Orly Yadao returns to Hyatt in Po‘ipu

After nearly 13 years away, Chef Orly Yadao has returned to the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort & Spa, this time as pastry chef.

Yadao had previously worked at the Hyatt in Po‘ipu, from 1990 to 1998, as night shift baker. In 1998, he left to join the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and worked his way through such prestigious resorts as the Bellagio, Paris Hotel and Casino, Hyatt Lake Las Vegas and the Luxor Hotel and Casino.

During his years in Vegas, he served as a chocolateir, supervisor, and assistant pastry chef.

In the short time since he has been reunited with the Hyatt Po‘ipu crew, he has contributed his creations to several functions for major groups such as the Mayo Clinic, NALCO and Toshiba, in addition to keeping individual guests happy at daily buffets and Sunday brunches.

Born in Manila, Yadao attended Gusman Institute there, where he received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He also attended Kaua‘i Community College, studying sales and marketing management at the Puhi campus.

When he’s not baking tempting cakes and cookies, he enjoys scuba diving and painting, and has won a few karaoke contests. He and his wife and three children live in Puhi.