Hall of Fame & Restaurant Industry Awards 2026
Monday, September 28th at the Sheraton Waikiki
5:00 PM: Registration and Cocktails
6:00 PM: Dine-Around featuring the “Chefs of Aloha”
6:45 PM: Hall of Fame Program
This year’s inductees are select individuals who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to the growth of the restaurant and food service industry in Hawaii, contributed to the enhancement of its quality and image, and demonstrated service through outreach.
CLASS OF 2026 INDUCTEES
Caleb Hopkins
Practice Aloha Hospitality: Māla Ocean Tavern, Coco Deck Lahaina Kitchen + Bar, Pizza Paradiso and Pineapple Robot
Active Restaurateur
Gene Kaneshiro
Columbia Inn & the Hawaii State Department of Education
Pioneer
Dwight Otani
D. Otani Produce
Friend/Supporter/Allied Partner of the Industry
Hide Sakurai
Sky Waikiki
Active Restaurateur
Hawaii Restaurant Association Food Service Expo
Save the Date! February 24th and 25th, 2027
Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Center
Mahalo to all our 2025 Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Attendees for joining us for our exclusive industry expo dedicated to supporting and celebrating Hawaii’s dynamic restaurant and food service community. This groundbreaking event focused on industry collaboration, explored emerging trends, and uncovered innovative solutions that will drive your business forward.
Together, we strengthen and elevate Hawaii’s restaurant and food service industry!
Golf Tournament
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | Pearl at Kalauao
Mahalo to all who joined us for the 18th Annual Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association Golf Tournament, presented by HMAA! From registration to the final putt and lively banquet, it was a day filled with friendly competition, industry connections, and community spirit.
This year’s tournament was a complete sellout — every team spot and individual player slot claimed. Mahalo to every golfer, sponsor, and volunteer who made this year’s event possible.
A special mahalo to our presenting sponsor, HMAA, and to all of our generous hole sponsors, food and beverage partners, and prize donors, whose support made the day possible from start to finish.
Our Members are the Mission
We exist to provide exceptional value through membership benefits, industry advocacy, community involvement, educational resources and networking opportunities.
As a busy restaurant operator, think of HRA’s restaurant membership as your trusted advisor and resource when navigating your business. We can provide legal resources, training and certification for you and your staff, advocacy representation, operations support, and community engagement as part of your membership. There is strength in numbers – joining the HRA pledges your support to the foodservice and restaurant industry.
- Legislative Advocacy
- Networking & Community Engagement
- Education & Future Employee Development
- Special membership discounts
- News-Resources-Support
Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Victor Lim (McDonald’s), Ave Kwok (Mauna Kea Marketplace), Chuck Bussler (Fête), Sheryl Matsuoka (Hawaii Restaurant Association), Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, Robynne Maii (Fête)
PASSED: Honolulu Outdoor Dining (Bill 1)
Another Restaurant Industry Win!
Bill 1 (2025), signed into law by Mayor Blangiardi, originally began as a pilot program in 2022. During its trial phase, 15 businesses were granted permits to offer outdoor dining to customers. Now, it allows more eateries to extend their seating onto sidewalks, parklets, and other designated public spaces. In addition to enhancing dining options, the bill has also brought about several key benefits, including a reduction in crime and increased economic support for local businesses.
Recent News
Guy Fieri Foundation
Guy Fieri Foundation Donates $1.2 Million to Lahaina Restaurant Workers Impacted by Wildfires
Read More >
Y. Hata Endowment Fund
The $1 million dollar gift was pledged over a 5-year period to the Hawaii Restaurant Association to perpetuate the food service industry in Hawaii
Read More >
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