Our Maui Restaurant is in Good Hands
Meet the talented team behind Banyan Tree Kapalua. Highlighted by a hand-crafted wooden bar wrapping the heart of Banyan Tree—one of the premier seafood restaurants in Maui and a standout among Maui Kapalua restaurants—our open-concept design offers expansive ocean views, honoring Hawaii's banyan trees as timeless gathering spots for exceptional Maui dining. Indulge in our vibrant seafood restaurant menu of coastal cuisine, showcasing sustainable island ingredients and bountiful sea treasures like Josper-grilled fresh catches.
Ignacio Carballo
With over a decade of experience in some of Hawaii's most respected kitchens, Chef Ignacio Carballo brings a global perspective and a deeply personal touch to his role as Chef de Cuisine at Banyan Tree. A self-taught chef and avid traveler, his culinary journey began after relocating from the Canary Islands to the U.S., where he transitioned from construction work to the kitchen—starting as a pastry cook and rising through the ranks to become a respected culinary leader.
Michael Kennedy
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.