From Maui Student to Head Chef: Meet Brian Tadena, the Chef Behind Trilogy's New Lāhainā Dinner Sail Menu
Chef Brian Tadena on the Lāhainā Captain’s Sunset Dinner Sail
Some stories come full circle.
For Chef Brian Tadena, that journey began as a student on Maui and has led him to become Head Chef of Kapena's Kitchen, Trilogy Excursions' in-house culinary team. Today, he's helping shape one of Trilogy's newest chapters through a reimagined menu aboard the Lāhainā Captain's Sunset Dinner Sail.
While guests may know him through the dishes arriving at their table each evening, Brian's story is about much more than food. It's about mentorship, hard work, and investing in the next generation of local talent.
A Maui Journey Rooted in Community
Born and raised on Maui, Brian graduated from Maui High School before continuing his culinary education at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Culinary Program.
Like many successful chefs, Brian credits much of his growth to the mentors who helped guide him along the way. One of the most influential was respected Maui chef Jr Ramones. "He taught me everything I know," Brian says. Those lessons helped shape not only his technical skills in the kitchen, but also his belief in giving back to the community that helped him succeed.
Today, that philosophy remains central to how he approaches his role at Trilogy.
Carrying Forward the Tradition of Mentorship
For Brian, success isn't measured solely by what's served on a plate. It's also about creating opportunities for others.
"Growing up on Maui, I was fortunate to have mentors who invested their time and knowledge in me," says Brian. "Being able to return that investment by mentoring others, sharing what I've learned, and helping create something special for our community is incredibly meaningful."
That perspective reflects a value long shared by Trilogy as a family-owned company: investing in people and creating opportunities for growth. As Trilogy continues welcoming guests aboard its sailing experiences, the company remains committed to supporting local talent and building careers on Maui.
Reimagining the Menu for Lāhainā
When Trilogy recently welcomed guests back aboard its Captain's Sunset Dinner Sail from Lāhainā Harbor, Brian saw an opportunity to elevate the culinary experience while staying rooted in island flavors. The result is a refreshed menu that blends locally inspired ingredients with refined techniques and thoughtful presentation.
Guests begin the evening with appetizer selections including Blackened Hawaiian Ahi Sashimi served with sriracha aioli, Guava Lacquered Pork Belly finished with Hawaiian pink sea salt, and Golden Beet & Maui Cucumber Poke marinated in a ginger shoyu dressing.
The menu continues with a Roasted Beet and Baby Romaine Salad featuring house-made lilikoi vinaigrette before guests choose from several entrée options.
Highlights include:
Misoyaki Mahi Mahi finished with misoyaki butter sauce
Red Wine Braised Short Rib with a rich demi-glace
Huli Huli Chicken glazed with an upcountry guava glaze
Market Vegetable Green Curry served with jasmine rice
Sides such as Molokaʻi sweet potato mash, ginger-shoyu baby bok choy, and harissa roasted carrots complement each entrée.
The evening concludes with a Ku’ia Chocolate Mousse Parfait layered with vanilla bean chantilly cream and fresh Kula strawberries.
Each dish reflects Brian's goal of creating a memorable dining experience that feels connected to the islands while celebrating fresh ingredients and local influences.
A Meaningful New Chapter
For guests aboard the Lāhainā Captain's Sunset Dinner Sail, the experience offers more than sunset views and exceptional cuisine. It's also an opportunity to support local talent and enjoy a menu created by a chef whose journey began right here on Maui.
If you'd like to learn more about the experience itself, including the sailing route, onboard atmosphere, and what to expect during the evening, read our guide to Trilogy's Lāhainā Captain's Sunset Dinner Sail.
At Trilogy, every meal tells a story. Chef Brian Tadena's story is one of dedication, mentorship, and giving back to the island community that helped him grow—and we're proud to share it with every guest who joins us on the water.