Kōloa Landing Resort gearing up for 6th annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest this summer

Kōloa Landing Resort at Poʻipū on Kauaʻi’s sunny South Shore will once again host what has become a must-attend summer event celebrating Hawai‘i’s most iconic dish — poke.

The 6th annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest is slated for June 19-20, bringing together top chefs, local artisans and food lovers for a high-energy, premier culinary event led by “Godfather of Poke” Chef Sam Choy that will also serve this year as a fundraiser for the Hawai‘i Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association.

“What began as a celebration of Hawai‘i’s most iconic dish has grown year-after-year into one of the community’s most beloved events,” said Kōloa Landing Resort General Manager Aaron Bambling in announcing the upcoming festival. “Kaua‘i Poke Fest honors poke in its birthplace by bringing people together through food, culture and friendly competition, while also giving back to the community.”

The festival begins at 6 p.m. June 19 with the Poke Masters’ Table Dinner, an intimate, limited-seating experience hosted by James Beard Award–winning Choy.

It’s a multi-course dinner that will feature returning celebrity chefs Sheldon Simeon and Ronnie Rainwater alongside inspired pairings and personal stories that honor Hawai‘i’s culinary heritage.

• Poke Masters’ Table Dinner tickets are $250 per person and include hosted bar access.

Kaua‘i Poke Fest will transform the resort into a full-scale celebration June 20, uniting professional and amateur poke makers in a live competition highlighting more than 1,000 pounds of fresh poke prepared on site.

Guests can sample traditional and innovative creations, enjoy live Hawaiian entertainment and watch a special poke-making demonstration by Choy.

All ticketed guests are invited at 3 p.m. to enjoy the festival opening ceremony, which sets the stage for an afternoon of full of food and entertainment.

VIP ticket holders receive early access at 3 p.m. to the tasting hall, allowing additional time to sample poke offerings. General admission access begins at 4 p.m.

• General admission is $150 and VIP early access is $200, both including hosted bar access.
• A Poke Masters’ Table + VIP bundle is also offered for $375 for those guests who want to enjoy the complete weekend poke experience.

Highlight of the festival is the dynamic mix of competitors from throughout Hawai‘i it has attracted each year, including professional chefs, acclaimed local restaurants and standout amateur poke makers.

Professional and amateur poke makers alike are again encouraged to sign up this year to compete in the live, judged celebration of tradition, creativity and island flavor.

The 6th annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest showcases Hawai‘i’s top chefs, poke artisans and local vendors while celebrating the flavors and traditions of the islands.

Kōloa Landing Resort will donate all net proceeds to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, Hawai‘i Chapter, in honor of June being Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. Funds will support local families, fund critical research and advance care and resources statewide.

“We’re incredibly proud to see how this festival continues to grow in both scale and impact,” Bambling said.

Visit the Kaua‘i Poke Fest website to purchase tickets, find more event information, sign up to compete and more.