Kōloa Landing Resort Hosts Sixth Annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest June 19-20

Kōloa Landing Resort at Poʻipū will host the Sixth Annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest on Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20, 2026, with James Beard Award–winning Chef Sam Choy leading the weekend and organizers identifying the Alzheimer’s Association, Hawai‘i Chapter as a fundraising beneficiary. The event’s official materials also state that proceeds will support Kaua‘i nonprofit organizations, a dual framing organizers say reflects the festival’s community focus.

General Manager Aaron Bambling framed the festival as a community institution: "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," Bambling said. He added, "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 weekend begins Friday, June 19 with the new Poke Masters’ Table, a limited-seating, intimate multi-course dinner starting at 6:00 p.m. The Friday event will be hosted by Sam Choy and feature returning celebrity chefs Sheldon Simeon and Ronnie Rainwater alongside other renowned chefs, according to the festival program. Organizers describe the Masters’ Table as a tasting and storytelling experience that pairs signature poke dishes with personal culinary histories.

Saturday, June 20 is the main festival day. All ticketed guests are invited to the opening ceremony at 3:00 p.m., with VIP ticket holders receiving early access to the tasting hall at 3:00 p.m. and general admission beginning at 4:00 p.m. The festival will include a live competition uniting professional and amateur poke makers, a special poke-making demonstration by Sam Choy, live Hawaiian entertainment, and sampling of both traditional and innovative poke. Organizers project more than 1,000 pounds of fresh poke will be prepared on site, and festival materials specify more than 1,000 pounds of premium ahi tuna in competition and sampling offerings.

Operational details in the event FAQ note that the Kauai Poke Fest® is a not-for-profit event with tickets refundable at 50% of the purchase price and transferable at no cost. Guests must present a ticket, printed or digital, and a valid government-issued ID for entry. Parking is provided but onsite spaces are limited, and organizers encourage carpooling. Competition applications, room packages and additional festival details are listed as available now on the event page.

Organizers market the festival as bringing together top chefs, local artisans and food lovers for a high-energy celebration of Hawai‘i’s signature dish, led by the "Godfather of Poke," Chef Sam Choy. With fundraising tied to Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in June, the event combines culinary programming and charitable support while transforming Kōloa Landing Resort into a summer culinary showcase on Kaua‘i’s South Shore. Tickets, competition applications and room packages are available through the Kauai Poke Fest event page.