Assorted canapés with cured meat, topped with red caviar, herbs, and cheese crisps on a platter.
Buy Tickets Here
Two people in tropical outfits pose smiling and making “shaka” signs by a large laulau-style dish at a festive outdoor event under string lights.

Celebrate Hawaiʻi's Favorite Food

Kauai Poke Fest

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.

Kauai Poke Fest
Three people in colorful shirts and leis present awards outdoors at a garden event, holding certificates and smiling.

Legends of Poke, All in One Place

Where Hawaiʻi's Best Chefs Compete

Kauaʻi Poke Fest® features one of the most talented and diverse chef lineups in the event’s history. This year’s competitors include award-winning chefs, past champions, respected fishermen, renowned restaurateurs, culinary educators, and executive chefs from Hawaiʻi’s top resorts. Among them are chefs trained at some of the world’s most prestigious culinary institutions and restaurants, all bringing their own unique approach to Hawaiʻi’s most iconic dish.

see Past Winners

Kauai Poke Fest

2026 Kauaʻi Poke Fest Winner

Justin Firmignac

The next Kauaʻi Poke Fest® is already taking shape, and we’d love for you to be part of it. Each year, the festival brings together talented chefs, passionate food lovers, local businesses, and visitors from around the world to celebrate Hawaiʻi’s most iconic dish. Whether you hope to attend, compete, sponsor, volunteer, or simply follow along, sign up below to receive early access to tickets, competition announcements, festival news, and other exciting updates throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is included in the price of my Poke Fest® ticket?

    General Admission and VIP tickets include access to the Poke Fest® tasting room featuring a thousand pounds of fresh poke samplings prepared by 25 teams of poke artisans, hosted bar (up to 5 drinks per person) and pupu table or Poke Fest® swag items. Also included is access to the main event stage where the opening ceremony, live entertainment, and Sam Choy’s poke demonstration will take place.

    VIP tickets gain you early access at 3:00 pm to the tasting hall for first bites and exclusive access to celebrity chefs, media, travel writers, and competitors.

    Poke Masters’ Table tickets include an intimate dining experience on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. with signature dishes from Sam Choy, Mark Oyama, Ronnie Rainwater, Emeril Lagasse, and the Koloa Landing culinary team.

  • Is parking provided?

    Yes, but carpooling is encouraged as onsite parking is limited.

  • What is the refund policy?

    The Kauai Poke Fest® is a not-for-profit event. Tickets are refundable for 50% of the ticket price. Tickets are transferable at no cost.

  • Do I have to bring my ticket to the event?

    Guests must have their ticket, either printed or in digital format, and a valid government issued ID.

  • Is my ticket transferrable?

    Yes, you can transfer your ticket at no cost or purchase a ticket for someone else.

  • Is it okay if the name on my ticket does not match the person who attends?

    Yes, that is okay. Note, each ticket is only good for one entry to the festival.

  • What can I bring to the event?

    No outside food or beverages are allowed at the Kauai Poke Fest®.

  • Who can I contact for more information?

    You can send an email to info@kauaipokefest.com for more information about the festival.