The Big Island's most highly anticipated epicurean event has just been announced, and foodies everywhere are reaching for their forks. 

Set for Dec. 6, 2014, Christmas at Kamakahonu Bay–Dining with the Chefs will bring 20 of Hawaii's top culinary professionals to the historic and beautiful Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. 

And while the evening promises to be one to savor in every sense of the word, the icing on the cake is that it will also help to raise scholarship funds for aspiring culinary students.

As one of the biggest Kona events of the year, Christmas at Kamakahonu Bay–Dining with the Chefs begins at sunset, around 5:30 p.m., and lasts until 8 p.m. 

The timing showcases one of the many reasons why this Kailua-Kona hotel was again selected as the venue for the event. (It served as the host in 1995 as well.) As guests wander around the seaside lu'au grounds, they can watch the same sunset over the rolling Pacific that King Kamehameha once enjoyed from his residence on the site.

While the history is palpable, it takes a backseat to the sensory gratification that awaits. No fewer than 20 Hawaiian chefs from top Kailua-Kona restaurants and beyond will be on site, whisking, baking and sautéing local ingredients into holiday-inspired cuisine. 

As guests nosh their way through the evening, they can watch live chef demonstrations and enjoy pairings with handcrafted Kona ales, wines, and 100 percent Kona coffee. Plus live music encourages everyone to dance under the stars and work up an appetite.

In addition to the food and fun, a silent auction featuring items like snorkel and helicopter packages, gift certificates to top restaurants, and even a two-night staycation at this host hotel will add excitement. Proceeds benefit local culinary students at HawCC in Kona, as well as members of the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association (the organization coordinating the event) who want to continue their education.