Culinary students and alumni gathered to get a preview of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific. (Photo by Chaz Au)

It took $25 million and 20-plus years of work, but on Thursday, March 2, the Culinary Institute of the Pacific opened their doors for its first event. The gathering took place as a celebration of Phase 1 of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific being completed. Another reason for Thursday was the opportunity to reconnect with alumni. Tents were set up with free samples of food given out.

Phase 1 has given culinary students in Hawai‘i an opportunity at a four-year degree. Prior to the completion of Phase 1, only a two-year culinary degree was achievable in Hawaiʻi. The Culinary Institute of the Pacific is providing opportunity for local and international students to enter advanced culinary studies under instruction from professional chefs.

To read more about the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, click here.