7 Reasons to Come to BrunchFest Presented by American Savings Bank on March 24

For its second year, the ultimate brunch event brings together our favorite restaurants in one place.

Mahina & Suns

All-you-can-drink mimosas? Yes please!
Photo: Courtesy of Mahina & Sun’s

 

At last year’s sold-out BrunchFest, we stuffed our faces, we drank and, yes, we even danced. Don’t miss your chance to attend the second annual event on Sunday, March 24. Here’s why you should click here and buy your tickets now:

 

1. The top Island brunch restaurants all in one spot

This year’s participants are based everywhere from Kaimukī to Waikīkī to Kailua. At BrunchFest, you can try a new dish without having to brave Pali closures and traffic. This year’s lineup includes:

 

  • A breakfast burrito from Mahina & Sun’s, featuring scrambled eggs, purple sweet potato, chorizo, poblano peppers, cheddar cheese, puréed charred salsa and crème fraîche
     

  • The potato ’n’ eggs from Over Easy, thick-cut French bread stuffed with a sweet tomato jam, then drenched in a creamy potato purée and topped with bacon crumbles and a local egg
     

  • Koko Head Café’s Cornflake French toast, topped with kaya jam and Hawai‘i Island fruit
     

  • A Belgian malted waffle from Café Kaila, with a variety of toppings
     

  • Cake bombs, liliko‘i bars and malassada bread pudding from Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

 

Over Easy

Potato ’n’ eggs from Over Easy
Photo: Steve Czerniak

 

2. Bottomless drinks

Nothing says “brunch” more than a mimosa—except maybe bottomless mimosas. There will also be a bloody mary bar where you can make your own drink (or two). Alcohol will be provided by Johnson Bros., Barefoot Bubbly and Prairie Organic Vodka.

 

3. The price is all inclusive

We spend $55 almost every time we go out for brunch. That’s the price of a couple morning cocktails, a dish or two and a tip. At BrunchFest, you can get all of that and then some for the same price. Once you buy your ticket online, you’re good to go—no worrying about carrying enough cash for an extra waffle or cocktail. You’re free to drink and eat all you want until the event ends.

 

4. VIPs get early access

For $25 more, you can get an extra hour to eat and drink before the general public is admitted. That means shorter lines if you want to walk around, but VIPs also get special boho lounge seating with food and drink service.

 

Brunchfest

Photo: Gary Saito

 

5. It’s at a new venue this year

We’re moving the event to the expansive front lawn of the Hawai‘i State Art Museum’s historic No. 1 Capitol District Building, with more room to mingle and enjoy live entertainment. Take a selfie in front of our monstera backdrop and get a printout of your photo right then and there. American Savings Bank will pass out fans to keep you cool, as well as a special parting gift. And since it’s on the lawn, expect lawn games such as Connect Four and cornhole. There’s free street parking in the area on Sunday, or pay $3 to park at Ali‘i Place across the street from the museum.

 

6. It’s for a good cause

March is Women’s History Month, and a portion of proceeds benefit Ho‘ōla Nā Pua, a local nonprofit that helps heal and reintegrate girls who escaped sex trafficking. Click here to learn more about the organization.

 

7. Get a special haku lei

Look your brunchy best with a tropical haku lei designed and created by @ocean_dreamerr. Lei must be reserved online through hnltix.com for $60, and then you can pick it up as you check in to the event. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #HNBrunchFest to show it off!

 

Haku Lei

Photo: Courtesy Ocean Dreamer Florals

 

March 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hawai‘i State Art Museum front lawn, 250 S. Hotel St., 21 and older only, click here for more information and buy tickets here. 

 

READ MORE STORIES BY KATRINA VALCOURT