Feast at Fantasy Island: What You’ll Eat at the Hale ‘Aina Gala on Sept. 5
Indulge in bites from award-winning chefs and hunt for a golden pineapple in an immersive Fantasy Island setting under the stars.
It’s not every day that Fantasy Island comes to O‘ahu. Come Saturday, Sept. 5, it will: Picture the Blue Lagoon and Pirate’s Cove, under the stars on the lush beachside grounds of The Kāhala Hotel & Resort. Immerse yourself in a dreamy tropical escape as you feast on dishes from Hale ‘Aina Award-winning chefs and sip wine, beer and hand-crafted cocktails.
Immersive experiences? Five golden pineapples will be hidden—find one to win a special gift bag from First Hawaiian Bank. There’ll be an engraving station to engrave your passport holder. Everyone will get lei’d at the First Hawaiian Bank Lei Stand.
Live entertainment? Think dancers, live bongo drummers, contortionists and more!
The 2026 Hale ‘Aina gala is presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard, who brought you the markets and magic of last year’s Moroccan-themed celebration and the vintage circus games of 2024. This year, we’re upping the luxe with fresh oysters on the half-shell, espresso martinis and cocktail jellies. Come dressed as Mr. Roarke or Tattoo (bowtie a must!) or your favorite escape-seeking guest from the hit TV series. Above all, come celebrate Hawai‘i’s most beloved restaurants as voted by you, our HONOLULU readers.
VIP tickets and tables are sold out, but a general admission ticket will get you into Fantasy Island—these are still available.
For more details and info on The Kāhala’s Labor Day weekend kama‘āina discount, click here.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Celebration
Where: The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kāhala Ave.
When: Saturday, Sept. 5
VIP Entry: 5:30 p.m.
General Entry: 6:30 p.m.
Theme: Fantasy Island
Tickets: *General admission $165
*Note: First Hawaiian Bank Mastercard credit and debit cardholders can receive 20% off tickets. Enter the first six digits of your eligible First Hawaiian Bank personal, business or corporate Mastercard in the promo code box during checkout. Bring your card for exclusive access to the healing waterfall area and dedicated bar with a surprise coconut delight.
Now, on to the menu:
Photo: Courtesy of Arancino at The Kāhala
Arancino at The Kāhala
Gold, Best Italian
Gold, Best Wine Program
Silver, Best O‘ahu Restaurant
Finalist, Best Dessert
Rigatoni alla Carbonara e Nduja, a deconstructed carbonara with spicy Calabrian nduja
Photo: Courtesy of Hy’s Steak House
Hy’s Steak House
Gold, Best Steak
Wagyu Flank Steak with Black Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Au Poivre
MW Restaurant
Gold, Best Dessert
TBD
Photo: Courtesy of Onoya Ramen
Onoya Ramen
Gold, Best Ramen
Chilled Tan Tan Ramen
Plumeria Beach House
Gold, Best Buffet
Gold, Best Hotel Brunch
Signature Prime Rib
Photo: Courtesy of Botanico Waikīkī
Botanico Waikīkī
Silver, Best New Restaurant
Finalist, Best Mediterranean
Island Jewel Seafood Salad with chilled squid and shrimp
Photo: Courtesy of Kapa Hale
Kapa Hale
Silver, Best Business Lunch
Bronze, Best O‘ahu Restaurant
Finalist, Best Service
Tamarind & Coconut Pork Belly Curry with basil and pickled mustard
Photo: Courtesy of Taormina Sicilian Cuisine
Taormina Sicilian Cuisine
Silver, Best Italian
House-made potato gnocchi with four-cheese sauce, Hawaiian macadamia nuts, organic honey and crispy apple chips
Plus …
Photo: Courtesy of ChefZone
ChefZone
Salmon Ochazuke with puffed rice, tsukemono, ume, genmaicha & mamaki tea dashi, Mari’s Gardens micro greens
Photo: Courtesy of Oysters Hawai‘i
Oysters Hawai‘i
Oysters on the half-shell
The Kāhala Hotel & Resort
Espresso martinis and cocktail jellies
Photo: Courtesy of Fig & Ginger
Fig & Ginger
VIP exclusive: Mama Yim’s Chicken Pad Thai with tamarind sauce, rice noodles, shallots, pickled radish, chives, bean sprouts, fresh lime, crunchy garlic and peanut crunch
Mahalo to all our sponsors!
