Hawai’i is out to prove it’s not just a premier surf destination with the return of its world-renowned Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival, running October 13 – November 15, 2023.

Once again, the Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival will be a moveable feast with events taking place across three islands – Maui, the Island of Hawai’i and O’ahu – over three weekends, making it the perfect excuse to explore the archipelago.

As one of the biggest food and wine festivals in the region, the event attracts high-profile talent from across Hawai’i and abroad. This year, more than 90 renowned chefs and food personalities will feature on the program, alongside dozens of celebrated winemakers, sommeliers and mixologists.

This year’s program puts the pearl of the Pacific on a plate, showcasing the island’s unique cuisine and culture. It is a requirement of the festival that all chefs use ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers and fishermen to highlight the incredible food produced in the region while also supporting local agriculture.

The 2023 festival will see a return of fan favourites like the House of Blanc & Rouge at Ko Olina – a beachside food and wine-tasting event that finishes with fireworks over the water. Also making a comeback will be Hawaiian Airlines presents Crush’d, which is a grand wine tasting event at the Hawai’i Convention Centre.

Festivalgoers can expand their culinary horizons at Indigenous World Cuisines at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The event celebrates the rich culinary heritage of indigenous communities from around the world, including Turtle Island tribes (Oglala Lakota, Kickapoo and Puyallup) to nations in the Caribbean and the Pacific (Maori, Samoan and Hawaiian). The event will be followed by a panel discussion featuring chefs Monique Fiso, Sean Sherman, and Crystal Wahpepah on how to revitalise indigenous food systems.

New to the line-up will be a fitness brunch with Burn Collective’s Maria Chase and a dim sum brunch walk-around featuring Feng Shui and energy reading activities.

Related news: Legendary Waikiki venue House Without A Key reopens with a lush new pool bar

Hawai’i Food and Wine Festival Chief Executive Officer Denise Yamaguchi said the festival was always looking at new ways to support its community. “Last year, the Festival was not only able to spotlight Hawai’i as a culinary destination and support local agriculture, but became a platform to showcase the work of artists and artisans—makers, musicians, performing and visual artists—to rebuild vital industries in Hawai’i.”

To date, the festival has donated over $3.4 million back to the community
in support of these efforts.

Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival 2023 Program

Maui
First Hawaiian Bank Presents 26th Annual Roy Yamaguchi Golf Classic
Friday, October 13, 2023
Kāʻanapali Golf Course

Ocean’s 13
Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 6:00 – 9:00pm
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Livin’ La Vita Vino
Sunday, October 15, 2023 | 6:00 – 9:00pm
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaʻanapali

Island of Hawai‘i
Indigenous World Cuisines
Friday, October 20, 2023 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Indigenous Food Culture Panel
Saturday, October 21, 2023 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

O‘ahu
Far East Street Ph’east
Thursday, November 2, 2023 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Hawaiian Airlines Presents Crush’d
Friday, November 3, 2023 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Hawai‘i Convention Center

First Hawaiian Bank Mastercard® Presents House of Blanc & Rouge at Ko Olina
Saturday, November 4, 2023 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Ko Olina Resort with Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina

Burn Baby Burn with Maria Chase from Burn Collective
Sunday, November 5, 2023 | 8:00am – 10:30am
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Lucky 13: Dim Sum and Then Some
Sunday, November 5, 2023 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa

The Art of Food & Wine
Sunday, November 5, 2023 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Halekulani

Tickets for the Thirteenth Annual Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival are now on sale at hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com. 

Related news: Say aloha to the best things to eat and drink in Waikiki