This summer, Auberge Resort Collection’s Mauna Lani on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast invites guests to enjoy a unique dining experience at its Surf Shack, featuring a temporary residency from the celebrated Los Angeles izakaya, Ototo.
From now until September 1, diners can relish a fusion of flavors inspired by both Hawaiian and Japanese cultures, courtesy of chef Charles Namba and beverage director Courtney Kaplan, the minds behind Ototo.
Located at the resort’s outdoor area, the Surf Shack offers a laid-back atmosphere where guests can order a variety of dishes along with refreshing sake, all while seated at oceanfront picnic tables.
The izakaya, known for its vibrant food menu and award-winning sake program, earned a James Beard Award for its extensive selection this year, which Kaplan is excited to share with guests in Hawaii.
Kaplan has a vision to intertwine the worlds of sake and surfing during this special residency. Emphasizing the deep connections between Hawaii and Japan, one can draw parallels to the Mauna Lani resort’s past ownership by a Tokyo Corporation.
Highlighting a notable sake producer, Kaplan points to Tensei Brewery, located near Shonan Beach in Japan, where the master brewer has a passion for surfing and fermentation. This emphasis on ocean culture manifests in their “surf sakes,” designed to complement the seafood often enjoyed by beachgoers.
During the grand-opening weekend, which took place on June 6, Kaplan described the unique flavor profile of Tensei’s sakes as “fresh and breezy” yet “having depth and complexity,” mirroring the essence of Ototo’s culinary creations.
Chef Namba brings to Hawaii some of the beloved dishes that have made Ototo a destination in Los Angeles since its inception six years ago. Guests can indulge in the renowned potato salad garnished with pickled mustard greens, kurobuta sausage, and a jammy egg, or enjoy hiyashi chuka, a chilled ramen dish vibrant with avocado, tomato, and daikon sprouts.
For a taste of indulgence, the fish sando offers a peek into the restaurant’s playful culinary style, paying homage to popular fast-food inspirations.
The chili burger, a particularly whimsical dish, also reflects Namba’s understanding of food culture’s evolution. Originally dubbed the Ode to MOS Burger at Ototo in Los Angeles, it has been rebranded as Aloha to MOS Burger for its Hawaiian residency—highlighting a fascinating culinary lineage that connects Japan’s MOS Burger chain, L.A. inspirations, and the flavors of Hawaii.
Namba shares his enthusiasm for the venture, stating that the dishes resonate perfectly with the essence of Hawaii along with its historical link to Japanese culture. Despite being a Los Angeles native and a newcomer to Hawaii, he is committed to embracing the local vibes and culinary landscape.
The collaboration between Ototo and Mauna Lani appears to have been a serendipitous one, as neither Namba nor Kaplan can explain how their establishment caught the resort’s attention. Currently, however, they are content to focus on the experience at hand without worrying about future plans.
Emphasizing the cultural diversity and creativity prevalent in Los Angeles, Kaplan notes that visitors are starting to recognize this fluidity in cuisine, with chefs from the city being celebrated globally for their unique contributions to the culinary world.
Ototo represents this spirit, with Namba citing the izakaya’s diverse sake offerings and its blending of Italian and French influences.
In Hawaii, local ingredients such as daikon, cucumbers, watercress, and tomatoes accompany the core of Namba’s menu, ensuring a delightful harmony between local flavors and signature dishes.
As the Surf Shack opens daily at 5 p.m., guests flock to experience the culinary adventure it offers—where country meets ocean in every bite. The atmosphere is a vibrant reflection of family-friendly beach vibes, complete with dishes like the fish sando and festive burgers, perfect for warm Hawaiian evenings.
With sunsets lending an enchanting backdrop, the pairing of sake with the meal ensures a summer experience that is both fun and flavorful. Visitors can expect a delightful evening full of culinary exploration as the Southern California culinary traditions intertwine with the relaxed charm of Hawaii.
In this season of shared culinary experiences and cultural highlights, Ototo’s residency at Mauna Lani not only offers a unique dining opportunity but also celebrates the rich tapestry of flavors that define the intersection of Japanese and Hawaiian cultures.
image source from：https://observer.com/2025/06/ototo-mauna-lani-hawaii-surf-shack-residency/
