Hawaii hosts Oktoberfest celebrations across three islands in September and October, featuring German-style beer, food, brass music, and stein-holding contests, with venues from Hawaiian breweries and nonprofit fundraisers.
On O'ahu, the main events are Oktoberfest Hawaii at International Market Place, SALT at Our Kaka'ako, Aloha Beer Co. Oktoberfest, Schofield Barracks Oktoberfest, and the Helping Hands Hawai'i Fundraiser. On Hawai'i Island (Big Island), the biggest event is the Hilo Bay Oktoberfest at Sangha Hall, now in its 25th year. Ticket prices at Hawaii Oktoberfest events range from $10 per person at brewery events to $100+ per person at formal charity galas.
What are the major Oktoberfest Events in Hawaii?
Hawaii's Oktoberfest calendar is split between Honolulu's Kaka'ako and Waikiki districts on O'ahu, downtown Hilo on the Big Island, and Kaua'i's North Shore. Events range from ticketed resort fundraisers to free brewery tap rooms open to all ages.
Aloha Beer Co. Oktoberfest, Kaka'ako
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Location: Aloha Beer Co., 700 Queen St, Honolulu, HI 96813
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Date: October 3
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Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
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Tickets: Paid event with $10 refills throughout the night.
Aloha Beer Co. Oktoberfest is a single-night Kakaʻako brewery event featuring Aloha Festbier, and giant keepsake steins. The major highlight of Aloha Beer Oktoberfest is the dirndl and Lederhosen contest.
Aloha Beer Co. is the winner of Honolulu Magazine's 2025 Hale ʻAina Award for Best Brewpub. The annual release of Aloha Beer Co. Oktoberfest is the Aloha Fest Bier, served in the giant steins available at the event. The beer garden accommodates up to 150 guests outdoors, while the full venue can hold 200+. Separate from the kickoff party, Aloha Beer offers an expanded Oktoberfest menu for several weeks into October.
Oktoberfest Hawaii at International Market Place, Waikiki
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Location: International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
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Date: 28 September
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Hours: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
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Tickets: Level 1 (Banyan Tree Courtyard) is free, cash bar only. Level 3 Tasting Tour: entry + 10 beer scripts or entry + 8 beer scripts + 4 food scripts. VIP Treehouse level: 15 beer scripts + 4 food scripts, free parking validation, commemorative items.
Oktoberfest Hawaii at International Market Place is a Waikiki beer tasting event with free courtyard access and paid tasting levels. International Market Place Oktoberfest is one of the few Hawaii Oktoberfest events that spans three vertical levels of a venue simultaneously, with each floor offering a different experience and beer selection.
The Tasting Tour format uses a script system: 1 beer script equals 1 tasting pour, and 3 beer scripts equal a full drink. Beers range from traditional Festbier and Hefe-Weizen to seasonal options such as Pumpkin Patches. Free Spirits Hawaii also partners with Uber for discounted rides for the event.
SALT at Our Kaka'ako Oktoberfest
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Location: SALT at Our Kaka'ako, 690 Pohukaina St, Honolulu, HI 96813
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Dates: September 21 and September 28
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Hours: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Tickets: Free admission. Beer and food available for purchase
SALT at Our Kakaʻako Oktoberfest is a free, family-friendly Honolulu event with German beer, food, brass music, and stein hoisting. SALT at Our Kakaʻako includes Chamber Music Hawaiʻi brass programming and Bavarian folk music.
The Samuel Adams-sponsored stein hoisting competition runs during the event. SALT at Our Kakaʻako Oktoberfest is for all ages, making SALT one of the most accessible options for visitors who are not looking for a 21+ only environment. SALT's surrounding area includes local restaurants and bars that stay open late, so the evening extends naturally beyond the official festival footprint.
Schofield Barracks Oktoberfest (USAG Hawaii)
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Location: Weyand Field, Schofield Barracks, HI 96857
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Date: September 27.
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Hours: 5:00 PM onward
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Tickets: $25 early entry (deadline September 24 for general public, September 8 for civilians), $30 late entry.
Schofield Barracks Oktoberfest is a military-base festival that combines German food, beer, live entertainment, family activities, and the Wurst 5K Fun Run. Schofield is open to DoD ID Cardholders and sponsored guests.
The Wurst 5K Fun Run starts at 5:00 PM, with pretzels, brats, and chocolate cake offered along the course route. Schofield Barracks Oktoberfest highlights include traditional German food and beer, live entertainment by the 25th Infantry Division Band, a Keiki Zone with games and root beer floats, and the Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest competition. Civilian visitors must follow current base access rules and carry valid identification.
Helping Hands Hawai'i Oktoberfest Fundraiser, Waikiki
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Location: 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, 2490 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
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Date: October 10.
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Hours: 5:00 PM onward
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Tickets: General admission from $100. Sponsor tables from $2,500. 21+ only
Helping Hands Hawaiʻi Oktoberfest is a 21+ Waikiki charity fundraiser featuring Bavarian cuisine, drinks, brass music, and games to support local human services programs. Helping Hands Hawaiʻi has operated for over 50 years and served nearly 20,000 individuals in 2024 alone through emergency assistance, food support, and the Adopt a Family holiday program. Every ticket purchase and table sponsorship directly funds those programs. Helping Hands Oktoberfest in Hawaii features Bavarian brass music, sausages, classic German games, and a prize competition.
Hilo Bay Oktoberfest, Big Island
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Location: Sangha Hall, 424 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
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Date: September 26
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Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
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Tickets: $80 general admission. Children under 10 are free
Hilo Bay Oktoberfest is the main Big Island Oktoberfest fundraiser and the 25th annual Rotary Club of Hilo Bay event. The Hilo Bay Oktoberfest is the longest-running Oktoberfest event in the state outside of Oʻahu, with 25 consecutive years of operation. The $80 ticket is all-inclusive, covering the German meal, beer, and pretzels, which is unusual compared to most Hawaiian Oktoberfest events that charge separately for food and drink. The 2024 event raised over $20,000 in community grants awarded to Big Island organizations, including Friends of the Children's Justice Center, BISAC, and Kuikahi Mediation Center.
What to Wear to Oktoberfest in Hawaii?
Traditional Bavarian attire is encouraged at all Hawaii Oktoberfest events and earns perks at several. At Aloha Beer Co., wearing a dirndl dress or lederhosen qualifies you for the costume contest and associated prizes. At SALT at Our Kaka'ako and Schofield Barracks, costume participants are recognized in the Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest competitions.
Hawaii's September and October temperatures average 82°F to 86°F (28°C to 30°C) with high humidity, making traditional wool lederhosen uncomfortable for extended outdoor wear. Lightweight linen lederhosen or cotton dirndl fabrics are widely available and far more practical.
Hilo is the rainiest city in the United States, receiving an average of 130 inches of rain per year. Visitors should buy a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket with them, regardless of how clear the morning looks.
Planning Tips for Hawaii Oktoberfest Visitors
Hawaii Oktoberfest visitors should plan around island access, age rules, military entry rules, transportation limits, and fast-selling fundraiser tickets.
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ID requirements vary by event: Schofield Barracks and Hale Koa Hotel require a valid DOD military ID card for entry. All alcohol events require a government-issued photo ID for anyone 21+.
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Uber and Lyft do not operate on the Big Island or Kaua'i: Rent a car at the airport if you plan to attend events in Hilo, Kea'au, or Hanalei.
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Pet policy differs by venue: Aloha Beer Co. in Kaka'ako is explicitly dog-friendly. Military and indoor Hawaii Oktoberfest events do not allow pets.
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Book tickets early for paid events: The Hilo Bay Oktoberfest, the Helping Hands Hawaii fundraiser, and Aloha Beer Co.'s single-night kickoff party require pre-booking.
FAQs
Is there any free Hawaii Oktoberfest?
Yes. SALT at Our Kaka'ako runs two free Saturdays in late September with no admission charge and no age restriction.
What are the rules for beer at the Oktoberfest in Hawaii?
The rules for beer at the Hawaii Oktoberfest include that participants must be of the legal drinking age of 21, that beer vendors must adhere to local alcohol laws and regulations, and that they can only sell under a license.