What to Expect for the 2025 Hale ‘Aina Event Series Presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard
Starting this March, we’re celebrating the very best in our culinary landscape with experiences to sip and savor.
When it comes to celebrating local restaurants, no one has been doing it longer than HONOLULU Magazine. The longest-running and most prestigious awards in the state, the Hale ‘Aina Awards were started in 1984 as a way to honor the restaurants, and the talents behind them, that shape Hawai‘i’s unique culinary landscape. It’s a 42-year-old tradition we are proud of, and, each year, our dedicated team of industry experts, passionate food critics and discerning diners come together to recognize the very best eats in the state.
This year, HONOLULU Magazine is proud to announce a renewed partnership with First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard for the 2025 Hale ‘Aina Awards. What does this mean? A continuation of our yearlong celebration. Bigger and better opportunities for us to honor Hawai‘i’s restaurant industry. And more opportunities for foodies to experience what makes Island dining truly one of a kind. This means a jam-packed lineup of events, unique immersive experiences, giveaways and much more.
SEE ALSO: 2024 Hale ‘Aina Award Winners: The Best Restaurants in Hawai‘i
The partnership also means special perks for First Hawaiian Bank Mastercard cardholders, including exclusive early access and discounts to premier culinary experiences that feature Hale ‘Aina Award-winning chefs.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
The yearlong festivities kick off on March 23 with the sixth annual BrunchFest at the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Ho‘okupu Center, a celebration showcasing early-morning eats by some of the island’s best award-winning breakfast restaurants, along with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys with music, lawn games and a colorful, poppy Harajuku theme. Next up is Rosé Soirée on May 31 at Velocity, a celebration where wine lovers can think pink with all-night rosé pours, get a glam station glow-up and vamp it up with surprises throughout the night.
Photo: Jarin Kobashigawa
Last but not least is HONOLULU’s annual Hale ‘Aina Gala, our ultimate dining event, taking place Sept. 6 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. This festive night is the ultimate celebration of all things culinary in the Islands, where guests can savor Hale ‘Aina award-winning restaurants from past and present, and enjoy wine, beer and cocktails crafted by expert mixologists. Live entertainment and whimsical surprises can be found, and all are encouraged to take part in this year’s theme: Arabian Nights.
We hope you’re as excited as we are, and hope to see you at any and all of our upcoming Hale ‘Aina events. Keep an eye out as we announce new dates, details and dishes!
