Are you one poi poundah?
There’s still time to enter this Poi Eating Contest on the Big Isle by Feb. 9. The event, presented by So Juicy Hawai’i and Mokuwai Piko Poi, will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, at 239 Keawe St. in Downtown Hilo.
More information about how to enter can be found here:
Kwai-Chang Publico, owner of So Juicy Hawai'i, said that he and his wife launched the business in 2018 after losing several friends and family to different diseases, along with dealing with his own health issues.
“I just noticed, being in a Hawaiian family, it’s a lifestyle that we’ve known, but it’s not a lifestyle we could really sustain. People were starting to get sick and pass at younger ages.” Publico told Aloha State Daily. “I wanted to rebrand myself … to include merchandise, events and cold pressed juices, and mix it all together.”
In 2019, the pair competed in Miami for the title of Overall Winner of the World Juicing Championship — and won. In addition to its cold pressed juices, the café offers non-dairy smoothies, healthy Hawaiian foods and vegan options. “We do catering, meal prep and school lunches,” he added.
The events and promotions industry is something he’s been a part of for more than 30 years.
When asked about the idea behind this contest, Publico noted he had done it before for years, though not necessarily out of this venture.
Publico added: “It was always something I wanted to do again, and we had the space to do it, so we’re going to be bringing a lot of our old contests back to life. ... if anyone tries to copy it on other islands, this is where they heard about it first."
Without sharing too many spoilers, here’s how he says it’ll look night of:
“It’s not all you can eat poi. It’s basically what you’re eating and how you’re eating it – so it could be like 5-day old poi, it could be a certain brand of poi, think really fun ways to eat poi. And it just ties into community because we all love poi. But this is for the love of poi, and the fastest poi eater wins. It’s really good fun.”
Organizers will accept entries via Instagram through Monday, Feb. 9, and select 10 contestants, ages 14 and older. Prizes include a gift certificate and pāpale hat. The event is open to the public.
“We’re excited. Friday nights in Hilo can be a busy time, but having it on Friday the 13th, I think more people will be out and walking around.
"May the best poi pounder win.”
As for business goals this year, Publico is looking forward to scaling and shipping some of So Juicy Hawaiʻi’s food items worldwide like its kalo ʻulu burger and vegan laulau, as well as kits that will be sold on its website.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
