Derrin Abac has joined Hotel Wailea, Hawaii’s only Relais and Châteaux property, as Director of Food and Beverage to lead the resort-wide
culinary team including The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, the property’s acclaimed signature restaurant, and Birdcage Bar, an open-air lounge concept with dramatic island views.
Continuing Hotel Wailea’s tradition of supporting local talent in the state of Hawaii, Derrin is a fourth-generation Maui resident with an esteemed background having worked at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago at Four Seasons Resort Maui and earned his Advanced Sommelier accreditation from the Court of Master Sommeliers. With Derrin at the helm, Hotel Wailea’s distinguished food and beverage program will continue its impressive trajectory as one of Hawaii’s most sought-after culinary and event destinations.
Growing up in Maui and working in the pineapple industry as a teen, Derrin credits his upbringing for his strong work ethic and thirst for knowledge. Derrin entered the restaurant industry at age 16 as a dishwasher and eventually ascended to the role of general manager at one of Hawaii’s most highly regarded restaurant concepts, where he also served as beverage director. During his tenure at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, Derrin discovered an immense curiosity for food and beverage through regular food and wine tastings and pairings. The experience inspired him to pursue the rigorous curriculum of courses and tests required to achieve Advanced Sommelier, a designation he earned in 2020. In search of a new location to expand his culinary prowess, Derrin arrives at Hotel Wailea with plans to further enhance the property’s food and beverage offerings for its discerning guests as well as those celebrating milestone occasions at the hotel’s extraordinary collection of venues, including its dramatic ocean-view Treehouse.
In his free time, Derrin enjoys giving back to the community in which he was raised. He is a supporter of the Maui Memorial Medical Center, where Derrin and many of his family members were born. Derrin received their education at Maui Community College, where he took coursework in areas including accounting.
Hotel Wailea’s starting rates begin at $899/night. For reservations, please visit www.hotelwailea.com.
