From the Executive Director - Gonzo

Oh, my goodness—we did it, and we did it in grand style.

The Kona Brewers Festival is officially back.

This year’s event sold out, delivered an abundance of incredible food and beverages, and showcased outstanding entertainment. Along the way, we faced a major challenge—having to pivot and postpone due to a powerful Kona Low that impacted our entire State. But in true Hawaii fashion, we adapted, regrouped, and came back stronger.

This success was made possible through an extraordinary strategic partnership between the Rotary Clubs of West Hawaii, Kona Brewing Company, the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, the Ke Kai Ala Foundation, our generous sponsors, talented food vendors, breweries, and non-alcoholic beverage providers. And of course, none of this would have been possible without our incredible army of volunteers—those who showed up for setup, execution, and cleanup with unwavering commitment.

There may have been some who doubted whether we could pull this off on such a short timeline. They underestimated the people of Hawaii—and they underestimated the strength, resilience, and determination of the Rotary Clubs of West Hawaii.

We were also honored to celebrate the spirit of Hawaii through unforgettable performances—Tumua bringing energy, humor, and joy, and Ron Artis II delivering a soulful performance that touched every person in attendance.

What an event! And we’re just getting started.

Planning for next year is already underway—mark your calendars now: March 13, 2027. It’s going to be something truly special.

People Making A Difference

One of the exceptional features of the Kona Brewers Festival is that charitable organizations apply to be a Beneficiary of the proceeds from the event. After a thorough review process, 15-20 non-profits are chosen to receive funds. In exchange, they provide the volunteers to serve the libations, sell Festival merchandise, monitor the zero waste stream and everything else needed to create a fun and safe event. This beloved community fundraiser brings awareness to the essential services our Beneficiaries provide throughout the year. The Kona Brewers Festival is a celebration of collaboration and mutual respect. Mahalo nui loa for helping the Rotary Club of Kona Community Foundation create a hopeful and healthy future. Beneficiaries.