Kōloa Landing Resort welcomed more than 1,000 attendees to the Sixth Annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest on June 19–20, raising more than $40,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association, Hawaiʻi Chapter. The nationally recognized festival featured celebrity chefs, over 1,000 pounds of Hawaiʻi-caught ʻahi, live Hawaiian entertainment, and a competition to determine this year’s Kauaʻi Poke Fest champion.
“The success of this year’s Kauaʻi Poke Fest is a reflection of the generosity and spirit of the Kauaʻi community,” said Aaron Bambling, general manager of Kōloa Landing Resort. “We’re grateful to the chefs, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who made the festival possible while supporting the important work of the Alzheimer’s Association, Hawaiʻi Chapter.”
In recognition of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, all net proceeds from this year’s festival benefited the Alzheimer’s Association, Hawaiʻi Chapter. “We are honored to be the beneficiary of this year’s Kauaʻi Poke Fest and grateful to everyone who helped make it a success,” said LJ Dueñas, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association. “Support from events like this helps us provide critical care, education, and resources for local families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”
The festival weekend kicked off with the sold-out Poke Masters’ Table Dinner, an exclusive culinary experience hosted by James Beard Award-winning Chef Sam Choy. Guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner featuring Michelin-starred Chef Emeril Lagasse, two-time “Top Chef” finalist Chef Sheldon Simeon, acclaimed Las Vegas culinarian Chef Ronnie Rainwater, 2025 Kauaʻi Poke Fest champion Mark Oyama, and Kōloa Landing Resort chefs Wendy Leanio and Ryan Alicante.
Saturday’s main event brought together more than 20 professional and amateur competitors who went head-to-head using over 1,000 pounds of Hawaiʻi-caught ‘ahi sourced by Kauaʻi Fresh Fish. Attendees sampled a variety of traditional and innovative poke creations while enjoying live Hawaiian entertainment and a poke-making demonstration by the “Godfather of Poke” Chef Sam Choy and Emeril Lagasse.
Poke creations were judged on taste, presentation, and creativity, with chefs competing for more than $10,000 in prizes, the coveted Crystal Poke Bowl, and the title of 2026 Kauaʻi Poke Fest Champion.
This year’s winners include:
- First Place: Justin Firmignac – Ali’i Momona Poke, Haleiwa Joe’s (O‘ahu)
- Second Place: Franco Abero III – Hawaiian BBQ Poke Fest, Beach House (Kaua‘i)
- Third Place: Manaʻo Alu – Reel Aloha Poke & Fish Co. (Hawai‘i Island)
The event also featured performances by Kumu Breeze Pavau and Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana and Kaiona, as well as remarks from Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami, who presented a proclamation recognizing June 19–20, 2026, as Kauaʻi Poke Fest Days.
