Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Roy attributes his early appreciation for food to his father, a career military man born and raised on Maui, and to his Okinawan-born mother. Roy took Home Economics class in high school, not knowing it would lead to a lifetime of culinary discoveries. He attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York’s Hyde Park, where he was exposed to classical traditions. After graduating from CIA in 1976, he spent some time apprenticing at L’Escoffier and then later at L’Ermitage in Los Angeles.
In 1984, he opened his first restaurant as an owner in Hollywood called 385 North. However, the desire to further expand his culinary horizons while getting closer to his roots led Roy to open his first Roy’s in Honolulu in December of 1988.
Today, with the support of his ohana, Roy now has 31 restaurants around the globe plus a new concept, The Tavern at Princeville by Roy Yamaguchi on Kauai.
Thank you for being a part of our ohana and joining Roy in his culinary journey.
About this location:
Dinner Service:
Daily – 5:00pm
Surrounded by the historic King’s Trail featuring petroglyphs and lava fields, Roy’s Waikoloa offers an exclusive dining experience with exceptional food and outstanding service. Located in the King’s Shops, Roy’s Waikoloa opened 17 years ago among luxury resorts, residences and boutique shops. Dine with us and enjoy the bounty of Hawaii Island with the freshest local ingredients, the creative talents of our chefs and a grand view overlooking the Kings’ Course fairway and lake.