Sharing the Culture of Japanese “SAKE” with the World from Hawai‘i

The 30th Honolulu Festival will once again feature the popular Sake & Food Fest, an event dedicated to celebrating Japan’s rich sake culture. The event will take place at the Hawai‘i Convention Center and offers visitors the opportunity to experience Japanese beverages such as sake, shochu, and awamori, along with foods that pair perfectly with them.

As a festival centered on cultural exchange, the Honolulu Festival aims to introduce the depth and tradition of Japan’s sake culture to a global audience. The Sake & Food Fest is designed as a special experience that combines learning and tasting, allowing visitors to explore the world of Japanese alcohol in an engaging and accessible way.

The event area is divided into two main sections.

First, visitors can explore the Learning Zone, where educational panels introduce the history, culture, and varieties of Japanese sake.

The History Panel highlights the story of sake in Hawai‘i through a historical timeline. Records show that as early as the 1880s, King David Kalākaua of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i enjoyed Japanese sake. In the decades that followed, Japanese immigrants helped spread sake culture throughout the islands. Their dedication eventually led to local sake production, and several breweries were established on O‘ahu and the Island of Hawai‘i. The exhibits reveal the fascinating history and cultural ties between Hawai‘i and Japanese sake.

The Sake Knowledge Panel explains the different types of Japanese alcoholic beverages. What is commonly referred to simply as “sake” actually includes several categories such as nihonshu (Japanese sake), shochu, and awamori. Visitors can learn about the ingredients, brewing or distillation methods, and unique flavor profiles that distinguish each type.

A taste chart will also help guests discover their preferred sake styles and explore food pairings, much like wine pairing. Educational materials in both English and Japanese will be available courtesy of the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, along with informational video presentations.

After learning about sake in the Learning Zone, visitors can move on to the Experience Zone, where they can sample a variety of Japanese alcoholic beverages. By tasting different selections while applying what they have learned, guests can gain a deeper appreciation of Japan’s sake culture.

Renowned Japanese Breweries and Brands Featured

The event will feature several well-known producers from Japan, including Kikusui Brewery, Asahi Shuzo, and Hakkaisan Brewery, which are among the most respected sake makers in the country. Other participating brands include Sengetsu Shuzo, a traditional Kuma shochu distillery, CHOYA, known worldwide for its premium ume liqueur, and Orion Beer, Okinawa’s iconic craft beer producer.

Local Hawai‘i Creations Join the Festival

In addition to Japanese sake, locally produced beverages will also be showcased.

After the closure of Hawai‘i’s last historic sake brewery decades ago, the islands went many years without local sake production. That changed in March 2020 when Islander Sake Brewery successfully brewed sake in Hawai‘i for the first time in 33 years. Their locally crafted sake will once again be featured at the Honolulu Festival.

This year also introduces unique Hawai‘i-made spirits. Namihana, a locally produced sweet-potato shochu first created in 2013, is made using Hawai‘i-grown sweet potatoes and traditional Japanese distillation methods. Known as a rare local specialty, it has gained a strong following since its debut.

Another exciting addition is mead (honey wine) produced by Manoa Honey & Mead. First released in 2020, this refreshing beverage is crafted using honey harvested in Hawai‘i and has quickly attracted attention among craft beverage enthusiasts.

Food Booths and Festival Atmosphere

No sake experience is complete without great food. Near the tasting booths, visitors will find a variety of food vendors offering dishes that pair perfectly with the beverages. Guests can discover unexpected pairings between local foods and Japanese alcohol while enjoying the festive, matsuri-style atmosphere of the event.

The Sake & Food Fest offers a rare opportunity to experience both traditional Japanese sake culture and innovative beverages created in Hawai‘i. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this unique cultural experience.

Discover, taste, and enjoy the world of SAKE at the 30th Honolulu Festival.