On the evening of December 5, 2026, the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa in Keauhou will transform into a culinary wonderland. The 34th Annual Christmas with the Chefs promises an unforgettable experience, where every ticket purchased supports the future of culinary education on Hawaiʻi Island.
The event is not just about indulging in exquisite tastes but also about celebrating the season with purpose. Attendees will have the chance to meet the faces behind the island's vibrant food scene, all while supporting a cause that nurtures the next generation of chefs.
"More than a festive meal, Christmas with the Chefs is a benefit for Hawaiʻi Island’s next generation of culinary talent."
The Story Behind Christmas with the Chefs
Supporting Hawaiʻi Island's Culinary Future
Christmas with the Chefs is a fundraiser organized by the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association. The event supports scholarships, mentorships, and educational opportunities for emerging culinary professionals on Hawaiʻi Island.
The event has raised more than $900,000 over its history, according to Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
Proceeds benefit the UH Foundation ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Association & Jean Hull Culinary Endowment, aiding the culinary program at Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui and offering continuing education for working chefs.
What to Expect at the 34th Annual Event
A Tasting Experience Like No Other
The heart of Christmas with the Chefs is a progressive tasting experience. The 2026 event features Hawaiʻi Island’s finest chefs, restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisan food producers. Guests will navigate through festive tasting stations, sampling dishes and handcrafted beverages while enjoying live entertainment.
A tasting event rewards attention more than speed.
While the exact lineup for 2026 is yet to be published, past events have included savory and sweet tasting stations, wines, Kona coffee, and handcrafted cocktails. Arrive curious and ready to explore new flavors.
Venue and Setting: Into the Heart of Keauhou
Discover the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa
Located at 78-128 Ehukai Street, the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa offers a stunning backdrop for the event. Situated near Keauhou Bay and the resort corridor, it provides a unique setting away from the bustle of central Kailua-Kona.
Visitors should plan their travel considering potential holiday traffic and the 5:30 p.m. event start. Keauhou also serves as an excellent base for exploring the Big Island, with its rich history and diverse dining options.
Tickets and VIP Tables
Secure Your Place at the Table
The 2026 ticket price is $150 per person. A limited VIP table of 10 is available for $1,800, which includes:
- Ten event tickets.
- A designated table in the air-conditioned ballroom.
- Five VIP parking passes.
General ticket holders can explore the tasting stations and enjoy the event, while the VIP option offers a dedicated space and parking convenience.
Food, Drinks, and Responsible Tasting
Enjoy the Flavors of Hawaiʻi Island
The 2026 event promises a variety of food and beverages, with participation from wineries, breweries, and distilleries. If you have dietary restrictions, it is advisable to contact the organizer beforehand.
- Eat a light snack beforehand to avoid starting on an empty stomach.
- Hydrate between samples.
- Ask about ingredients, especially seafood, nuts, dairy, or alcohol.
- Use a designated driver or rideshare if consuming alcohol.
- Pace yourself to enjoy all stations throughout the event.
- Thank the chefs and volunteers who make the fundraiser possible.
Responsible tasting ensures a memorable and safe holiday celebration.
The Big Island Holiday Calendar
Plan Your December on Hawaiʻi Island
December 5, 2026, marks the start of a festive season on the Big Island. On the same night as Christmas with the Chefs, Waimea hosts the 66th Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade at 6 p.m.
The following weekend, Sunday, December 13, brings the Kailua Kalikimaka / Kōkua Kailua Village Stroll from 1 to 6 p.m. Plan your holiday activities across different days to fully enjoy each unique event.
- December 5: Christmas with the Chefs in Keauhou or the Waimea parade.
- December 13: Kailua Kalikimaka village stroll in downtown Kona.
- Later December: Watch for announcements about the holiday concert and boat parade.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Things People Always Want to Know
When is Christmas with the Chefs 2026?
It is Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where is the 34th Christmas with the Chefs held?
At OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi 96740.
How much are tickets?
Individual tickets are $150 per person. A limited VIP table for 10 is $1,800 and includes a designated ballroom table and five VIP parking passes.
What does the ticket include?
The event description promises access to festive tasting stations featuring Hawaiʻi Island chefs, restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisan food producers, plus live entertainment. The exact 2026 menu and beverage list are not published.
Is Christmas with the Chefs a fundraiser?
Yes. Proceeds support scholarships, mentorship, and education through the UH Foundation ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Association & Jean Hull Culinary Endowment, benefiting Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui and culinary professionals.
Can I get a refund if I cannot attend?
The Humanitix listing says no refunds. Confirm your plans before buying.
Is this the same as the Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade?
No. Christmas with the Chefs is a paid culinary fundraiser in Keauhou from 5:30–8:30 p.m. The Waimea parade is a separate free community event beginning at 6 p.m. on the same date.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event category: Holiday culinary tasting event and fundraiser.
- Event name: 34th Annual Christmas with the Chefs.
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026.
- Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
- Venue: OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi 96740.
- Host: ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Association–Hawaiʻi.
- Individual ticket price: $150.
- VIP option: $1,800 for 10 tickets, a designated air-conditioned ballroom table, and five VIP parking passes.
- Refund policy: No refunds.
- Confirmed experience: Tasting stations from Hawaiʻi Island chefs, restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisan food producers, plus live entertainment.
- 2026 chef lineup, menus, beverage list, and entertainment schedule: Not yet published.
- Beneficiary: UH Foundation ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Association & Jean Hull Culinary Endowment, supporting Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui and culinary education.
- Historical impact: The fundraiser has raised more than $900,000 over its history, according to Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
Make Saturday, December 5, 2026, an evening for Hawaiʻi Island’s food community. Reserve your ticket early, come hungry and curious, and let every tasting station remind you that this holiday celebration is helping tomorrow’s chefs find their place in the kitchen.
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