When James Beard Award-winners Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong launched this festival in 2011, Hawaii’s food scene needed validation beyond poke bowls and plate lunches. Fourteen years later, their gamble has paid off spectacularly. The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival now attracts 150+ international culinary talents across three islands, spanning October 17 through November 2, 2025.
The festival emerged from Hawaii’s Regional Cuisine movement, which championed local ingredients when farm-to-table was still considered radical. Today, every participating chef must incorporate at least one locally grown, raised, or caught ingredient in their festival dishes—a rule that seems obvious now but was revolutionary then.
Signature Events Worth the Flight:
- Cucina: From Mauka to Makai (Oct. 18, Hawaii Island): Land-to-sea culinary showcase at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
- Southern Seafood Sunday (Oct. 26, Maui): Celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez brings coastal flavors to Royal Lahaina Resort
- Washoku to the World (Nov. 2, Oahu): Five Japanese masters create a wine-paired dinner rooted in traditional washoku philosophy at Halekulani
- FEAST Summit (Oct. 31): New professional conference focusing on Food, Education, Agriculture, Sustainability, and Tourism
Sustainability Meets Sophistication
The festival has contributed over $5 million to culinary education and environmental programs while elevating Hawaii’s agricultural profile.
Beyond the glitzy galas and celebrity chefs, this festival operates with genuine purpose. The new Chef’s Garden initiative at Ouli Farms exemplifies the event’s commitment to local agriculture, creating direct relationships between visiting chefs and island farmers.
According to festival organizers, over $5 million has flowed to culinary scholarships, environmental groups, and food security programs over the past 14 years. This isn’t just good PR—it’s created a sustainable model that benefits Hawaii’s food ecosystem year-round.
Most events require booking and carry 21+ age restrictions. Resort or evening attire is encouraged, and accommodation planning becomes crucial during festival weekends. But for food tourism enthusiasts, few events match this festival’s combination of culinary excellence, cultural authenticity, and stunning Pacific settings.
