Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival return to Kā’anapali

HONOLULU, HI – As Maui continues its journey of healing and rebuilding in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires, the Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival (HFWF) announce the return of the Fourteenth Annual Festival to its home in Kā‘anapali, Maui from October 25-27. In partnership with Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association, the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival’s return reinforces the organization’s commitment to supporting the island’s economic recovery, especially for the vibrant culinary and hospitality professionals that rely on the visitor industry.

Though the Festival was unable to take place in West Maui last fall, HFWF organizers responded quickly to raise and distribute over $1.25 million in relief funds for more than 1,300 restaurant, bar and hospitality workers in Maui through the nonprofit organization’s Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund. Working alongside industry partners such as the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, HFWF continued to support responsible travel to the island of Maui with a special edition of the Festival in Wailea that encouraged travelers to stay and support local businesses.

This year, the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival aims to welcome visitors back to celebrate the spirit of Maui as world-class chefs, winemakers, sommeliers, and mixologists come together to showcase the best of Hawai‘i – and especially Maui’s- culinary, cultural, and agricultural offerings. Over three days, guests will savor culinary excellence and immersive experiences that celebrate the island’s rich gastronomic heritage and embodies the HFWF mission to “Taste Our Love for the Land,” all set against the picturesue backdrop of Tripadvisor’s No. 1 ranked beach in the country.

“Maui is a special place with an incredible community, and we are committed to supporting its revitalization,” said Denise Yamaguchi, Chief Executive Officer of the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival. “Since 2011, the Festival’s impact has grown beyond its reputation as a world-class culinary event. Today, HFWF serves as a powerful platform to support local businesses, particularly those in the restaurant and hospitality industry, but also local farmers and suppliers, manufacturers, event and tourism professionals, and more.” By returning to Kā‘anapali, the Festival seeks to remind visitors that their travel can make a difference and play a vital role in restoring the livelihoods of the people who call Maui home.

To encourage visitors to experience the magic of Maui, HFWF hotel partners – Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows – are offering exclusive room rates for HFWF24 guests that purchase tickets to any of the three fall Festival events listed below during the month of August. By choosing to visit Maui during the Fourteenth Annual Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival, guests can combine their vacation or staycation with an unforgettable gourmet getaway that contributes to the island’s economic recovery.

The weekend – which includes the SOLD OUT 26th Annual Roy Yamaguchi Golf Classic, presented by First Hawaiian Bank – will spotlight some of Maui’s finest chefs: Charles Andres, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa; Jayson Asuncion, Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows; Isaac Bancaco, Kohola Brewery; James Domingo, Hula Grill; Yoshikazu Kizu, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa; Brandon LaClair, Ulu Kitchen; Michael Lofaro, Fairmont Kea Lani; Joey Macadangdang, Balai Pata; and Taylor Ponte, Aurum Maui.

Joining them will be culinary luminaries from across the globe, including Burt Bakman, Michele Belotti, Chris Cosentino, Celestino Drago, Raphael Lunetta, Tara Monsod, Frank Pabst, Matt Pittman, Cedric Vongerichten, Sherry Yard, and more. The Festival’s signature grand tasting event at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa – Vita La Vino – will toast to the timeless allure of wine with the enchanting flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean. And for the first time, HFWF will introduce a new event to the Maui lineup – a pickleball tournament with BBQ brunch at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows.

The article Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival return to Kā’anapali first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.