UHMC Culinary Arts Program

We’re looking for ten dedicated individuals to join our Summer/Fall 2026 Launchpad Scholarship cohort. This isn’t just a class—it’s a fast-track into the heart of Maui’s culinary scene.

The Launchpad Advantage
This scholarship covers all the essentials:
- $5,000 Award: Covers your tuition for two summer lab classes and your fall semester.
- Full Gear: Your scholarship also includes the cost of your professional knife kit and uniforms.
- Guaranteed Placement: Successfully completing the summer sessions (Fundamentals of Cookery and Baking) locks in your spot for high-demand Fall 2026 courses like Intermediate and Batch Cookery.

Is This Your Path?
We are looking for students ready to commit to a full-time path toward a Certificate of Achievement or an A.A.S. Degree. This is about building a foundation on Maui that serves as a universal passport to the world of professional cooking.

APPLY TODAY! See link in bio. Don’t put this opportunity on the back burner (pun intended)

Deadline to Apply: Friday, April 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

Don’t miss out on our Thanksgiving pie sale! Please DM if you have any questions! Mahalo for supporting UHMC culinary programs.

As We Close Out the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival We’re filled with gratitude and pride — for our students, our chefs, and our community who make Maui’s culinary story so special.

Our UHMC culinary program is more than a classroom — it’s the heart of our island’s food future. Every dish that leaves our kitchen carries the spirit of aloha, the lessons of our mentors, and the hope for a sustainable tomorrow.

These past weeks, our students had the incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best chefs in the country — many of whom call Maui home. They didn’t just learn recipes… they cooked alongside the Chefs!

When you dine at a local Maui restaurant, chances are you’re tasting the hard work and passion of our students and alumni. They are the next generation of chefs — rooted in aloha, rising with skill, and leading with heart.

Here’s to our culinary ʻohana!

Big Mahalo + huge congratulations to the incredible team at UH Maui College.

UHMC has received its Certification of Accreditation- a major milestone that recognizes exemplary education, innovation, and commitment to community.

To every professor, staff member, and student who makes our culinary program a place of excellence - this achievement is yours!

Here’s to the next chapter of higher learning, leadership, and local impact right here on Maui!

We love seeing Chancellor Lui on !!

From : Pan Pork Lau Lau by Lui Hokoana - Dr. Lui Hokoana earned a doctorate of education degree from the University of Southern California. He received a master’s degree in communications from UH Manoa and bachelor’s degree in political science from UH Hilo.
Dr. Hokoana was appointed University of Hawai’i Maui College’s chancellor in
2014. He has served his community through covid and the devastating fires in many ways and has secured more than $20 million in county, state, federal and private funds to support various UH systemwide initiatives that have contributed to unprecedented
enrollment growth, financial aid access, service to underrepresented groups and overall student success. Mahalo for supporting our culinary community!

Head over to Cooking Hawaiian Style for Chancellor Lui’s recipe!

Grateful for the incredible chef team at UHMC who fed over 700 Thanksgiving meals to our Maui community. This team continues to show up and has taught not just cooking skills- but also how to be kind, resilient and loving! We’re thankful for you! Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, we welcomed the bright and curious 1st graders from Waihe’e Elementary to the UHMC Culinary Program! 🍓🥧 The students got hands-on in a fun fruit tart workshop, exploring the basics of food prep and getting a taste of the culinary world. Their excitement and creativity shone through in every tart they made, and we loved seeing them learn and enjoy each step.

Mahalo to Waihe’e Elementary for joining us—it’s always inspiring to share our passion for food with the next generation!

Mahalo to the at the Hawaii Culinary Education Foundation and for allowing Chef a chance to put his chef instructor hat back on for a few hours!

Working alongside the incredible talent at Hawaii Food & Wine has been inspiring for everyone involved, especially our students. They had the unforgettable opportunity to cook side by side with some of the best chefs in the industry, learning hands-on from true culinary leaders. Seeing our students connect with these passionate professionals and experience firsthand the dedication, creativity, and skill that goes into every dish was a proud moment for all of us. It’s collaborations like these that fuel the future of Mauis culinary scene and deepen the aloha spirit through food.

No one’s more excited than our Ladies of an Empty Plate Club for The Leis Family Class Act to be opening back up!

The Leis Family Class Act is a student-run, casual, fine-dining restaurant serving lunch on select Wednesdays and Fridays. Seating starts at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m.

Our first seating will host an Asian Influence Menu - Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 11:30 am seating every 15 minutes through 12:30 pm - Friday, November 1, 2024, 11:00 am, seating every 15 minutes through 12:30 pm 

Reservations via OpenTable at Leis Family Class Act Restaurant | email @ [email protected] | Phone: 808-984-3280.

See you soon!

Chef Craig taking the kitchen by storm at UHMC, sharing his passion and expertise with an adult summer culinary class! Excited to have everyone back!