News Release

Honolulu, February 6, 2024 - First Hawaiian Bank, Mastercard, and Hale ‘Aina announced a new partnership to expand the Hale ‘Aina Awards into the Hale ‘Aina Series. This collaborative endeavor is committed to a focused effort on elevating the local culinary scene, showcasing both iconic and emerging talents in the food and beverage industry.

“We’re excited to have First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard as our partners as we transform the Hale ‘Aina Awards into the Hale ‘Aina Series to elevate our local chefs and give residents access to unique and immersive dining experiences featuring the top Hawai‘i-based restaurants,” said Donna Kodama-Yee, publisher of HONOLULU Magazine. “Throughout the years, our dedicated team of industry experts, passionate food critics, and discerning diners have come together to recognize the very best our islands have to offer, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate Hawaii’s award-winning chefs through this event series.”

The first in the event series will be BrunchFest on March 24, celebrating creative and decadent brunch fare, zesty mimosas, and a Bloody Mary Bar. In April, the popular Rosé Soirée will return for an elegant evening of rosé, cocktails, and small dish selections to pair. The capstone event will be the First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard Hale ‘Aina Gala in September, which brings together some of the top Hale ‘Aina Award-winning restaurants and chefs for an immersive evening of exquisite bites paired with wine and cocktails.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Hale ‘Aina to expand this iconic award brand into a culinary season that celebrates the talents of Hawaii’s restaurant industry,” said Raoul Magana, Senior Vice President & Division Manager, Consumer Products Division of First Hawaiian Bank, “This new Hale ‘Aina series partnership provides First Hawaiian Bank debit and credit cardholders a fantastic opportunity to get exclusive early access and discounts to premier culinary experiences that feature Hale ‘Aina Award winning chefs.”

BrunchFest tickets will be available at hnltix.com Feb. 6-7 for First Hawaiian Bank credit and debit Mastercard holders and on Feb. 8 for the general public. FHB Mastercard holders enjoy a 20% discount on full-priced tickets when using their First Hawaiian Bank debit or credit cards. FHB Mastercard holders will receive email with information about how to access the presale and get the 20% discount.

For more than 40 years, the Hale ‘Aina Awards has been the premier dining award in Hawai‘i that has recognized hundreds of Hawai‘i restaurants and chefs across the islands who have helped shape Hawai‘i’s culinary landscape.

Last year, Robynne Maii and Chuck Bussler of Fête were recognized as Restaurateurs of the Year with Nami Kaze taking home the award as Best New Restaurant.

More information on the new Hale ‘Aina Series can be found at: https://bit.ly/haleainaexperience.