24 Sep Flavors and Fun to Swirl at Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival Kā‘anapali
A symphony of gourmet delights spiked with just the right seasoning is coming our way as the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival touches down at Kā‘anapali from October 19 to 21—with something for the whole family!
On Saturday evening, October 20, “Spiked!” takes place on the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa’s Anuenue Lawn. This spicy gourmet event challenges 13 notable chefs to explore a new world of seasonings, from anise to za’atar—and guests will enjoy the innovative results, paired with stellar wines, refreshing cocktails and craft beers. General admission is $200, from 6 to 9 p.m.; VIP access is $300, with early entry at 5 p.m. Guests purchasing tickets with First Hawaiian Bank Mastercard gain early entry at 5 p.m.
“Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival provides a unique opportunity for guests to taste dishes prepared by some of the world’s most celebrated chefs, while also highlighting fresh local products sourced from Hawai‘i’s farmers, fishermen and ranchers,” says Sheraton Executive Chef Lyndon Honda. “‘Spiked!’ will bring together all-star chefs who will be emphasizing global spices and flavors in every dish. We’re excited to be a part of this event, cooking alongside such a distinguished group—it’s going to be a night to remember!”
Guests may eat, drink and stay the night with a special package deal: two General Admission tickets to “Spiked!” plus a one-night stay at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa for $590 (limited availability). Tickets may be purchased HERE.
This year’s festival brings a fun new event to Kā‘anapali: “Keiki in the Kitchen,” a family-friendly day at Whalers Village with activities and special appearance by YouTube baking star Rosanna Pansino. On Sunday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Lower Level Courtyard, kids can participate in food-themed activities, learn how food relates to health and lifestyle, meet local farmers, and have their photo taken with world-famous chefs.
Known for her series “Nerdy Nummies,” Pansino will lead two cupcake-decorating sessions for kids—at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.—using her signature unicorn cupcake decorating kits that she’s donating to the event. Pansino joins 17 celebrity chef guests for a day of entertainment for the whole family. Admission is free with advance registration at hfwf.me; $5 at the door.
Whalers Village and retailers have created special activities to round out the event, including: a pre-event screening of “Ratatouille” (Oct. 20); lei making; grab-and-go snack making with Monkeypod Kitchen; craft activities with Ben Franklin; screenprinting with Crazy Shirts; tomato tasting with farmer Justin Teixeira; and 10 a.m. performance by Halau Hula Malani O Kapehe.
“We are proud to welcome ‘Keiki in the Kitchen’ to Whalers Village in Kā‘anapali,” says Shelley Kekuna, executive director of Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association. “It’s never too early to get our kids inspired and excited about healthy, delicious food, and to learn that where our food comes from matters!”
Maui County Farm Bureau will have a tent at the event to share the importance of agriculture in the community. Guests can meet Maui farmers and share a sample of fresh Grown on Maui products, like Upcountry greens and ripe mangoes.
On Sunday evening, Oct. 21, this year’s gala dinner will light up the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa’s Kitchen Stadium (created especially for this event). “Symphony of Flavors” is an extraordinary six-course dinner created by six culinary masters, including Blaine Wetzel of Willows Inn, Lummi Island; Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush of Senia, Honolulu; Michelle Karr-Ueoka of MW Restaurant, Honolulu; Rick Tramonto of Restaurant R’evolution, New Orleans; David LeFevre of Fishing with Dynamite, Manhattan Beach; along with Kā‘anapali’s own Greg Grohowski, executive chef at the Hyatt. Each course will be expertly paired with wines by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Hawai‘i.
General admission is $250, at 6 p.m.; VIP access is $500, with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m., dinner and reserved seating at 6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased HERE.
“Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival is a highlight for us each year,” says Hyatt’s Chef Greg. “It’s an opportunity to showcase the abundance of our local flavors and collaborate with chefs from around the state and country to create a culinary experience that will stay with guests long after they leave.”
The Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival kicks off on Friday, Oct. 19, with the 21st Annual Roy’s Golf Classic at Kā‘anapali Golf Courses. The popular event is a benefit for IMUA Family Services, and features a post-tournament dinner reception and award ceremony at Roy’s Kā‘anapali. It’s just a “taste” of all the amazing flavors to come!