Capturing Culinary Master Chef Chai for Hawaiian Airlines - Mike Vidales

Chef Chai Chaowasaree is one of Hawaii’s most celebrated chefs, known for his modern island cuisine that blends fresh local ingredients with Asian-inspired flavors. As the owner of Chef Chai on Kapiolani Boulevard in Honolulu, he has built a reputation for innovative dishes, elegant presentations, and a refined yet approachable dining experience. In addition to his award-winning restaurant, Chef Chai has served as the executive chef for Hawaiian Airlines and remains a prominent figure in Hawaii’s culinary scene, continually elevating the standard of fine dining in the islands.

As a food photographer in Hawaii, I often have the chance to work with incredible chefs and culinary creatives—but few projects felt as special as photographing Chef Chai’s new dishes for Hawaiian Airlines and his personal website.

Chef Chai is a name that’s synonymous with modern Hawaiian cuisine. His focus on flavor, elegance, and presentation made this shoot an exciting challenge and a visual treat. We photographed a curated selection of new dishes and cocktails that he’ll be featuring both in-flight and online. Each plate was a masterclass in color, texture, and design—perfect for capturing in detail.

The shoot was all about showcasing not just the food, but the story behind it: a celebration of Hawaii’s ingredients, culture, and hospitality. From bold seafood creations to vibrant cocktails, we styled and photographed each dish to feel natural, fresh, and inviting—just as it would arrive at your table or your seat at 30,000 feet.

As a food photographer based on Oahu, I understand the unique elements that make island cuisine shine. Lighting, timing, and a respect for the chef’s vision are all key to creating images that make people crave the experience. Whether it’s for a restaurant menu, marketing campaign, or social media, I help Hawaii’s top culinary brands bring their dishes to life through thoughtful photography.

If you're a chef, restaurant, or hospitality brand looking to elevate your visual storytelling, I’d love to help. Let’s create something delicious.