b'H A W A I` I F O O D & W I N E F E S T I V A LCuisine has been a focus at Waikoloa Beach Resort from the beginning. Events such as the annual Poke Festivalcelebrating the typically raw fish pp beloved in the islandsare at the same time fun, tasty, and revealing of the states many cultures. While the dishes might be elevated to a gourmet level, or rec-ipes altered so that guests from around the world will enjoy the flavors and ingredients, they are still, in essence, local food.The annual Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agricultural Festival is another example. As many as 30 of the states top chefs converge at Waikoloa Beach Resort to prepare dishes using pasture-raised beef, pork, lamb, goat, and wild boar along with a cornucopia of fresh island fruits, veggies, honey, spices, and beverages. While tasting, attendees can meet the chefs, talk story with ranchers and farmers, and explore exhibits related to local agriculture and healthy foods.In 2010, Yamaguchialong with fellow standout chef Alan Wongfounded the Hawai`i Food & Wine Festival. Dozens of acclaimed chefs, winemakers, mixologists, and master somme-liers from across the globe participate in the annual two-week gastronomic celebration in the fall. Fifteen to 20 events are held on O`ahu, Maui, and Hawai`i Island; at least one signature event has been at Waikoloa Beach Resort since 2014.More than half of the agricultural land in Hawai`i is on the Hawai`i Island, so there is certainly a diversity of local products 8 4'