What’s Cooking: Weeklong breadfruit celebration kicks off in Kona with healthy culinary twists

KAILUA-KONA (HawaiiNewsNow) – A weeklong celebration honoring one of Hawai‘i’s staple canoe crops kicked off Saturday in Kailua-Kona.

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The 2026 ‘Ulu Ho‘olaule‘a brings together farmers, cultural practitioners and culinary innovators from across Oceania to celebrate breadfruit and explore its growing role in local agriculture and nutrition.

Chef and culinary nutritionist Mari Wills, an O‘ahu native and fan favorite on Season 1 of “Kitchen Scraps,” joined HNN Sunrise Weekends to showcase versatile recipes, including ‘ulu mac and cheese and fried chicken dredged in ‘ulu flour.

“‘Ulu is super high in fiber and potassium, which is really great for our bodies and helps lower saturated fat,” Wills said. “It’s definitely a healthier alternative.”

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Wills added that ‘ulu is an affordable staple compared to imported produce like potatoes.

“There is so many local farmers that grow ‘ulu, and it is our canoe crop,” Wills said. “It’s what we grew up here in Hawaii eating, and I’m so glad there’s so many ways we can use it in other dishes.”

The event concludes Wednesday, Sept. 23, with the ‘Ulu Culinary Showcase at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring dishes by local culinary icons like Chef Sam Choy, locally brewed ‘ulu beer from Kona Brewing and Caribbean-distilled spirits.

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For schedules and details, visit the event website or follow their Instagram.