Hawaii's Best Kitchens 2026  The Next Chapter is where Hawaii’s leading culinary and hospitality talent shapes the future of dining in the islands alongside the guests who power our community.

For more than a decade, HBK has brought the hospitality community under one roof showcasing the creativity, resilience, and cultural depth that define Hawaii’s food culture. What began as a celebration of talent has grown into something greater: a gathering of the people and ideas that move our industry forward.

Now, that foundation evolves.

HBK 2026 introduces two forward-thinking initiatives that expand our platform beyond one night creating opportunity for emerging talent, deepening community collaboration, and driving measurable industry progress.

More than a celebration of flavor, HBK is a catalyst for connection and action where ideas move beyond conversation and into meaningful impact.

This is where tradition meets innovation and where the next chapter begins.

The HBK Experience...

Hawaii’s most respected restaurants are invited to participate representing the talent, vision, and culinary excellence that define dining in the islands.

ADEZ STEAKHOUSE & LOUNGE - 

Tomahawk "Wagyu" Seasoned With Garlic, Salt & Pepper 

Smoke Pork - Marinated In Shoyu/Ginger

Sauce Trio - Kalbi Marinade, Kitsami Wasabi Shoyu & Hawaiian Chili Pepper Dry Rub

ARANCINO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - 

Tagliatelle Ai Ricci Di Mare - Fresh House Made Tagliatelle Pasta, Uni, Garlic & White Wine Tomato Cream Sauce

DEAN & DELUCA HAWAII -

House Cured Atlantic Salmon

Shiso Persillade Crust, Marinated Ikura, Served on Bottarga Risotto

HINATA HAWAII -

Garlic Ahi Handroll - House Spicy Ahi Mixed With Garlic Sauce, Topped With Garlic Chips & Green Onions

Spicy Ahi Handroll - House Spicy Ahi Topped W/Garlic Chips & Green Onions

Tuna Truffle Hand Roll - House Spicy ahi Mixed With Truffle Pate, Topped With Garlic Chips & Green Onions

HMSHOST BY VOLTA - 

Grilled Wagyu Hot Dog, Sweet Coconut Rice, Prunier Osetra Caviar, & Chives

LUNA EVENTS & CATERING -

Bbq Brisket Served wWth Homemade Kim Chee Slaw

Homemade Oyster Bar Inspired Seafood Pan Roast Served With Rice

Vietnamese Fruit Cocktail (Che Thai) With Lychee, Longan, Jackfruit, Coconut Jelly, Grass Jelly, Chestnut Tapioca Jellies, 

Pandan & Rambutan

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Meatballs Served With Nước Chấm Sauce & Pickled Vegetables

Wagyu Chazuke A5 Wagyu Chazukeseared Washuygu
A5 Wagyu Genmai Cha & Bubble Arare

MAILE'S THAI BISTRO - 

Lao Poke Served On Rice Paper Chips

Tapioca Dessert With Fresh Fruits

Memiors Hawaii 

Seared Polenta Cake With Truffled Creme Fraiche, Arugula Salad Topped With Imperial Osietra Caviar

POP CULTURE ARTISAN POPS

Handcrafted Frozen Dessert Made With Organic Strawberries, Tropical Guava Nectar, & Fresh Cream.

SOLERA WAIKIKI - 

Kuroshio Black Current Kona Kanpachi, Black Dashi, Yuzu, Charred Chile, & Ginger Lime

The Buffet at Hyatt

Torched Garlic Miso Aioli Salmon, Thin Sliced Cabbage With Pickled Ginger Vinaigrette, Furikake & Unagi Drizzle.

General Admission (LIMITED TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE)

Entry • 7:00 PM

Limited availability. See Tickets for more options...

Reserved HI-Top (SOLD OUT)

Entry • 7:00 PM

Includes

• Reserved Hi-Top for Four Guests (standing reception)

Limited availability. See Tickets for more options...

ELITE Table Package (SOLD OUT)

Early Entry • 6:00 PM

Includes

• Reserved ELITE Table Seating for Ten Guests
• Two HBK Signature Cocktails per guest
• Exclusive ELITE gift 
• Priority early access to all culinary stations

Limited availability. See Tickets for more options...

Frequently Asked Questions

The Best of Hawaii’s Best Kitchens 2026

What time does the event begin?

RESERVED HI-TOP, RESERVED TABLES, & ELITE ticket holders receive early entry at 6:00 PM.
General Admission begins at 7:00 PM.

Is there a minimum age to attend?

Yes. Hawaii’s Best Kitchens is a 21+ event.
Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport).

Can I bring my child or baby to the event?

Because this is a 21+ event, guests are encouraged to make childcare arrangements in advance.

What is the dress attire?

Dress to impress  - Regency Ballroom.

What are the parking options?

Parking is available at the Hyatt Regency Waikīkī:

• Self-parking: $10
• Valet: $15
• Ride share is encouraged.

Do I need to bring my printed ticket?

Yes. Printed tickets are required for entry to The Best of Hawaii’s Best Kitchens 2026.

Event Policies

Refund Policy

ALL SALES FINAL.
No refunds, exchanges, or replacements will be issued.

Event details—including restaurants, venues, dates, and times are subject to change without notice.

Inclement Weather

Event organizers are not responsible for cancellations or interruptions due to weather or circumstances beyond their control. No refunds will be issued for such occurrences.

Limitation of Liability

By attending Hawaii’s Best Kitchens, ticket holders voluntarily assume all risks associated with the event.

Hawaii’s Best Kitchens, Viper Group Media LLC, and affiliated partners assume no liability for injury, loss, or damage to persons or property occurring before, during, or after the event.

Right to Use Name, Image & Likeness

By attending the event, guests grant permission for Hawaii’s Best Kitchens and its partners to capture and use photographs, video, and audio recordings for promotional and marketing purposes in any media format.

Responsible Consumption

HBK encourages responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages. Guests who feel unable to safely operate a vehicle should speak with an event representative to arrange transportation.

Dietary Restrictions

Due to the nature of this event and the participation of multiple restaurants, dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated.

Questions

For additional information, please contact:

hawaiisbestkitchens@gmail.com