HAF offers meaningful ways for our community to connect with and support local agriculture. From thought-provoking events like EAT THINK DRINK to fundraising campaigns and volunteer opportunities, every action helps strengthen Hawai‘i’s food system. By joining us, you not only celebrate our farmers, ranchers, and food producers — you help build a more resilient and food-secure Hawai‘i for generations to come.
EAT THINK DRINK is HAF’s signature event series bringing together chefs, farmers, industry leaders, and the community to explore the most pressing issues shaping Hawai‘i’s food system. Each program pairs insightful dialogue with delicious, locally inspired dishes, creating an experience that informs, inspires, and connects.From food security to sustainability, policy to innovation, EAT THINK DRINK sparks conversation and action around building a stronger agricultural future for Hawai‘i.Stay tuned here for details on upcoming events — and join us at the table to be part of the conversation.
Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation (HAF) invites farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and other agricultural producers to partner with us through our In the Fields program. This hands-on initiative offers students field trips to active farms, giving them a firsthand look at Hawai‘i’s working agricultural landscape.
If you’re interested in hosting a field trip or supporting this program, please complete the interest form or contact HAF for more information. Together, we can inspire the next generation and strengthen Hawai‘i’s food future.
Our event brought together a dynamic crowd of agricultural leaders, ranchers, policymakers, and community members to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Hawaiʻi’s beef industry. The evening featured a keynote address by Kyle Caires who provided valuable insights into sustainable practices and innovations shaping the future of local beef production. Moderator Taylor Kellerman facilitated a thought-provoking panel discussion with industry experts, diving into key topics such as food security, market expansion, and resource management. The event underscored the community’s strong interest in strengthening Hawaiʻi’s agricultural sector and supporting local producers.
Presented by Central Pacific Bank, the series explored the innovative approaches to maximizing agri-business success. The keynote speaker and panel discussed how value-added agriculture businesses are fueling local ag demand, scaling exports, and cultivating economic stability.
The collaboration between utility-scale solar farms and agricultural farmers is set to revolutionize Hawai’i’s sustainable landscape. Presented by Central Pacific Bank and moderated by Richard Matsui, Advisor – U.S. Department of Energy, keynote speaker and panelists shared news on current and emerging projects, the benefits of partnerships to their respective businesses and industries, and what they together envision for clean energy and sustainable agriculture in Hawaiʻi.
Keynote speaker Laura Diederick, External Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement Lead for NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Communications, and panelists representing Hawai‘i commercial longline fisheries and recreational fishers joined EAT THINK DRINK Episode 22 held at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Presented by Central Pacific Bank and moderated by Kelly Simek, host of Living808 on KHON2, the discussion focused on Hawai‘i fisheries and addressed what local fisheries and federal agencies are doing to manage healthy, sustainable fisheries and ensure affordable access of seafood to local consumers.
HAF was excited to bring Keynote Speaker Michel Nischan, a four-time James Beard Award winning chef with over 40 years of leadership advocating for a more healthful, sustainable food system to its 21st EAT THINK DRINK (ETD) held at Prince Waikiki, Pi‘inaio Ballroom. Presented by Central Pacific Bank, the event brought together thought leaders and advocates to discuss how addressing nutrition security can help our most vulnerable populations, as well as provide support to our local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen.
