Kaua‘i Poke Fest named one of 10 Best Specialty Food Festivals

A Kaua‘i festival that celebrates one of Hawai‘i's most iconic foods has made the list of Best Specialty Food Festivals in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

The awards aim to rank the 10 Best in several areas of travel and lifestyle.

Kaua‘i Poke Fest ranked No. 9 on the list and was among 20 nominated by a panel of experts. Rounding out the list are festivals across the U.S. dedicated to delicacies like wellness beverages, beignets, chocolate, shrimp, chicken wings, cheese curds, pickled foods, whoopie pies and hot tamales.

The sixth annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest returns to Kōloa Landing Resort in June.

The festival kicks off with the Poke Masters' Table Dinner on Friday, June 19. According to an announcement from the resort, the dinner is an "intimate multi-course dining experience" hosted by James Beard Award-winning Chef Sam Choy and featuring chefs Sheldon Simeon and Ronnie Rainwater.

The Kaua‘i Poke Fest competition takes place Saturday, June 20. Here, professional and amateur chefs "showcase their signature poke creations," and guests can enjoy tastings, live entertainment and a poke-making demonstration by Choy, the announcement notes. This year's festival also will serve as a benefit for the Alzheimer's Association, Hawai‘i Chapter.

For more information, tickets, or to sign up to compete, visit KauaiPokeFest.com.

Voting is also under way for a number of other 10Best lists and several Hawai‘i businesses are vying for a spot:

Nico's Pier 38 in Honolulu is up for Best Waterfront Restaurant. Vote here once a day until 6 a.m. Monday, April 13. Winners will be announced Wednesday, April 22.
Hilo Town Market and Wailuku First Friday are up for Best Night Market. Vote here once a day until 6 a.m. Monday, April 13. Winners will be announced Wednesday, April 22.
Kaka‘ako Farmers Market is up for Best Farmers Market. Vote here once a day until 6 a.m. Monday, April 13. Winners will be announced Wednesday, April 22.
Body Glove Hawai‘i in Kailua-Kona, Kaua‘i Sea Tours in ‘Ele‘ele, and Sail Trilogy in Mā‘alaea are up for a spot on the list of Best Dinner Cruises. Vote here once a day until 6 a.m. Monday, April 13. Winners will be announced Wednesday, April 22.