What began as a small festival to introduce people to the island ales of Kona Brewing has grown into a multi-brewery event featuring 40 breweries from Hawaii and the mainland. Each brewery brings two of its tastiest beers and 40 island chefs pair these beers with sweet and savory bites. Everything from Hawaiian BBQ, fresh fish and juicy desserts will be available.

Because this is also a weekend celebration, a variety of events including live music, art shows and charity auctions will take place as well.

The weekend festivities kicks off with the Suds and Sea Cruise on Friday, March 13. The cruise is a 5-hour snorkel and whale watching boat trip followed by a BBQ lunch and Liquid Aloha from Kona. Tickets are $149 plus tax.

Friday night is the Brews and Blues Concert at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Relax and listen to the bluegrass sounds of the Aloha Bluegrass Band and the Whipstitch Sallies. Concert tickets are $25 and children under 12 are free.

On Saturday, March 14, is the main event, but first, beer drinkers get to earn their pints by racing in the Run for the Hops 5K and 10K in the morning. Runners can enjoy a beer tasting and picnic following the run. Tickets are $30 now and $40 on race day.

At 2 PM on Saturday is the Brewers Festival. The festival will begin with a hula and oli (chant) followed by live music and the popular Trash Fashion Show. Tickets are $75 and include a commemorative mug and eight 4-ounce brew tasting coupons. Food snacking is unlimited.

Online tickets to the Saturday festival have sold out, but tickets can still be purchased through Kona Brewing Company at all three Hawaii locations; Kona, Honolulu and Hilo. All other event tickets can still be purchased online.

Proceeds from all the events will benefit various children’s charities and environmental programs that work through the Bill Healy Foundation. The foundation, named for the main founder of Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort in Oregon, was created by Bill’s son Cameron, who is one of the founders of Kona Brewing. A list of these organizations is available online. A variety of events will be happening all week, so visit the website for more information.

Photo via Kona Brewers Festival

 

Event Date: 03/11, 03/12, 03/13, 03/14
Event Time:
Location: Kailua-Kona
Price: Varies
Type: Beer, Festival, Food, Games, Parties
Website: http://konabrewersfestival.com/