Student chefs wow with fresh, local flavors at Hawai‘i State Farm Fair

Congratulations to 2025 Localicious® Recipe Contest — Halia Kaaua from Kalani High School!

Halia’s winning dish, Sweet Sea, featuring fresh a‘u and ‘ulu, wowed our judges and earned her the title of 2025 Localicious® Recipe Contest Champion held last weekend during a live cook-off at the Hawai‘i State Farm Fair held on July 13, 2025 in Wahiawā.

And, congratulations to all our contestants who shined with their culinary talent, creativity, and passion for delicious locally sourced ingredients.

This year’s theme, “Reimagine Your School Lunch Plate,” challenged high school students statewide to create healthy, original dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients—and these finalists delivered!

Mahalo to our presenting sponsor Hawai‘i Gas for its support of HAF’s mission. And a warm thank you to judges who brought their expertise and encouragement to the table: Christyn Senda, Director of Project and Business Development on the Clean Energy Team, Hawai‘i Gas; Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Hawai‘i Department of Education; and Chris Garnier, Professor, Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapi‘olani Community College.

2025 Localicious® Recipe Contest Winner

Halia Kaaua, Kalani High School

Sweet Sea – Featured locally sourced ingredients: A‘u fish, ‘Ulu (breadfruit)

1st Runner up

Mark Angelo Ragonton, Moloka‘i High School

Tsunami Elote Shrimp – Featured locally sourced ingredients: Shrimp and corn

Category: K-4th Grade

1st PLACE – Aloha Lunch Special

Gabriel Gardner, 4th Grade | Shafter Elementary

2ND PLACE – My Localicious Lunch

Keiko Robello, 1st Grade | Kamehameha Schools Kapalama

3rd PLACE – My Local Lunch

Saedie Tawata, 4th Grade | E.B. deSilva Elementary