Kōloa Landing Resort Expands Kaua‘i Poke Fest to Two Days With Exclusive Celebrity Chef Experience

Proceeds to support Kaua‘i nonprofits

Kōloa Landing Resort announces the expansion of its highly-anticipated Kaua‘i Poke Fest, to a two-day event on June 13-14, 2025. Recognized as one of the top ten food festivals in America, the festival will kick-off with an intimate celebrity chef experience, the Poke Masters’ Table, with James Beard Award-winning Chef Sam Choy and renowned guest chefs, followed by the main festival with live poke competition, tastings, and more. The Kaua‘i Poke Fest showcases Hawai‘i’s iconic dish with a competition where professional and amateur chefs prepare innovative poke dishes using 1,000 pounds of premium ahi tuna. The event also includes Hawaiian entertainment, craft beverages, and poke demonstration by Chef Sam Choy.

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At the 2024 Kauai Poke Fest, Hawai‘i’s Best Poke went to team Gusman Go Getters for their dish “Throwback”. (Photo: Business Wire)

“The festival has become a beloved tradition celebrating community and Hawai‘i’s cuisine,” said Aaron Bambling, general manager of Kōloa Landing Resort. “With expanding participation and a new celebrity chef experience, this year promises to be our best yet.”

Poke Competition and Prizes

Competitors will be judged by a panel of celebrity judges and attendees in categories of taste, originality, and presentation. The top three winners will receive:

1^st Place – $2,000 grand prize, airfare and accommodations for two to Honolulu, a feature on Sam Choy’s in the Kitchen, a two-night stay at Kōloa Landing Resort, and their name engraved on the Crystal Poke Bowl.

2^nd Place – $1,000 Visa Gift Card and two-night stay.

3^rd Place – $500 Visa Gift Card.

New This Year: Poke Masters’ Table

On June 13, the Poke Masters’ Table will offer an intimate dining experience with dishes presented by Chef Sam Choy and renowned celebrity chefs.

Tickets and Room Packages

Proceeds benefit over 60 Kaua‘i nonprofits through the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association–Kaua‘i Chapter:

• General Admission - $125 ($100 advanced purchase)
• VIP Access - $150
• Poke Masters’ Table - $150
• VIP + Poke Masters’ Table - $250

A special room package is available including discounted rates and two general admission tickets to the festival. For tickets, competition entries, or room packages, visit KauaiPokeFest.com or call (808) 240-6600.

For photos/b-roll of the 2024 Kaua‘i Poke Fest, click here.

About Koloa Landing Resort

Kōloa Landing Resort at Po‘ipū is a premier luxury destination on Kaua‘i’s South Shore, offering world-class accommodations and authentic Hawai‘i hospitality. Visit KoloaLandingResort.com for reservations.

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