The Hilton Waikoloa Village turns into a purple paradise during the Ube Festival Hawaii. This celebration honors the Filipino purple yam that dessert lovers can’t get enough of. Apple Yadao started this cultural celebration in 2019, and it has grown into one of the most important events that showcase Filipino cuisine’s heritage.
The festival packs a full day of fun with live entertainment and activities for kids. Hawaii’s talented chefs face off in an exciting ube cookoff to win top honors. The festival grounds buzz with many more vendors who sell everything from delicious ube desserts to handcrafted jewelry, clothing and local art pieces. Families and food lovers come together on the beautiful Kona-Kohala coast to enjoy this unique cultural experience. The tickets are budget-friendly at $6 and kids under 10 get in free.
What to Expect at Ube Festival Hawaii 2025
“We are thrilled to continue the tradition of bringing together cultures from around the Pan-Pacific to celebrate our global community”
— Yusuke Komoriya, President of the Pan-Pacific Festival Foundation
The 2025 Ube Festival brings three exciting days of celebration from June 13-15 to Hawaii, with events stretching from Ala Moana to WaikÄ«kÄ«. Food lovers can join the Ex-UBE-rant Cook Off where island’s best chefs show off their amazing dishes.
You can choose between General Admission and VIP tickets. General Admission has:
- Multiple stage performances throughout the day
- Access to regional and local food vendors
- Official merchandise opportunities
- Hula stage performances
- Complimentary shuttle service from Aloha Stadium
VIP ticket holders get some great perks. They’ll enjoy premium viewing areas, private restrooms and dedicated lounge spaces. VIP parking at Moanalua Community Park costs $40.00 and comes with a private entrance.
The festival combines great entertainment with a heart for giving back.  10% of net proceeds go to support the Hawaii Food Basket and Child Hope Philippines. Local vendors set up traditional Sari-Sari stores that create an authentic cultural marketplace feel.
The festival runs rain or shine. Remember to bring rain gear since umbrellas aren’t allowed in viewing areas. Regular parking at Aloha Stadium costs $9.00 and free shuttle service makes it easy for everyone to get to the festival.
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Complete Guide to Festival Activities
The 2025 Ube Festival promises a rich cultural experience you won’t forget. The Ex-UBE-rant Cook Off takes center stage as talented island chefs show off their exceptional cooking skills.
Award-winning musicians fill the air with amazing performances throughout the festival grounds. Visitors can enjoy these exciting activities:
- Cooking demonstrations featuring local chefs
- Prize giveaways and special contests
- Cultural performances and dance shows
- Hands-on educational activities
- Sari-Sari store explorations
The festival’s heart beats with charity at its core. Ticket sales and vendor proceeds have helped raise an impressive $13,000 for various causes. The celebration also makes a difference through community support programs that benefit both Hawaii and the Philippines.
Hawaiian culture comes alive in this festival that honors the spirit of ʻohana. Interactive spaces let guests learn and discover local traditions. People can try their hand at activities that showcase Hawaiian customs and build meaningful connections with the local culture.
Night brings a magical transformation with special performances and themed events. The celebration goes on whatever the weather, though guests should come prepared. Thoughtful planning and varied programming help the Ube Festival create a space where food, culture, and community come together for unforgettable memories.
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Made in Hawaii Vendors Showcase
Local artisans and entrepreneurs represent the heart of the Ube Festival Hawaii and showcase their creativity through unique purple-themed creations. UBAE Hawaii, voted as Hawaii’s Best Ube for six consecutive years, guides the vendor lineup with their signature ube cheesecake priced at $4.50 for a 4-ounce cup.
The festival is a vital business platform that helps small enterprises secure their operations and stimulate growth. Visitors can explore an array of distinctive ube-inspired offerings:
- Minasa’s signature ube churros ($13.00) with custard filling and ube drizzle
- Red Ribbon’s ube mamon ($1.82) – a Filipino sponge cake perfect for breakfast
- Magnolia Ice Cream’s authentic ube ice cream ($3.99 per scoop)
- Valerios Tropical Bakeshop’s ube pastillas ($4.49 for 12 pieces)
The festival’s success has helped many vendors expand their operations beyond the event. The exposure to retail buyers creates year-round business opportunities. Talented local artisans display their handcrafted items, including handbags and clothing. This celebration has grown beyond a product showcase and become a vital economic driver for Hawaii’s small businesses.
The vendor selection highlights the islands’ diverse culinary heritage, with businesses like The Sugar Hut offering their popular ube parfait ($5.99). These local entrepreneurs preserve authentic Filipino flavors while adding innovative twists to traditional recipes.
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Enjoy the Ube Festival Hawaii
The Ube Festival Hawaii shows how Filipino culture and cuisine have become an integral part of Hawaiian island life. This three-day celebration brings together food lovers, local artists and families with its rich program of authentic cultural experiences.
The 2025 festival will be an amazing experience with its Ex-UBE-rant Cook Off, live shows and a huge vendor marketplace. The event makes a real difference by supporting both Hawaiian and Filipino organizations through its community-backed charitable programs.
Local businesses, especially small vendors, have found new opportunities to showcase their purple-themed creations at this festival. The celebration builds stronger cultural connections and provides budget-friendly family fun with its mix of food adventures, art displays and hands-on activities.
Food lovers and culture enthusiasts should head over to the beautiful Kona-Kohala coast for the Ube Festival Hawaii 2025, where purple dreams turn into tasty reality.
FAQs
Q1. When and where is the Ube Festival Hawaii 2025 taking place?
The Ube Festival Hawaii 2025 is scheduled for June 13-15, spanning locations from Ala Moana to Waikīkī. The main venue is the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kona-Kohala coast.
Q2. What are the ticket options and prices for the festival?
The festival offers General Admission tickets for $6, with free entry for children under 10. VIP tickets are also available, providing additional benefits such as premium viewing areas and private restrooms.
Q3. What activities can visitors expect at the Ube Festival?
Attendees can enjoy cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, a juried ube cookoff, children’s activities and explore numerous vendors offering ube desserts and local artisan products.
Q4. Are there any charitable aspects to the Ube Festival?
Yes, 10% of the net proceeds from the festival benefit both the Hawaii Food Basket and Child Hope Philippines. The event has successfully raised over $13,000 for beneficiaries in previous years.
Q5. What are some popular ube treats visitors can try at the festival?
Visitors can sample a variety of ube-inspired treats, including UBAE Hawaii’s signature ube cheesecake, Minasa’s ube churros, Red Ribbon’s ube mamon, Magnolia Ice Cream’s ube ice cream and The Sugar Hut’s ube parfait.
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