BYU–Hawaii celebrated its annual Food Fest on November 9, with 36 clubs transforming the newly constructed Aloha Plaza into a culinary and cultural wonderland. From 5 to 9 pm, students, faculty, and community members gathered to enjoy an evening filled with flavors, music, and camaraderie.
Participating clubs displayed and served their food with cultural heritage, particularly the culture clubs representing a country. From Kiribati Club’s tuna stir fry to Thailand Club’s coconut ice cream, there was an option for everyone. Nani Hopoate, a senior from Utah majoring in exercise and sports science, described the event as “so much fun,” adding, “The atmosphere, getting to see so many people, and trying all the food was amazing. Thailand’s coconut ice cream was my favorite, and the shorter lines this year made everything even better.”
For club members, the road to Food Fest was filled with challenges and triumphs. Tabware Manibwebwe, a junior from Kiribati and president of the Kiribati Club, reflected on the demanding preparation process. “It was scary at times, with so many moving parts and unexpected problems to solve,” she said. “But there was also a thrilling energy. Sharing something as personal as food, which reflects one’s culture, made it all worth it.”
Thipwigorn Khamjan, a sophomore from Thailand and the secretary for the Thailand Club, shared a similar sentiment. “We’ve been planning for the entire semester, and some of our ingredients were imported from Thailand,” she said. “It was rewarding to see our team’s dedication, from cleaning coconut shells to preparing presentations. Even when things didn’t go as planned, it was fun to solve problems together.”
The culinary delights were complemented by live performances near the entrance to the Cannon Activities Center, providing a perfect backdrop to the festivities. Acts ranged from energetic dance routines to heartfelt musical numbers, captivating the diverse crowd of the university.
The event also provided an opportunity for students to bond and celebrate the diversity that defines BYU–Hawaii’s campus. “There’s a unique joy in seeing people enjoy food that represents your culture,” Manibwebwe said. “It’s a powerful way to connect with others and share something meaningful.”
Food Fest 2024 exemplified the spirit of unity and cultural appreciation that is central to the university’s goal of creating disciples of Jesus Christ. From the bustling food stalls to the vibrant performances, the event left attendees with full hearts—and stomachs.