The food festival originated in the small ranching town of Waimea (Kamuela). It began in 1996 as a humble companion event to the Cooperate Extension Services' Mealani Forage Field Day. In partnership with the local community, the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) has pioneered a unique learning opportunity for ranchers and consumers. Now in its thirteenth year, the Taste has become one of Hawaii's premier ag-tourism events.pasture

Community Ownership
The Taste is a partnership between CTAHR, Big Island Farm Bureau, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Association, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Kulana Foods, and community volunteers. The quality and growth of this event are rooted in small-business participation, sponsorship, and in-kind donations. The Taste is an opportunity for all to get involved in cultivating community.