THE LOCAL EDGE- Hawaii Hotel & Restaurant Show
Crafted on Maui, Enjoyed Everywhere. DIY Maui Cocktail Kits ($18ea)
Excerpt from The Star Advertiser’s CRAVE, Wednesday July 16, 2025.
At June’s Hawai‘i Hotel & Restaurant Show, I discovered impressive local products that had one thing in common- each brand had successfully completed the “Aina to Mākeke” food business education program at Leeward Community College’s Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC).
Chris Bailey and Chef Lillian Cumic on the cover of Midweek | May 14, 2025
Led by manager Chris Bailey, the 33,000-square-foot facility empowers local farmers and food entrepreneurs to refine and scale their products through webinars, workshops, and access to a production kitchen- and it’s clearly working.
Available @Maui Cocktail Kits
One standout was DIY Maui Cocktail Kits ($18ea) by owner Katy Tsark. Each kit is curated with ripe, locally picked Maui fruit, botanicals, and herbs for a flavorful infusion. Try the Pa‘ia Sangria, a tropical blend with dehydrated starfruit, dragon fruit, mango, lemon, orange, and liliko‘i, all packed into an easy-to-use infusion bag.
Infuse Maui Cocktail Kits with Ritual Alternatives for a mocktail version.
Simply add a bottle of white wine or dealcoholized wine, 6 ounces of rum or alcohol-free spirit, then steep for a day or two and top with prosecco, seltzer or tonic. I found that adding a splash of apple cider vinegar created a refreshing mocktail on trend with the rise of mindful mixology. Other flavors include Haleakalā Sunset, Auntie Lei’s Maui-Rita, Lahaina Lemonade, Paniolo Pineapple, and Cucumber Hibiscus. To learn more, visit mauicocktailkits.com.
Photo courtesy of Pop Culture Artisan Pops.
Pop Culture Artisan Pops, founded by Justin Udom, also grabbed my attention with his refreshing line-up of vegan ice pops including- a creamy mango lassi, made with coconut and almond milk; crack seed cola; hibiscus passion punch; and a new limited-time-only Li-Hing strawberry pineapple lemonade.
Find them at the Kaka’ako Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 8am-12pm ($5.50ea or two for $10), and across stores in Hawai’i. More info @PopCultureAP.com.
More info at Galleon Chocolate.
Vegans need not miss out on the sweeter things in life, thanks to Galleon Chocolate, which delivers a unique Filipino-Hawaiian twist. Founded by artisan chocolatier Len Gonzales, this Maui-based brand is on a mission “to connect the world with every bite.”
Praised for its rich flavors and stunning packaging, Galleon crafts its ube-flavored bars using high-quality, ethically sourced cacao from the Philippines, Hawai‘i, and Indonesia. The purple plant-based treats ($15 each) include ube macadamia nut and a silky ube coconut cream bar you’d never guess is vegan. Discover more @galleonchocolate.com.
Chocolatier Janice Leilani LaFontaine of farmtofudge.com.
Another inspiring chocolatier, (and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner), is Janice Leilani LaFontaine, who created Farm to Fudge Maui, after reversing her autoimmune disease by eliminating gluten, dairy, and processed foods.
Her brand specializes in ethical, and sustainable plant-based fudge using clean, minimal, high-quality ingredients, free from any artificial flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers, or stabilizers. Try the orange-infused sunset with mac nuts ($22 1.9oz) and thank me later- it’s simply divine! Find it at farmtofudge.com.
Owner of Maui Cocktail Kits Katy Tsark and her daughter.
The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) was named the official government partner of the 2025 Made in Hawai‘i Festival, taking place August 15–17 at the Hawaii Convention Center. There, DBEDT will debut the “DBEDT Hawai‘i Made Pavilion,” showcasing local businesses in partnership with Leeward Community College’s WVAPDC. You’ll have the chance to meet some innovators, including Galleon Chocolate, and experience firsthand how Hawai‘i continues to lead with top-quality products and a strong foundation in supporting local businesses.
FOLLOW LILLIAN:
Instagram: @lilliancumic
Facebook: @Chef Lillian Cumic
TikTok: @lilliancumic
LinkedIn: @Lillian Cumic
