This week’s Taste of the Islands food festival at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is shaping up to be one of the most talked‑about culinary events in Hawai‘i — and it has a lineup worthy of national foodie headlines. On Dec. 29, 2025, guests won’t just nibble local favorites; they’ll meet and taste creations from some of the biggest names in the culinary world, bringing oxygen to Hawai‘i’s reputation as a global food destination. (Travel And Tour World)
At the top of the bill is celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi — founder of the legendary Roy’s restaurant empire and one of the pioneering voices in Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Yamaguchi’s culinary style blends fresh island ingredients with Japanese‑French technique, and he’s widely credited with helping put Hawaiian‑inspired fine dining on the national map. (Wikipedia)
Joining him are fellow renowned chefs Sheldon Simeon, Sam Choy, Lee Anne Wong, and Brian Hirata — all serving up signature dishes that celebrate Hawai‘i’s local bounty with creative flair. Mixologist Ku‘ulei Akuna will be behind the craft cocktail bar, pairing locally sourced spirits and tropical essences with the rich flavors of island cuisine. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com
For locals and visitors alike, this festival isn’t just about good food — it’s about cultural exchange and culinary heritage, blending global technique with Hawai‘i’s distinct ingredients like fresh fish, tropical fruit, and native herbs. And with names like Yamaguchi leading the charge, it’s a chance to taste firsthand how island food has evolved from casual plate lunches to internationally revered plates worthy of world‑class gastronomy. (Travel And Tour World)
Whether you secure a ticket to the evening gala or just soak up the aroma of ono bites across the amphitheater, the Taste of the Islands is shaping up to be a must‑attend food moment — a delicious blend of celebrity sizzle and authentic island soul on every plate.
