Management Team
Culinary Team
Beth Fuller, Executive Chef
Beth started cooking at the early age of 13 and by 18 was already a sous chef at an elegant French restaurant. Add to that experience, a stint with the United States Marine Corps, an executive chef position or two and even General Manager of a restaurant and you have a well rounded Culinary Professional.
Chef Beth, who recently moved to the Big Island with her partner, wisely takes a moment each day before work to gaze out at the beauty we are all fortunate to experience while dining and working at Lava Lava Beach Club. In her free time, Beth is a certified master gardener and enjoys raising edible flowers.
Malia Lamadora, Sous Chef
Malia was born & grew up Maui where she attended the Maul Culinary Academy & graduated with honors. This led her to Hali’imaile General Store where she was mentored by owner & Chef who is credited for being one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine.
She relocated to the Big Island in 2006 & has worked in several successful restaurants in the Hilo district. Her background & knowledge also landed her a position in Ketchikan, Alaska as a Sous Chef for a season with an exclusive resort.
In 2016 she came on board with Lavas as a kitchen supervisor, her talents were quickly recognized & three months later was promoted to Sous Chef. She brings a passion for highly detailed, beautifully presented food to her team.
When Malia is enjoying time outside of work, she likes to spend it with family & friends & ride her beloved horses.
Cottage and Special Events
T
ina Saxon, Cottage Specialist and Special Event Coordinator
Family, food, and adventure, these are my passions. My love for delicious food was inspired by my parents. My father prepared the most amazing island cuisine with me by his side. My mother who is from New Orleans gave our home a Cajun flair. My passion for cooking came at a young age. Today I enjoy cooking for my family and friends. Although I was born and raised in South Carolina, my Hawaii roots were planted by my father who is an Oahu native.
Each time I visited the islands it became clearer and clearer that I would make Hawaii home. I moved to Hawaii Island in January 2014 and joined Paradise Gourmet Catering shortly after. In my free time, my husband Eric, my beautiful daughter Bailey, our two dogs and I love exploring every inch of our incredible island.
Our Leadership Team
Jose Fuentes, Director of Operations
Jose Fuentes was born in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and grew up just outside Boston, MA. His father owned several restaurants starting his passion for hospitality at an early age. He received a business degree from the University of Massachusetts and began his career in New York City. Jose has opened restaurants all over the country including Los Angeles, Atlanta and Boston just to name a few. He has worked for restaurant companies including Rosa Mexicano, BRGuest, Legal Seafoods and proudly opened CBS Scene with the Kraft’s of the New England Patriots.
Recently married, his wife’s career brought them to Kauai and they fell in love with the island, knowing pretty quickly this is their new permanent home. On his days off Jose enjoys body surfing, riding motorcycles and just enjoying all that the Garden Island has to offer.
Ken Schloss, Director of Culinary and Corporate Chef
Originally from the San Francisco Bay area, Chef Ken brings nearly thirty-five years of experience to Lava Lava Beach Club. Born and raised in wine country, Chef Ken worked in Napa Valley for most of his career. He also took five years and explored the cuisine of the Caribbean, gathering new ideas of parallel tropical latitude as culinary inspirations.
Chef Ken works directly with the Chef de Cuisine and sous chefs to create our menu items as well as work with our vendors to ensure our family of restaurants get the best possible products from local farmers and fishermen.
