HILO, Hawaii, March 27, 2012 -- Castle Resorts & Hotels is pleased to announce the addition of Chef Khamtan Tanhchaleun to its staff following the retirement of incumbent Chef Piet Wigmans. Chef Tanhchaleun will lead the food and beverage team at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, including the hotel's award-winning Queen's Court Restaurant, known for its inventive approach to traditional Hawaiian cuisine and its focus on fresh, local ingredients.

Chef Tanhchaleun, a long-time Hawaii resident, is a native of Laos with extensive culinary experience. He began his career at Waikiki's notable Michel's at the Colony Surf in 1972 where he quickly worked his way up to sous chef and sommelier. Chef Tanhchaleun followed his training at Michel's with extensive world travel and further training. In 1990 he returned to Hawaii to open the food and beverage facilities at the Hawaii Prince Hotel and Golf Club, where he remained employed until joining the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

"Chef Tanhchaleun is very well respected in the Hawaii culinary field and we are fortunate to have been able to recruit him to one of our premier dining establishments and meeting spaces. His appointment is the result of his extensive experience, personal creativity, and dedication to exceptional service," said President & COO Alan Mattson. "As we begin this new chapter at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and the Queen's Court Restaurant we would like to thank Chef Wigmans for his outstanding contributions and welcome Chef Tanhchaleun to our family."

The recently renovated Queen's Court Restaurant is a long-time favorite of visitors to Hawaii's Big Island and residents, alike. Known for offering exquisite Hawaiian, seafood, and holiday buffets in addition to inventive a la carte appetizers, entrees, and desserts, the restaurant also provides diners a carefully crafted wine and cocktail selection and is the premier Hilo destination for diners with a cultured palate.

Situated just outside quaint Hilo town and a 40-minute drive from the active Kilauea Volcano, the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is the ideal property for travelers exploring Hawaii's Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or simply visiting family or business associates in East Hawaii. The hotel offers guests the natural beauty and tranquility of Hilo Bay along with newly renovated banquet and meeting facilities, the Waioli cocktail lounge, and the Queen's Court Restaurant, complete with an exciting new menu bursting with fresh, local flavors.

ABOUT CASTLE RESORTS & HOTELS
Headquartered in Honolulu, Castle Resorts & Hotels manages a broad portfolio of guest accommodations including value/economy hotels, full-service hotels and spacious all-suite condominium resorts and luxury villas in the Hawaiian Islands on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Kauai and Hawaii; in Micronesia on Saipan; and in New Zealand on the North Island. To learn more or to make a reservation, visit www.castleresorts.com or call (800) 367-5004. Join us and keep up with current events at www.twitter.com/castleresorts and www.facebook.com/CastleResortsAndHotels.