Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau Media Contact:
Sydney Siu, (808) 829-0963, [email protected] 

Island of Hawai‘i (September 8, 2025) — Discover a world of flavors and experiences unique to the island of Hawaiʻi on your next visit. From farmers cultivating sea salt, hibiscus, coffee and other local-grown ingredients to chefs creating innovative dishes spotlighting fresh, locally sourced produce, meats and seafood, there are many individuals with important roles shaping the island’s culinary and agricultural scene. Explore the island through this lens and you’ll visit unique farms, enjoy memorable meals at local restaurants and take part in hands-on food and ag experiences sharing the history and flavors of the island’s multitude of cultures and its collective Hawai‘i Island culture.

Read on to explore the many delicious and meaningful ways you can immerse yourself in Hawaiʻi Island’s culinary scene on your next visit.

SAVOR THE FLAVORS

Hawaiian B Natural Farm Tours, a family-owned edible hibiscus farm just outside of Honoka‘a Town. Guests are given a personalized 90-minute tour of the farm’s hydroponic greenhouse and outdoor demonstration garden, learning about the differences between ornamental and culinary hibiscus, and Hawaiʻi’s agricultural history. The tour ends with a guided tasting of the farm’s estate preserves, spiced tea and signature hibiscus flowers in syrup. For more information, visit  https://www.hawaiianb.com/.  

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Photo Credit: Hawaiian B Natural Farm Tours

Kona Sea Salt's private Salt & Fire Dinner begins with a relaxing, deep-ocean magnesium foot soak at sunset, then savor an open-fire-cooked meal featuring local seafood and produce spotlighting Hawai‘i Island flavors, paired with Kona sea salts and smoked salts. Hosted on Kona Sea Salt’s oceanfront grounds, the dinner can accommodate small groups and special occasions. Limited dates and custom menus are available. For more information and bookings, contact [email protected].

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Photo Credit: Kona Salt Farm

Pueo’s Osteria aims to bring the warmth of a rustic Italian osteria to its evening dining experience in Waikoloa Village. Chef James Babian’s menu showcases a blending of authentic Italian flavors with local ingredients, inviting guests to savor house-made pastas, fresh seafood and wood-fired specialties, complemented by boutique wines and handcrafted cocktails. For more information or to make a reservation, visit https://pueososteria.com/.

As Hawaiʻi’s first carbon-neutral restaurants, Merriman’s Hawaii offers sophisticated dining locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable initiatives, even producing the world’s first low-methane-emission goat cheese and first-of-its-kind boxed-wine program. Chef-owner Peter Merriman and sustainability director Jessie Merriman worked with Hawai‘i Island Goat Dairy and Blue Ocean Barns to develop a special limu kohu seaweed to limit methane emissions by 85%. And with its planet-friendly fine wines initiative, Merriman’s is decreasing its restaurants’ carbon footprint by more than 80% while maintaining quality and significantly reducing environmental harm. For more information, visit https://www.merrimanshawaii.com/sustainability/.

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Photo Credit: Merriman’s Hawaii

Known for offering customers premium, sustainably raised, grass-fed meats, Waimea Butcher Shop recently expanded its space to include a full dine-in restaurant. Guests can enjoy lunch favorites from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Whether stopping by for a casual midday bite or a hearty dinner, Waimea Butcher Shop welcomes all to savor the local flavors of Hawai‘i Island. For more information, visit https://www.waimeabutchershop.com/.

Lehua Restaurant at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo offers a dining experience and menu blending local Hawai‘i flavors with global culinary techniques. Visitors and residents enjoy the restaurant’s food, live music, hospitality and atmosphere. For more information or to book a reservation, visit https://lehuarestaurant.com/.

Pacific 19 Kona has partnered with Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee to brew its locally grown beans fresh daily at the hotel’s The Cafe at P19. Extending the partnership beyond the cup, Pacific 19 Kona guests are invited to explore Heavenly Hawaiian farm via its Kona Coffee Farm Tour. The experience offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at the coffee production process from bean to brew, with guided walks, tastings and insights into the farm’s history. For more information, visit https://pacific19.com/kona/eat-drink/.

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Photo Credit: Pacific 19 Kona

Hawaii Forest & Trail’s Volcano, Chocolate and Waterfalls Adventure blends Hawai‘i Island’s natural beauty and local flavors. Guests on the adventure explore the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with expert guides, then visit a 1,000-acre cacao farm for an interactive tree-to-chocolate tasting experience featuring its artisanal chocolate. The day ends with a visit to scenic Waiānuenue Falls (aka Rainbow Falls) in Hilo. For more information, visit https://hawaii-forest.com/tours/volcano-chocolate-waterfalls/ or call 808-331-8505.

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Friends of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (FPOH) is proudly collaborating with the Apple TV historical drama series “Chief of War” on a series of cultural programming events offering a deeper understanding of the traditions and history depicted in the series. The partnership’s core is a series of cultural events directly tied to “Chief of War” themes based on true events and follow the unification and colonization of Hawai‘i from an indigenous perspective. Each program features a viewing of a specific clip from the series, followed by a demonstration where participants learn about an art form depicted in the show. Demonstrations are led by cultural practitioners and the people and traditions they represent. The cultural demonstrations were created with an aim of educating attendees and providing direct support to the local community by compensating cultural practitioners for sharing their invaluable knowledge and skills. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm.

With 30-plus episodes so far in its current eruptive series, Kīlauea volcano continues to draw thousands of visitors daily to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. During these typically brief eruptions traffic can be stop-and-go several miles before visitors even reach the park entrance. All visitors should make the park’s Welcome Center their first stop. Enter the park, proceed through the entrance’s new roundabout and follow signs to Crater Rim Drive West to find the Welcome Center, then drive a bit further and park near it. Park rangers are on duty at the Welcome Center, and the park store is open from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours daily. Exceptional views of Kaluapele — Kīlauea volcano’s summit caldera — are a short walk from the Welcome Center. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm.

Discover Hawai‘i’s underwater world aboard Atlantis Submarines Kona, Hawai‘i Island’s only passenger submarine experience. Guests dive more than 100 feet below the ocean surface in Atlantis’s spacious, eco-friendly, Coast Guard-certified, battery-powered submersible to explore a 25-acre coral reef, shipwrecks and vibrant marine life from the comfort of its air-conditioned cabin. Tours depart from Kona and kids dive free for a limited time with each paid adult. For more information, visit https://www.atlantisadventures.com/kona.  

Train, race or simply recharge with Kona Salt Farm’s Hydrate Like a Triathlete bundle. Enjoy a deep-ocean, 47-degree cold-water magnesium foot soak on the farm’s oceanfront site and take-home Kona pure electrolytes, deep-ocean magnesium and a package of its mineral-rich, deep-ocean salt, all of it drawn from 2,200 feet below the surface of Kona Coast’s waters. For more information, visit https://konaseasalt.com/.

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Photo Credit: Kona Salt Farm

Ola Nani Ranch is offering small, group-guided rainforest trail rides for intermediate and advanced horseback riders. Guests saddle up and enjoy the beauty and sounds of Hawaiʻi Island's countryside on a trail ride ideal for riders seeking a more personal and intimate adventure. Reservations are required and can be booked at www.olananiranch.com.

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Photo Credit: Kimberly Roberts and Marcus Moylan (Moylan Captures)

Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort launched a center-wide renovation project in July updating its common areas, landscaping and restrooms. Work is scheduled to finish this winter. The center is fully open during construction and guests are encouraged to visit for shopping, dining and cultural programming. The renovation aims to elevate the look and feel of the center while continuing daily operations. Construction is being staged so retailers and restaurants remain accessible throughout the work. For more information, visit https://kingsshops.com/.  

ACCOMMODATIONS

From afternoon into evening, HāLani at Mauna Lani Resort offers a coastal Mediterranean–inspired setting where shareable plates — including whole-roasted branzino, house-made pastas and grilled steaks — pair with selected wines and a relaxed ambiance. Diners can settle into the restaurant’s new lounge seating and enjoy moments with good company, embracing spirited conversations and the art of living well. For more information, visit https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/dine/halani/.

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Photo Credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, a two Michelin Key hotel and Hawai‘i Island’s only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star resort, unveiled two new dining concepts earlier this year. ʻULU restaurant debuted with a revamped menu celebrating island of Hawaiʻi cuisine, sourcing 75% of its ingredients from over 160 local farms and highlighting pan-Asian techniques such as wok-firing and flame-grilling. Adding to the resort’s culinary experiences, new second-floor sushi lounge and omakase restaurant NOIO, spotlights fresh-caught fish from the Kona and Kohala coastal waters. For reservations, visit https://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/dining/.

Link to Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/h6l7wb27hccgtksz3enk7/ULU-Seating-Overview-Sunset.tif?rlkey=ypgt7oe19m4k42k15qxgkl9v9&e=1&st=aflpjqws&dl=0 and https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4vazr5sxnzkfutwo64fle/NOIO-Interior.jpg?rlkey=pj7oat9psbnredwjyjycjf8td&e=1&st=hohb5fmb&dl=0 
Photo Credit: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, part of the award-winning Mauna Kea Resort, recently announced the appointment of Chef Sotirios Kontos as chef de cuisine of Meridia, the resort’s signature Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Born in Athens, Greece, and shaped by Italian and Turkish heritage, Chef Kontos developed a passion for cooking at a young age, influenced by his family’s rich culinary traditions. As chef de cuisine, Chef Kontos oversees the creation of Meridia’s Mediterranean-inspired menus, leads the culinary team and works on elevating the restaurant’s dining experience, drawing inspiration from his heritage, creative approach and Hawai‘i’s bounty of ingredients. To book a reservation, visit maunakearesort.com.

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa presents this enchanting monthly cultural series on the last Tuesday of each month, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at its Kaʻukulaelae Bayview Lawn, featuring Hawaiian storytelling and cultural insights from kumu (teacher) Keala Ching. The series also includes hula performances from kumu Ching’s hālau hula (hula group) Ka Pā Hula Nā Wai Iwi Ola under evening skies. Upcoming dates for the series are September 30, October 28, November 25 and December 30. The complimentary oceanfront experience blends education and entertainment, with optional dining at the resort’s Piko restaurant. Free parking is available for this cultural immersion series celebrating Hawaiʻi's rich heritage. For more information, visit https://event.outrigger.com/outrigger-kona-resort-and-spa/events/kailua-kona/under-the-new-moon-9590436.

Hilton Waikoloa Village is excited to debut the first phase of renovations to its iconic Palace Tower. The all-new Palace Tower Grand rooms, available to book now, feature modern, island-inspired design, custom furnishings and artwork by local artists. Each room includes a private lānai (porch), smart connectivity and upgraded comfort amenities. Centrally located within the resort, the Palace Tower offers easy access to dining, pools and the ocean-fed lagoon. For more information, visit www.HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com.

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Photo Credit: Hilton Waikoloa Village

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection has launched a partnership with the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program to help restore and protect West Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs. On August 28, the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa team completed its first restoration dive at Makaiwa Bay, reattaching loose corals and planning future efforts such as rescuing and rehabilitating vulnerable corals, mapping live coral annually, and conducting follow-up dives after winter swells. This collaboration aligns with Mauna Lani’s commitment to marine conservation, which also includes raising endangered green sea turtles for release through its Mālama Honu, Mālama Honua program. For more information, please visit www.aubergeresorts.com/maunalani.

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Photo Credit: Maiana Villegas

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Organic ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua honey by Big Island Bees of Kealakekua recently received another award from the Good Food Foundation, this time as part of the foundation’s exclusive 15 Years of Good Food Awards. In receiving the award, the company’s artisanal honey joined a select group of 55 nationwide winners across 18 categories demonstrating enduring excellence in taste, craftsmanship and ethical production. Big Island Bees is a multigenerational family operation offering guided beekeeping tours alongside a museum and gift shop. To browse and order Big Island Bees honeys and gift items, or to book a tour, visit https://bigislandbees.com.

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Photo Credit: Big Island Bees

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run is returning September 20 for its 10th year, offering moderate to highly challenging 5K, 10K, half marathon and 50K races on a course crossing macadamia nut and coffee tree groves. As participants cross the beautiful landscape of rural Ka‘ū, they’ll take in breathtaking views of the ocean as well. For more information, visit https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/.

Aloha Festivals on the island of Hawai‘i is presenting the annual Paniolo Festival, themed "Kilakila Nā Roughriders" for its 2025 edition. The weeklong celebration of Hawai‘i’s deep-rooted cowboy heritage is set for September 15 through 20 in the historic ranching town of Waimea. Attendees will enjoy the festival’s vibrant tribute to paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) and its unique window into the rich culture and history of paniolo and ranching. Events will include bingo after dark, line dancing, bonfire mele (songs) and moʻolelo (stories), a lively parade, cook-offs, a petting zoo, and more. For more information, visit https://www.alohafestivalsislandofhawaii.com/paniolo-festival.

Hāmākua Sugar Days returned in 2025 as a yearlong celebration of Hawaiʻi Island’s plantation history and the diverse communities of the Hāmākua Coast that shaped that history. The celebration will culminate on October 4, with the Hāmākua Sugar Days Fair and Parade in Honokaʻa, featuring live music, local food, cultural exhibits and keiki (children) activities. The vibrant, family-friendly community festival welcomes all to honor the past and celebrate Hawaiʻi Island’s diversity. For more information, visit https://hamakuasugardays.org/.

The Hawai‘i Island Festival of Birds is set for October 4, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo. The festival’s goal is to bring the community together to celebrate Hawai‘i’s native bird species and address tough conservation challenges. Through sharing of manaʻo (wisdom) and enthusiasm, the festival aims to uplift and motivate attendees. The festival’s 2025 theme is “Celebrating Successes.” For more information, visit www.birdfesthawaii.org.

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa will host the 35^th  annual IRONMAN World Championship Medical Symposium, a prestigious nonprofit, accredited five-day continuing medical education event for medical professionals specializing in sports medicine and endurance athlete care. The only authorized Ironman-sanctioned sports medicine conference, the symposium will offer up to 24 hours AAFP CME credit for physicians practicing family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and orthopedics, as well as physical therapists, athletic trainers, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and exercise scientists arriving from around the world. Happening October 5 through 9, the event will offer participants cutting-edge education and hands-on Ironman medical tent volunteering opportunities. Register at https://ironmansportsmedicine.com/about-the-symposium-2025.

The 2025 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship will take place October 11 in Kailua-Kona, featuring a field of women triathletes entering their names into triathlon history. The event will match them with the ultimate 140.6-mile/ 226km test of willpower and endurance, swimming the turquoise waters of Kailua Bay, biking across the raw volcanic landscapes of the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway and running in the warm West Hawai‘i sun toward the championship’s finish line on Historic Kailua Village’s Ali’i Drive. For more information, visit https://www.ironman.com/races/im-world-championship-kona.

The annual Hawaiʻi Food and Wine Festival (HFWF) is returning this fall with another full lineup of events at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. HFWF 2025’s three-island series of culinary events will kick off on Hawai‘i Island on October 17 with the first-annual Cuisines of the Sun® Golf Classic Hosted by Alan Wong and the Cucina: From Mauka to Makai dinner on October 18. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com/.

The 18^th  annual Run for the Dry Forest returns to the Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Reserve on October 18, featuring a 10K run, 5K run/walk and quarter-mile keiki (children) fun run. A free, non-competitive quarter-mile keiki fun run on flat surfaces is also offered, with parents welcome to join their kids. Participants can also explore the event’s environmental educational booths and interpretive trails while supporting the conservation of Hawai‘i’s endangered dry forests. For more information or to register, visit https://www.akakaforests.org/events/2025-run-for-the-dry-forest.

Discover the soulful sounds of Hawaiian slack key guitar music at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa's annual Slack Key Guitar Festival on October 19. The family-friendly celebration brings together master musicians and cultural practitioners for live performances, storytelling and cultural demonstrations. Guests of all ages are welcome to enjoy the festival’s live music performances and local artisans and food vendors. Lifelong slack key guitar fans and first-time listeners alike will appreciate the vibrant festival’s uniting of community, culture and music. For more information, visit https://event.outrigger.com/outrigger-kona-resort-and-spa/events/kailua-kona/slack-key-guitar-festival-kona.

Hawai‘i’s longest-running food festival will be back with more coffee flavors, coffee culture and Kona coffee celebrations for its 2025 series of events. This year’s Kona Coffee Cultural Festival spans 10 full days, November 7 through 16, and more than 40 events, all of it honoring the legacy and success of the district’s nearly 200-year coffee-growing history and industry. Festivalgoers can enjoy Kona coffee farm tours, cupping competitions, coffee art exhibits, food tastings, cultural demonstrations, a recipe contest, an evening lantern parade, live Hawai‘i music performances and more. For more information, visit www.konacoffeefest.com.  

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Photo Credit: Kona Coffee Cultural Festival