Hyatt Regency Maui’s new Japengo dining room. Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Maui.

By Wendy Osher

A culinary experience on Maui that’s fresh and just in time for the holiday weekend features local cuisine and daily dining specials.

The three-day Ka’anapali Fresh event runs from August 29 through September 3, at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa.

The Labor Day weekend culinary event features unique festivities focused on fresh foods and local cuisine.  Some of the activities planned include:

• August 29, 6:30 p.m., Maui Brewing Company Beer Dinner: Enjoy fresh Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine  paired with a selection of craft beers under the ambiance of Japengo’s restaurant. Highlights from the four-course menu include: lavender roasted Maui cattle tenderloin with Maui onion rub, sweet potato hash, edamame, Hamakua mushrooms, and bacon, topped with Hawaii 90 Wee Heavy demi-glace paired with Maui Brewing Company’s Hawaii 90/- Wee Heavy Scotch Ale. Cost is $59 per person.
• August 31, 5 to 7 p.m., Blue Moon Pool Party: Take a reprieve from the sun for casual poolside fare plus live entertainment from “Classic Knights” at Umalu. Featuring: Bleu Cheese Burger paired with Blue Moon Draft Beer.
• August 31, 6 to 10 p.m., Progressive Ka’anapali:  Award-winning restaurants prepare this progressive dining experience, leading to three properties via a beach walk or shuttle. Highlights from Hyatt Regency Maui’s Sushi, Sake, Seafood & Champagne menu include: Assortment of sushi, sashimi and nigiri expertly paired with sake; Korean seafood pancake with lobster, kim chi, crab, shrimp and Kochujang aioli; and an assortment of Poisson cru, poke tacos and lobster scallop seafood pot stickers. Cost is $69 per person.
• September 1, 6 to 10 p.m., Food & Wine Festival: The weekend’s signature event highlights resort culinary offerings at the Royal Kaanapali Golf Course. Menu highlights from include: Poached baby Hawaiian abalone with watercress sunomono and “kalbi style” wagyu flat iron with waipoli greens salad and yuzu vinaigrette. Cost is $150 per person.

More information is available at: kaanapalifresh.com.