The fifth annualKaua‘i Poke Fest, named one of the top ten food festivals in America, is set to take place on June 13 & 14, 2025. For the first time, the annual festival will be a two-day event kicking off with an intimate celebrity chef dining experience, the Poke Masters’ Table, on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 6 p.m. followed by the main festival on June 14, 2025, from 3 – 7 p.m.
This highly-anticipated celebration of Hawai‘i’s famous dish includes a live competition between professional and amateur chefs incorporating more than 1,000 pounds of premium ahi tuna, live Hawaiian entertainment, food and drinks, and a poke-making demonstration by James Beard Award-winning Chef Sam Choy. Proceeds will support Kaua‘i nonprofit organizations. Competition applications, room packages and additional details are available at KauaiPokeFest.com.
New This Year: Poke Masters’ Table Celebrity Chef Experience
For the first time, the Kaua‘i Poke Fest will kick-off with an intimate celebrity chef experience, Poke Masters’ Table, featuring 5 courses presented by Chef Sam Choy and renowned celebrity chefs on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 6 p.m.
1st Course | Chef Sam Choy
Nihoa Ahi Tartare Salad with Tender Greens
Sam’s Famous Creamy Oriental Dressing with a Spicy Unagi Drizzle
2nd Course | Chef Don Gusman, 2024 Poke Fest Winner
Wok Fried Kaua’i Shrimp
Thai Hamakua Ali’i Mushroom Curry
Local Mango, Pineapple Chutney
3rd Course | Chef Sheldon Simeon of Tin Roof, Maui
Hawaiian Kanpachi with Roof Lemon Butter
Abalone & Kyurizuke
4th Course | Chef Ronnie Rainwater, Chief Culinary Officer, Emeril Group
Creekstone Farms Chateaubriand
Parisienne Potatoes & Local Vegetables
Red Wine & Bearnaise Sauces
5th Course | Chef Wendy Leanio & Ryan Alicante, Koloa Landing Resort
Local ‘uala (sweet potato) Cheesecake
Big Island Macadamia Nut Crust
EVENT TIMELINE
June 13, 2025
- 6:00 pm – Poke Masters’ Table (New this year)
June 14, 2025
3:00PM – Opening ceremony, live music, and early access to the poke tasting hall (VIP only)
4:00PM – Poke tasting hall open to all general admission ticket holders
6:00PM – Voting ends, vote counting begins, poke demonstration by Sam Choy
6:45PM – Winners are announced
7:00PM – Closing ceremony