Mala Ocean Tavern is proud to share that Executive Chef Mitch Atwell will be among the talented chefs participating in the 2026 Huliau Food & Film Festival on Saturday, August 29th, hosted by the Maui Huliau Foundation at Kapuakukui Farm in Kula. The annual farm-to-table benefit celebrates Maui's local agriculture, exceptional culinary talent, and student-produced films, with all proceeds supporting environmental education programs for Maui youth.
Executive Chef Mitch Atwell
Chef Mitch joins an outstanding lineup of Maui chefs dedicated to showcasing the island's incredible agricultural community, including chefs from Maui Brewing Company, Sugar Beach Events, Moku Roots, UH Maui College, Ko Restaurant at Fairmont Kea Lani, King Kamehameha Golf Club, and Maui Gourmet Foods. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy chef tasting stations featuring dishes inspired by locally grown ingredients while taking in live music, hula performances, and films created by Huliau students that highlight Maui's unique landscapes, farms, and environmental stories.
At Mala Ocean Tavern, Chef Mitch is passionate about highlighting Hawaiʻi's seasonal ingredients and works closely with local farmers and fishermen whenever possible. His cooking reflects a balance of refined culinary techniques and island-inspired flavors, making the Huliau Food & Film Festival a natural extension of his commitment to supporting local agriculture and sustainable food systems.
The Maui Huliau Foundation empowers Maui youth through hands-on environmental education, climate literacy, leadership development, filmmaking, and community-based stewardship programs. Since 2010, the nonprofit has inspired the next generation of environmental leaders by connecting students with meaningful experiences that encourage them to care for and protect the island they call home.
We're honored to see Chef Mitch represent Mala Ocean Tavern at this meaningful community event and invite our guests to join us in supporting the Maui Huliau Foundation's important mission. Whether you're attending for the incredible food, inspiring student films, or to give back to Maui's youth, the Huliau Food & Film Festival promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, agriculture, and natural beauty that make our island so special. Tickets will be available for purchase at https://mauihuliaufoundation.org/huliau-food-film-festival/ starting late July.