Credit: Keri Cooper

Kauaʻi Poke Fest Brings Celebrity Chefs to the Island’s South Shore

5 Minute read

11 May 2026

Paul Feinstein

Journalist

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Hosted by Sam Choy, this year’s Kauaʻi Poke Fest will feature more than 1,000 pounds of Hawaiʻi-caught ahi tuna, live competition, and appearances from chefs including Emeril Lagasse and Sheldon Simeon.

Kauaʻi Poke Fest returns to Kōloa Landing Resort on June 19 and 20, bringing two days of chef demonstrations, live competition, and plenty of Hawaiʻi-caught ahi tuna to the island’s South Shore. Hosted by Chef Sam Choy, this year’s festival will also feature appearances from Emeril Lagasse, Sheldon Simeon, and Las Vegas chef Ronnie Rainwater.

The festival will feature a live poke competition with both professional and amateur chefs competing for the Crystal Poke Bowl and more than $10,000 in prizes. More than 1,000 pounds of Hawaiʻi-caught ahi tuna sourced from Kauaʻi Fresh Fish will be used throughout the weekend, which also includes live Hawaiian music, local vendors, and a hosted bar.

Choy, often referred to as the “Godfather of Poke,” will lead a live poke-making demonstration during the festival. He’ll be joined by Emeril Lagasse, whose flagship New Orleans restaurant earned two MICHELIN stars in 2025, and Maui chef Sheldon Simeon, the “Top Chef” fan favorite behind Tiffany’s Maui. Las Vegas chef Ronnie Rainwater, who has spent more than two decades working alongside Lagasse, rounds out the lineup.

The weekend begins on Friday, June 19, with the Poke Masters’ Table Dinner, a multi-course collaboration featuring the guest chefs alongside reigning champion Mark Oyama. The main festival takes place the following day, when professional and amateur competitors will face off for the Crystal Poke Bowl and more than $10,000 in prizes. Oyama will also return to defend his 2025 title.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Hawaiʻi Chapter. More information and tickets are available at Kauaʻi Poke Fest.