The Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival Unveils Bold New Programming in 2025

From farm to fairway, here’s everything you need to know about the exciting additions to the festival this October.

Since its founding in 2011, the Hawaiʻi Food and Wine Festival has continued to innovate and evolve, drawing locals and travelers from around the world to its epicurean experiences. This year, the 2025 festival introduces a variety of new events and programs spanning three weekends across Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.

From savoring wagyu to sipping on chai and whiskey, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the annual Hawaiʻi Food and Wine Festival.

Here’s what’s worth noting about the upcoming events.

‘Ōuli Farms Chefs’ Garden

The festival has partnered with ‘Ōuli Farms in Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island to create a chefs’ garden. Helmed by chefs Roy Yamaguchi, Brian Hirata, Jayson Kanekoa, Peter Abarcar Jr., and Allen Hess, this garden is described as a “landmark seed-to-table initiative that redefines farm-to-table in Hawaiʻi,” according to a press release. What’s being grown in the garden will be first featured at the Hawaiʻi Island events where guests can find them in the dishes of these chefs.

After the festival, the produce will be incorporated into the participating chefs’ restaurant menus. For those who’d like a personal look at the garden, ‘Ōuli Farms is donating an exclusive lunch for four by Chef Patrick Heymann to the festival’s online auction, running from Oct. 15 to Nov. 12.

This project highlights the festival’s commitment to land stewardship, responsible growth and local food sustainability. It’s also a way for ʻŌuli Farms to further showcase its investment in Hawaiʻi’s food systems. To date, the farm has planted 325 trees in its reforestation efforts and donated more than 6,000 pounds of fresh produce to the local community.

Inaugural Cuisines of the Sun Golf Classic Hosted by Chef Alan Wong

The festival traditionally kicks off on Hawaiʻi Island with just one event. However, this year the island hosts the inaugural Cuisines of the Sun Golf Classic. Hosted by chef Alan Wong, this tournament is a celebration of his influence on Hawaiʻi’s culinary industry. Golfers can indulge in hand-crafted bites from local chefs and refreshing cocktails and beer as they traverse the fairways. Once everyone has finished the course, guests will indulge in a special menu prepared by chefs who all honed their craft in Alan Wong’s kitchens. Chefs include Peter Abarcar Jr. of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Allen Hess of FORC, and Colin Hazama of C4 Table.

The tournament is on Oct. 17 at the newly renovated Mauna Kea Golf Course. To secure tickets, you had to move fast. Tickets sold out quickly—much like the Annual Roy Yamaguchi Golf Classic in Kāʻanapali. But don’t fear, festival organizers hope to make the golf classic a regular part of future lineups, so keep an eye out for it in the future. 

FEAST Summit

A major addition this year is the day-long FEAST Summit on Oct. 31 at Sheraton Waikīkī Beach Resort. This conference brings together “global thought leaders, culinary icons, and passionate professionals” with goal of exploring the future of Hawaiʻi’s key industries, including food, agriculture, education, sustainability and tourism.

Panelists include familiar names like Michael Mina, Sean Sherman, and Guy Kawasaki, alongside local leaders such as Robynne Maiʻi, Kea Kealanui and James Tokioka. In total, 55 speakers sit across 11 panels, ensuring there’s something of interest for everyone attending.

“FEAST Summit reflects our belief that food is not only a source of joy and connection, but also a powerful driver of economic growth, cultural preservation and social change,” says Denise Yamaguchi, CEO of Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival. “We’re honored to welcome such a remarkable lineup of thought leaders and innovators to Hawai‘i, and we’re excited to spark conversations that will resonate both locally and globally.”

Beyond panels, the summit includes a pitch competition and a food innovation marketplace presented by Kamehameha Schools. The day also features a grand tasting lunch, where 10 Hawaiʻi chefs will showcase dishes representing the future Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine.

15th Annual Hawaiʻi Food and Wine Festival Programming

Along with these new highlights, you can enjoy delicious tasting events across the Islands.

Having attended the festival on all three islands last year, I can attest that each experience feels completely unique. But at the heart of every event is incredible food and beverages.

The festival’s hotel partners also offer special room rates for anyone who wants to “eat, drink, and stay the night,” whether traveling interisland or staying close to home.

Hawaiʻi Island:

• Oct. 17: First Annual Cuisines of the Sun Golf Classic Hosted by Chef Alan Wong (sold out)
• Oct. 18: Cucina: From Mauka to Makai at Mauna Kea Beach Resort

Maui:

• Oct. 24: First Hawaiian Bank Presents 27th Annual Roy Yamaguchi Golf Classic (sold out)
• Oct. 25: World of Wagyu, Wine & Whiskey at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
• Oct. 26: Southern Seafood Sunday hosted by Aarón Sánchez at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

O‘ahu

• Oct. 30: Slanted & Phan-tastic: A Celebration of Charles Phan at ʻAlohilani Resort
• Oct. 31: FEAST Summit at Sheraton Waikīkī Beach Resort
• Nov. 1: Hawaiian Airlines Presents Decanted at Hawaiʻi Convention Center
• Nov. 2: MatCHA Chai Brunch at Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort and Spa
• Nov. 2: Washoku to the World at Halekūlani

For more information about the festival, visit hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com.

Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku is a contributor to HAWAIʻI Magazine.