Beer Festivals to Watch for Around Hawai‘i in 2023
Craft beer tastings are coming to O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island and Kaua‘i this year.
Photo: Tracy Chan
While the Islands’ beer festivals started pouring again last year, mostly with reduced crowd sizes for safety, the outlook for 2023 is more positive: A full slate of Hawai‘i festivals is returning. Are you into thoughtful sampling or splurging on all-you-can-drink events? Is live music the main attraction for you, with beer on the side? Is the food lineup just as important as the beer you pair with it? Regardless of how you like to party, there is a festival for you!
Details are accurate as of this writing, but they are subject to change so be sure to check the festival websites and social media (including ticket availability, as many will sell out). Some organizers have more than one festival, so check back this summer for updates for events happening later this year.
Hawaii Beer Fest (Winter)
When: Jan. 28
Where: Bishop Museum Great Lawn, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu
Admission: VIP $80 from 5 to 9 p.m., General $60 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Info: hawaiibeerfest.com, @hawaiibeerfest
This unlimited sampling festival will have over 100 beers, ciders and seltzers from local and national breweries. Food and merchandise are available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Honolulu. VIP tickets include an extra hour to try those special releases while things are is still quiet.
Kona Brewers Festival
When: March 11
Where: King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort 75-5660, Palani Road, Kailua-Kona
Admission: General $100 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Info: konabrewersfestival.com, @konabrewfest
The 28th annual festival marks the return of the Trash Fashion Show, showcase of local foods included, and limited beer tastings in a souvenir glass mug. After reducing the size of the festival last year, this year 1,200 tickets will be sold. Held on the beach, the festival is hosted by the Ke Kai Ala Foundation and has raised almost $2 million for local charities. The Run for Hops 5K run/walk takes place the morning before the festival.
Aloha by Volume “The Great Crawl”
When: March 17
Where: Kailua Town Block Party, Kailua
Admission: TBD
Info: @alohabyvolume
From the organizers of concert-style festivals comes a unique concept: a trolley crawl of Windward O‘ahu pubs! Ten venues including The Boardroom, Lanikai Brewing’s Tap & Barrel, Sun & Salt, The Shack, Olomana Golf Course and even one on base (no base pass necessary) will take part in the hop-on-hop-off event with dedicated trolleys for ticket holders. (Another event will be held in June, date TBD.)
Kaua‘i Brewers Festival
When: April 15
Where: Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center, 4475f Nuhou St., Lihue
Admission: VIP $100, General $75, both from 2 to 6 p.m.
Info: kauaibrewersfestival.com, @kauaibrewersfestival
Benefiting Kaua‘i-based nonprofits, this festival wraps limited tastings and food in the price of a ticket. VIP tickets include a special beer-and-food pairing and additional beer tickets. Kaua‘i’s only beer festival is a great excuse to check out the island’s brewery scene.
SEE ALSO: What’s Hopping on Kaua‘i’s Growing Beer Scene
Hawai‘i Beer Fest (Summer)
When: June 17
Where: Bishop Museum Great Lawn, 1525 Bernice St., Honolulu
Admission: VIP $80 from 5 to 9 p.m., General $60 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Info: hawaiibeerfest.com, @hawaiibeerfest
Similar to the Winter festival, this is an unlimited tasting event with food available for purchase.
Hilo Brew Fest
Photo: Alexander Gates
When: July 8
Where: Hilo Yacht Club, 77 Laehala St., Hilo
Admission: TBD
Info: hilobrewfest.com, @hilobrewfest
This year’s festival will be held at a different location since the main site, Wainaku Executive Center, was purchased by Ola Brew Co. to transform into a tasting room and distillery. Organized by the Hilo Rotary Club, the 2023 ticket includes limited beer tastings and food and benefits Hilo-area charities. Transportation to and from Hilo Town is provided.
The Hawaiian Craft Brewers Guild’s CRAFT Festival and Maui Brewers Festivals are on hiatus due to the pandemic, and no information is as yet available about their return.
Whichever Hawai‘i beer festivals you choose to attend in 2023, have a great time sharing beer and laughs in person!
