Video: Makaha Studios, Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
This short video is… a battle cry of hope for these resilient industries to continue to fight because we’re Stronger Together, Stronger Tomorrow.
While the 10th anniversary Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (HFWF) last year looked and felt much different than in previous years, the mission remained resolute – to put a spotlight on Hawaii as a culinary destination and to showcase the very best of what Hawaii has to offer – its natural beauty, culture, food and people.
Over the past year, Hawaii’s visitor industry was more than 90% down, leaving hotels, restaurants and many small businesses fighting each day to stay afloat. In response to the pandemic, the small team of six at HFWF executed some of the most imaginative and creative initiatives to help our community.
Through programs like these, Hawaii Food & Wine Festival has been able to contribute over $3 million to our culinary, agricultural and cultural nonprofit partners over the last 10 years. This short video is a thank you to those who have trusted HFWF to be good stewards of your contributions. It’s also a battle cry of hope for these resilient industries to continue to fight because we’re Stronger Together, Stronger Tomorrow.
We are looking forward to better 2021 and believe that the industry will make a comeback. As a part of this, Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is hosting an event featuring Dr. Tim Ryan, president of The Culinary Institute of America, and four industry experts: chef Chris Kajioka, chef Michael Mina, Betty Shimabukuro (Editor of the Star Advertiser’s Crave section) and Young Yun (Executive Director of Ment’or). On March 4, this virtual panel will candidly discuss state of restaurants in the aftermath of COVID-19, plus the challenges and opportunities facing the industry this year. Click HERE to register and be a part of this important conversation.
We are proud of what our team has accomplished, and pledge to continue doing our best to support our restaurant and hospitality industries in 2021. Thank you for your ongoing support!
With gratitude and aloha,
Denise Yamaguchi, Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong
Co-Founders, Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
Photos: Reid Shimabukuro/Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, 2020
