By Kai Ioh and KE TEAM Hawaii
Kai Ioh is a luxury real estate advisor based in Kona, Hawai‘i, specializing in second home, resort, and ultra-high-net-worth markets across the Big Island.
Aloha,
We made it back to the Kona Brew Festival again this year, and I have to say, I’m really glad we did.
Last year marked the 30th anniversary, and there was some uncertainty around whether it would continue. So seeing it return this year felt like a quiet but meaningful win for the Kona community.
A Beautiful Setting in Kona
The event was held at the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.
If you know Kona, you’ll appreciate how special this location is. It sits right along the ocean in the heart of town, with direct access to one of the most walkable and historic stretches of coastline.
Interestingly, it’s also right next to a notable oceanfront property which was owned by late Paul Allen that is currently listed for $49 million. Not a bad backdrop for an afternoon of local beer.
A Slight Delay… But Worth It
The festival was originally scheduled earlier in the year but had to be postponed due to weather.
In the end, that shift to April worked out well.
We had slightly overcast skies, which in Kona often means ideal outdoor conditions. Not too hot, a bit of breeze, and comfortable enough to spend several hours outside without thinking about it.
In the context of Big Island living, this is a small but important detail. Timing and weather can shape the entire experience of an outdoor event.
A Relaxed, Easygoing Format
The event runs from 2pm to 6pm, which gives it a very relaxed rhythm.
We arrived around 3pm and eased into it. Each guest receives 10 tokens to sample different beers, which naturally creates a paced experience rather than anything rushed.
For the first couple of hours, it’s casual. You walk, you taste, you talk.
After that… things tend to get a bit more lively. Not chaotic—just that subtle shift you expect at a well-attended local gathering.
Good Company, Every Year
The last hour is always my favorite.
Every year, I run into familiar faces—friends, clients, and colleagues, including quite a few from the real estate world. Conversations pick up right where they left off.
It’s not a large market, and over time, you start to see the same people across different settings – open houses, coffee shops, events like this. It creates a sense of continuity that’s hard to replicate in larger cities.
Surprisingly Good Food
One detail that continues to stand out is the food.
Several local spots provided c bites, including:
- Black Rock Pizza
- Kona Village Resort dining
- Kai Restaurant Kona
- Magics Beach Grill
It elevates the event beyond just a tasting beer.
In Kona, food is often a reflection of local identity. Even at a beer festival, that element comes through clearly.
A Small Observation This Year
If I had one takeaway, it’s that there seemed to be fewer representatives from the breweries themselves.
Most of the pouring was handled by part-time staff, which made the experience slightly more transactional than in past years.
Personally, I enjoy hearing directly from the brewers—the story behind each beer, what makes it unique, what they’re experimenting with.
That connection adds depth to the experience. Hopefully, it returns more strongly next year.
Ending the Day Right
After the festival, we wrapped up the day with sushi and sake.
Simple, but exactly what the moment called for.
That’s often how days unfold here. Nothing overly planned, but everything seems to fall into place.
A Classic Kona Day
All in all, it turned into one of those classic Kona afternoons.
Good friends. Good food. A relaxed setting by the ocean.
In the context of Hawai‘i, especially here on the Big Island, these kinds of events are less about the headline activity and more about the environment around it—the people, the pace, and the setting.
That’s really what makes it memorable.
If you’ve never been, it’s worth experiencing at least once.
And if you’re here next year, let’s drink together.