Down The Hatch Maui welcomes our new culinary team to take the Best Bar on Maui into its 8th year in the heart of Lahaina Town. We welcome Executive Chef Naiwi Teruya and Sous Chef Giovanni Gadiano to the DTH Kitchen Team.

Born and raised in Lahaina Maui, Executive Chef Naiwi Teruya was able to start his journey on the island, but chose to expand his experience in California, working at the Westin of Saint Francis and sharpening his skills as the Executive Chef at The City Club in San Francisco. Like many he was ready to come home while the pandemic was shifting the world.

*Down The Hatch Executive Chef Naiwi Teruya*

Returning back to his roots after six years in San Francisco developing his culinary style, he steps in, to lead the Down The Hatch Kitchen into the next level. Along with creating menu concepts and building a strong team, his main task is to continue to implement a culture of family, respect, and calmness in the fast paced kitchen environment at DTH.

Bringing his Maui roots to the Southern Aloha cuisine is top priority. When asked what inspires him in the kitchen, Chef Naiwi says “My children and loved ones inspire me in the kitchen everyday.” Keeping the Chef busy outside of work, Chef Naiwi has four children and also plays lead guitar in the popular Maui band 3 Pounds of Kalo.

When asked what DTH Southern Aloha means to him, he says, “Southern Aloha is the highest quality of hospitality, like ‘grandma or aunties house’, feeling comfortable, safe, happy, and enjoying life. Those are the common threads that the south and my home state have in common. My focus is to really let the aloha in the cuisine shine through so the guests that come Down The Hatch and to the island of Maui feel that in the food that we are creating.” Chef Naiwi Teruya was drawn to Down The Hatch because of the people, saying, “When you work somewhere it’s the people that make the place, staff and guests alike, it’s all about the people. I want to lead a team that is making food that will continue to cultivate the atmosphere Down The Hatch.”

*Down The Hatch Sous Chef Giovanni Gadiano*

Working alongside Executive Chef Naiwi Teruya, Sous Chef Giovanni Gadiano has strengths and accomplishments that compliment the team and continue to develop the Down The Hatch kitchen and catering. Originally from San Diego, Chef Giovanni honed his culinary abilities through a variety of casual to fine dining, and chose to make the move to Maui in November of 2019. We all know how 2020 turned out, and after testing out some kitchen’s on the Westside, he has found a home at Down The Hatch.

Along with being an accomplished chef, Chef Giovanni also uses his skills in detail for two personal businesses. His online clothing business Street Filth Originals, inspired by his love for vintage motorcycles and cars, and he also designs jewelry with his beautiful wife Danyelle for their company Surf Gypsy Jewelry. Expecting his first child in 2022, Chef Giovanni has his hands full, but he is motivated to establish his culinary chops on Maui.

Chef Giovanni strives to work alongside his executive chef to coach the experienced DTH Kitchen Team, but to continue to manage the culture of Down The Hatch. Chef Giovanni says, “When a team works in harmony, I’m inspired in the kitchen and when that happens, it’s easy to make the guests happy, because the food is delicious.” He continues to express his understanding of Southern Alona, “Aloha translates to ‘the presence of breath’ so to me Southern Aloha means the presence of the soul, Southern Hospitality with a whole lot of Hawaiian love and aloha.” When asked why he wanted to join the DTH Crew, he beams, “The food and work environment. I should have been working here a long time ago, better late than never.”

We are proud and excited to welcome Executive Chef Naiwi Teruya and Sous Chef Giovanni Gadiano to the Down The Hatch and Breakwall Shave Ice Co. Ohana.