What inspired you to pursue the path you’re on today?
My father. He’s a respected restaurateur who has been in the industry since 1969 and has taught me nearly everything I know. It is important to me to keep his legacy alive.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
My lineage. I’m a Persian, Portuguese, Hawaiian Jew!
My maternal great-grandmother was born on Maui but grew up on Moloka‘i where our family (the Apana family) was from. I’m also a descendent of Bishop Stephen Alencastre who was the Catholic Bishop of Hawai‘i until he passed away in 1940. He helped build Sacred Hearts Church in Makiki and is featured in the stained glass windows of Our Lady Peace Cathedral in downtown Honolulu.
I’m quite the “mixed plate”! My husband, Rabbi Ryan (Raanan) Mallek, is currently serving in the U.S. Navy as the only Jewish chaplain for the Pacific Fleet based at Pearl Harbor. Together we help oversee the Aloha Jewish Chapel on base, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this coming Hanukkah. Between work and family, we certainly have our hands full!
How do you define success for yourself right now?
Watching my children grow up happy and healthy. Next to God, family and health are the two most important things in my life.
What legacy do you hope to build as a young professional?
To build Kula Lodge & Restaurant into a wonderful gathering place for locals and tourists alike, through many generations to come. It will one day belong to my children, and I hope they will use the property to serve and take care of the community as my family and I have. I have always said that having Hawaiian blood and being an integral part of the Hawaiian islands, that it’s our kuleana to perpetuate the Aloha Spirit and malama the land and the people.
What’s next for you?
Rebuilding the restaurant at Kula Lodge to be better than ever after the fire and welcoming in all our beloved guests again. In the interim we have an amazing food trailer on property that Chef Raul and our GM Megan Leake have been putting their heart and soul into. It’s exciting to watch and has provided hope and beauty in such a tragic time.
