David Calvan

FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR

David Calvan is the Food Service Director at The Plaza in Pearl City. He brings to us over 30 years of experience in the Food and Beverage Industry in Hawaii and California.

After attending the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, Dave was fortunate to have had the opportunity to open Pietro restaurants in Hawaii and California. He’s proud to have worked with at-risk students at our local community colleges (HCC, KCC, WCC & LCC) as a Chef Instructor.

Later, Dave ventured west where he left his mark in the desert of California in Hollywood-star-getaway-communities of Palm Desert and La Quinta. It’s hard to say what’s more impressive, the 5-star properties and venues that he’s had the privilege to work at or the positions that he’s held while there.

In a span of over 12 years, Dave’s been the Executive Chef at La Quinta Cliff House, Sous Chef at Tommy Bahamas and La Quinta Resort & Club, Sushi Chef at Waldorf Astoria in La Quinta, Banquet Chef and Chef de Cuisine at Ranchos Las Palmas Resort and Chef de Cuisine at Big Horn Golf Club’s Canyons Steak House and The Vintage Club – two of the countries most prestigious and ultra-exclusive private country club communities.

A local boy at heart, Hawaii called this Moanalua boy home to The Kahala Resort & Spa where he was the Chef de Cuisine at Plumeria Beach House. Remembering how much he missed the ocean (and his family), Dave found better work-life balance as a Chef Manager at Diamond Head Market and Grill – and also remembered the comfort that simple, good local food brings.

While Dave pours his passion for delicious food and stellar service into his work here at The Plaza, it is the chance to share his knowledge with his staff and the moments he sees the smiling, satisfied faces of our kupuna that bring him true joy.