Roy's Okinawa 4.2

Culinary pioneer and Roy's founder Roy Yamaguchi was born in Tokyo. It was while visiting his grandparents on Maui that he had his first taste of seafood bought fresh at seaside piers — fond memories that would shape his future career.

At 19, he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York as a master chef and moved to Los Angeles where he served as executive chef at La Serene. After gaining invaluable experience in LA, Roy decided it was time to head closer to his roots. He moved to Hawaii and opened the first Roy's in 1988.

Roy Yamaguchi is regarded as an international culinary visionary and the creator of Hawaiian fusion cuisine. His numerous accolades include the prestigious James Beard Award. Roy has also hosted six seasons of the television show "Hawaii Cooks with Roy Yamaguchi," seen in more than 60 countries, and has published three cookbooks: Roy's Fish and Seafood, Roy's Feasts from Hawaii and Hawaii Cooks: Flavors from Roy's Pacific Rim Kitchen.