ʻAipono Icon 2018
In 1974, Erdman established, of all things, a winery. Read more about this patron of Maui's agriculture and culinary scene.
2016 ʻAipono Maui Restaurant Award Winners
The ʻAipono Restaurant Awards on Maui took on Sunday April 10, when Chef Mike Lofaro was named Maui Chef of the Year for 2016 and Monkeypod Kitchen was named Restaurant of the Year.
2014 Chef of the Year: Isaac Bancaco
Isaac Bancaco is the new generation Hawaiian chef, working to promote Maui as a cultural destination driven by food.
Special ʻAipono Awards for 2017 (VIDEOS)
Each year, ‘Aipono honors a few individuals and companies chosen by industry professionals.
2015 Chef of the Year: Jeff Scheer
Chef Jeff Scheer builds strong relationships with local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen.
Friend of Agriculture 2018
Vietnamese culture emphasizes vegetables; Jennifer’s menu prepares them in delicious and enticing ways, helping people to see vegetables as proper dishes, not as an afterthought.
2020 Chef of the Year: Taylor Ponte
Every year Maui’s chefs vote to elect one of their own the ‘Aipono Chef of the Year, seeking the peer that most inspires them.
Broke da Mouth! Best of Maui Dining 2017
Here are a few of our readers’ favorite ‘Aipono-winning restaurants on Maui.
2009 Chef of the Year: Perry Bateman
Unlike many of his colleagues, Chef Perry Bateman didn’t sharpen his knives in culinary school; he was raised in restaurants.
Excellence in Sustainability: Fairmont Kea Lani
Congratulations to Fairmont Kea Lani, winner of Pacific Biodiesel’s Excellence in Sustainability Award.
2017 Chef of the Year Jojo Vasquez
As executive chef at The Plantation House, Jojo Vasquez creates light and delectable island-style fare.
2020 Friend of Agriculture Award
Meet the 2020 ‘Aipono Friend of Agriculture Award winner: Greg Gifford.
2012 Chef of the Year: Roger Stettler
Roger Stettler may be the most famous Maui chef the average visitor hasn’t heard of.
The World on a Plate without Leaving Home
The 2013 Aipono Award winners offer dishes from around the world without having to leave Maui. Travel to Hollywood, the American heartland, South America, Italy and Japan.
Special ‘Aipono Awards
Each year, ʻAipono honors a few individuals and companies chosen by industry professionals. Here are the 2016 winners.
Friend of Agriculture Joey Macadangdang, Joey’s Kitchen
"As a restaurateur, Joey embodies the true spirit of island hospitality."
2015 ʻAipono Special Awards
Each year, the Aipono Restaurant Awards honors a few individuals and companies chosen by industry professionals.
2013 Chef of the Year: Sheldon Simeon
For the first time in ‘Aipono’s eleven-year history, Maui’s chefs elected one of their own to a second reign as Chef of the Year.
2018 Maui Chef of the Year
Alvin sets a high standard, developing rich, flavor-infused dishes that have became his trademark.
2019 Chef of the Year: Kyle Kawakami
Mahalo, Chef Kyle, for all the food adventures you’ve taken us on . . . and for your boundless generosity.
2016 Chef of the Year: Mike Lofaro
Discover why Humuhumunukunukuāpua‘a's chef Mike Lofaro was voted as Maui's 2016 Chef of the Year by his peers.
ʻAipono Awards Run-down
Gossip Gourmet dishes about the 2006 'Aipono Awards, and doles out prizes of her own.
2020 Lifetime Achievement Award
Meet Peter Merriman, the 2020 ‘Aipono Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
Winning Ways
Island flavors, a corker of a wine list, and a Haiku eatery that's pure poetry ... ʻAipono 2014 winners arrive at excellence by many an innovative path.
Moku Roots: Excellence in Sustainability Restaurant Award winner
Meet the 2020 ‘Aipono Excellence in Sustainability Restaurant Award winner: Moku Roots.