Ode to Ale! 2017 Oktoberfest Events on Hawaiʻi Island

Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany, where brew-lovers gather in late September and early October. BigIslandNow.com stock photo.

Famed German theologist Martin Luther said that whoever drinks beer is quick to sleep, and whoever sleeps long does not sin, and one who does not sin enters heaven. Therefore, everyone should drink beer!

The month of October is a beer-lovers dream as Oktoberfest events pop up across the Big Island.

These celebratory odes to ales give Hawaiʻi residents the opportunity to enjoy a variety of the world’s favorite sudsy adult beverage.

Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany, where brew-lovers gather in late September and early October.

Today, the famous event in Germany is attended by six million people each year.

The idea was so popular, it was adopted worldwide, mostly by German immigrants and their descendants who wished to share part of their heritage with their new countrymen.

Although the state of Hawaiʻi has less than 100,000 residents of German heritage, that stat doesn’t stop locals and visitors from kicking up their Gauplattler shoes and filling their steins with traditional brew.

Here are a few Oktoberfest events taking place on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi this month:

NORTH HAWAI‘I The Hilton Waikoloa hosts an Octoberfest Party on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Kamehameha Court. This German heritage celebration includes homemade German food, live performances, Bavarian beer, and a local marketplace. General admission is $79 for adults, $49 for teens, and $35 for children ages 5 to 12. VIP seating is available for $99 and includes upgraded seating, exclusive beer and food, and a collectible glass to take home. Complimentary for children ages 4 and under with paid adult. This is a prepaid event and tickets can be purchased online.

EAST HAWAI‘I For east-side beer lovers, the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay presents their 18th annual fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Sangha Hall in Hilo. Guests will enjoy an evening of food, music, auctions, and costume contests to raise funds for Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio as well as fund community service projects in East Hawai‘i. Authentic German tastes by guest Chef Albert Jeyte of Kilauea Lodge include Würstl, Brezel, Sauerkraut, Weisswurst, and mugs of beer and wine. Tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door and are available through the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay members or online.

WEST HAWAI‘I Rock and roll lovers will enjoy celebrating German heritage at Kona’s fourth annual RocktoberFest on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel luau grounds. Local bands take center stage, along with traditional German food, adult beverages and costume contests. The festival is described as “Costumes, Cocktails and Chickens.” After all it’s not a party without the Chicken Dance. Tickets for this community party and celebration are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets online, go online. This event is for 21 and over only.

However you choose to celebrate this time of year, have fun, or as they say in Germany, “Viel Spaß!”