HONOLULU -- Hawaii has long been home to a broad assortment of cultural foods and now it has the best student culinary team in the nation.

Kapiolani Community College students returned home Thursday after taking top honors this week at the American Culinary Federation National Convention in Orlando, Fla.

KCC's Team Hawaii competed against colleges from Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania for the title, fundraising for three months to cover travel expenses.

The competition commenced Monday. The results were announced at the ACF President's Grand Ball Tuesday.

The team was judged on preparation and execution of a planned menu, organization and recycling.

Team Hawaii's six students began their journey in October 2008, advised by KCC chef instructors Frank Leake and Alan Tsuchiyama.

Prior to heading to the national competition, the team took first place at the ACF's Western Regional Championship in Seattle in April.

The victory marked the second time a local community college has advanced to regionals. It was unprecedented for KCC. Maui Community College won in 2000, but did not place at the nationals.