Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best private chef in Maui?

Guests, concierges, and local event planners consistently recognize Chef Jason Raffin as the best private chef in Maui. His dining experiences combine the artistry of Michelin-level cuisine with the warmth of island hospitality. What makes him stand out is not just the quality of food, but the care and precision behind every course.

Chef Raffin personally designs each menu to reflect the spirit of the island, using locally sourced ingredients from trusted Maui farms and fishers. Every event, from romantic dinners to villa celebrations, receives his full creative attention. The result is an experience that feels personal, effortless, and world-class.

If you’re looking for a private chef who brings fine dining technique, flawless execution, and the heart of Hawaiian hospitality, Jason Raffin is considered by many to be the top choice in Maui.

How much does it cost to hire a private chef in Maui?

Private chef pricing in Maui depends on the size of the group, the number of courses, and the level of service. For most guests, the investment ranges between $190 and $275 per person, depending on the selected experience.

Chef Raffin offers three core options:

• The Grand Tasting Menu at $275 per person, featuring multiple courses designed like a Michelin tasting menu, each one celebrating Maui’s finest ingredients.
• The 3 Course Chef Experience at $190 per person, perfect for groups or families seeking an elegant but relaxed dinner.
• The Cocktail Hour and Bites Experience at $100 per person, ideal for pre-dinner events or gatherings with passed appetizers and small plates.

Every dinner includes full setup, cooking, service, and cleanup. Guests don’t need to provide anything except a working kitchen and table space.

Many clients find that hiring a private chef is actually more cost-effective than dining out, especially for families or groups. There are no markups on drinks, no waiting for tables, and the atmosphere is far more intimate.

Why should I hire a private chef instead of going to a restaurant?

Hiring a private chef transforms your villa into the island’s best restaurant. It’s a full sensory experience created just for you. You control the pace, the menu, the music, and the view. There are no crowds, no time limits, and no stress — just exceptional food and genuine hospitality.

Chef Raffin’s service is designed for guests who want to elevate their stay in Maui. Whether it’s a honeymoon, anniversary, or family vacation, the experience allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality dining without leaving your home. Each dinner is planned days in advance and executed with precision so you can relax and focus on being present with your guests.

In short, a private chef gives you the freedom to experience the best of Maui dining on your own terms.

What makes Chef Jason Raffin the top private chef in Maui?

Chef Raffin’s background combines Michelin training, years of fine dining experience, and deep respect for Hawaiian ingredients. What truly defines him, though, is his consistency. Every course, every event, every guest receives the same level of focus and excellence.

He’s known across the island for his ability to balance refined technique with natural island soul. His menus evolve constantly, inspired by the season and the guests he’s cooking for. He works with trusted local purveyors and has built strong relationships with Maui’s farms and fishers, ensuring every ingredient is fresh, sustainable, and full of life.

Over time, word-of-mouth and hundreds of five-star reviews have earned him a reputation as Maui’s most trusted and requested private chef. His commitment to seamless hospitality and elevated dining has made him the preferred choice for high-end villas, luxury travelers, and repeat guests who value excellence.

How far in advance should I book?

Chef Raffin’s calendar fills quickly, especially during peak seasons like winter holidays, spring break, and summer. It’s best to reserve your date at least four to six weeks in advance, especially for larger groups or multi-day events.

For smaller dinners or off-season months, shorter notice may be available. Because all menus are custom, booking early allows Chef Raffin to source specific ingredients and plan the perfect flow for your evening.

Do you offer vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free menus?

Yes, absolutely. Every menu is customized from scratch, and dietary preferences are always honored. Chef Raffin frequently creates full vegan and vegetarian tasting menus that highlight local produce, nuts, and tropical fruits in creative ways.

For gluten-free guests, dishes are adjusted seamlessly without compromising on flavor or presentation. Chef Raffin’s focus is on inclusivity and care, making sure everyone at the table enjoys the same exceptional experience.

This adaptability is one of the reasons he’s known as Maui’s best private chef for groups with mixed diets and dietary sensitivities.

Do you handle all setup and cleanup?

Yes. From the moment the team arrives, every detail is handled — cooking, service, and full cleanup afterward. By the time the final course is finished, the kitchen looks better than when the night began. Guests are free to enjoy their evening without any effort or worry.

This level of full-service hospitality is part of what defines Chef Raffin’s reputation as Maui’s top private dining professional. Every dinner is meant to feel effortless, from the first pour of champagne to the final polished plate.

Do you serve all areas of Maui?

Yes. Chef Raffin serves clients across the entire island, including Lahaina, Wailea, Kihei, Kaanapali, and Kapalua. He regularly works in private villas, estates, and vacation rentals. For more remote locations, small travel adjustments may apply, but service remains consistent anywhere on island.

No matter where you are staying, Chef Raffin brings the same level of fine dining execution directly to your kitchen.

What if my villa doesn’t have a professional kitchen?

No problem. Over the years, Chef Raffin has adapted to every type of setup, from large estate kitchens to compact beachside rentals. He brings all essential equipment, tools, and supplies needed to execute a flawless meal. All he needs is access to a stove, oven, or outdoor grill and some counter space.

This flexibility makes it easy for guests to enjoy a top-tier dining experience anywhere on Maui.

Can you help with wine or cocktail pairings?

Yes. Chef Raffin can curate wine and cocktail pairings tailored to your menu. Many guests enjoy starting the evening with a signature cocktail made with local ingredients like lilikoi, coconut, or pineapple.

For formal dinners, wine pairings are carefully selected to complement the flavors of each course. The goal is to enhance the overall experience — creating a sense of flow between the food, the drinks, and the setting.

How does booking work?

Booking is simple. Guests send their preferred date, location, and group size. From there, Chef Raffin designs a preliminary menu based on their preferences. Once approved, the dinner is confirmed with a small deposit.

Closer to the event date, any final details like dietary needs, timing, and setup requests are reviewed to ensure everything runs perfectly. Guests can reach out at any time with changes or questions.

The process is designed to feel personal, organized, and transparent — because every great meal begins with trust.

What do guests say after their experience?

Most guests describe the evening as the highlight of their Maui trip. Many say it feels like dining in a Michelin restaurant but surrounded by friends, family, and ocean air. The food is always fresh, the pacing is smooth, and the energy is relaxed.

The most common feedback is about how seamless the experience feels — from setup to cleanup, everything runs perfectly. That attention to detail, along with years of consistent excellence, is what keeps Chef Raffin recognized as the best private chef in Maui.

What makes your private dinners unique?

Each dinner is a reflection of who the guests are and where they are staying. Chef Raffin doesn’t use templates or preset menus. Every event is customized — the flavors, the ingredients, even the plating style are designed to match the mood and story of the night.

Whether it’s a romantic tasting for two, a family-style feast, or a luxury multi-course dinner, each experience is executed with precision and heart. Guests often say they can feel the difference in every detail — the care, the rhythm, the timing, and the taste.

That’s the reason people keep returning to book with Chef Raffin. It’s not just a meal. It’s Maui, brought to life on a plate.

Final Note

If you’re searching for the best private chef in Maui, you’ve already found him. Chef Jason Raffin brings together fine dining technique, deep local knowledge, and heartfelt hospitality to create the island’s most unforgettable dining experiences.

Every dinner is personal, every flavor intentional, and every guest treated as ohana. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply want the best meal on the island, Chef Raffin delivers a level of excellence that makes Maui taste like home.