Executive Chef / Owner Raul Bermudez

One of the many common experiences we share in life is eating in a restaurant. We all find ourselves
caught up in the excitement of a bustling restaurant. The anticipatory wait for a table. Delectable smells coming from the kitchen. The sizzling of steaks on the grill, boiling pots on the stove and the chopping of fresh vegetables on a wooden block. All notes in a culinary symphony that many enjoy, but only a few truly hear.

For Executive Chef Raul Bermudez, the call came at an early age.           While dining at a local restaurant with friends, Raul became infatuated with the cooks in the kitchen and set out the next week to get a job as a cook.

He was only seventeen but knew exactly what he wanted to be doing.        It is not often young men become so focused on a desire that will drive them for decades.

With a lifelong dedication to the culinary arts, Executive Chef Raul Bermudez has established himself
as one of the most talented chefs on Maui. His creative artistry in the kitchen has brought him to the
pinnacle of success and popularity with his ability to blend contemporary island flavors. And now, he
has returned to the west side, opening the Kahana Sands Restaurant and Bar.

Starting at the Hyatt Regency in Ka’anapali, Raul spent eight years working his way up from the
bottom, as a prep cook. With extensive training in the classic French-style, he eventually became
Sous Chef of the acclaimed Swan Court Restaurant. From there he became Executive Sous Chef
at the Kea Lani Hotel and Villas. He proceeded on to the Sea Watch Restaurant in Wailea where
he transformed a clubhouse eatery in to one of Wailea’s finest dining restaurants.

An award-winning executive chef for years while serving at other restaurants, Raul made the decision
to open his own restaurant. In August of 2003, Big Wave Cafe, located at the Long’s Shopping Center
in Kihei, opened it’s doors. Anyone who has ever had any of his great food will
tell you that when he’s exercising his skill in the kitchen, every diner is in for a culinary treat.

Now Chef Bermudez is bringing his talent, energy and creativity to the Sands of Kahana resort.
Take Chef Bermudez’ talents, place them in an oceanfront restaurant with stunning sunset views, a
comfortable family oriented atmosphere and what do you get? ... An absolute winner for every diner
who visits the Kahana Sands Restaurant.

Big Wave Cafe, Kihei

Visiting the South side for the day? Tired and hungry after a day at the crater or heading back from the road to Hana. Then swing by our sister restaurant in Kihei and fuel up before the long drive back to the westside.

Located in Longs Shopping Center Kihei Big Wave Cafe is     the  first home of award winning chef/owner Raul Bermudez. Delivering great food at great prices while using only the  freshest Maui-grown vegetables, fruits and local seafood,        Big Wave features some of the most innovative dishes
at some of the most affordable prices in town.

Whether you choose to dine in our main room filled with bright, exuberant colors and air-conditioned comfort, or   on our patio where you can enjoy the beautiful tropical weather only Maui can provide, you will be greeted with friendly service, cool drinks and great food. All served with plenty of aloha.

Open daily from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm, Big Wave Cafe serves up a la carte brunch, late lunch and dinner. Featuring an excellent menu for those looking to dine-in or take out