More than 800 gathered at Kōloa Landing Resort to celebrate Hawai‘i’s signature dish with over 1,000 pounds of locally-sourced ‘ahi

Kōloa Landing Resort wrapped its largest Kaua‘i Poke Fest to date with over $20,000 raised to benefit local Kaua‘i nonprofits through the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association’s Charity Walk. The 5^th Annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest took place June 13–14, 2025, showcasing Hawai‘i’s best culinary talent and community spirit. For photos/b-roll of the 2025 Kaua‘i Poke Fest, click here, courtesy of Kōloa Landing Resort.

Building on five years of success, Kaua‘i Poke Fest has become a must-attend event that benefits both kamaʻāina and visitors. “The Koloa Landing Resort has been one of our best community leaders, and we are grateful for the generous donation from their signature event, the Kaua‘i Poke Fest, which helped provide crucial financial support to 60 nonprofit organizations on our island,” said Jim Braman, HLTA Kaua‘i Chapter Board President.

“This year’s festival reflected the true spirit of Kaua‘i with passionate chefs, an enthusiastic community, and incredible generosity,” said Aaron Bambling, general manager of Kōloa Landing Resort. “We’re proud to support HLTA’s Charity Walk and grateful to all who made the weekend possible.”

The 2025 event introduced the Poke Masters’ Table, a five-course dinner featuring culinary stars Chef Sam Choy, Chef Sheldon Simeon, Chef Ronnie Rainwater, and Chef Don Gusman. The sold-out Friday event treated guests to island cuisine and concluded with a standout dessert by Chefs Wendy Leanio and Ryan Alicante.

Saturday’s main event featured a live poke competition, where 20 chefs crafted poke dishes using over 1,000 pounds of fresh ‘ahi. Dishes were judged on taste, presentation, and originality by a panel of celebrity chefs.

2025 winners include:

• First Place: Mark Oyama – Kauai Shrimp (Torched Kauai Shrimp)
• Second Place: Meghann Matsuda – Da Reel Kapakahi Red Eye (Reel 'Em & Feel 'Em)
• Third Place: Kristy Kahananui – Lawai‘a Fish Co. (Da Krazy Asian Poke)

The event also featured performances by Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala and Kaiona, a poke-making demo with Chef Sam Choy, and remarks from Mayor Derek Kawakami and Mayor Richard Bissen, who acknowledged the festival’s cultural significance and charitable impact.

The 6^th Annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest will be held in June 2026.

For more information, visit KauaiPokeFest.com.

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