A cold beverage was the best answer to the heat and high humidity that blanketed Smith’s Tropical Paradise, home of the Rotary Club of Kapaa’s 33rd Taste of Hawaii.
“We’re sold out at 1,500 guests,” said Rotarian Vicky Masuoka of Vicky’s Fabris, who monitored the ballot box where guests could not on their favorite dish from among the 25 guest chefs, including chefs visiting from 0ff-island like the Hawaii Community College culinary arts department that featured a student who grew up in Kalaheo, and a “Best Of” first place winner, Olympic Cafe located in the heart of downtown Kapaa.
Chef Orly Yadao of Orly’s Patisserie was concerned about running out of product.
“I don’t want to run out,” Orly, who has been with the Taste as a vendor for several years, said. “I have Chef Ernest Bell, and we’re planning for 840 desserts, so we don’t run out.”
During the event that serves as a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Kapaa to help fund its student scholarships and other deserving community nonprofit groups, including supporting the other Rotary clubs on the island, the lineup of chefs was joined by a dozen beverage stations dispensing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including Aloha Lemonade that started as a first-grade project for the owner’s son who wanted an electric bicycle.
“Our event has three major goals,” the Rotary Club of Kapaa said in its program guide. “The first is to raise money, which enables our club to make a difference through the many projects we support. Secondly, we work hard to ensure our customers have the best experiences possible while we have fun serving you. Finally, to share the message and fellowship of Rotary.”
The Taste of Hawaii began 38 years ago and has also been voted a winner in the “Best Of” category for “Best Event,” competing against events such as the Rotary Club of Kauai Lights on Rice holiday parade and others.
The 2025 Best Of Kauai is currently amid its Nomination Round until June 16 for the annual publication that will appear in TGI on Oct. 25. The Voting Round takes place from July 8 through Aug. 4.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
