A Taste of Paradise: The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival Comes to Kaanapali, Maui (2025)

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and experience the best of Hawaiian cuisine as the 15th Annual Hawaii Food and Wine Festival (HFWF) descends upon the stunning shores of Kaanapali, Maui, from October 24-26, 2025. The statewide festival spans three weekends across three islands—Hawaiʻi Island (Oct 17–18), Maui (Oct 24–26), and Oʻahu (Oct 30–Nov 2).

This year’s 15th‑anniversary theme is FEAST, celebrating the connection between food, education, agriculture, sustainability, and tourism. Expect signature events, top chefs and winemakers, and plenty of island hospitality.

The Festival’s Origins and Purpose

Founded in 2011 by James Beard Award-winning chefs Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong, the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival was created to showcase Hawaii as a world-class destination for food lovers while emphasizing sustainability.

HFWF showcases Hawaiʻi’s rich agricultural diversity and homegrown culinary talent through world‑class experiences—while raising funds for local culinary education, agriculture, and sustainability causes. Over the years, HFWF has given more than $5 million to beneficiaries across the state.

Indulge in a Feast for the Senses

Picture yourself seaside in Kaanapali, sampling dishes that spotlight Hawaiʻi’s fishermen, farmers, and ranchers—paired with wines poured by acclaimed vintners and cocktails crafted by master mixologists. With 150+ global tastemakers across multiple events statewide, there’s something to thrill every palate!

A Star-Studded Lineup of Culinary Talent

The festival boasts an impressive roster of culinary stars, including James Beard Award winners, Michelin-starred chefs, and rising culinary stars. Browse the 2025 Talent page for who’s cooking this season (including Maui‑based participants) and which events they’ll appear at.

More Than Just a Food Festival

HFWF is built on community: proceeds support culinary education, local agriculture, and the hospitality industry. When you attend, you’re also investing in Hawaiʻi’s food future.

The Venue: Kaanapali, Maui

There’s no better backdrop than Kaanapali Beach—golden sands, azure waters, and resorts that host many festival events, including Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows.

Highlights of the 2025 Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival in Maui

Here are the confirmed events for the Kaanapali weekend:

• First Hawaiian Bank Presents 27th Annual Roy Yamaguchi Golf Classic
  • Fri, Oct 24, 2025 — Kaanapali Golf Course & Roy’s Kaanapali.
  • Registration: 10:00 A.M.
  • Shotgun Start: 11:30 A.M.
  • Awards Reception & Dinner to Follow. (Traditionally a sell‑out.)
• World of Wagyu, Wine & Whiskey
  • Sat, Oct 25, 2025 | 6:00–9:00 P.M.
  • Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
  • A grand tasting centered on Wagyu beef, world‑class wines, and whiskey‑forward cocktails—often one of the first events to sell out. It’s outdoors (resort casual) and features a drone show.
• Southern Seafood Sunday hosted by Aarón Sánchez
  • Sun, Oct 26, 2025 | 11:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M.
  • Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
  • A seaside brunch celebrating bold Southern flavors and Hawaiʻi’s incredible local catch.

Tip: Ticket availability changes quickly each season—always check the official HFWF event pages for current status and pricing.

The Importance of Local Ingredients

A key aspect of the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival is its focus on local ingredients. Hawaii’s unique geographic location and climate make it home to a diverse range of produce, seafood, and livestock. Throughout the festival, chefs are encouraged to use these local ingredients to craft their dishes, from freshly caught ahi tuna to Kula strawberries and locally sourced coffee.

By spotlighting local farmers and food producers, the festival supports Hawaii’s agricultural economy. This focus on sustainability extends beyond just the food served—it’s also about educating the public on the importance of supporting local agriculture to ensure the longevity of these industries.

One of the major appeals of the festival is the opportunity to taste ingredients that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Hawaii’s isolated location has led to the development of unique crops, such as taro, breadfruit, and Maui onions, all of which are showcased in the dishes prepared by the festival’s chefs.

Sustainability at the Core

With a commitment to supporting local farmers, reducing food waste, and promoting environmentally conscious dining practices, the festival is a leader in the movement toward more sustainable culinary events. Attendees will learn about these practices through talks, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.

Past festivals have featured discussions on topics such as the importance of sustainable seafood, the future of farm-to-table dining, and how chefs can incorporate eco-friendly practices into their kitchens. The festival also partners with local organizations dedicated to conservation and sustainability, further emphasizing its commitment to protecting Hawaii’s natural resources.

Plan Your Culinary Getaway

Age & ID: No one under 21 is admitted to Festival events (including infants). Bring a valid government‑issued photo ID. All sales are final; venues, times, and participants are subject to change. Dress codes vary by event—check your ticket page for details!

Beyond Maui (2025 Festival Dates at a Glance)

• • Island of Hawaiʻi: Oct 17–18, 2025
  • Kaanapali, Maui: Oct 24–26, 2025
  • Oʻahu: Oct 30–Nov 2, 2025

Signature Oʻahu events included Slanted & Phan‑tastic: A Celebration of Charles Phan (Oct 30), FEAST Summit (Oct 31), Hawaiian Airlines Presents Decanted (Nov 1), the gala Washoku to the World (Nov 2), Oʻahu’s MatCHA Chai Brunch (Nov 2, 11:00 am–1:00 pm, Hyatt Regency Waikīkī) to round out the final day.

While in Hawaii, check out Maui Snorkeling Tours, Oahu Snorkeling Tours, and other activities!

Resources: Information and photos from Hawaii Food and Wine Festival