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Most vacationers think of Hawaii to enjoy the sun, surf, sand, and shaved ice. Savvy travelers know there’s a lot to enjoy about these islands under the sun. They absorb Hawaiian culture, laid-back vibes, luxury resorts, amazing nature, and international cuisine. Many people plan their vacation around the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, held annually in the fall for several weeks and on three separate Islands.
We reveled in the four days of festivities held in Honolulu. Thursday night took us to the top pool deck of Alohilani Waikiki Resort to meet and eat famous dishes prepared by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Equally recognized chef friends have gathered from around the world to celebrate the “Year of the Tiger” by crafting innovative Asian dishes with cocktails to elevate and delight palates. taste.
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Among our favorites is the Green Curry Chicken Liver Pate made by Andrew Le from The Pig and The Lady Restaurant in Honolulu.
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On Friday night, twenty renowned winemakers and twenty top chefs joined forces at the Hawaii Convention Center to delight connoisseurs and foodies with their creative collaboration. Cocktails and beer are also designed to satisfy all tastes. Michelle Karr-Ueoka from MW Restaurant in Honolulu quenched our palates with Kona Coffee “Tiramisu” Brulee.
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If that’s still not enough to satisfy your cravings, the party is then held on the rooftop of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki hotel featuring handcrafted cocktails and fine dining from five top chefs. Exactly what foodies demand to end a perfect evening.
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Saturday morning, we woke up and shone with the flair of creating a crowd-pleasing cheese and charcuterie board. From choosing, cutting, assembling, decorating to pairing the right wines, we’ve learned it all. And after all, we brought home our self-assembled boards to impress our friends.
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Sunday morning, the Drag queens performed a closing show to match the delicious snacks and alcoholic beverages on offer.
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Among the delicious dishes are Avocado Boiled Cold Kona Lobster, Local Wetland Kale and Hollandaise known as “Mother’s Toast,” created by Nikolaos Lobendahn of Easy Que in Kailua, HI.
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Among the participating chefs was Chef Robynne Maii of Fête. For the first time in nearly 20 years, Hawaii has won the James Beard Award for Best Chef of the Northwest and Pacific in 2022 in honor of Chef Maii.
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Fête, housed in a historic building in Chinatown, is rooted in the local farm-to-table movement and features seasonal new American dishes. Each creation comes out of the kitchen looking more appealing than the last and in fact, each dish is full of flavour, sophisticated spice and delicious.
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Our carpool driver urged us to try the local pork ragu and it was indeed remarkable like the burnt carrot, beetroot salad and the special twice fried Ludovico chicken stuffed with herbs and foie gras. The beverage and cocktail offerings are carefully curated and pair well with the food. Fête brings the recognition it deserves.
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Set in a stylish space in the Velocity Honolulu Building, the MW Restaurant, named after the talented couple’s initials, Michelle and Wade is a Michelin-starred experience. Prepare to enjoy Pacific Rim cuisine that is creative, skillfully prepared and delicious, and served by passionate, professional staff. We opted for the Five Course Tasting Menu to sample some of Chef Wade’s signature dishes enhanced with thoughtfully paired wine selections.
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The addition of Regiis Ova Caviar, an OK Farms Scrambled Egg with Wasabi Koji is a delicious treat well worth the extra fee. The Five Small Bites appetizer paired with the Tasmanian Sparkling wine set the bar high for the rest of the dishes.
The signature Mochi Crusted Hawaiian Kanpachi is infused with soy yuzu vinegar, combined with the Italian DOC Pinot Grigio that made it famous. Kona abalone Uni and Shrimp Kauai, followed by Brandt Beef Tenderloin continue to impress. Needless to say, Master Pastry Chef Michelle’s Kohana Rum Coffee & Crème Brulee took the cake and wrapped up a food tour.
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There are plenty of accommodation options, so why not stay at one of the popular festival hotels, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. Boasting a prime location just steps from Waikiki’s main beach, this resort has something for every traveler. Whether it’s a family vacation, a wedding celebration, a girl’s holiday or a romantic getaway, they have something for you. Their professional staff is very welcoming and ready to accommodate your every request.
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Hawaiian spirit still alive with many resident services kumus desire to share their culture and traditions. Try doing lei or playing the ukulele to help you fit in. Stay fit in the gym and rooftop pool, cross the street to paddle, surf, snorkel and work your tan.
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Pamper yourself in the world-class spa and pamper yourself by upgrading to the Regency Club for exclusive food and drinks throughout the day.
Among the highlights of our stay were the attentive staff, the service and quality of the Regency Club food, first class, the rejuvenating massage experience at Na Ho’ola Spa, Strong cultural enrichment program for guests and community at large by the passionate and knowledgeable staff of Hawaii Ho’okela Cultural Center.
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Be sure to include a delightful meal at SHOR, where dinner and live music deliver a quintessential Waikiki evening under the stars at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. We especially enjoyed the Reef and Beef dishes including the Kona Cold Water Lobster Tail, foie gras and asparagus. Treat yourself to a delicious meal at SHOR or indulge in some casual food at their many food outlets
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Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa has everything conveniently located and ready for you to enjoy right on the property without wasting a second of your precious vacation. Hyatt overlooking iconic Waikiki Beach with its sights and sounds of waves wishes you a warm summer aloha bon trip.
Plan now for an epic food vacation that includes the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, etc.
