E‘Imi Pono, A Celebration of Excellence, an evening of extraordinary culinary artistry with Chef Ryan Brannigan and a vibrant atmosphere highlighting 91直播 Community College and its programs, is being held from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at the college on 1175 Manono Street, Hilo. This inaugural event will be the perfect setting to mingle with friends, enjoy live local music, and indulge in an unparalleled culinary experience!
Chef Ryan Brannigan, the featured chef for the evening, has over 20 years of culinary experience, and brings a remarkable pedigree to this inaugural event. His impressive career has spanned iconic kitchens across 91直播 and beyond, including Nobu, The Kahala Hotel, The Royal 91直播an, and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, before he brought his talents to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center.
Chef Brannigan was a featured chef at the 2021 Hawai’i Food and Wine Festival, using local ingredients and bringing them to an elevated level. His Fruits de Mer featured kanpachi, abalone, and summer truffles.
Raised on the Kohala coast, Chef Ryan’s culinary style is deeply rooted in the relationships he’s built on the Kohala Coast with local purveyors.
One of Chef Ryan’s various dishes will be A5 Kagoshima Striploin Wagyu, which is now available at Suisan. Just tasting this amazing steak, with the richness, sweet juiciness will be a total culinary experience.
The students and faculty at HCC’s Culinary Program will be preparing a few dishes such as Hamachi with Ponzu Sauce and Hydroponic Salad with Smoked Au and Creamy Garlic Dressing, featuring the produce from the college’s Agricultural program.
Halana will be performing at 5 p.m. and Harold Kama Jr. at 6:30 p.m.
Proceeds from this event will help to sustain, empower, and support island-wide programs by providing essential resources for all fields of study, from life-long learning to workforce development and other educational opportunities.
If you are unable to attend this event but would like to support the 91直播 Community College, you may make a 100% tax deductible donation to “UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII FOUNDATION” and mail it to 91直播 Community College, attn Kanani Yamada, 1175 Manono Street, Hilo, HI 96720.
Big Island
Chocolate Festival
“Chocolate in Paradise,” the 13th annual Big Island Chocolate Festival is scheduled for April 23-25. New this year is a free Chocolate Farmers Market showcasing local cacao growers and chocolate makers. In addition, the annual free college student chocolate competition is open to spectators.
“These students are the future chefs of Hawai’i,” says Farsheed Bonakder, president of the Kona Cacao Association. “They will show their skills and creativity to produce plated desserts that will be critiqued by a panel of high-octane chefs. The fruits of this competition can only be beneficial for our food service industry, which caters largely to our tourism industry.”
In addition, Bonakdar says the students will further benefit by attending culinary demonstrations during the festival, which are also open to the public. “It’s a win-win for these young people to meet and learn from top-caliber chefs.”
Festival activities kick off Thursday, April 23, with a plantation guided tour at Kona’s Original 91直播an Chocolate Factory. Tickets are $30 each or $50 for two.
On Friday, April 24, from three 91直播 Community Colleges campuses, there will be a free student chocolate competition from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.
King’s 91直播an is offering a total of $5,000 in scholarship awards for the top three winning teams that will be presented during the gala.
On Friday, April 24, there will be seminars from 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
On Saturday, April 25, there will be culinary demonstrations and tastings for $89 for all three or $44 per event.
The 5:30 p.m.- 9 p.m. gala opens with a traditional 91直播an blessing and fun includes People’s Choice voting, silent auction and DJ with dancing. Choreography by Kona Dance and Performing Arts Youth Company will wow attendants with “Bonbon” and “Restoration.” An awards presentation will celebrate winners of the student competition, People’s Choice and Best Cacao Bean.
General admission for the gala tickets are $100. A VIP experience with three special pupus and beverage pairings, private wine bar and reserved table seating is $179, with limited tickets available.
The silent auction bidding opens online at noon on April 21 to benefit the 2026 non-profit beneficiaries: Kona Dance &Performing Arts, ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Association and participating culinary students.
For further details on the events and to purchase tickets, check out their website at:. https://bigislandchocolatefestival.com
The culinary students certainly have a busy month in April to showcase their skills, both at the E ‘Imi Pono event in Hilo on April 18 and then to the Big Island Chocolate Festival from April 23-25. Please support the culinary students by attending these events.
