Celebrity chefs and local talent to take center stage at the sixth annual Kauaʻi Poke Fest

Chef Sam Choy, known as the “Godfather of Poke,” is hosting the sixth annual Kauaʻi Poke Fest that will take place this weekend at Kōloa Landing Resort on Kauaʻi’s south shore.

The event, which was recently named one of USA Today’s Top 10 specialty food festivals, blends tastings, competition and entertainment.

“This is not your typical food event,” Aaron Bambling, general manager of Kōloa Landing Resort, told Kaua’i Now.

The Poke Fest highlights bold flavors, technique and creativity, with more than 20 professional and amateur competitors presenting their interpretations of Hawaiʻi’s iconic dish made with diced raw fish.

The festival, which runs Friday evening and all day Saturday, has grown into one of the state’s most popular events. Proceeds support the Hawaiʻi Chapter of the Alzheimers Association and its programs across the islands.

The festivities begin on June 19 with the Poke Master’s Table Dinner, where Choy, who often is credited with helping bring poke to international audiences, will be joined by celebrity chefs Emeril Lagasse (2-Star Michelin Chef), Sheldon Simeon (finalist of TV competition “Top Chef”), Ronnie Rainwater (worked with the Emeril Group) and reigning Poke Fest champion Mark Oyama.

The chefs will prepare a multi-course menu highlighting locally sourced ingredients from Kauaʻi and across the Hawaiian Islands.

On June 20, the main event will transform the resort ballroom and garden lawn into a showcase of creativity, as all competitors present their poke dishes, ranging from traditional recipes to contemporary twists.

The judges will evaluate entries on flavor, presentation and originality while attendees sample offerings throughout the afternoon.

Returning to defend his title is 2025 champion Mark Oyama, as competitors vie for more than $10,000 in prizes, including the festival’s signature Crystal Poke Bowl.

Top prizes include a $2,000 gift card, a two-night villa stay at the resort, and an appearance on Choy’s cooking show for the first-place winner. Second- and third-place finishers will also receive cash prizes and resort stays.

Choy and Lagasse also will take the stage together for a live poke demonstration.

Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami is presenting a proclamation recognizing Kauaʻi Poke Fest Days and highlighting the event’s growing impact on the island.

For Saturday’s main event, VIP tickets grant early access at 3 p.m. for first tastes; general admission starts at 4 p.m. with full access to the tasting hall and poke creations. To purchase tickets, click here.