The Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation, in partnership with presenting sponsor Hawai‘i Gas, recently announced the three finalists of the 2025 Localicious® recipe contest. This year’s theme, “Reimagine Your School Lunch Plate,” gave students the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills while celebrating the importance of local agriculture and healthy eating in Hawai‘i. 

Hawai‘i high school students submitted original recipes for healthy main dishes that they wanted to see on their school menus. Recipes must have featured a locally grown, caught or raised product. 

Congratulations to the following student finalists:

Skye Alvarado, Henry J. Kaiser High School, Grade 12

Guava BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Whole Grain Bun and Liliko‘i Coleslaw with locally sourced guava and liliko‘i puree, chicken, and cabbage

“My dish combines the flavors of savory and sweet in the guava BBQ sauce, and tart in the liliko‘i coleslaw. I would like to see it served as school lunch because of its healthy local qualities that are also fun to eat and enjoy.”

Halia Kaaua, Kalani High School, Grade 11

Sweet Sea with locally sourced a‘u fish and ‘ulu (breadfruit)

“In my eyes this is a unique and healthier option when it comes to school lunch. I know parents and many administrations want keiki to consume healthier food when it comes to school and this meal is pretty simple with ingredients from our home. I’d love to see this served at our school lunch because it not only tastes good but also teaches us to appreciate and utilize the resources we have right here on our island. It’s a way to connect with our heritage and promote sustainable eating habits among students.”

Mark Angelo Ragonton, Molokai High School, Grade 11

Tsunami Elote Shrimp with locally sourced shrimp and corn

“I want to see this dish served at my school because I want to see some sort of seafood-related dish….. This shrimp is home grown with a side of elote corn, which is healthy and rich in flavor.”

The three finalists will face off in a live cook-off this summer at the Hawai‘i State Farm Fair, where winners will be announced. First place will receive $400, second place will receive $300 and third place will receive $200.

For more information on the Localicious® contest, including this year’s winners of the complementary Localicious® art contest for K-8 students, visit www.hawaiiagfoundation.org.