While travelers may be heading to the Hawaiian Islands for different adventures, such as eco-tourism, culture, arts, golf/sports, or health/wellness pursuits, there is one common denominator critical to anyone on vacation ..... FOOD!
Hawaii offers the best of both worlds for visitors looking for a little fun in the sun, while tempting culinary taste buds with a number of food festivals throughout the year. If your travel plans typically include great eating experiences, here are a few upcoming events you won’t want to miss:
On February 23 chocolate lovers can learn the steps that go into making this sweet treat from start to finish, taste different chocolates, watch live entertainment, and listen to industry professional speakers at the Hawaii Chocolate Festival (Oahu) Held at Dole Cannery, the festival was created to raise awareness about Hawaii’s growing cacao industry and to solidify chocolate as the state’s newest ‘ambassador of aloha’.
Oahu’s top chefs come together at the Hawaii Convention Center on March 1 for the Honolulu Festival Friendship Gala, serving up creative regional cuisine featuring the abundance of Hawaii’s ocean, farms, and ranches. The event takes place from 6:30-8:30pm and is part of Oahu’s premier Honolulu Festival cultural event, promoting understanding and ethnic harmony between people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region.
The Kona Brewers Festival on Hawaii Island on March 9 began as a birthday celebration for Kona Brewing Co. in 1996 and has grown to be one of the premiere festivals on the island and in the state. The festival features 60 types of ales and lagers served alongside island-style cuisine from some of Hawaii’s top chefs.
Satisfy all your chocolate cravings and more at the Big Island Chocolate Festival at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii on March 23. The highlight of the decidedly decadent festival is the colorful and tasty 5:30-10pm gala with tempting sweet and savory chocolate creations prepared by top island chefs, chocolatiers, and confectioners.
The all day East Maui Taro Festival on April 20 and 21 features non-stop Hawaiian entertainment and hula, food booths and arts and crafts booths, not to mention hands-on cultural demos such as poi-pounding, kapa cloth making, creating Hawaiian musical instruments and lauhala weaving.
For more information about top events in Hawaii take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Hawaii