Recently, Aurum, the culinary brand known for its seasonal, chef-driven cuisine, debuted its first Hawaiʻi location at The Shops at Wailea. Helmed by its local partners, Chef Taylor Ponte and General Manager Natasha Ponte, the restaurant showcases fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from Maui’s leading farms and fisheries. 

Born and raised on Maui, the Pontes’ community impact is felt well beyond the kitchen. With deep connections in the local culinary scene, they can be found teaching high-school cooking demos, mentoring students, and volunteering with local nonprofits like Chef Hui and Fresh Help Maui. 

At Aurum Maui, Taylor draws on his Maui Culinary Academy training to create dishes that are both refined and island-style. Natasha’s background in both culinary arts and event design informs every detail of the dining experience, blending sustainable sourcing with genuine hospitality. “It’s incredibly meaningful to Natasha and me to bring a local lens to the Aurum experience,” said Taylor. “Every dish reflects our roots, our growth, and the richness of Maui.” 

Taylor shared, “Natasha and I met while working at the Mill House at the Maui Tropical Plantation. I was the executive chef and she was the sales and events manager. In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, we were both laid off.”  Natasha added, “That was the year that Taylor was named Chef of the Year in the ‘Aipono Restaurant Awards.” 

About a month after their layoffs, the couple launched Kamado, a private chef and catering business that quickly took off. However, they always envisioned getting back into the restaurant industry. Together, they hope to create something rare: a restaurant that’s not only destination-worthy, but deeply local. 

Taylor noted, “Our menus, celebrating local farms, fisheries, and sustainable products, reflect the community that makes hospitality in Hawaiʻi unique. We pursue excellence in every aspect, from food and service to creating a warm, welcoming experience that embodies the essence of aloha.” Natasha concluded, “Our largest goal is to make a delicious meal for every customer, in a beautiful space, with great service.”