February 8, 2023 – The Island of Hawaii’s Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection announces the appointment of Mark Libunao as the new Executive Chef of its premier oceanfront restaurant, CanoeHouse. Chef Mark is already an integral part of the Mauna Lani team having worked on CanoeHouse’s reopening as Sous Chef from March 2021 to June 2022, after which he assumed the role of Chef de Cuisine at Mauna Lani.
Originally from Hilo, Hawai’i, Chef Mark is an instrumental component of the Mauna Lani team, bolstering CanoeHouse as a well-loved culinary destination and gathering place for generations of guests. Prior to his appointment to Executive Chef, Chef Mark worked as Sous Chef at Mandarin Oriental and Waldorf Astoria in Las Vegas, before joining Mauna Lani where he reinvented the menu at HāLani, the resort’s alfresco eatery that showcases breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes rooted in the spirit of local sourcing.
“I am grateful and honored to return and lead the culinary team at CanoeHouse in my new role as Executive Chef,” says Chef Mark Libunao. “Creating memorable experiences is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, and I look forward to continuing CanoeHouse’s legacy as the most loved restaurant on the Big Island and in the state of Hawai’i.”
“CanoeHouse’s success is rooted in the purpose-driven passion of our ‘ohana and Chef Mark has played an important role in the storied history of our signature restaurant,” said Sanjiv Hulugalle, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Mauna Lani. “Having grown up on Hawai’i Island, Chef Mark is an exciting appointment to the CanoeHouse team. We are honored to have him as our new Executive Chef, as we brighten the spotlight on Hawaii’s talented culinary community.”
