What to Expect at the 2026 Hale ‘Aina Celebration Plus Everything Else You Need to Know

Get ready to escape to Paradise Island.

On Saturday, Sept. 5, Hawai‘i’s top chefs, restaurateurs and food lovers will gather at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort for the 2026 Hale ‘Aina Celebration presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard. This year’s celebration takes its inspiration from the beauty, adventure and nostalgia of the islands, transforming the evening into an immersive Fantasy Island experience.

From the tranquil Blue Lagoon to the adventurous Pirate’s Cove, guests can explore a series of themed experiences while sampling signature dishes from some of the Hale ‘Aina Award-winning restaurants. Add flowing wine and beer, handcrafted cocktails and live entertainment, and you have all the ingredients for one unforgettable night.

The Hale ‘Aina Awards are Hawai‘i’s longest-running and most prestigious dining honors, celebrating the restaurants and culinary talent that make Hawai‘i’s food scene so special. The 2026 winners were announced at a June reception at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort following more than 6,000 reader ballots.

When & Where

The 2026 Hale ‘Aina Celebration takes place Saturday, Sept. 5, at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kahala Ave.

VIP guests can enter at 5:30 p.m. for an exclusive early champagne reception, while general admission begins at 6:30 p.m. The celebration runs until 9 p.m.

Theme: Fantasy Island
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
VIP Entry: 5:30 p.m.
General Entry: 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Kāhala Hotel & Resort
Click here for tickets.

What You’ll Eat

Come hungry. This year’s culinary lineup brings together an impressive mix of Hale ‘Aina Award-winning restaurants and chefs serving signature dishes created especially for the celebration.

Here’s a taste of what’s on the menu:

Photo: Arancino at the Kāhala

Arancino at the Kāhala: Rigatoni alla Carbonara e Nduja, a deconstructed carbonara with spicy Calabrian nduja

Photo: Botanico

Botanico: Island Jewel Seafood Salad with chilled squid and shrimp

Photo: Onoya

Onoya Ramen: Cold Tan Tan Ramen

Photo: Hy’s Steakhouse

Hy’s Steakhouse: Wagyu Flank Steak with Black Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Au Poivre

Photo: Taromina

Taormina: House-made potato gnocchi with four-cheese sauce, Hawaiian macadamia nuts, organic honey and crispy apple chips

Photo: Kahala Hotel

Plumeria House: Signature Prime Rib

MW Restaurant: Dessert

Photos: Y.Hata & Co.

Chef Zone: Salmon Ochazuke Puffed rice, tsukemono, ume, genmaicha & makami tea dashi, Mari’s Gardens Micro greens

Kapa Hale: Tamarind & Coconut Pork Belly with basil and pickled mustard

Photo: Fig and Ginger

VIP Only: Mama Yim’s Chicken Pad Thai with tamarind sauce, rice noodles, shallot, pickled radish, chive, bean sprouts, lime, crunchy garlic and peanut crunch

And that’s just the beginning—more chefs and culinary surprises are still to come.

How Much It Costs

General Admission: $165

General admission begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes access to the celebration, dishes from award-winning Hale ‘Aina restaurants and wine and beer from event partners.

VIP Admission: $225

VIP guests get into the party one hour early at 5:30 p.m., giving them first access to the celebration and the exclusive VIP reception.

Reserved Seating: $1,800

Gather six friends or colleagues for a reserved covered table. The package includes six VIP tickets and reserved seating. Dedicated table service is not included.

Every ticket includes a one-year subscription to HONOLULU Magazine.

First Hawaiian Bank Mastercard Perk

First Hawaiian Bank Mastercard credit and debit cardholders can receive 20% off tickets.

To unlock the offer, enter the first six digits of your eligible First Hawaiian Bank personal, business or corporate Mastercard credit or debit card in the promo code box during checkout.

Bring your card to the celebration and get exclusive access to the healing waterfall area and dedicated bar with a surprise coconut delight.

Make It a Long Labor Day Weekend

Why rush home?

HONOLULU Magazine is offering Hale ‘Aina guests a special opportunity to turn the celebration into a long Labor Day weekend at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort.

Guests with a Hawai‘i ID can take advantage of a special room rate for stays from Sept. 3–7, plus complimentary overnight parking.

It’s the perfect excuse to make a night at Hale ‘Aina into a full island getaway. See event page for more details.

Where to Park

Valet and self-parking are available at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort for $20 per vehicle. Parking is limited, so organizers recommend rideshare when possible.

What to Wear

This is your chance to interpret island style with a little imagination.

Think Fantasy Island meets Hawai‘i—island-inspired, elevated and ready for an evening of food, cocktails and adventure. Whether your look leans tropical glamour, vintage Hawai‘i or resort chic, come dressed to embrace the theme.

Good to Know

The Hale ‘Aina Celebration is a 21-and-over event.

The event is rain or shine, and tickets are nonrefundable. Guests can check in using a mobile or printed ticket; if you forget your paper ticket, you can also check in using the last name of the ticket purchaser.

Get Ready for a Night in Paradise

The Hale ‘Aina Celebration is the culmination of HONOLULU Magazine’s yearlong celebration of Hawai‘i’s food and restaurant community. After months of celebrating local dining, the year comes to a spectacular close with an evening that brings together the chefs, restaurants and food lovers who make Hawai‘i such a delicious place to live.

This year, the journey leads to Fantasy Island.

Come for the Hale ‘Aina winners. Stay for the food, cocktails, music and immersive experiences. And prepare to get lost in Fantasy Island.

Tickets are extremely limited. Get yours now and join us for the 2026 Hale ‘Aina Celebration presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard.