Story and Photos by Lillian Cumic

A shorter version of this story was published in my Nourishing Paradise column in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s CRAVE section on July 15, 2026. This expanded blog includes additional details, more of my favorite discoveries from the show, and a closer look at the incredible Hawai‘i businesses I had the pleasure of meeting.

A Taste of Hawaii published in The Star-Advertiser’s CRAVE July 15 2026.

One of my favorite parts of being a chef and food writer is discovering the passionate people behind the products that make Hawai‘i’s culinary community so special. The sixth annual Hawai‘i Hotel & Restaurant Show on June 17 and 18 was the perfect place to do just that.

Over two days, chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, food producers and industry leaders came together to discover new products, exchange ideas and explore the latest innovations shaping Hawai‘i’s hospitality and foodservice industries. From live cooking demonstrations and tastings to interactive exhibits and networking opportunities, the show offered inspiration around every corner.

As someone who loves discovering unique ingredients and supporting businesses that are pushing the culinary world forward, I spent my time exploring the exhibit floor in search of products that stood out for their quality, creativity and flavor.

Thank you to everyone who supported me at the main stage!

One of the greatest rewards was meeting the people behind so many of Hawai‘i’s local businesses. Listening to their stories, learning how their products came to life, and seeing the passion and dedication they pour into every detail reminded me why supporting local matters. Every purchase helps strengthen our local economy, encourages innovation, and supports the entrepreneurs whose hard work helps make Hawai‘i’s food community so vibrant.

With hundreds of exhibitors to explore, I chose to spotlight businesses that proudly call Hawai‘i home. Each one represents creativity, passion and a commitment to sharing the unique flavors and spirit of our islands.

Aloha Star Coffee: Kona Coffee From Seed to Cup

Located in South Kona along the slopes of Mauna Loa, Aloha Star Coffee is a family-owned farm producing authentic Kona coffee in one of the world’s most celebrated coffee-growing regions.

The Kona Coffee Belt is known for its rich volcanic soil, ideal elevation, sunshine and rainfall patterns that create the perfect environment for growing coffee. What makes Aloha Star special is their dedication to the entire process—from cultivating the coffee trees to harvesting, processing, roasting and sharing their final product with customers.

For coffee lovers, there is something meaningful about enjoying coffee that is connected so closely to the land where it was grown. Every cup tells a story of Hawai‘i agriculture, family dedication and the generations of knowledge behind Kona coffee farming.

Website: alohastarcoffee.com

Aloha Bites: Sweet Treats With Island Inspiration

Aloha Bites is a small, family-run business based in Kailua founded by Akiko White, combining artistry, creativity and Hawai‘i-inspired flavors into beautiful bite-sized treats.

Known for their miniature cupcakes and small-batch preserves, Aloha Bites brings a unique perspective to desserts by incorporating local ingredients whenever possible. Akiko’s background in art and design is evident in the beautiful presentation of her creations, but the flavors are what truly make them memorable.

The company also creates locally inspired ‘ulu (breadfruit) mixes, including an ‘Ulu Cupcake Mix made with a blend of ‘ulu flour and other gluten-free, non-GMO and vegan flours, along with an ‘Ulu Bread Mix and Sam Choy’s Savory ‘Ulu Breading Mix.

I especially appreciate the company’s focus on sustainability. Their packaging uses plant-based materials from Good Natured Products and is compostable, reflecting their commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Aloha Bites’ preserves also celebrate the flavors of Hawai‘i, including roasted pepper jelly, strawberry ginger jam, Kualoa-Grown starfruit pepper jelly and their Fiery Foods Show award-winning Blackberry Pepper Jelly—a sweet and savory combination of berries, roasted peppers and garlic.

These products are perfect for enjoying with cheese and crackers, adding to a charcuterie board, creating sauces, or bringing a little taste of Hawai‘i into everyday cooking.

Website: alohabites.com

Hawaiian Vinegar & Spice Co.: Turning Imperfect Produce Into Incredible Flavor

One of the most inspiring stories I discovered at the show was Hawaiian Vinegar & Spice Co., a Wahiawā-based company founded by husband-and-wife team Brandon and Poni Askew.

Their mission combines sustainability with creativity by transforming off-grade produce into flavorful vinegars that might otherwise go unused.

Their handcrafted vinegars are raw, live, vegan and gluten-free, creating versatile pantry staples that can elevate everything from salads and marinades to sauces and everyday meals.

What I love most about this company is the philosophy behind every bottle: respecting ingredients, reducing waste and finding beauty in produce that deserves another chance.

It is a wonderful example of how local businesses can create delicious products while also thinking about the bigger picture of sustainability and responsible food practices.

Website: hawaiianvinegarco.com

ReBran Granola: A Sustainable Superfood Snack

ReBran Granola caught my attention because of its innovative approach to ingredients and sustainability.

The company creates granola using rice bran, a nutrient-rich part of the rice grain that is often overlooked during processing. By highlighting this ingredient, ReBran showcases how creativity can help reduce waste while creating a delicious and nutritious product.

Rice bran contains naturally occurring fiber and nutrients, making it a wonderful addition to a wholesome snack or breakfast option.

I love discovering companies that look at familiar ingredients in a new way and find opportunities to create something better—for both people and the planet.

Website: rebrangranola.com

Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative: Bringing Breadfruit Back to the Table

One of the local organizations I was excited to see at the show was the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative, an organization dedicated to increasing the use of ‘ulu (breadfruit) and supporting Hawai‘i farmers.

‘Ulu is one of Hawai‘i’s traditional canoe crops, brought to the islands by Polynesian voyagers and valued for generations as a nutritious, versatile staple. Today, the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative is helping make this incredible ingredient more accessible to modern kitchens by working with local farmers and creating convenient products for both home cooks and chefs.

Their product line includes ‘ulu pancake mix, breadfruit flour, and their Inamona Mac Nut ‘Ulu Hummus—a creative island-inspired take that combines the traditional flavors of Hawai‘i with a modern plant-based approach.

As a vegan chef, I love ingredients that have a story, and ‘ulu is one of those special foods that connects us to Hawai‘i’s history while also offering exciting possibilities for the future of sustainable agriculture.

Website: ulucoop.com

Tropics Hawaii Salad Dressings @tropics.net.

Tropics Hawai‘i: Island Flavors for Everyday Meals

Tropics Hawai‘i Dressings are a wonderful example of how local companies can bring island-inspired flavors into everyday cooking.

A great dressing is about so much more than salad. It can become a marinade, dipping sauce, finishing drizzle, or an easy way to add flavor to vegetables, grains and plant-based dishes.

I appreciate products that make healthy eating more convenient while still celebrating the flavors of Hawai‘i. Tropics Hawai‘i offers a simple way to bring a little island inspiration into your kitchen.

Website: tropics.net

Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water @waiakea.com

Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water: Inspired by Hawai‘i’s Natural Landscape

Hawai‘i’s natural resources are some of our greatest treasures, and Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water showcases the unique environment that makes our islands so special.

Sourced from Hawai‘i and naturally filtered through volcanic rock, Waiākea has built its brand around the connection between nature, sustainability and responsible business practices.

What stood out to me was the company’s commitment to sharing a product that reflects Hawai‘i’s landscape while also encouraging awareness of protecting the environment around us.

Water is something we often overlook, but Hawai‘i’s natural resources are precious. Supporting companies that recognize this connection helps keep sustainability at the forefront.

Website: waiakea.com

Plastic Oceans: Protecting the Future of Our Oceans

Living in Hawai‘i means our relationship with the ocean is part of everyday life. The ocean provides food, inspiration, recreation and a deep cultural connection—but it also needs our protection.

Plastic Oceans’ presence at the show highlighted the importance of awareness and action when it comes to reducing plastic pollution and protecting marine ecosystems.

For those of us surrounded by the Pacific, making thoughtful choices about the products we use and supporting efforts that protect our oceans is more important than ever.

Website: plasticoceans.org

Okonokai Spicy Gochujang Crackers @http://okonokai.com

Okonokai: Ocean-Inspired Umami

One of the more unique discoveries at the show was Okonokai, a company celebrating the flavors of Hawai‘i’s ocean resources through creative snacks.

Their sea crackers offer a delicious combination of texture and umami, with varieties inspired by ingredients such as dried limu (seaweed). Limu has long been an important part of Hawaiian cuisine, valued for its flavor and connection to the ocean.

I love seeing traditional ingredients introduced in new ways. These crackers are perfect for snacking, entertaining, pairing with dips, or adding a taste of Hawai‘i to a charcuterie board.

Website: okonokai.com

Old Hawaiian Recipes Syrups @http://oldhawaiirecipes.com

Old Hawai‘i Recipes: Preserving Island Flavors

Food has a beautiful way of connecting us to memories, traditions and place. Old Hawai‘i Recipes captures that feeling through island-inspired syrups that celebrate flavors familiar to Hawai‘i.

Their products can be enjoyed in so many ways—from drizzling over pancakes and desserts to creating unique beverages and adding a special island touch to recipes.

I appreciate companies that help preserve the flavors of Hawai‘i while making them accessible for a new generation of cooks.

Website: oldhawaiirecipes.com

Alani Nu Energy Drinks @http://alaninu.com

Alani Nu: Flavor Meets Function

For those looking for an energy boost, Alani Nu showcased its popular line of energy drinks featuring bold flavors and 200 mg of caffeine per serving.

The brand has become known for combining functional beverages with vibrant flavors and eye-catching packaging. Whether used before a workout, during a busy day, or as an afternoon pick-me-up, these drinks appeal to consumers looking for convenient energy options.

Website: alaninu.com

Maui Fruit Jewels @http://mauifruitjewels.com

Maui Fruit Jewels: Capturing Hawai‘i’s Tropical Abundance

Hawai‘i is blessed with an incredible variety of tropical fruits, and Maui Fruit Jewels celebrates that abundance through handcrafted fruit jellies and pastes.

Their products highlight the natural sweetness and vibrant flavors of island-grown fruits, creating beautiful additions to cheese boards, desserts, gift baskets and entertaining.

There is something special about preserving the flavors of Hawai‘i’s harvest and sharing them with others. These products make a wonderful reminder that some of the best gifts from our islands come directly from the land.

Website: mauifruitjewels.com

Photo courtesy of Stream2Sea. A large array of products are available @http://stream2sea.com

Stream2Sea: Caring for Our Reefs

Stream2Sea is redefining ocean-conscious skincare with products created for both people and the planet. Their sunscreens and skincare formulas are tested with marine life in mind, including freshwater fish, saltwater fish and coral larvae, while also nourishing skin with a blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients such as wakame seaweed, aloe vera, tulsi, green tea and olive leaf.

The company focuses on avoiding ingredients of concern and creating products that are mindful of our oceans. Their USDA BioBased certified formulas are packaged using more sustainable materials, including ocean-bound and post-consumer recycled materials, glass, and reusable, recyclable tins—making them a thoughtful choice for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors while protecting the environment we all share. Our coral reefs are fragile, and every effort to care for them matters.

Website: stream2sea.com

The Hawaiian Lei Company @hawaiianleicompany.com

The Hawaiian Lei Company: Sharing Aloha Through Flowers

No Hawaiian celebration feels complete without lei, and The Hawaiian Lei Company brought a beautiful touch of aloha to the Hawai‘i Hotel & Restaurant Show.

The company generously provided leis for the main stage entertainers and event staff, adding the beauty and tradition of Hawai‘i to the gathering.

Lei represent love, hospitality, celebration and connection. Behind every lei is the skill, care and artistry of the people who create them, continuing a tradition that remains an important part of Hawai‘i’s culture.

Website: hawaiianleicompany.com

Mahalo

A heartfelt mahalo to every exhibitor who welcomed me into your booth, generously shared your products and took the time to tell me your story.

I left the Hawai‘i Hotel & Restaurant Show inspired by your passion, creativity and dedication. Each of these businesses represents what makes Hawai‘i’s food community so special—people who are innovating, creating and sharing products that reflect the unique flavors and spirit of our islands.

I hope this article inspires you to discover these incredible companies, support local whenever possible, and celebrate the talented people who continue to make Hawai‘i such an extraordinary place to eat, cook and live.

Chef Lillian Cumic
Nourishing Paradise

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