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

Congratulations to Halia Kaaua of Kalani High School, winner of the 2025 Localicious® Recipe Contest Live Cook-Off held July13 at the Hawai‘i State Farm Fair.

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!

Cooked live on stage and judged on taste, creativity, local ingredients, and presentation, here are the results:

Winner: Halia Kaaua, Kalani High School – Sweet Sea featuring a‘u fish, ‘ulu

1st Runner-Up: Mark Angelo Ragonton, Moloka‘i High School – Tsunami Elote Shrimp with Kaua‘i shrimp, corn

2nd Runner-Up: Skye Alvarado, Kaiser High School – Guava BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Lilikoi Coleslaw using guava, lilikoi, chicken & cabbage

Mahalo to our presenting sponsor Hawai‘i Gas, our amazing judges, and the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau for hosting the cook-off at this year’s Farm Fair. 

Guava BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Whole Grain Bun and Lilikoi Coleslaw

Skye Alvarado, 12th Grade

Henry J. Kaiser High School

Featured locally sourced ingredients: Guava and Lilikoi Puree, Chicken, and Cabbage

2025 Localicious® Art Contest Winners

Students across the state wowed us with their creativity, passion for local food, and inspiring visions for a healthy, sustainable future.

Category: 5th-8th Grade

1st PLACE – Grown with Aloha, Served with Love

Xian Santos, 8th Grade | Maui Waena Intermediate

2nd PLACE – My Onolicious School Lunch

Keylie Quemado Cachola, 8th Grade | Maui Waena Intermediate

3rd PLACE – My School Lunch Reimagined

Amelia Rodriguez, 7th Grade | Kailua Intermediate