Maui Brewing Company products will be paired with a five-course menu at Maui Tastemakers on April 8. Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.

In celebration of the abundance, variety and quality of ingredients on Maui, award-winning Japengo at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa dives into its 2nd-annual 2016 Maui Tastemakers Series with new partners and Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine.

Japengo serves world-class steaks, seafood, sushi and specialty cocktails and draws on Hawaii’s freshest, locally-grown products coupled with exotic ingredients from the Pacific Rim.

Upcoming partners for the Maui Tastemakers Series include Maui Brewing Co. in April, Ocean Vodka in June and Kona Brewing Co. with Simpli-Fresh Produce in August.

The Maui Tastemakers program features dining experiences carefully crafted around and inspired by its local partners, including artisans, fisherman, and beverage makers. The series gives resort visitors and Maui locals the opportunity to connect with the outstanding food and drink of the area and the personalities behind them in an intimate and interactive setting.

“The Tastemakers program is a wonderful way for us to share our love of Pacific Rim flavors and celebrate our island’s bounty with local partners and the community,” said Gevin Utrillo, Japengo Chef de Cuisine. “We look forward to sharing our kitchen and inviting guests in for specially-crafted dining experiences located on one of the most beautiful islands in the world.”

The first dinner featuring local partners will take place on Friday, April 8, where Japengo’s Chef Gevin Utrillo and Chef Jin Hosono combine forces with Maui Brewing Co. The five-course menu will feature cuisine accentuated by the flavors in each craft beer that is paired with the chef’s creations. The menu will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and costs $90 per person.

Beer on the beach from Maui Brewing Company, a partner in April’s Tastemaker Series. Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.

Japengo dining room. Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.

Sushi from the 2015 Maui Tastemakers event with Maui Brewing Co. Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.

Japengo at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo.

Future spring and summer tastemakers dinners will take place on the following dates:

· Ocean Vodka – Friday, June 3, 2016

· Kona Brewing Co. with Simpli-Fresh Produce – Friday, August 12, 2016

Japengo has been honored with 16 local awards since its opening and recently celebrated its five-year anniversary. Japengo is open nightly, featuring dinner and sushi bar service from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., lounge service from 5 to 10 p.m. and happy hour between 5 and 6 p.m.

For more information about Japengo or to make a reservation for an upcoming Tastemakers dinner, visit the Japengo website here.

To learn more about Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, please call 808.661.1234, or click here.