NFL players judging this year’s Kaua‘i Poke Fest; ticket sales will go to Maui Strong Fund

The Kaua‘i Poke Fest – an annual celebration and competition of Hawai‘i’s most famous dish hosted by Kōloa Landing Resort in Poʻipū on Kaua‘i – has chosen Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund as this year’s event beneficiary.

Proceeds from ticket sales for the event taking place on June 8 will support the immediate and long-term needs of those displaced by the Maui wildfires. In addition, this year’s celebrity judges will include Kaua‘i-born Nick and Nate Herbig, Pittsburgh Steelers professional athletes and brothers.

“As part of the Hawai‘i community, we are continuously looking for ways we can support each other and in this case, help Maui recover,” said Aaron Bambling, general manager of Kōloa Landing Resort. “At this year’s Kaua‘i Poke Fest, we’re very excited to join the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and the Herbig brothers, who have a passion for giving back and supporting our community in raising funds for families displaced by the Maui wildfires.”

The Hawai‘i Community Foundation is working closely with state and county leaders, nonprofit organizations and members of the community to understand the evolving priorities and unmet needs of families displaced by the Maui wildfires.

As of Feb. 9, the Maui Strong Fund has already raised $180,216,799 that will support the immediate and long-term recovery of Maui families.

“All of us at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation express our sincere mahalo to Kōloa Landing Resort for donating the proceeds of the Kaua‘i Poke Fest to the Maui Strong Fund,” said Micah Kane, CEO and president of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. “Everyone who takes part in the Kaua‘i Poke Fest will not only enjoy a great event but will know that they’re helping to support the people and places on Maui affected by the August fires.”

Nate and Nick Herbig will serve as celebrity judges for the 2024 Kaua‘i Poke Fest poke competition, returning to their home of Kauaʻi to reaffirm their commitment to giving back to their community.

The Herbig brothers are alumni of Saint Louis High School on Oʻahu and currently play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Nick recently completed his rookie season as an outside linebacker, while Nate completed his fifth season in the NFL as an offensive guard.

Following the devastating Maui wildfires, the brothers teamed up to show their support for their Hawaiʻi community, partnering with Dick’s Sporting Goods’ Sports Matter program to present the Lahainaluna High School football team with a $25,000 grant to support their upcoming season. They also created “Herbie Gives,” a program that provides education
and opportunities for the youth of Hawaiʻi.

“Poke has been one of our favorite foods since we were kids,” said Nick Herbig. “We are stoked to be a part of this event back on Kaua‘i this summer.”

To purchase tickets, visit KauaiPokeFest.com.