HONOLULU, HI (August 4, 2021)—Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival (HFWF), today announces Kamehameha Schools Presents Backyard BBQ and Mele on the Lawn on Monday, September 13, 2021, from 5:30 to 9:00 P.M. at Bishop Museum. This unique event creates collaborative opportunities supporting emerging artists and industries in Hawai‘i, including culinary, culture, music and fashion. The evening showcases Hawaiian culture and traditions to residents and visitors through food, mele (song) and creative arts. Guests will enjoy a taste of the best island-raised meat products and indigenous produce prepared by top local chefs. Na Leo, Hawai‘i’s most celebrated female trio of vocalists, headlines the evening joined by fellow Kamehameha Schools alumni, the award-winning musical group Keauhou.
“We are thrilled to partner with Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival joining so many talented Kamehameha Schools alumni and friends for this celebration of Hawaiian cuisine, culture, music and fashion,” said Lauren Nahme, Vice President of Strategy and Transformation at Kamehameha Schools. “This collaborative event shines a light on the caliber of our local talent across a number of creative industries and perpetuates the traditions and stories of our islands.”
Guests are invited to gather on the museum’s iconic Great Lawn for a slow-cooked feast curated by chefs from local favorites Easy ‘Que, Nui Kealoha Catering, Sunset Texas Barbeque, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers and TEX 808 BBQ & Brews. Grilled and smoked menu items will be served alongside homegrown side dishes featuring the indigenous staple, ‘ulu or Hawaiian breadfruit. In collaboration with the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative—a network of small-scale diversified farms on the Island of Hawai‘i committed to reviving this indigenous product and promoting it as a sustainable, nutritious staple food—participating chefs will showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this superfruit.
Attendees savor this outdoor fire-cooked spread under the stars while enjoying the sweet sounds of Kamehameha Schools alumni and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning singers/songwriters Na Leo and Keauhou. Connecting guests to Hawai‘i’s rich musical heritage, these two trios perform an inspiring lineup of mele that share the traditions of our islands and illustrate the significant contributions local artists have made to the global music landscape. The evening is emceed by Brook Lee, 1997 Miss Universe and host of “Modern Wahine” who is also a Kamehameha Schools graduate.
MANAOLA, a Hawaiian lifestyle brand creating indigenous artistry empowered by cultural values and ancestral knowledge, joins the event, creating a limited-edition Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival pareo (wrap/scarf) for all ticket purchasers. Inspired by the ‘ulu featured on the event’s menus, this special nonaka design, representing the skin of the ‘ulu, honors Hawai‘i’s indigenous bounty and encourages growth and nourishment for all who wear it. Aligned with HFWF’s mission to support sustainability, agriculture and culture in Hawai‘i, a portion of the proceeds from each pareo will benefit a local ‘āina based organization.
“We’re excited to partner with Kamehameha Schools, Bishop Museum, Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Collective and our local musicians and artists to showcase so many facets of Hawaiian culture and heritage in one event,” said Denise Yamaguchi, co-founder and CEO of Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival. “This evening is a celebration of indigenous ingredients, homegrown musical talent and artistic traditions—a true immersion in our islands. It is also an opportunity to spotlight Hawai‘i’s restaurant, agricultural and entertainment industries, businesses that need our continued support as we rebuild following the pandemic.”
The safety and wellbeing of attendees and participants will be a top priority. The Kamehameha Schools Presents Backyard BBQ and Mele on the Lawn event will follow all current COVID-19 restrictions and guidance provided by local city, county and state governments to ensure proper screening and social distancing protocols. In accordance with current mandates for outdoor events of this size and scale, all attendees will be required to provide proof of full vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result (taken within 48 hours of the event) prior to entry. Further information on guidelines can be found here and inquiries may be directed to [email protected].
Guests must be 21 years or older to attend the event. Tickets are $250 per person. A limited number of VIP tents accommodating eight guests are also on sale for $5,000, inclusive of preferred seating, additional menu items including a specialty seafood platter, a gourmet charcuterie and cheese board, and elevated wine, beer and cocktail options. All prices are inclusive of taxes and fees. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit www.HFWF.me. Stay connected with the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival and follow HFWF on Twitter/Instagram @HIFoodWineFest and Facebook @HawaiiFoodandWineFestival. #HFWF21
ABOUT HAWAI‘I FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL The Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival is the premier epicurean destination event in the Pacific. The Festival features a roster of more than 150 internationally renowned master chefs, culinary personalities, sommeliers, mixologists, and wine and spirit producers. Co-founded by two of Hawai‘i’s own James Beard Award-winning chefs, Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong, the Festival showcases culinary experiences, wine tastings, cultural engagement and exclusive dining opportunities with dishes highlighting the State’s bounty of fresh, local produce, seafood, beef, poultry and spices. Since 2011, the Festival has given over $3 million to support local beneficiaries committed to culinary and agricultural education, sustainability and cultural programs in Hawai‘i.
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