The premier fundraising event for the University of Hawaii Maui College’s Culinary Arts Program returns to the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort & Spa with theme, “Past, Present & Future.” The 24th Annual Noble Chef Gala takes place 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. April 5.

What You Need To Know

  • Honoring the generations of culinary professionals who have shaped the industry and inspires the next wave of Hawaii’s culinary leaders, the event will showcase six renowned Maui chefs, all of whom are alumni of the program, as well as five UHMC Culinary Arts Program instructors

  • The 24th Annual Noble Chef Gala will be held on April 5 at Fairmont Kea Lani Resort & Spa on the Polo Lawn fronting Polo Beach

  • Tickets start at $175 available for purchase on the Noble Chef website

Honoring the generations of culinary professionals who have shaped the industry and inspires the next wave of Hawaii’s culinary leaders, the event will showcase six renowned Maui chefs, all of whom are alumni of the program, as well as five UHMC Culinary Arts Program instructors.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Fairmont Kea Lani and some of Maui’s most talented chefs to support our culinary program,” said UHMC Culinary Program Coordinator Peter Pak in a release. “This event is more than just a gala — it’s an investment in the future of aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals. We look forward to a night of celebration, inspiration and community impact.”

Culinary students will work alongside professionals, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in a real-world setting as guests enjoy an array of sweet and savory chef stations. Each will offer two uniquely crafted dishes paired with hand-selected beverages in a reception-style dining experience.

Kamalei Kawaʻa of Ainaty Music will provide the evening’s entertainment.

This year’s featured chefs include Sheldon Simeon, Tin Roof & Tiffany’s, Class of 2001; Taylor Ponte, Aurum Maui, Class of 2004; Kyle Kawakami, Maui Fresh Streatery, Class of 2003; Jonathan Pasion, Fairmont Kea Lani, Class of 2010; Terry Manegdeg, Andaz Wailea Maui, Class of 2010; and Leah Jullianni Rodriguez, Fairmont Kea Lani, Class of 2020, who was also a 2020 recipient of the Tylun Pang Scholarship.

The culinary instructors also being showcased are Peter Pak, Hannah Stanchfield, Gary Johnson and Noel Cleary.

The Noble Chef Gala is a key event that supports student scholarships, hands-on training experiences, internships, program enrichment, and professional development for faculty. The Tylun Pang Scholarship recognizes outstanding dedication and talent in the culinary field, and this year, two exceptional students will receive the honor.

The 24th Annual Noble Chef Gala will be held on the Polo Lawn fronting Polo Beach. Tickets start at $175 available on the Noble Chef website.