The Best of Hawaii's Best Kitchens 2025

Celebrate a decade of culinary excellence at The Best of Hawaii’s Best Kitchens 2025 a dazzling gala event that honors the vibrant flavors, rich traditions, and top culinary talent across the islands.  This milestone year promises to be our most exciting yet, bringing together the islands’ finest chefs and most beloved restaurants in the luxurious setting of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki's Regency Ballroom.

Guests will indulge in an unforgettable evening filled with exquisite tastings, signature dishes, and culinary artistry that showcase the incredible diversity of Hawaii’s cuisine.  From innovative fusion plates to time-honored local favorites, there’s something for every food enthusiast.

Now in our fourth year supporting the Hawaii Restaurant Association Education Foundation (HRAEF), proceeds from this event will continue to fund scholarships for high school students pursuing careers in hospitality. Through programs like the National Restaurant Association’s ProStart Program, we’re helping equip the next generation of culinary leaders with the education and opportunities they deserve.

Your participation in this milestone event not only highlights your culinary creativity to an enthusiastic audience, but also directly contributes to the future of Hawaii’s hospitality industry.

Don’t miss this extraordinary night of food, community, and celebration

General Admission Includes: 

• Entry at 7PM

Reserved HI Tops Includes: 

• Early Entry at 6PM
  
• Hi Top For Four (standing only)

ELITE Tables Package: SOLD OUT

• Early Entry at 6PM
• Reserved Elite Table Seating For Ten 
• HBK Signature Cocktails (2 Per Guest) 
• ELITE Gift Box 

The Best of Hawaii's Best Kitchens 2025 will feature:

Arancino Ristorante Italiano - Showcases a modern take on classic Italian dishes featuring ingredients imported from Italy and fresh local products from land and sea. 

Signature Dish - 

BEEF CARPACCIO
Truffle Sauce & Hand Shaved Parmigiano Raspatura

Bernini Honolulu - We believe that the chef's passion for cooking and the energy of the people who work at the restaurant are transmitted throughout the restaurant and to the customers. 

Signature Dish - 

BRAISED WASHU BEEF CHEEK
In Red Wind With Carrot Puree

PHYLLO - WRAPPED KAUAI SHRIMP
Tropical Fruit Ravigote Sauce

Cino Italian Chophouse  - A modern Italian chophouse and crudo bar, offering a sophisticated dining experience that blends traditional Italian flavors with local Hawaiian ingredients.

Signature Dish

CONFIT PORK BELLY
Honey Agrodolce & Tomato Conserva

Hinata Hawaii - Where delicious cuisines meets exceptional service to turn your events into culinary celebrations.  

Signature Dish

TUNA TRUFFLE HANDROLL
House Spicy Ahi Topped With Garlic Chips & Truffle Pate

LOBSTER HANDROLL
Blended Lobster Meat With A House Garlic Kewpie Mayo Sauce

RAW SEAFOOD BAR 
Oyster On 1/2 Shell, Crab Claw & Scallops

HMS Host by Avolta -  A leader in creating dining for travel venues.  

Signature Dishes

Mai ka 'aina a me ke kai - From the Land & Sea

BRAISED SHORTRIB
Szechuan and Dark Soy BBQ, Pickled Shallots, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Micro Cilantro

CRAB FUSION
Butter Infused King and Lump Crab Meat, Yuzu 'Caviar', Microgreens, Rice Paper Crisp

Hiro Uchi No - A personalized journey through innovative flavors and exquisite presentations in a setting that complements your dining adventure.  The name translates to “Hiro’s House” in Japanese, reflecting its intimate, speakeasy-inspired ambiance. 

Signature Dish - 

SALMON NIGIRI
Ora King Salmon Nigiri Topped With Onion Ponzu & Sea Grapes

Hyatt Regency Waikiki - Sip and savor your way through our Waikiki Beach restaurants with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.

Signature Dish - 

SEARED HOKKAIDO SCALLOPS
Ulu, Celeriac Root Puree, Baby Sumida Farms Watercress. Ho Farm Tomato, Local Tangerine, Maui Gold Pineapple, Macadamia Nut Nam Pla Sauce

Luna Events & Catering Hawaii - We are here to transform your dreams into reality, while always striving to exceed all expectations. 

Signature Dishes - 

WAGYU NIGIRI 
Truffle Ponzu & Ikura

SNOW CRAB 
Served With Muối Ớt Xanh Sauce

Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta

Maile's

Thai Bistro - Innovative interpretation of blending the Thai, Laotian and Hawaii’s local culture for its beautiful flavors, strong spices and fresh taste. 

Signature Dish - 

THAI LECHON TACOS 
Crispy Lechon

Memoirs Hawaii - Bespoke hospitality is more than a philosophy, it’s our promise.  From the artful presentation of our cuisine to the innovative design of our cocktails, every element is thoughtfully curated to reflect intention, creativity, and care.  

Signature Dish -

BRAISED BEEF
Smoked Potato Puree, Roasted Vegetables & Demi Glazed Sauce

Nami Kaze Hawaii  - Chef Peel’s culinary journey is combining the flavors from his hometown of Kaua‘i, and the decades of experience working with Hawaii’s top culinary leaders and chef’s from around the world. 

Signature Dish 

MOROCCAN STEW
Mountain View Dairy Pork, Uala Puree, Roasted Local Vegetables, Spicy Local Vegetable Torshi, And Crispy Quinoa, Cilantro

Pop Culture Artisan Pops - Where every frozen treat is crafted with the spirit of Aloha! Inspired by the lush landscapes and the vibrant flavors of our island. 

Signature Dish - 

ARTISAN POPS
Coffee Cacao Nib Swirl And Assorted Tropical Flavors

430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - A stylish, speakeasy-inspired bar located in Honolulu, intimate atmosphere with plush seating, dim lighting, and a design that blends mid-century modern with contemporary touches.

Signature Dish - 

SHRIMP TOAST 
Spicy Mayo & Hoisin Sauce

604 Hospitality Group - E Komo Mai 604 Express, the authentic Italian flavors of Mangiamo by 604, the golfer's paradise at 60Fore Bar & Grill, the craft-focused 604 Ale House, the versatile 604 Ballroom and Conference Center, the casual yet refined 604 Clubhouse and our newest addition, the 604loha Grill. 

Signature Dishes - 

"Surf N Turf"

BRAISED GUANCIALE RAGOUT & GARLIC KAUAI SHRIMP
Pork Cheek, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Celery, Onions, Garlic, Shallots, Espagnole, Marinara, Topped With A Bed Of Saffron Rice Pilaf, Garnished With Mari’s Garden Spicy Micro Greens & Red Sorrel Topped With Garlic Kauai Shrimp

LOLLIPOP LAMB CHOP & GARLIC KAUAI SHRIMP
New Zealand “Grassfed” Lamb Chops Served With Creamy Polenta & Red Wine Demi & Drizzled With Truffle Oil, Garnished With Pea Tendrils & Red Sorrel Topped With Garlic Kauai Shrimp

Westman Café & Lounge - A popular Honolulu brunch spot known for its soufflé pancakes, Wagyu dishes, and breezy lodge-like ambiance. New Ward Village location set to open in late 2025. 

Signature Dish - 

MINI WAGYU LOCO MOCO
Hand-Shaped Premium Wagyu Beef Patty, Fluffy Japanese Rice, Rich Demi-Glaze Style Hayashi Gravy, Silky Fried Egg

**Featured restaurants subject to change**

FAQ THE BEST OF HAWAII'S BEST KITCHENS 2025

Q. What time does the event start?

A. Elite ticket holders will have an early entry at 6pm, while General Admission ticket holders will enter at 7pm.

Q. IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE TO ATTEND THE BEST OF HAWAII'S BEST KITCHENS 2025?

A: Hawaii's Best Kitchens is a 21+ age event. Please bring a valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license/passport) for proof of age.

Q: CAN I BRING MY CHILD OR BABY TO THE EVENT?

A: Because Hawaii's Best Kitchens is a 21+ age event, we encourage our guests to make arrangements for their childcare ahead of time.

Q: DRESS ATTIRE ?

A.  Dress to impress

Q. WHAT ARE MY PARKING OPTIONS?

A. Parking is available in the main hotel self parking structure ($10) and/or valet ($15) or Ride Share.

Q. DO I HAVE TO BRING MY PRINTED TICKET TO THE BEST OF HAWAII'S BEST KITCHENS 2025?

A. Yes, you are required to bring your paper tickets to The Best of Hawaii's Best Kitchens 2025. Your printed ticket will serve as your admission into the event at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.

Q. WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?

A. NO REFUNDS, NO EXCHANGES, NO REPLACEMENTS. All events, prices, restaurants, venues, dates and times are subject to change without notice. All sales are final. This ticket will not be replaced, refunded or exchanged for any reason whatsoever.

ALL SALES ARE FINAL

Q. INCLEMENT WEATHER

A. Event organizers accept no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for event cancellation or interruption because of inclement weather or other acts beyond its control. Event organizer does not refund for cancellation due to inclement weather or other acts beyond its control.

Q. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

A. Hawaii's Best Kitchens, Viper Group Media LLC and its affiliates, divisions, sponsors, advertising agencies, owners, partners, officers, directors, independent contractors, employees, agents, contractors and assigns (collectively, “Producers”) assume no responsibility and shall have no liability whatsoever (including for negligence) for any injury, damage to or loss of ticket holder’s person (including, without limitation, wrongful death) or property while on the premises. Holder voluntarily assumes all risks and dangers incidental to the event for which the ticket is issued, whether occurring prior to, during or after the Event. Holder voluntary agrees that the Event and each of these two separate legal entities respective officers, directors, owners, affiliates, employees and agents acting by and through them, are expressly released by Holder from any claim incidental to the Event.

Q. RIGHT TO USE YOUR NAME, VOICE, IMAGE AND LIKENESS

A. By attending the event with a ticket or credential, Holder grants the Event and its affiliates and licensees the irrevocable, transferable, perpetual right and license to publish, print, display, record and use (by photograph, film, tape, aural devices and any other method or device) the Holder’s name, voice, image and likeness while at the Event (the “Recordings”), and

the use of such Recordings for any and all purposes, in any and all media now known and hereafter devised.

Q. RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL BEVERAGES

A. As responsible members of the community, the Event recognizes the concern about drinking and driving, and its policy is to encourage responsible consumption of alcohol beverages at the Event. If Holder believes that his/her driving ability may be impaired or that Holder cannot safely operate a motor vehicle, please speak with an Event representative who will arrange for transportation back to Holder’s destination point.

Q. DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

A. Due to the nature of this unfortunately dietary requirements cannot be catered for.

Q. WHERE CAN I CONTACT THE ORGANIZER WITH ANY QUESTIONS?

A. Please email hawaiisbestkitchens@gmail.com