WAHIAWA CELEBRATES ITS PINEAPPLES

We may think plantation days are lost in Hawai'i, but Wahiawa doesn't. The annual Wahiawa Pineapple Festival May 17 focuses on all things pineapple, including pineapple-themed dishes from Alan Wong (who grew up in the neighborhood), plus Roy Yamaguchi of Roy's Restaurants, Fred DeAngelo of Ola at Turtle Bay and Elmer Guzman of The Poke Stop.

There will be free narrated trolley tours, a pineapple parade along California Avenue (at 9 a.m.), historic displays, keiki activities, a reunion area for plantation and cannery workers and, of course, food booths. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 17 at Wahiawa District Park. Information: www.HawaiiPineappleFestival.com; 227-8229; hma@hawaii.rr.com.

— Wanda A. Adams

KAPI'OLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CULINARY STUDENTS SHOW THEIR STUFF

Island culinary students will participate Saturday in the Hawai'i Student Culinary Expo at Kapi'olani Community College. The event includes a hot foods competition, not open to the public, but a cold foods and pastry exhibit will be open to view for $5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, the three American Culinary Federation chefs judging the competition will prepare a special menu. They are Stafford Decambra, executive chef of Mississippi's Pearl River Resort; chef and Sgt. 1st Class Rene Marquis; and Wolfgang Bierer, master pastry chef for Nestle Corp. Seating begins at 11 a.m. and the menu includes a seafood martini with mango panna cotta, sauteed catch of the day with citrus beurre blanc, and a dark-chocolate mousse. Price is $25. Reservations: 734-9499.

— Wanda A. Adams