Banyan Tree Kapalua

With nearly a decade of culinary experience, Chef Donovan Foster brings creativity, passion, and a deep appreciation for Maui's bountiful land to his role at the Banyan Tree. A true self-starter, Chef Donovan discovered his passion for cooking while helping his mother in their home kitchen in Missouri. His hands-on approach has seen him rise through the ranks, from spending time in small Missouri kitchens to joining The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis in 2020 as part of the team that opened the celebrated Casa Don Alfonso.

His connection to Maui began when he first set foot on the island for The Ritz-Carlton. He instantly fell in love with the island's vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, which have now become his daily inspiration. When he's not in the kitchen, you can find Chef Donovan adventuring outdoors and exploring Maui's natural beauty.

Passionate about sustainable sourcing, Chef Donovan collaborates with local purveyors like Hua Momona Farms, located up the road from the resort, using their microgreens and other farm-fresh produce to elevate the menu. His commitment to honoring Maui's bounty shines through in his seasonal menus, which celebrate the island's vibrant flavors from land to sea. He also encourages his team to continuously explore new techniques and ingredients, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation in the kitchen. With Banyan Tree's menu, Chef Donovan aims to surprise and delight guests with each dish.

Michael Kennedy's passion for wine started unexpectedly in his 7th-grade French class, where he first learned how wine brings people and families together. This early fascination continued through his studies at Purdue University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in international business and French language. After graduation, Kennedy became a Certified Sommelier and worked as a Sommelier at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. While at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Kennedy served as Beverage Director at Blue by Eric Ripert, and his exposure to world-class wines during this time inspired him to launch Component Wine Company in 2014.

Kennedy then went on to create Fraîche Wine Group, a collection of four wineries: Component Wine Company, Gagnon-Kennedy Vineyards, Borgo Bonelli, and SOM Wines. His goal is to cultivate exceptional wine and memorable hospitality experiences. Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 and recognized by Food & Wine Magazine, Bloomberg and Business Insider, Kennedy continues to influence the wine industry.

Chef Erin is passionate about fostering a team-oriented workplace and creating lifelong memories for guests. She returned to The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua in 2023 after working at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. Prior to the pandemic, she served as The Ritz-Carlton Maui's Assistant Pastry Chef. She honed her craft at NYC's famed Per Se under Thomas Keller and is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America.