In West Maui, food has always carried meaning beyond what is on the plate. It is how stories are told without needing to be written down. How generations stay connected. How neighbors check in on one another. A shared table here is rarely rushed and almost never just about eating.

In Lahaina especially, food has long been one of the town’s quiet anchors. Restaurants are places where locals mark milestones, where fishermen drop off the day’s catch, where chefs know their farmers by name, and where visitors are welcomed into something that feels personal rather than polished. To dine in Lahaina is to experience the town’s rhythm, its warmth, and its generosity.

This February, the Lahaina Food and Wine Festival returns from February 18 through 22, 2026, offering more than a lineup of tastings and dinners. It is an invitation to gather again. To support the people behind the kitchens. And to celebrate a community that continues to move forward with care, intention, and pride.

Why Food Matters Here

Across Hawaiʻi, food has always been communal. It shows up at celebrations, at funerals, at long tables under tents, and in kitchens where everyone is welcome to help. In Lahaina, that sense of togetherness has never disappeared, even during the most difficult chapters.

Following the 2023 wildfires, Lahaina experienced profound loss. Homes, businesses, cultural sites, and lives were forever changed. Yet what has remained constant is the spirit of the people. Food, in its quiet and familiar way, has been part of that resilience. Cooking for one another. Reopening doors when ready. Finding ways to reconnect. 

Now in its second year, the Lahaina Food and Wine Festival was created to celebrate the people behind Lahaina’s culinary scene and to bring the community together in a way that feels genuine. Spanning five days, the festival brings together chefs, sommeliers, winemakers, farmers, fishermen, and hospitality professionals who have helped shape Lahaina into a place known for thoughtful, soulful dining. Hosted at beloved locations including Māla Ocean Tavern, Coco Deck, Sale Pepe, and the Lahaina Jodo Mission, the festival blends elevated experiences with gatherings that feel accessible and welcoming. Each event reflects a respect for ingredients, craft, and the relationships that sustain West Maui’s food culture.

As festival organizer and Māla Ocean Tavern owner Caleb Hopkins has shared, the intention has always been connection first. The 2026 festival expands on that foundation while staying rooted in what makes Lahaina special. Quality. Care. And a deep respect for the people who make it all possible.

1. The festival opens on Wednesday, February 18 with a Champagne and Caviar Kick Off Party at Coco Deck, a relaxed, celebratory start featuring Champagne Collet and thoughtfully prepared pūpū. From there, the week unfolds at a pace that feels intentional rather than overwhelming.

2. Sale Pepe hosts Tre Tavolate d’Italia, a three night journey through Italy’s regional cuisines, from the volcanic flavors of Sicily to the comforting traditions of Tuscany. These dinners are designed to be immersive and unhurried, the kind of evenings where conversation lingers well past the final course.

3. At Māla Ocean Tavern, the Kaena Winery Tasting Dinner pairs Grenache focused wines with a custom menu, while the Kiawe Outdoor Experience at West Maui Gardens in Launiupoko brings guests outdoors for a farm to table evening cooked over kiawe wood with sweeping ocean views. A portion of proceeds from this event supports the Maui Pono Foundation, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to giving back to the community it celebrates.

4. Family and community remain central to the festival. A free keiki cooking class invites young chefs to explore the kitchen with curiosity and confidence. 

5. The Grand Taste Event at Lahaina Jodo Mission brings together chefs and wine professionals for a walk around tasting that benefits local organizations. 

6. The weekend concludes with Bubbles, Beats and Brunch at Coco Deck, an easygoing close filled with good food, music, and familiar faces.

The Lahaina Food and Wine Festival is not about spectacle. It is about showing up. About sharing a meal. About recognizing the people who continue to cook, create, and care for this town. In West Maui, food remains one of the most powerful ways to come together. This February, Lahaina invites residents and visitors alike to gather with intention, to support with heart, and to experience the island through the simple, meaningful act of sharing a table.

For festival details, tickets, and additional information, visit lahainafoodandwine.com.

Overall, the most meaningful way to support Maui’s recovery is through mindful visitation. Maui’s economy relies on visitors, and many restaurants, shops, and experiences in Lahaina and across West Maui are open and welcoming guests. Visitors are encouraged to arrive with aloha, compassion, and respect. Support local businesses. Learn about Lahaina’s history. Participate in volunteer opportunities when possible. While some fire affected areas remain closed, honoring those boundaries and avoiding photography of impacted sites is an important expression of care. Resources such as mauinuifirst.com offer thoughtful guidance for supporting Maui responsibly.