Poke Judging

Several men in Hawaiian shirts and purple leis sit at a table, one wearing glasses writing while others listen.

How does judging work at the Kauai Poke Fest® ??

At Kaua‘i Poke Fest®, we take judging seriously.

This is not just a tasting event. It is a true culinary competition that celebrates the craft, creativity, and tradition of poke. Every team is evaluated through a thoughtful and transparent process designed to ensure fairness, integrity, and credibility.

Compete

Panel of Respected Chefs

At the center of the festival is our judging panel, made up of some of America’s most respected culinary voices:

Each judge brings years of experience, a deep understanding of Hawaiian cuisine, and a commitment to fairness and excellence.

Kauai Poke Fest

Chef Sam Choy

Chef Sam Choy Widely recognized as the “Godfather of Poke,” Chef Choy has spent decades shaping Hawai‘i’s culinary identity and bringing poke to a global audience.

A chef in a white coat poses at a table with a glass of white wine against a plain gray background.

Chef Emeril Lagasse

Chef Emeril Lagasse is one of the most recognized names in American food, a two Michelin star chef, and James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year honoree.

A smiling man wearing a green apron with tattooed arms, posing with his arms crossed against a plain light background.

Chef Sheldon Simeon

Chef Sheldon Simeon James Beard Award finalist and one of Hawai‘i’s most celebrated chefs, known for his deep respect for local ingredients and culture.

A smiling chef in a white double-breasted jacket stands before a gold, textured backdrop.

Chef Ronnie Rainwater

Chef Ronnie Rainwater A highly regarded chef with a refined palate and deep industry experience, bringing balance and perspective to the panel.

A Hawaiian-themed fish tasting station with a wooden board, small gold bowls, breads, greens, and signs reading Tasting Station 21.

How the Competition Works

Each competing team prepares and presents their poke dish during the festival. At a scheduled time, teams present their dish directly to the judges. This includes:

  1. Sharing the inspiration behind the dish
  2. Explaining ingredients, sourcing, and preparation
  3. Highlighting any unique techniques or cultural influences

The judges then taste and score each dish independently.

A close-up flatbread pizza topped with red sauce, chopped greens, and olives, with veggies and herbs on the board.

Scoring System

Each dish is evaluated using a standardized scoring system across three categories:

  • Taste (up to 10 points)
  • Presentation (up to 10 points)
  • Originality (up to 10 points)

Each judge can award up to 30 points per dish. This ensures that every team is judged consistently and fairly.

Kauai Poke Fest

Kaua‘i Poke Fest® Is Also a Celebration of The Community.

Guests are invited to participate by voting for their favorite dish using QR codes located throughout the tasting hall.

This allows attendees to have a voice and recognize the dishes they enjoyed most.

At the end of the festival:

  • Scores from all judges are combined
  • Audience votes are factored in
  • Final totals determine 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place winners

This hybrid approach ensures that winners are selected through both expert evaluation and guest experience.

Kauai Poke Fest

We Understand that Transparency Matters

  • Judges evaluate dishes independently
  • All teams follow the same rules and structure
  • Scoring is standardized across all competitors
  • Our judging panel is composed of highly respected, unbiased professionals

Our goal is simple: to honor the best poke on the day of the festival.