2019 Hawaii Food and Wine Festival Photographer - Mike Vidales - Day 2
These are photos from the Hawaii food and wine festival day 2 at Aulani
Through the Lens: Capturing Day 2 of the 2019 Hawaii Food & Wine Festival at Kohola Lagoon
By Mike Vidales
After documenting the opening night at Alohilani Resort, I traded the urban Waikiki setting for the breathtaking beachfront of Ko Olina's Kohola Lagoon. Day 2 of the 2019 Hawaii Food & Wine Festival offered a completely different visual narrative – where culinary excellence met the natural splendor of Oahu's western coastline.
A Photographer's Paradise: Kohola Lagoon
Arriving early at Kohola Lagoon 1 on Saturday, October 26th, I was immediately struck by the contrast with the previous day's venue. The crescent-shaped beach with its pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and unobstructed views of the Pacific created a photographer's dream canvas. The calm waters of the lagoon reflected the deepening blue of the afternoon sky, while the distant horizon promised a spectacular sunset backdrop for the evening's festivities.
The location, shared by the Four Seasons Resort O'ahu and Disney Aulani Resort, offered a stunning natural amphitheater for the culinary celebration to come. Event staff were transforming the beach into an elegant oceanfront dining venue, arranging tables with crisp white linens that fluttered in the gentle ocean breeze.
Capturing the Pre-Event Magic
As with any event photography, some of the most compelling images come from the preparation phase. Chefs and their teams worked meticulously in temporary beach kitchens, their focus unwavering despite the distracting beauty surrounding them. The contrast of refined culinary techniques against the casual beach setting created visual stories worth capturing – white chef coats against golden sand, precisely plated dishes with the vast ocean as a backdrop.
I took advantage of the late afternoon light, which cast a warm golden glow across the venue. This "magic hour" illumination highlighted the textures of locally-sourced ingredients and the intricate details of dish preparation. The concentration on the chefs' faces as they added final touches to their creations told a story of passion and dedication that transcended the festive atmosphere.
The Oceanfront Feast Begins
As the sun began its descent toward the horizon, guests arrived dressed in elegant resort wear, cocktails in hand, ready to indulge in Hawaii's premier culinary event. My camera followed the flow of the evening – capturing the expressions of delight as attendees sampled dishes that showcased Hawaii's bounty of fresh local ingredients through the creative vision of renowned chefs.
The beachfront setting elevated the dining experience in ways that were visually arresting. Chefs interacted with guests against a backdrop of swaying palms and gentle waves. Wine and spirit producers poured their finest offerings as the sky transformed through shades of orange, pink, and purple. These moments of connection between creators and appreciators became the heart of my photographic narrative.
Sunset Magic and Twilight Ambiance
As a photographer, there's no greater gift than a Hawaiian sunset, and Ko Olina delivered spectacularly. The setting sun painted the clouds in vibrant hues, creating a natural light show that reflected on the lagoon's surface. This magical transition from day to evening transformed the atmosphere of the event, as string lights and tiki torches were illuminated against the darkening sky.
The changing light conditions presented both challenges and opportunities. I shifted between capturing wide landscape shots that showcased the entire venue against the dramatic sky to intimate close-ups of plates and people illuminated by the warm glow of torches and candles.
Cultural Elements and Local Touches
What made this event particularly special to document was how seamlessly it incorporated Hawaiian cultural elements. Local musicians provided a soundtrack that complemented the ocean's rhythm, while traditional hula performances offered moments of authentic connection to Hawaii's heritage. These cultural expressions, set against the contemporary culinary innovations, created a rich visual tapestry that spoke to the essence of what makes Hawaii's food scene so unique.
Throughout the evening, I focused on capturing these intersections of tradition and innovation – the careful use of indigenous ingredients in modern presentations, the respectful nods to Hawaiian culture in both food and setting, and the way local farmers and producers were celebrated alongside internationally acclaimed chefs.
Reflections as the Evening Concluded
As the event wound down under a canopy of stars, with the sound of waves providing a gentle soundtrack, I took a moment to reflect on the privilege of documenting such a celebration. The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival at Ko Olina wasn't just about exceptional food and drink – it was a tribute to Hawaii's unique position at the crossroads of cultures, traditions, and flavors.
Through my lens, I'd attempted to capture not just the dishes and the scenic beauty, but the spirit of aloha that permeated the gathering – the genuine connections between chefs and guests, the pride in sharing Hawaii's bounty, and the joy of communal celebration in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.
The contrast between the urban sophistication of Day 1 at Alohilani Resort and the natural splendor of Day 2 at Kohola Lagoon offered a comprehensive visual story of Hawaii's diverse appeal as a culinary destination – from city to shore, traditional to innovative, intimate to expansive.
Mike Vidales is a professional photographer specializing in culinary, travel, and event photography across Hawaii. View more of his work at www.mikevidales.com.
[Note: This blog post recounts experiences from photographing the 2019 Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. For current information about upcoming festivals, visit hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com]
