Taste of Kapoho: A Culinary Celebration of Land, Culture & Purpose
Fairmont Kea Lani and Kō Restaurant Present: Taste of Kapoho
A culinary celebration of culture and sustainability benefitting Ka Pōholima Kāʻeo and Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge
Fairmont Kea Lani and Kō Restaurant are proud to announce the Taste of Kapoho – a special fundraising dinner on Saturday, March 22, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, bringing together an extraordinary culinary experience with a meaningful cause. This event will support the ongoing restoration of Kapoho Loko Iʻa Kalo located on Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge, an ecologically and culturally significant site protected and stewarded by Hawaiʻi Land Trust (HILT) since 2004. The restoration of the loko iʻa kalo is led by Ka Pōholima Kāʻeo a community organization operating under the sponsorship of HILT.
The evening will feature a roaming dining experience with six unique chef stations, each highlighting ingredients connected to the ahupua‘a of Waihe‘e and the the ‘ili ‘āina of Kapoho, along with live entertainment from Kaniloa Kamaunu & Danny Kapoi, both kupa ‘āina of Waihe‘e. Fairmont Kea Lani’s esteemed culinary team will showcase an exquisite lineup of dishes that pay homage to the land and its bounty, incorporating locally sourced ingredients deeply tied to the restoration efforts.
Menu Highlights:
- Chef Jonathan Pasion
- Char Siu Octopus + Opae Garlic Chives Cheung Fun Noodles + Kiawe Pod Vinegar + Chili Oil
- Shrimp Toast + Waihe‘e Kalo Cake + Sesame + Garlic Chive Aioli
- Chef Brian Murphy
- Miso Lobster Ramen + Miso Lobster Broth + Roasted Sweet Corn + Sweet Potato + Lobster + Truffle Tare
- Uala Sushi Roll + Poke Style Sweet Potato + Ocean Rice + Tempura Sweet Potato + Ikura + Micro Shisho
- Chef Marilyn Mina
- Ulu and Kiawe Dumplings + Pickled Ogo + Tomato Limu Jam + Ulu & Mochi Crunch Crumble
- Ulu Roasted Tortilla + Mullet + Ginger Scallion + Pickled Limu
- Chef George Agcolicol
- Embutido “Filipino Style Sausage” + Taro + Chorizo + Local Pork + Banana Ketchup + Pickled Banana Shoots
- Bilo Bilo “Filipino Taro Dessert” Taro-Rice Balls + Tapioca + Young Coconut + Banana Saba
- Chef Jeffery Ang
- Uala & Shrimp Fritter + Korean Kiawe BBQ Sauce
- Kobe Flat Iron Beef Bulgogi + Rice Paper + Canoe Plants
- Chef Tiffany Naughton
- Caramelized Ulu Ice Cream + Sweet Potato Tart
- Apple Banana Cheesecake + Dehydrated Local Banana
- Coconut Rum Cake + Local Rum + Berries
Hawaiʻi Land Trust, Ka Pōholima Kāʻeo, and Fairmont Kea Lani’s shared goal is to restore a loko i‘a kalo, a traditional Hawaiian fishpond and taro patch—once vital to the community—so that life can flourish once again. By bringing fresh water back to Kapoho, a small land division known as an ‘ili ‘āina, they aim to restore balance to the ecosystem and support the nourishment of those who depend on it. The groups are also working to unify the different parts of the ahupua‘a so that the land can once again support abundant life and provide sustenance for the community.
“Our work at Waihe‘e Refuge and in Kapoho is more than just restoration—it’s a reconnection to our ancestors, our culture, and our responsibility as stewards of this land” shared Kiaʻiokaʻuhane Collier, Maui ʻĀina Steward for Hawaiʻi Land Trust and Alaka‘i for Ka Poholima Kā’eo. “By revitalizing the fishpond and taro patch, we are restoring an ancient system that once sustained our people and will continue to do so for future generations. We are grateful for the support of our community and partners like Fairmont Kea Lani who share this vision and help bring it to life.”
A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to Hawaiʻi Land Trust and Ka Pōholima Kāʻeo to further their restoration efforts. By bringing the community together for an evening of exceptional cuisine, storytelling, and cultural appreciation, Fairmont Kea Lani hopes to inspire others to take part in the preservation of Maui’s natural and cultural heritage.
To learn more about the Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge, visit www.hilt.org/waihee.
To further support these restoration efforts, please visit www.hilt.org/donate.
