Get a Taste of the Islands at These 7 Hawaii Food Festivals
The lush and beautiful Hawaiian Islands produce some of the tastiest and most unique foods of any state in the nation. And Hawaiians love to honor the bounty of the land with fun foodie celebrations all year round. From locally produced delicacies to canned meats, You’re sure to find something you love at one of these seven Hawaii food festivals.
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival
The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival takes place over more than three weeks on multiple islands and in locations all over the state. The month of October is full of local food and wine as well as celebrity chefs, over-the-top dinners, classes, events and more. There is something for everyone at this event, from sit-down meals with renowned chefs to bite-size samplings, fireworks and more. Fall back in love with the islands and appreciate how the local resources are used to make Hawaii fully sustainable.
See more: Foods That Grow in Hawaii
Spam Jam
Waikiki
The Spam Jam street festival in spring celebrates all things Spam, the beloved canned meat that you’ll find everywhere from corner stores to high-end restaurants in Hawaii. The festival includes multiple entertainment stages, tents with local chefs showcasing the array of ways to enjoy Spam and more. Check out local vendors and Hawaiian crafters selling their wares or stop by the Spam merchandise tent to gear up. This free, family-friendly event is one of the most popular in the state.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
Kona
One of the state’s most delicious exports, Kona coffee, has a 200-year history in Hawaii. And at nearly 50 years old, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is the oldest festival in the state. For 10 days in the late fall, Hawaiians celebrate the farmers and artisans that produce the signature coffee. The festival not only honors the coffee but also the culture and history of the islands. Guests enjoy dancing, music, a lantern parade, art shows, farm tours and, of course, plenty of delicious coffee to sample.
East Maui Taro Festival
Hana
Taro, a starchy root vegetable known locally as kalo, is a staple of Hawaiian cuisine. And the Eat Maui Taro Festival celebrates this sacred root every April. The two-day festival is deeply rooted in the local culture and celebrates the Hana area’s history of growing taro. Guests can take a farm tour to learn about the cultivation of taro, take part in a poi pound, witness the blessing of the crop, shop at the farmer’s market, and finish it all off with some delightful music and hula dancing.
Lana’i Pineapple Festival
Lanai City
This smallest publicly accessible island in Hawaii was once covered by pineapple plantations. Now, it’s known locally as Pineapple Island, and you can celebrate the bounty of summer there at the Lana’i Pineapple Festival. No more than two vendors at this event can serve the same thing, so you’ll find a wide variety of food options to try. There’s also a pineapple challenge cook-off and fireworks at the end of the night. Festival organizers even plan ahead and offer a special ferry back to Maui after the event ends.
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Hawaii State Farm Fair
Kaneohe, Oahu
Celebrate the history and bounty of Hawaiian farming and ranching at the Hawaii State Farm Fair, which has been promoting the local agricultural economy for six decades. Each July, farmers, ranchers and producers join together with 4-H to help educate the public about the importance of agriculture to life on the islands. At the event, you can purchase local produce and plants, sample some of the most delicious local food around, check out the interactive children’s farm area, have fun on the rides, and more. The whole fair takes place on a 4,000-acre working ranch between the mountains and the ocean. It’s a gorgeous location, and you’ll want to save plenty of room in the car to stock up on goodies.
See more: Hawaii’s Top 10 Ag Products
Kaua’i Chocolate and Coffee Festival
Kaua’i
Chocolate and coffee complement one another perfectly, and the Kaua’i Chocolate and Coffee Festival provides a unique opportunity to sample all kinds of pairings. The festival is free, but to guarantee access to all the best samples, purchase a ticket in advance – it acts as your passport to taste. It also gives you plenty of extra goodies and discounts. In addition to satisfying your sweet tooth and caffeine needs at once, this festival offers music and dancing as well as presentations about both chocolate and coffee, including tips for brewing the perfect cup at home. Kaua’i is where you want to be in October for this unique and delicious festival.