“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Sonja Oliveri to our team at ESPACIO,” said Colin Sato, Executive Chef of ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki. “ESPACIO prides itself on offering meaningful and innovative culinary experiences inspired by Hawaii’s bounty and influenced by flavors from around the globe. Chef Sonja embodies this philosophy, and we are excited to have her lead the next chapter of our pastry program.”
A German native and longtime Hawaii resident, Oliveri has lived in Hawaii for 21 years, elevating pastry programs at some of Oahu’s most iconic resorts such as The Kahala Hotel & Resort and The Moana Surfrider Hotel. Oliveri began her career in Germany at the award-winning Excelsior Hotel Ernst in Cologne and mastered her craft at the Michelin-Starred restaurant Zur Traube in Grevenbroich. A certified Master Pastry Chef from the prestigious Konditoren Meisterschule Köln, Oliveri is an expert in chocolate, confectionery and sugar work, skillfully blending classical European techniques with modern innovation. An educator as well as a chef, Oliveri has also lectured at Kapiolani Community College, mentoring the next generation of pastry talent.
Oliveri prides herself on her ability to surprise and delight guests through the art of pastry. As Pastry Chef, she will oversee menu innovation and lead the team in creating imaginative, indulgent confections for guests of Mugen and ESPACIO, complementing the boutique property’s unparalleled luxury.
“My mission is to bring my passion and a globally inspired perspective to ESPACIO’s culinary program,” said Oliveri. “At Mugen, I intend to bring a guest-centric and visually compelling approach to every confection on the menu, ensuring every dessert is as memorable as the experience itself.”
Rising from the heart of Waikiki, ESPACIO boasts nine expansive suites, redefining Hawaiian luxury with an Omotenashi influence. The highly acclaimed hotel’s onsite fine dining restaurant, Mugen, offers a world-class tasting menu that has been awarded the prestigious Forbes five-star rating as well as the AAA five diamond designation. The restaurant’s intimate setting invites both ESPACIO guests and locals alike to indulge in elegant cuisine inspired by the bounty of Hawaii with a Japanese influence, thoughtfully paired with the restaurant’s Wine Spectator award-winning wine selection.
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Guest Contributor
2025-09-25 00:46:00