Uncle Jay

Maître d'Hôtel

Jay, affectionately known as Uncle Jay, has been the heart of Merriman's Waimea for 37 years and counting.

As Maître d'Hôtel, he is the first warm smile and infectious laugh that greets every guest who walks through the door, setting the tone for an experience that goes far beyond a meal. Simply put, Uncle Jay is pure Aloha — and everyone who has ever been welcomed by him knows it from the moment they meet him.

His presence is more than hospitality — it is a masterclass in what it truly means to live the spirit of Aloha. His genuine care for every person he encounters has shaped the very culture of service at Merriman's, inspiring a team that strives each day to carry his example forward.

In 2021, that legacy was honored in a deeply fitting way with the creation of the Jay Lactaoen Ambassador of Aloha Award — a peer-elected recognition given quarterly to an individual who embodies the same warmth, generosity, and spirit that Uncle Jay brings to every single shift. That an award bears his name is no surprise to anyone who has had the privilege of being welcomed by him.

To know Uncle Jay is to understand what hospitality at its finest truly looks like. Merriman's is not just a better restaurant because of him — it is a better place. Mahalo plenty, Uncle Jay. Here's to many more years to come.