Although it’s still summer, the crew at the Ala Moana Hotel is
already making plans for one of its longest standing traditions.
Each October, the property gets out the lederhosen and dirndl for
Hawaii’s biggest and oldest Oktoberfest. This year’s festivities
are slated for October 4-9 so there's still plenty of time to
freshen up those chicken-dance moves.
Considered among Hawaii’s most anticipated annual cultural
celebrations, Ala Moana’s Oktoberfest draws thousands of kamaaina
(Hawaiian for residents) and visitors alike to enjoy the nearly
200-year-old Bavarian tradition. The event is highlighted with the
familiar clamor of cowbells, polka, hearty sing-a-longs, flagons of
beer and a menu of authentic German dishes.
“It’s really amazing how Oktoberfest at the Ala Moana Hotel has
grown in size and popularity since we started this event three
decades ago,” said John Cushnie, general manager of the property.
“It started off as a gathering of a few hundred people and has
grown into an event attended by thousands. It’s a fun event to
attend while in Hawaii since it offers a different experience than
the sun, sand and surf that have made our destination famous.”
Food stations abound with super-sized portions of German fare,
including bratwurst, sauerbraten, giant knackwurst, pig knuckles,
sauerkraut, potato salad, apple strudel and black forest layer
cake. A hearty selection of German beers will also be available
such as Ayinger Dunkel, Paulaner, Bitburger, Isenbeck, Becks,
Spaten, St. Pauli Girl and Lowenbrau. For schnapps enthusiasts, a
variety of German Schnapps Bude will include Barenjager,
Goldwasser, Rumple Minze, Kleiner Feigling and Jagermeister.
The Ala Moana Hotel Oktoberfest runs Tuesday through Thursday
from 6-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight and
Sunday from 5-11 p.m. The official keg-tapping ceremony will be
held on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 per person on
Sunday and weekdays and $8 on Friday and Saturday. Tickets may be
purchased through the Ala Moana Hotel’s concierge beginning Sept. 1
or at the door nightly.
www.alamoanahotel.com
800-637-6025
