HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A major culinary fundraising gala will bring Hawaii’s leading restaurants, chefs, and hospitality leaders to Waikiki this weekend to showcase industry innovation and support local nonprofits.
Hawaii’s Best Kitchens (HBK) is hosting its annual “Best of” gala on Saturday, August 29, in the Regency Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa.
Stephanie Rodriguez, Managing Director of SpotOn Hawaii and Jordan Rabe, Owner of Memoirs Hawaii joined Hawaii News Now’s Sunrise Weekends to share details on what guests can expect from the upcoming event.
Supporting local nonprofits
This year’s gala marks a significant milestone with the launch of HBK Philanthropic Partners, a new fundraising initiative designed by Hawaii’s Best Kitchens.
Moving away from supporting just a single charity, the 2026 gala expands its impact by giving three local nonprofits, including Safe Ride Hawaii and WSO, a shared platform to raise vital funds and build community awareness.
A resilient culinary community
The gala arrives as local food and beverage operators continue to navigate severe storm disruptions and power outages across the islands. Industry partners view the upcoming gathering as a powerful celebration of resilience.
“Talking to restaurants and some of our clients right locally, they’re struggling and they went through a rough patch,” Rodriguez said. “But what a beautiful way to recover, getting creative right here in just different restaurants and concepts finding ways to meet with our local operators and say, ‘where’s the gap? What can we do to continue helping you?”
For more than a decade, HBK has brought the hospitality community under one roof to showcase the creativity, resilience, and cultural depth that define the state’s food scene.
Exquisite culinary offerings
Among the featured local purveyors is Memoirs Hawaii, which is bringing an exclusive, upscale tasting experience to the gala floor.
“We’ll be doing a tasting of caviar, a specialty caviar we bring in from the mainland,” Rabe said. “We’re going to be having it two ways and a little bit of champagne to go along with it.”
Rabe highlighted that the tasting will feature premium Osietra caviar, known for its rich profile.
“This one that we’re presenting today is very nutty, buttery, creamy, very soft on the palate,” Rabe added.
What guests can expect
Organizers say attendees will experience an elevated culinary journey featuring:
Exquisite Dishes: Tastings crafted by Hawaii’s leading chefs and top-tier restaurants.Signature Drinks: Curated cocktails designed to complement the evening’s flavors.Silent Auction: A curated selection of unique items and experiences open for bidding.Giving Back: Direct opportunities to meet with and support the three participating nonprofit beneficiaries.
For ticket information and event details, visit HawaiisBestKitchens.com.
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