Kapalua Wine & Food Festival

The Kapalua Wine & Food Festival’s main charitable beneficiary is the University of Hawaii Maui College’s Culinary Arts Program. Through its donations, the event has been honored to support local students through scholarships and program underwriting for this culinary program. In addition, each year attending celebrity and local chefs mentor students in the program by allowing them to work alongside them at events throughout the weekend, with real time experience and instruction.

In 2024, in the aftermath of the wildfires that devastated our hometown and local community, the event was able to expand its donations to support several grass roots initiatives that worked diligently to aid, restore and partner with local residents and businesses, including Chef Hui and Hawaii Restaurant Association Educational Fund.

The event also supports the Aloha Sommelier Foundation whose mission is to Unite, educate, and inspire the Hawaii sommelier community through educational events and networking platform leading to job opportunities, mentoring, and fellowship. The Foundation also worked diligently to help the Lahaina wildfire relief efforts by raising money to benefit impacted hospitality professionals. The money was directed to those who have lost property, jobs, and loved ones to aid them on their journey. MORE INFO >

UH Maui College Culinary Arts Program

Housed in the 38,000 square-foot, two-story Pā‘ina Building, the University of Hawai‘i Maui College’s two-year Culinary Arts and Pastry Program is recognized as a national leader and was the first program in the University of Hawai‘i system to receive American Culinary Federation Education Foundation accreditation. Pā‘ina Market has two student-run outlets – World Plate and Paniolo Grill – serving both the UHMC campus and the wider community with seating for up to 275. The acclaimed Leis Family Class Act fine dining restaurant offers world-class cuisine for lunch twice a week during the academic year and is rated a USA Top 100 Restaurant and one of Hawai‘i’s finest by diners on OpenTable.com. 

Hawaii Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (HRAEF)

The mission of the Hawaii Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (HRAEF) is to enhance the restaurant and foodservice industries through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The foundation’s focus is on providing the necessary resources to help educational and labor challenges with the latest innovations in education, technology and training. HRAEF administers and supports Hawaii ProStart, a nationally accredited culinary curriculum, currently in 11 Hawaii public high schools, that offers Hawaii high school students the opportunity to learn about Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management in a hands-on environment.

Chef Hui

Chef Hui consists of local cooks and food service providers throughout Hawaii coming together to serve their community and deepen our connection to our food system. We support farmers, independent producers, ‘aina based organizations and other like-minded folks who share our pursuit of a more resilient and compassionate world. Through initiatives like Chef Huʻs Maui Relief Program, Chef Hui has been able to support over 50 Maui Restaurants, Chefʻs and Farmers, as well as, serve over 400,000 meals across the island. Chef Hui utilized a blend of donated and purchased ingredients to support locally whenever possible; crafting culturally appropriate meals, meal kits, and curated produce boxes. Chef Hui remains steadfast in its support for Maui, committed to providing assistance and fostering community resilience with its evolved feeding programs and collaborations.