Beer Festivals Start Returning to Hawai‘i Next Week

Six craft beer fests are coming to three islands: Here’s your event-by-event guide.

Beer festivals are making a triumphant return in Hawai‘i. These massive parties revolve around beer, ciders and seltzers, but it is the food, live music and camaraderie that make them memorable. Each one emphasizes something different, so if you’re more into food or music, quantity or quality, being active or relaxing, there is one for you.

If you go, we encourage you to arrange a ride or use a rideshare (and check each festival for discount codes and other information). Most have free or discounted designated driver tickets that include food and soft drinks. VIP tickets typically include an extra hour of tastings before general admission, additional drink tickets for limited tastings, and exclusive food and beer.

While many are longstanding, a few new ones join the fun. Here is a list of upcoming beer festivals and what makes each unique.

Hawai‘i Beer Fest

When: June 25, 2022 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Bishop Museum Great Lawn, 1525 Bernice St.
Tickets: General $60, VIP $80

With a view of Honolulu and Diamond Head from the Great Lawn, this outdoor festival includes over 100 beer and seltzer selections with unlimited tastings. It is presented by Kurious Productions, with a portion of the ticket price benefiting the Rotary Club of Honolulu. Food is not included but will be available for purchase. “What makes this special is that it is more of a party vibe,” owner David Miyachi says, “plus our music artist Joseph Soul was a runner-up on The Voice.”

hawaiibeerfest.com, @hawaiibeerfest

Hilo Brewfest (sold out)

When: June 25, 2022 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Wainaku Executive Center, 26-238 Hawaiʻi Belt Road, Hilo
Tickets: General $75, VIP $150

Offering a view of Hilo Bay, this festival highlights Big Island restaurants and businesses in addition to local breweries. Presented by the Rotary Club of Hilo and sponsored by Ola Brew Co., it benefits the Hilo Medical Center Foundation, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawai‘i, and Rotary Club of Hilo Foundation. Ticket price includes eight 4-ounce pours, food, live music and transportation to and from downtown Hilo.

hilobrewfest.com, @hilobrewfest

Aloha by Volume ABV Fun Fest

When: Aug. 6 & 7, 2022 from 12 noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Windward Mall, 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy, Kāne‘ohe
Tickets: General $25, VIP $90 (other options and add-ons available)

Emphasizing fun, games and live music, Aloha by Volume is presented by Krave in the parking lot around Windward Mall. After a successful inaugural festival in early 2022 that focused on beer and O‘ahu breweries, the August edition will feature ciders and seltzers. Check their website for many time options, group discounts and details about what is included with each.

alohabyvolume.com, @alohabyvolume

Oktoberfest Hawai‘i at Aloha Stadium

When: Sept. 24 & 25, 2022 from 12 noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd.
Tickets: General $65, VIP $100 (other options also available for groups)

The first outdoor Oktoberfest Hawai‘i will be a two-day, flexible-entry festival with three-hour time slots, re-entry passes, group discounts and other ticket options. This celebration of traditional German styles of beer will feature up to 20 to sample, and will coincide with the Munich Oktoberfest in late September. Sponsored by the Odom Corp. and Free Spirits Hawai‘i, the festival will also feature German food from Butcher & Bird and activities by O‘ahu Yard Games.

oktoberfesthawaii.com, @oktoberfesthawaii

Kona Brewers Festival

When: March 11, 2023
Where: Kailua-Kona, exact location TBD
Tickets: TBD

With a successful return on a limited basis in March of 2022, Hawaii’s longest running festival will celebrate 28 years in 2023. Returning to a larger crowd, this festival includes food tastings, live music, and the famous Trash Fashion Show. The ticket price benefits sustainability and environmental charities and is sponsored by Kona Brewing Company among others. Check the website for updates as planning is finalized.

@konabrewfest

Kaua‘i Brewers Festival

When: April 8, 2023 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Where: Kaua‘i, exact location TBD
Tickets: General $75, VIP $100

Also returning to form, Kaua‘i Brewers Festival was held in 2022 in Poipu signaling a larger event in 2023. Tickets include beer and food, with VIP tickets including a special beer-and-food pairing and additional beer tickets. Check the website for updates and location information.

@kauaibrewersfestival

All the festivals mentioned above will have protocols to maximize safety and health. We also hope to see the return of the Hawaiian Craft Brewers Guild’s CRAFT featuring 100% Hawai‘i-made beer, Honolulu On Tap at Waikīkī Shell, and Maui Brew Fest. Whether you are going to your first festival this year or are welcoming back your favorite, cheers to beer bringing Hawai‘i together!