Poke generosity: 5th annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest raises more than $20K for island nonprofits

Kōloa Landing Resort in Poʻipū wrapped its largest Kaua‘i Poke Fest to date last month, with more than 800 people attending and raising more than $20,000 to benefit Kaua‘i nonprofits through Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association’s Charity Walk.

The 5th annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest showcased the best of Hawai‘i’s culinary talent and community spirit June 13–14.

It’s now a must-attend event after building on 5 years of success, benefiting kamaʻāina and visitors alike, featuring Hawaiʻi’s signature dish.

This year’s festival served up an amazing 1,000-plus pounds of locally-sourced ʻahi during the annual live poke competition.

“The Kōloa Landing Resort has been one of our best community leaders, and we are especially 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 Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association Kaua‘i Chapter Board President Jim Braman in a release about this year’s festival success.

Culinary stars Chefs Sam Choy, Sheldon Simeon, Ronnie Rainwater and Don Gusman curated a new exclusive five-course dinner introduced during this year’s event. The sold-out event treated guests to elevated island cuisine and concluded with a standout dessert course by Chefs Wendy Leanio and Ryan Alicante.

The weekend’s main event featured a live poke competition, pitting 20 chefs head-to-head, crafting original poke dishes judged by a panel of celebrity chefs based on taste, presentation and originality.

This year’s winners were:

• FIRST PLACE: Mark Oyama, Kauaʻi Shrimp (Torched Kauaʻi 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 Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala and Kaiona, a poke-making demo with Chef Choy and remarks from Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, who each acknowledged the festival’s growing cultural and charitable significance.

“This year’s festival reflected the true spirit of Kaua‘i with passionate chefs, an enthusiastic community and incredible generosity,” said Kōloa Landing Resort General Manager Aaron Bambling in the release. “We’re proud to contribute to the [Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association’s] Charity Walk and thankful for everyone who helped bring this weekend to life.”

The sixth annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest is planned for June 2026.

Visit the Kaua‘i Poke Fest website for additional information.