Taste the Town Wahiawā: A Celebration of Local Flavor, Culture, and Community

HONOLULU- The City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) is proud to partner with Leeward Community College’s Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC) and Wahiawā Fresh to present Taste the Town Wahiawā, a free community event on Saturday, November 15, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This family-friendly celebration builds upon the WVAPDC’s popular Wahiawā Market Day, featuring twice the number of vibrant Wahiawā businesses, local food producers, value-added entrepreneurs, and artisans. The event will feature live entertainment, including a performance by the Royal Hawaiian Band, Ryugen Taiko, and a special appearance by celebrity chef Alan Wong, renowned for spearheading a culinary movement that blends local ingredients with diverse cultural influences.

In keeping with the WVAPDC’s mission, participating vendors will showcase creations made with locally grown or produced ingredients. From handcrafted snacks to island-inspired treats, the event offers a taste of how value-added innovation is helping build a stronger, more sustainable agricultural and food economy.

“Our monthly market has always been about uplifting local talent and supporting the incredible diversity of Hawai‘i’s food producers,” said WVAPDC Manager Chris Bailey. “We’re honored to collaborate with OER and Wahiawā Fresh to expand that vision through Taste the Town Wahiawā—bringing more vendors, more flavors, and more community connection to the heart of Wahiawā.”

“We are grateful to the City for shining a light on Wahiawā’s unique food culture and history through Taste the Town Wahiawā,” said Wahiawā Fresh President Darin Uesugi. “The event promises to be a blend of nostalgic and new, innovative food products coming out of Wahiawā.”

Another event highlight will be the complimentary trolley rides, accompanied by docents who will share stories and insights about Wahiawā’s rich history. The trolleys will depart from the WVAPDC and make stops along Cane Street, Kilani Avenue, Kamehameha Highway, and California Avenue, encouraging attendees to explore Wahiawā’s small businesses and locally made products. Free parking will also be available at the Wahiawā Shopping Center and Wahiawā Hongwanji Mission parking lots.

“OER is committed to building a strong economy that improves the quality of life for every community, small business, and ʻohana on Oʻahu,” said Executive Director of the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization Amy Asselbaye. “Through events like Taste the Town, OER’s goal is to enhance community wealth building and well-being.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of Hawaiʻi’s economy, and the WVAPDC plays a vital role in nurturing that spirit. By building systems of support for our local entrepreneurs and farmers, we’re both investing in innovation and empowering our communities to grow sustainably and independently,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz.

Councilmember Matt Weyer, who represents the Wahiawā community, is also supporting the event as part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen local businesses and celebrate the area’s cultural identity.

“I’m proud to support Taste the Town Wahiawā as this event shines a spotlight on the incredible people, businesses, and stories that make our community so special,” said District Two Council Member Matt Weyer. “This is more than just an event, it’s an opportunity to support our Wahiawā economy, celebrate our roots, and come together as ʻohana. Mahalo to the many partners and organizations for making this event possible. I encourage everyone to come out and experience what makes Wahiawā so remarkable firsthand.”

Taste the Town Wahiawa is sponsored by Hawaiian Electric, Beall Corporation, Yaris Ohana, and supported by the Office of Councilmember Matt Weyer, Oʻahu Visitors Bureau, Wahiawā Town Center, Wahiawā Fresh, Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center, Wahiawā Hongwanji Mission, and Wahiawā Lions Club.

For more information about Taste the Town Wahiawā, visit www.revitalizeoahu.org/tastethetownwahiawa