News briefs for May 28: Cultural festival, food and wine fest, marketing workshop, scholarship winners

Ninth annual Hawai’i Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival coming in early June

Hawai‘i Kuauli, or Hawai‘i Nui Kuauli, is one of the traditional names for the Island of Hawai‘i. The name honors Chief Kuauli, a legendary leader and well-known steward of the islands recognized for his deep connection to the land and visionary approach to sustainable living.

Hawaiʻi Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival celebrates that legacy of prosperity, stewardship and cultural pride, embracing the values of aloha, sustainability and cultural unity Chief Kuauli embodied.

This year’s festival is slated for June 5-7 at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, located at 75-5660 Palani Road, in Kailua-Kona. Find additional event details, purchase your tickets and book a resort stay today at the festival website.

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Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival returns this fall for 16th year

Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival marks its 16th year this fall, inviting guests to experience flavors, traditions and people shaping Hawai‘i’s evolving food culture. Tickets and additional information are available now on the festival website.

This year’s festival, themed “Traditions & Heritage,” is planned for Oct. 16 to Nov. 8, with events on Maui, O‘ahu and the Big Island, which will host the second annual Cuisines of the Sun Golf Classic Oct. 16 at Mauna Kea Golf Course and Smokes, Shucked & Cured from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 17 at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Nonprofit Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance presents the festival, bringing together internationally acclaimed chefs, wine professionals, mixologists, culinary innovators, local farmers, ranchers and fishers for immersive dining experiences rooted in culture, community and place. The 2026 theme reflects the cultural roots that nourish Hawai‘i’s culinary and agricultural communities.

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Free marketing workshop scheduled in June

You’ve poured everything into your product, so now it’s time to get people to actually find it.

Whether you’re just starting or have been in business a while, marketing can feel like a never-ending task. A free workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. June 11 presented by Hawai‘i Food Hub and Hawai‘i Commercial Kitchens will help cut through the confusion by teaching participants how to build their brand, craft their message and identify who they are actually selling to so they walk away with clarity and a strategy that generates more sales.

In-person seats are limited. Zoom attendance is available for everyone, but live cooking demonstrations and giveaways are in-person only. Register today.

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Kona VFW Auxiliary Post 12122 announces scholarship winners

Kona VFW Auxiliary Post 12122 congratulates the winners of the its 2026 scholarship awards, totaling $4,000.

Recipients of this year’s four $1,000 scholarships are:

• Analani Craft, Konawaena High School.
• Creed Roberson, Konawaena High School.
• Rhett Franquez, Kealakehe High School.
• Mikayla Kia, pursuing a post-graduate degree at University of Hawai’i.