Great Brew – Kona Brewers Festival 2015

Each of 40 breweries from Hawaii and the mainland United States taps up two types of beer, ranging in style and flavor to delight the palate of every craft beer connoisseur. Chefs from 40 of the Big Island’s top restaurants serve sweet and savory tastes of island-style food, from fresh fish and barbecued meats to decadent desserts. A hula and oli (chant) kick off the event. A stage with live music entertains festival-goers throughout the day. The annual Trash Fashion Show, designed to raise environmental awareness, shows off attire made entirely from recycled material.

Tickets to the Kona Brewers Festival Main Event on Saturday are available in advance only. Cost is $75 and includes a commemorative event mug, eight four-ounce brew tasting coupons, unlimited samplings of gourmet cuisine and an afternoon of entertainment. Tickets are available for purchase online in late January at www.KonaBrewersFestival.com ($5 fee).

Since its humble beginning in 1996 to celebrate the creation of the Kona Brewing Company, the festival’s mission is to promote the craft brewing revolution in Hawai’i, encourage professional brewers and chefs to work together, and have a positive economic, educational and environmental effect on the Big Island community.

The Festival has grown to include a Brewer’s Pa’ina and Art Auction, a Home Brewers Competition, a benefit whale watch cruise and a 5/10k run/walk. Over the past 20 years, the Kona Brewers Festival has become one of Hawaii’s premier events and has raised more than $742,000 for Big Island non-profit organizations working on behalf of children and the environment.