Christmas with the Chefs 2025 returns to the Big Island on Saturday, December 13, celebrating its 33rd year as Hawaii's premier holiday culinary extravaganza at the stunning OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. This beloved annual fundraiser, hosted by the American Culinary Federation Kona-Kohala Chefs Association in partnership with Sysco, transforms the resort's ballroom and outdoor spaces at Keauhou Bay into a gastronomic wonderland from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. As the Big Island's largest Christmas party, this sophisticated event brings together the island's most talented chefs, confectioners, and beverage artisans for an unforgettable evening of culinary excellence, live entertainment, and community support that has raised over $900,000 for culinary education throughout its remarkable history.
Event overview and charitable mission
Christmas with the Chefs stands as more than just a culinary celebration—it represents the Big Island's commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals. Since its inception in 1989, this extraordinary event has evolved from "Christmas at Hulihe'e" Palace to become the island's most anticipated holiday gathering, consistently supporting student chef scholarships and educational programs throughout Hawaii. The American Culinary Federation Kona-Kohala Chefs Association organizes this annual fundraiser with the dedicated mission of providing culinary students with opportunities to advance their careers while celebrating the exceptional talent that defines the Big Island's restaurant scene.
The event's charitable impact extends far beyond financial support, creating mentorship opportunities where established chefs work directly with culinary students from Hawaii Community Colleges, inspiring the next generation while addressing critical issues like childhood obesity through nutrition education programs. This community-focused approach transforms a single evening into year-round educational support that strengthens the entire Big Island culinary community.
Venue and atmosphere
The OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay provides a breathtaking oceanfront setting that perfectly complements the evening's sophisticated atmosphere. Located at 78-128 Ehukai Street in Kailua-Kona, this resort venue expands the celebration both inside the elegant ballroom and onto outdoor terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean, allowing guests to enjoy trade wind breezes while sampling extraordinary culinary creations. The dual indoor-outdoor format accommodates the event's growing popularity while maintaining an intimate atmosphere where guests can interact directly with participating chefs.
The resort's strategic location at Keauhou Bay offers convenient access from all parts of the Big Island while providing the upscale setting that matches the event's reputation as a premier culinary celebration. Special room rates and benefits are available for event guests, making it easy to transform the evening into a complete weekend getaway experience.
Culinary highlights and participating chefs
The 2025 event showcases the extraordinary talents of nearly every major resort and restaurant across the Big Island, with accomplished chefs creating elaborate tasting stations that represent the pinnacle of island cuisine. These culinary artists donate not only their time and expertise but also provide all ingredients and decorative elements for their presentations, demonstrating the deep community commitment that makes this event so special. Guests can expect to sample both innovative contemporary dishes and refined interpretations of Hawaiian regional cuisine, all prepared by chefs who represent some of the finest kitchens in the Pacific.
The variety of offerings spans from savory appetizers and main course selections to exquisite desserts and confections, with each participating chef bringing their signature style and creativity to the evening. This collaborative approach creates a unique dining experience where guests can sample dishes from multiple renowned establishments in a single evening, experiencing the full spectrum of Big Island culinary excellence.
Beverage program and libations
Christmas with the Chefs features an unlimited beverage program that rivals the culinary offerings in quality and variety. Guests enjoy unlimited access to carefully selected worldly wines, local craft beers, handcrafted cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and premium Kona coffee throughout the evening. The beverage selections are curated to complement the diverse food offerings while showcasing both international favorites and locally produced libations that reflect the Big Island's growing reputation as a craft beverage destination.
VIP table guests receive special selections from Volcano Winery, adding an exclusive local touch to the premium dining experience. This thoughtful beverage curation ensures that every aspect of the evening maintains the high standards that have made Christmas with the Chefs the Big Island's most prestigious culinary event.
Entertainment and festivities
The evening's entertainment centers around live performances by the popular Jazz Gardeners, whose holiday tunes and sophisticated rhythms create the perfect soundtrack for this elegant celebration. Dancing under the stars becomes a magical element of the outdoor portion of the event, with the oceanfront setting providing a romantic backdrop for couples and friends to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The live music program is carefully designed to complement rather than compete with the culinary focus, creating an ambiance that encourages mingling, conversation, and celebration.
The combination of outstanding music, stunning ocean views, and exceptional cuisine creates an atmosphere that guests describe as truly memorable, making Christmas with the Chefs a highlight of the Big Island social calendar that many attendees eagerly anticipate each year.
Silent auction and gift opportunities
A carefully curated silent auction featuring "island treasures perfect for holiday gift giving" adds an exciting element to the evening while providing additional fundraising support for the event's educational mission. Local businesses contribute items that showcase the best of Big Island craftsmanship, experiences, and products, creating opportunities for guests to take home unique mementos while supporting both the culinary education program and local entrepreneurs.
The auction items typically include restaurant gift certificates, resort experiences, locally made art and crafts, and exclusive culinary experiences that cannot be purchased elsewhere. This element of the event encourages exploration of the Big Island's diverse business community while providing guests with meaningful ways to extend their support beyond the evening's ticket price.
Ticketing and VIP options
Early bird tickets are available for $135 per person through October 31, 2025, with prices increasing to $150 starting November 1. This pricing structure rewards early commitment while ensuring accessibility for community members who want to support the educational mission. The ticket price includes access to all food stations, unlimited beverages, entertainment, and auction browsing, making it an exceptional value for the quality and quantity of offerings provided.
VIP tables of 10 are available for $1,800, providing reserved indoor seating, dedicated table service, special wine selections from Volcano Winery, and VIP parking privileges. These premium packages cater to groups wanting a more exclusive experience while making larger contributions to the scholarship fund. All tickets are available through the event's dedicated website, with convenient online purchasing that streamlines the reservation process.
Historical significance and evolution
The event's 33-year history represents a remarkable evolution from its humble beginnings as "Christmas at Hulihe'e" in 1989. Created by Jean Hull, a chef and former cooking instructor at West Hawaii Community College, the original event took place at the historic Hulihe'e Palace in downtown Kailua-Kona. The success of this initial gathering demonstrated the Big Island's appetite for sophisticated culinary events while establishing the fundraising model that continues today.
Over the decades, the event has adapted to various venue changes while maintaining its core mission and community focus. From Hulihe'e Palace to Kona Village Resort, and through various resort locations including the Fairmont Orchid and Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, each venue change has brought new opportunities while preserving the intimate atmosphere that defines the Christmas with the Chefs experience.
Community impact and legacy
The impressive $900,000 raised over the event's history represents far more than simple fundraising numbers—it reflects decades of community investment in culinary education that has shaped careers and strengthened the Big Island's reputation as a dining destination. Many current chef participants are themselves beneficiaries of the scholarship programs they now support, creating a beautiful cycle of mentorship and community building that extends far beyond the annual event.
The educational impact extends into elementary and high school programs where participating chefs teach nutrition and cooking skills, addressing childhood obesity and dietary health issues while inspiring young people to consider culinary careers. This comprehensive approach to culinary education creates lasting community benefits that multiply the event's impact throughout the year.
Planning your evening
The 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM timeframe allows guests to enjoy the full progression from sunset cocktails through elegant dinner sampling to dancing under the stars, with the timing perfectly designed to showcase both the culinary offerings and the stunning oceanfront setting. Arriving early ensures optimal sampling opportunities and allows time to appreciate the elaborate station presentations before peak crowd times.
The dress code reflects the event's sophisticated nature, with resort elegant attire appropriate for both indoor and outdoor portions of the celebration. The December timing means comfortable evening temperatures perfect for enjoying the outdoor terraces while maintaining the festive holiday atmosphere that defines the event.
Accommodation and travel planning
The OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa offers special room rates and benefits for Christmas with the Chefs attendees, allowing guests to extend their culinary celebration into a complete weekend getaway. These packages provide convenient on-site accommodations while supporting the event venue, creating a seamless experience for visitors traveling from other islands or the mainland.
The Keauhou Bay location provides easy access to other Big Island attractions, making it simple to combine the event with exploration of Volcanoes National Park, coffee farm tours, or snorkeling adventures. Many guests use Christmas with the Chefs as the centerpiece of holiday vacation plans that celebrate both culinary excellence and the Big Island's natural beauty.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 13, 2025, and prepare to experience the Big Island's most celebrated culinary tradition at Christmas with the Chefs. Whether you're a food enthusiast, community supporter, or simply someone who appreciates exceptional experiences, this 33rd annual celebration offers an unmatched combination of outstanding cuisine, ocean views, live entertainment, and meaningful charitable impact. Purchase your early bird tickets through October 31st, plan your weekend getaway at the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, and join the Big Island's culinary community for an evening that celebrates both exceptional food and the bright future of Hawaii's next generation of chefs.
