Watch Chef Steph Cook with The Rock!

Pitmaster Stephen Kina, known to fans as Chef Steph, traveled home to Ko Olina, Hawai’i, for the Moana global tour kickoff, where he had the chance to cook for and meet Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who stars as Maui in the live-action film.

Stephen prepared a menu rooted in Polynesian tradition, including palusami and panipopo, dishes that struck an immediate chord with Johnson, who grew up with those same flavors in his own Samoan culture. Johnson didn’t hold back his reaction, telling Stephen on camera that he sees big things ahead for him as a chef.

The conversation between the two turned into something bigger than a meal: a shared belief in honoring Polynesian culinary roots while introducing them to new audiences. Johnson pointed to Moana itself as part of that mission, calling it a tribute to the Polynesian world, and encouraged Stephen to keep pushing Polynesian food into the spotlight the same way. Stephen has taken that as a personal challenge, using his platform at 406 BBQ to help more people discover Polynesian dishes and ingredients, not just Hawaiian-inspired barbecue.

For Stephen, cooking in Ko Olina wasn’t just a career milestone. It’s where he grew up, making the moment personal as much as professional. It’s the same story behind everything 406 BBQ serves: Montana roots, island soul, and a mission to bring real Polynesian and Hawaiian flavor to a bigger stage.

Want a taste of that same fusion at your event? Explore our destination catering or get in touch to start planning.