Your Guide to the 2017 Made in Hawaiʻi Festival

Shop and eat local at the 23rd annual festival from Friday, Aug. 18 to Sunday, Aug. 20 at The Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena.

August 16, 2017

Lennie Omalza,

Photos: Kelli Bullock

The much-anticipated Made in Hawaiʻi Festival is back, with hundreds of food products, books, gifts, apparel, jewelry, produce and more. Here’s your guide to the three-day event.

What It Is

Each year, the Hawaiʻi Food Industry Association, along with sponsor First Hawaiian Bank, produces the three-day Made in Hawaiʻi Festival at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. In addition to hundreds of exhibitors bringing the best in local products to 40,000-plus festivalgoers, there is entertainment by Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners, including Melveen Leed, Glen Medeiros and Hoku Zuttermeister.

Where and When

The Made in Hawaiʻi Festival is held in The Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena, at 777 Ward Ave.

Festival hours are:

Friday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How Much It Costs

Admission to the festival is $6 per person, per day. $1-off coupons are available at First Hawaiian Bank’s Oʻahu branches while supplies last. Children ages 6 and younger may enter for free.

Parking is available at the center for $6 per day before 5 p.m., $7 per day after 5 p.m., or $8 per day with in-and-out privileges.

What to Eat

In addition to the Blaisdell’s concession stands, many food exhibitors provide samples of their goods. Visit madeinhawaiifestival.com for a complete list of exhibitors to get an idea of the tasty treats you may be able to try. There will also be cooking demonstrations by the following Hale ʻAina Award-winning chefs: