This Monday, Dec. 29, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is rolling out the red carpet for Taste of the Islands, a one-night food fest at its open-air Hoku Amphitheater in Kaʻūpulehu. The event brings a stacked lineup of celebrity and island chefs to Kona for an evening of roaming tastings, with Tyler Florence, Sheldon Simeon, Sam Choy, Lee Anne Wong and Brian Hirata all on the bill. Behind the bar, mixologist Kuʻulei Akuna will be shaking and stirring the craft cocktails. Tickets are set at $225 for adults and $115 for keiki, with reservations handled directly through the resort.
Event details and who's on the menu
According to Hawaii News Now, Taste of the Islands runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Hoku Amphitheater, with timed tasting rounds and cocktail service. The report lists the chef lineup, ticket prices, and reservation phone number for attendees.
Hualalai's new culinary showcase
According to Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Taste of the Islands is part of the resort’s 2025 holiday programming and serves as its inaugural culinary showcase. It is one of several chef-driven events highlighting island ingredients and dining experiences.
Where the tasting happens
The Hoku Amphitheater, the resort’s outdoor performance space, is hewn from pahoehoe lava and features terraced lawn seating facing a permanent stage. The Four Seasons Resort page also lists capacity limits and an evening curfew for attendees.
Tickets, reservations and what to expect
Tickets remain priced at $225 for adults and $115 for keiki, and Hawaii News Now notes that guests should call (808) 325-8028 to reserve a spot. Once in, attendees can look forward to an evening built around small-plate tastings, island-focused cocktails, and a chance to see how chefs from both Hawaiʻi and the mainland are putting their own spin on local ingredients.
Why local sourcing matters
The festival highlights Hawaiian ingredients and their producers, reflecting the resort’s focus on island-sourced produce and seafood this season. Events like Taste of the Islands showcase this commitment.
