Red Salt, one of Hawaii's most iconic restaurants, taps globally seasoned chef

Red Salt, one of Hawaii's most iconic restaurants, has tapped a new culinary leader to shape the next phase of its oceanfront dining experience on Kauaʻi.

Red Salt, photo by Markets of Tomorrow © 

Kenneth “Kenny” Giambalvo has officially been named Executive Chef of Red Salt at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach, bringing decades of global experience and a track record of building standout restaurant concepts to one of the island’s most recognized boutique resorts.

Giambalvo steps into the role with a background spanning boutique hotels, large-scale restaurant operations, and internationally recognized kitchens, including time in New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore. Most recently, he led the launch of a 300-seat seafood and steakhouse in Oregon, overseeing everything from menu development to kitchen design, while earlier founding Portland’s acclaimed Bluehour Restaurant, which earned national recognition and invitations to cook at the James Beard House.

Red Salt, photo by Markets of Tomorrow ©

At Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach, his focus will center on evolving Red Salt’s menu with a stronger emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, while refining the restaurant’s existing identity. A refreshed menu is expected to debut this summer, introducing new dishes inspired by Kauaʻi’s land and surrounding waters alongside updated takes on signature favorites.

Beyond Red Salt, Giambalvo will oversee the resort’s broader culinary program, including updates to the Kala Kai Pool Bar, where new offerings and cocktails are being introduced to align with the property’s beachfront setting. The move signals a broader push to elevate the resort’s food and beverage experience while staying rooted in local flavors and culture.

With one of the closest-to-the-ocean footprints on the island and a reputation for intimate, high-end stays, Koʻa Kea is positioning its culinary program as a defining part of the guest experience—and this latest appointment sets the tone for what’s coming next.

Book a table at: https://redsaltkauai.com