Well-known chef Piet Wigmans, who has worked at such prestigious resorts at the Hapuna Prince, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, has become executive chef of the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

The waterfront spot, known for its sumptuous views and as one of the headquarters hotels for the Merrie Monarch Festival's hula competition, has been best known for a plentiful local-style buffet in its Queen's Court Restaurant. Wigmans is expected to raise the hotel's culinary profile, supervising the Queen's Court, the Waioli Lounge and banquet operations.