or salad or both, entrée with starch and vegetable, and finally your dessert.
Do you provide beverages?
I can provide beverages including alcohol like wine and after dinner aperitifs as a courtesy service at cost plus a ten percent service fee. Wine pairing is one of my specialties.
How much notice do you need to schedule an event?
Depending on the size of the event, I recommend at least one week’s notice for dinner parties. For catered events I recommend as much lead time as possible to organize the event and secure equipment and staff.
Reserve Your Culinary Experience
Ready to elevate your next gathering?
Let's create an unforgettable dining experience tailored exclusively for you.
Let's Connect
Call, text, or email to begin planning your extraordinary private dining experience. Complimentary consultations available.
(808) 895-6777
Honolulu Metropolitan Area
Perfect for intimate dinners, special celebrations, corporate events, and vacation rental experiences
Please share a few details so we can tailor your experience
Exquisite Private Dining Experiences
Private Chef
Catering
Cooking Classes
Contact
Ready to create an unforgettable culinary experience? Get in touch today.
(808) 895-6777
Honolulu Metropolitan Area
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