9th Annual Mangoes at the Moana

The celebration for Hawaii’s favorite summer fruit is back at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. The 9th Annual Mangoes at the Moana takes place on Saturday, July 15 in the hotel’s Banyan Courtyard from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature a star-studded cast of chefs from around the island, including last year’s champion, Lee Anne Wong of Koko Head Café. Below is the schedule for the 9th Annual Mangoes at the Moana:

Best Mango Contest, 9 a.m., Vintage 1901
Think you’ve got what it takes to win “Best Mango of the Year?” Well now’s your chance as guests are welcome to submit two homegrown mangoes. Each will be examined by a panel of judges, who will decide which mango has the best flavor, skin, texture, and aroma. The grand prize winner will receive a two-night stay at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. Registration forms for the contest can be downloaded on the Moana’s website and can be submitted either online or in-person the morning of the event. Registration for the contest begin at 8 a.m. and closes at 9 a.m.

Makaha Mangoes Farmer’s Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lobby
Our local farmers give you the opportunity to taste the mangoes that they produce on their farms. Take a minute to talk with the farmers, and learn about what it takes to create the perfect product. Guests will also have the chance to purchase fresh mangoes.

Royal Hawaiian Bakery Pop-up Bakeshop, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lobby
Stop by the pop-up bake shop and grab some delicious baked goods! Made by Executive Pastry Chef Carolyn Portuondo of The Royal Hawaiian Bakery, treats will be sure to leave you wanting more. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Kapiolani Community College Culinary Arts Program.

Moana Surfrider Pop-up General Store
Baked goods, crack seed snacks, bottled water and drinks, T-shirts and other items for sale.

Silent Auction, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lobby
This event is not only for guests to enjoy the wonderful taste of mangoes, but also aids the education of our next generation of local chefs. During the event, there will be a silent auction from which all proceeds will benefit the Kapiolani Community College Culinary Arts Program.

The Ultimate Mango Throwdown, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Banyan Courtyard
In this cooking competition, chefs are tasked with making the ultimate mango-centric dish. All guests are welcome to taste each chef’s wonderful creation for $8 per dish. All tickets include 8 scrips that can be used for one food or drink item at the event. Extra scrips can also be purchased for $8 each on the day of the event. Pre-sale tickets for just $55 are available online through July 8 at Honolulu Box Office or on the Moana Surfrider’s event page. After July 8, tickets will be $60.

The chefs featured in this year’s competition include:
• Andrew Le – Pig and the Lady
• Wade and Michelle Ueoka – MW Restaurant
• Lee Anne Wong – Koko Head Café
• Ronnie Nasuti – Tiki’s Bar and Grill
• Hiro Mimura – Taormina
• Robynne Maii – Fête Hawaii
• James Aptakin – Turtle Bay Resort
• John Salcedo – RumFire

Mango Cocktail Mixdown, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Banyan Courtyard
In addition to all of the magnificent mango dishes, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy refreshing mango-centric cocktails, sponsored by Southern Wine and Spirits. Micah Suderman of Azure Restaurant, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort and Jesse Suderman of the Splash Bar, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, will prepare the finest drinks for guests.

Mango Seminars, 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m., Beach Club
Ever wonder what it takes to create the perfect mango? Well now’s your chance to find out. Hosted by Makaha Mangoes, learn about the work and dedication that goes into producing these wonderful fruit. Guests will learn all about the different varieties of mango produced in Hawaii, and how to identify each type. Experts will share with you their very own tricks of the trade.

Mango Cooking Demonstration, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Grand Salon
Led by David Lukela, chef de cuisine, as well as Nanako Perez-Nava, executive pastry chef, guests will learn how to make mango-inspired dishes at home.

To start, Lukela will make a mango, cauliflower pudding. Lukela oversees a staff of 10 at the oceanfront Beachhouse at the Moana, which offers exquisite steaks, and the finest seafood. Lukela combines his passion for cuisine and his background in biochemistry to create incredible island-inspired dishes using only the freshest, local ingredients.

Up next, Perez-Nava will create a mango cream puff. She brings more than a decade of experience in the fine art of Japanese and French pastry-making to the Moana Surfrider. Since her arrival to the hotel in December of 2013, Perez-Nava has been a pioneer in the world of baking, having implemented a new wedding cake program for the Moana’s bridal couples to enjoy.

Live Music and the Mango Throwdown Winner, 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Banyan Courtyard/Beach Bar
Bringing a close to this year’s Mangoes at the Moana event, local artist Sean Na‘auao, well-known for his cover of Mana‘o Company’s “Drop Baby Drop”, will be performing live. Stay and enjoy the rest of your time with us while listening to some local favorites!

Mango-licious offerings throughout the month
If you can’t make it down to the event, the Moana Surfrider invites guests to enjoy the different mango inspired dishes all month long! Throughout the entire month of July, the Veranda, Beachhouse, and Beach Bar will offer mango dishes such as the incredible “mango soft shell crab taco” and the delightful “tiki mango cocktail”.

For information about the “Mangoes at the Moana” festivities, please call the Moana Surfrider at 808-922-3111 and ask for the concierge desk. For dining reservations or information, please call the Dining Reservations Center at 808-921-4600.

Self-parking is available at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and is complimentary for up to four hours with validation. Validation provided at the Mangoes at the Moana event with ticket purchase.