The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival 2021 returns in October with events in recognition of the island … [+] agricultural community.

Courtesy of the Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival / Reid Shimabukuro

The annual Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival returns in 2021 with a deeper look at where the island’s food comes from – and the ability to help source it.

The festival runs throughout October, beginning October 1st and 2nd on the island of Hawai’i, then on October 7th through October 10th in Kā’anapali, Maui, and ending on October 14th through 24th O’ahu.

“[The] The theme of the 2021 Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival is Mālama ‘Āina – Taking Care of the Land – and was chosen to bring greater appreciation for Hawaii’s natural resources, land and ocean, and a sense of responsibility to promote, give back and preserve our islands, ”said Denise Yamaguchi, co-founder and CEO of the festival, in a media release.

Seventeen events during the festival must be organized in accordance with the city and county guidelines for restaurants related to COVID-19.

“We modified our events to include chef dinners and smaller, bulk tasting events in the open,” said Yamaguchi.

More than 65 culinary experts are expected to attend the Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival 2021.

Courtesy of Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival / Dane Nakama

Outdoor event attendees must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-10 test 48 hours prior to the event. “These requirements will be updated as new guidance is available from health and state officials,” she added.

The format of the festival is also similar to what was changed last year, but which has continued with modifications. It included the introduction of cooking evenings at restaurants across O’ahu, as well as virtual cooking evenings and forums with industry leaders on sustainable food sourcing and other topics.

“In 2020 we considered canceling the Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival, but decided to host modified smaller events as our agricultural and restaurant industries and local communities needed support more than ever,” said Yamaguchi.

Chefs Alan Wong (left) and Roy Yamaguchi (right) co-founded the Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival.

Courtesy of the Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival / Kris Labang

COVID-19 travel restrictions have prevented festival organizers from inviting chefs and other culinary experts based outside of the United States to attend this year’s event. However, the 2021 roster is from both Hawaii and the mainland. Together, their backgrounds and their know-how relate to the topics of the festival of sustainability, the use of products from the region and the celebration of authentic culinary culture.

The festival’s 65+ food and drink experts will choose from over 100 Hawaiian products to prepare their dishes and drinks. The line-up includes Michelle Bernstein, Josiah Citrin, Celestino Drago, Graham Elliot, Elizabeth Falkner, Chris Kajioka, Mourad Lahlou, Niki Nakayama, Nancy Silverton, Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Jonathan Waxman.

The chefs Alan Wong and Roy Yamaguchi, who co-founded the festival, will also be there.

The events during the Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival are held in compliance with the COVID-19 related city … [+] and county requirements.

Courtesy of Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival / Dane Nakama

In addition to epicurean events, this year’s Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival offers its participants and visitors something new. You can take part in hands-on volunteer opportunities linked to the festival’s themed events and host islands. Activities range from coastal cleanups and core reef conservation efforts to planting and harvesting native crops.

“Throughout the day, volunteers will hear from nonprofit partners and community leaders to learn about Hawaiian traditions, culture and efforts to ensure the islands’ sustainable future,” said Yamaguchi.

Tickets and more information about the Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival can be found on its website.