Taste of Hawaiian Range Returns to Waikoloa

Beef Industry Council.

Melalani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agricultural Festival returns for its 21st year on Friday, Sept. 9, at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Local food producers will display samples of their products for Hawaiʻi’s premiere agricultural showcase, which offers Hawai‘i farmers, ranchers and food producers the opportunity to collaborate with participating chefs and attendees during the 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. tasting.

Agricultural and sustainability-themed organizations will also be present to showcase displays.

The festival showcases over 30 statewide chefs using various cuts of forage-fed meats, as well as locally grown fruits, vegetables and other farm products.

King Laulau Poi. Melalani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agricultural Festival photo.

At 3 p.m., chefs Kevin Hanney and Jason Schoonover of the award-winning 12th Ave. Grill will present “Cooking Pasture-Raised Beef 101.”

Food producers and ag-related educational organizations can participate by signing up online by July 31 or by contacting Jill Beaton at tasteexhibitors@gmail.com or (808) 937- 0314.

Pre-sale tickets are $45 and $60 at the door. Entry to Cooking 101 is $10. Tickets are for sale online, at Kuhio Grille in Hilo, Kamuela Liquors and Parker Ranch Store in Waimea, Kona Wine Market in Kailua-Kona and Kohala Essence Shop at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

For general event information, phone 808-322- 4892.

Hilton Waikoloa Village is offering package rates to attendees of the festival. To reserve a room package at Hilton Waikoloa Village, go online or call 1-800- HILTONS. Use code TSH.

KTA Meadow Gold. Melalani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agricultural Festival photo.

Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agriculture Festival provides a venue for sustainable agricultural education, plus encouragement and support of locally produced ag products.

The premiere ag-tourism event is a partnership between CTAHR, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Association, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Kulana Foods, Hawaii Beef Producers, UH-Hilo CAFNRM, County of Hawai‘i Department on Environmental Management and community volunteers.

Sponsorship also includes Hawaii County Research and Development, Hawaii Community College Food Service & Culinary Program, Kamehameha Schools, KTA SuperStores, West Hawaii Today and Pacific Radio Group.

The quality and growth of this event are rooted in business participation, sponsorship and in-kind donations.

For more information, visit www.TasteoftheHawaiianRange.com.