Kings’ Shop culinary event raises thousands for Waikōloa conservation initiative

A culinary fundraiser on Hawaii Island raised about $18,000 to support efforts to protect and restore one of the state’s rare native ecosystems, organizers said.

The event, hosted by Culinary Arts Waikōloa, took place on March 27 at Kings’ Shops and featured chef tastings, cocktails and live music.

Proceeds will now benefit the Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative, which works to preserve and restore native Hawaiian dry forest through conservation and education programs.

The open-air event drew attendees from across Hawaiʻi Island and included food and beverages from several local restaurants and partners, along with live entertainment by the Abe Lagrimas Jr. Trio.

“We were proud to see Culinary Arts Waikōloa bring the community together for such a meaningful cause,” said Lynn Rostau, general manager of Kings’ Shops. “This event reflected what Kings’ Shops does best, creating memorable experiences while supporting organizations that help strengthen Waikōloa and Hawaiʻi Island.”

Participating restaurants included A-Bay’s, Foster’s Kitchen, Roy’s Waikōloa, Brown’s Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid, Meridia at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Hawaiʻi Calls at Waikōloa Beach Marriott, Hau Tree at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Tommy Bahama and Marlin Bar.

Jen Lawson, executive director of the Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative, said the fundraiser will help expand the group’s ongoing work that focuses on long-term stewardship of native dry forest areas, and it helps to build greater awareness of the rare and important ecosystem in Waikōloa.