Come May 2, the Maui Kula Onion will once again be the star of its own festival.

Foodies know, of course, this is no ordinary onion. Only a dozen farmers cultivate it on 150 acres in Kula between the 1,200- and 4,000-foot elevations of Haleakala Volcano. The district's cool climate and rich volcanic soil produce an onion that's low in pungent, tear-inducing pyruvic acid and reputedly so sweet you can eat it raw.

In fact, that's exactly what 20 people will do at the Maui Onion Festival, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary at Whalers Village this year.

“;The onion-eating contest is definitely one of the festival's highlights,”; said Lisa Donlon, marketing manager of Whalers Village. “;We have two divisions—one for 10 adults and one for 10 children age 14 and younger. Contestants eat as much raw Maui onions as they can in a minute while hundreds of spectators cheer them on.”;

Two years ago, Kihei resident Dave Sheridan won the adult division by downing eight ounces of onions in the allotted time. A clever strategist, he wore goggles to prevent tearing.

Also drawing crowds is the recipe contest, which challenges acclaimed Hawaii chefs to create original dishes incorporating Maui Kula onions. This year, two award-winning chefs from Honolulu, Colin Nishida from Side Street Inn and Russell Siu from 3660 on the Rise, will be vying for top honors along with three of their Maui counterparts: Patrick Callarec of Chez Paul, David Paul of David Paul's Island Grill, and James McDonald from Pacific'O and I'o. Each chef also will present a cooking demonstration, after which ono samples will be offered to the audience.

“;As the popularity of Hawaii Regional Cuisine has grown, more and more chefs are seeing the Maui Kula onion as a 'must' ingredient,”; Donlon said. “;The onion is so versatile, it can even be used in desserts; in past contests, chefs have made cheesecake and ice cream with it!”;

The onion ring booth sponsored by the Maui Onion Growers Association is another perennial favorite. Farmers, their families and friends clean, slice, batter and fry more than 500 pounds of onions to a golden crisp. The rings are served piping hot to customers who wait patiently, sometimes in lines that are 50 deep, to place their orders. MOGA also will sell boxes of fresh whole onions so customers can make the rings themselves at home.

In short, the Maui Onion Festival brings together farmers, visitors and kamaaina for an entertaining, educational family event.

“;It sheds light on Maui's most popular export and the wonderful things local chefs are doing with it,”; Donlon said. “;Attendees can meet and talk to the innovative people who are growing the onion and preparing gourmet dishes with it. It's a full day of fun, learning and sharing!”;