The 31st Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival is set to be the largest yet, with more than 500 vendors lining up over three days at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. The event, taking place August 15–17, will also mark a notable debut for 29 food creators from across the islands, offering a mix of hot, made-to-order plates, samples, and packaged goodies.
What to expect
– A diverse lineup of local makers spanning food, beverages, and artisanal products, all highlighting Hawaiʻi’s small-batch and family-owned producers.
– In addition to ready-to-eat options, many booths will offer samples and gift-worthy packaged goods, making it easy to discover new favorites or stock up for gifts.
New vendors making their festival debut
– Ali‘i Fish Market (O‘ahu) — Poke, smoked meat, fried noodles, fried chicken, fish patties, musubi, and other snacks. Debuting with a three-day booth at space F-107.
– Aloha Smoked (O‘ahu) — Original and spicy smoked shoyu, smoked salt mix, and smoked hot sauce. Space 1304.
– Atebara Chips (Hawai‘i Island) — Taro, sweet potato, potato, and shrimp chips flavored with adobo, sweet onion, ginger garlic, and more. Space 713.
– BE. Kākou (O‘ahu) — Specialty coffees, espresso and matcha lattes, māmaki tea, and WAItalizer coconut water. Space F-120.
– Da Bald Guy (O‘ahu) — Local plates featuring braised kalbi, garlic shrimp, and more with rice and mac salad. Space F-128.
– Daguzan Charcuterie (O‘ahu) — Pâtés and rillettes made with local livestock using traditional French methods. Space 2626 (UHCC Food Innovation Centers).
– Daily Whisk Matcha (O‘ahu) — Matcha drinks and at-home tea kits. Space 810.
– Farm to Fudge (Maui) — Premium dark chocolate coconut vegan fudge made with locally sourced ingredients. Space 1001.
– Fujiya Hawai‘i (O‘ahu) — Stuffed mochi, chichi dango, senbei, and branded merchandise. Space 707.
– Galleon Chocolate (Maui) — Filipino American chocolates, covered mac nuts, bonbons, bars, and confections. Space 823.
– Haleakala Creamery (Maui) — Goat milk caramel sauces in several flavors, plus logo wear. Space 2126.
– Haleakala Supah Shots (Maui) — Raw vegan elixirs and juices in glass bottles. Space 2227.
– Humble Food Design (O‘ahu) — Liliko‘i chile pepper water, guava chile pepper water, jellys, and powdered kava. Space 2622.
– JJz Treats (O‘ahu) — Raspados, fresh and frozen fruit bowls, candy-dusted fruits, and more. Space F-104.
– Kai Coffee Hawai‘i (O‘ahu) — Specialty coffee drinks, grab-and-go eats, and retail beans. Space F-101.
– Koko Val (Maui) — Artisanal fruit spreads in several Maui-grown flavors. Space 2127.
– Lemonade Honey Hawai‘i (Hawai‘i Island) — Fresh-squeezed lemonades, teas, smoothies, and merch. Space F-118.
– Local Boiz Hawaiian Mix Tea (O‘ahu) — Packaged tea and sugar, infusers, and canned tea. Space 2901.
– Madres Churros (O‘ahu) — Gluten-free vegan mochi churros. Space 2525 (UHCC).
– Māla-be (O‘ahu) — Plant-based Middle Eastern malabi bowls with pistachio, macadamia nuts, and date syrups. Space 2425 (UHCC).
– Manu Brewing Co. (O‘ahu) — Sparkling māmaki herbal tea, made with māmaki grown on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island. Space 410.
– Maui Bone Broth Co. (Maui) — Beef, venison, and chicken bone broths, plus tallow and dog treats. Space 1422.
– Miss U Food Bar (O‘ahu) — Boba tea, pan-fried dumplings, egg waffles, and skewers. Space F-105.
– Mossy Mokes (O‘ahu) — Sea moss gels and beverages. Space 2625 (UHCC).
– North Shore Bees (O‘ahu) — Honey, beeswax candles, and branded goods. Space F-123.
– Please Come Again (O‘ahu) — Single-serve ice creams in flavors like shiso mint chip and miso salted caramel. Space F-127.
– Primal Bowls (O‘ahu) — Fresh, made-to-order salads and protein bowls. Space F-126.
– Tealicious Sweets (O‘ahu) — Vaifala, lemonade, iced tea with popping boba. Space 2125.
– UCook Hawai‘i (O‘ahu) — Sauces, marinades, snacks, fudge brownies, and more. Space 2526 (UHCC).
Notable context
– The festival continues to showcase Hawai‘i’s wide culinary talent, from traditional tastes to modern mashups, across multiple islands including O‘ahu, Maui, and the Hawai‘i Island.
– A number of vendors are connected to the UH Community Colleges Food Innovation Centers, highlighting collaboration between local entrepreneurs and university-related support networks.
Why this matters
– The Made in Hawai‘i Festival serves as a major platform for island producers to reach new customers, strengthen local supply chains, and celebrate the state’s diverse food culture.
– For shoppers and food lovers, it’s an opportunity to discover first-time makers and score limited-edition items or gifts from across the archipelago.
Planning tips
– With 500-plus vendors, it’s wise to map out a plan ahead of time and identify booths you don’t want to miss, especially the first-time vendors you’re excited to try.
– Check each vendor’s social channels for any updates on samples, demonstrations, or limited-run items.
– Arrive early to maximize tasting opportunities and consider bringing a reusable bag for purchases.
Overall, the 31st Made in Hawai‘i Festival promises a vibrant celebration of the islands’ creativity and culinary ingenuity, offering a broad snapshot of local flavors and handmade goods for three days of food, crafts, and community at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. If you’re chasing new favorites or planning thoughtful gifts, this festival is set to deliver.