The sixth annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest is coming soon to the Garden Isle, bringing with it more than 1,000 pounds of fresh, Hawai‘i-caught ahi.
The two-day culinary event, hosted by James Beard Award-winning chef Sam Choy, is set for June 19 and 20 at Kōloa Landing Resort at Poʻipū, Autograph Collection. Tickets are available now.
Joining Choy that weekend are celebrity chefs that include Michelin-starred Emeril Lagasse; James Beard-nominated Sheldon Simeon, a Maui-based chef known for his Valley Isle eateries Tin Roof and Tiffany's Restaurant & Bar; and noted Las Vegas chef Ronnie Rainwater.
(ICYMI: Hawaiian Airlines recently announced that it's doing away with complimentary meals in the main cabin of most domestic flights to the Mainland. Instead, starting July 1, those passengers will be able to pre-order food from a Hawai‘i-inspired menu curated by Simeon. Read more about that effort here).
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" featuring all four celebrity chefs and the reigning 2025 Kauaʻi Poke Fest champion Mark Oyama. Limited seats remain for the dinner.
Meanwhile, the main festival takes place Saturday, June 20. Here, professional and amateur poke makers compete in front of the judges and attendees for the championship title — along with cash prizes and the coveted Crystal Poke Bowl, the announcement notes. More than 20 professional and amateur competitors will participate.
Guests also can enjoy tastings, live entertainment and a poke-making demonstration by Choy, the announcement notes. This year's festival will serve as a benefit for the Alzheimer's Association, Hawai‘i Chapter.
Earlier this year, the Kaua‘i Poke Fest was ranked No. 9 on a list of Best Specialty Food Festivals in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
Want to go? General admission tickets are $150, while VIP early access tickets are $200 and include entry into the tasting hall an hour before general admission. You can buy the Poke Masters' Table and VIP Bundle for $375, which includes the Friday night dinner and VIP access to Saturday's Festival. Tickets for the Poke Masters' Table dinner can also be purchased separately for $250 each. Find tickets and more information at kauaipokefest.com.
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
