About us

Whether it is to pick-up snacks for your adventure through the park. Quench your thirst with an ice cold beverage or eat one of our 'Ono (delicious) meals. We have all the things you need to top off that fun day at Waimea Valley.

Meet Our Team

Executive chef & founder

Thomas Naylor

Thomas is the founder of Ke Nui Kitchen and Open Kitchen Oahu. The restaurant business is in his blood. Starting with his grandfather Tiny, and continuing with his father and uncles, the Naylor name is synonymous with food culture dating back to 1924 in California and Nevada.

Thomas has over fifteen years of experience in the food & special events industry. Cultivating a hard working group of selected chefs that have 100 years of shared experience working with many varieties of food including: Local, New American, Farm to Table, Pan Pacific, Latin, Peruvian, and Mediterranean.

Starting in his hometown on the North Shore, and rippling throughout Oahu, Thomas has garnered a reputation for excellence in culinary services, and most notably a commitment to his clientele and community.

Pastry chef

Caroline Carr

As a Maryland local, relocated to the islands, Chef Caroline has found her home here at Ke Nui Kitchen and Open Kitchen Oahu. Her catering career began at the age of 15 and slowly grew into a passion for pastry. From there, Chef Caroline’s pastry training eventually brought her to France where she gained a French Pastry Certificate, as well as a taste for new cuisines.

These days, her ever-adapting interests have lead her towards the world of vegan and gluten free desserts. Chef Caroline loves customizing treats to fit her client's desires for their special event.