The Oktoberfest Tradition Lives On

Kiele Reyes and Cathy Nakahara of Prince Waikiki are ready to celebrate Oktoberfest with guest chef Guido Ulmann (center)

The Bavarian tradition of Oktoberfest carries more than 200 years of history in each bite, sip and lively tune, as the celebration of beer and sausage includes the finest food, drink and music within a festive atmosphere.

The “fall tradition” will be honored at Prince Waikiki’s Oktoberfest 2017, slated for Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the hotel’s Piinaio Ballroom. Special guest chef Guido Ulmann will prepare his delicious, authentic Bavarian cuisine, which he has cooked up for more than four decades to the delight of Oktoberfest revelers.

Presale tickets are available now through Oct. 10 for just $12, and can be purchased at the door for $20 apiece. While ordering the tickets at shop.princeresortshawaii.com, make sure to pre-order Chef Ulmann’s massive Eisbein Platter ($55; preorder by Oct. 10), which features a four-pound roasted pork shank with hearty side dishes.

The meaty Eisbein Platter ($55) is perfect for getting into the spirit of Oktoberfest.

A la carte selections (prices vary) also will be served, including Kielbasa, Bratwurst and Bockwurst — savory cuts of smoked Polish, pork and veal sausage. Make sure to try Kasseler Rippchen, a 12-ounce bone-in smoked pork loin with potatoes and sauerkraut, which is crafted with ham hock stock and cooked with potatoes, as well as Sauerbraten — German-style beef short ribs with spaetzli (Bavarian pasta) and red cabbage made from scratch. And, what would Oktoberfest be without German Pretzels, Cherry Nut or Apple Raisin Strudel and Decorated Gingerbread Hearts?

“Everybody can grill a hot dog, but it’s about the little details and authentic recipes that make for a great Oktoberfest experience,” says Ulmann. “It’s more than just a bunch of drinks and toasting.”

Authentic Bockwurst (front) is flanked by Kielbasa (back left) and Bratwurst sausages.

A wide array of draught beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks will be available for purchase, including the highly anticipated Sam Adams Octoberfest seasonal brew. Additionally, the famous Edelweiss Band will help attendees dance the night away with energizing live music that will include authentic elements such as an experienced yodeler. For more information, call 952-4789 or email events@princewaikiki.com.

“We’re very excited to welcome back Chef Guido, and it’s a great opportunity to experience what Oktoberfest is all about,” says Prince Waikiki catering & conference services manager Cathy Nakahara. “You can have fun while creating memories here at Prince Waikiki.”

Prince Waikiki hotel rebranded April 1 after years of planning and construction to reinvigorate the popular destination, which features an array of dining options — from banquet and special event coordination to buffet and a la carte choices coupled with bar and lounge areas.

Classic Sauerbraten with German-style beef short ribs, spaetzli and red cabbage

As part of the hotel’s extensive renovations, the refreshed Muliwai Deck has been enhanced with the addition of Hinana Bar, as well as other amenities on the spacious gathering place, which is open to the public. Situated on the third floor of Prince Waikiki, 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar offers a “sit-back-and-relax on the lanai” vibe flanked by stunning views of Ala Wai Yacht Harbor — a perfect vantage point to take in the view while enjoying breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch buffets as well as a la carte selections.

Have What it Takes to WIN?

As part of the Oktoberfest festivities at Prince Waikiki, guests can compete in the always-exciting Chicken Dance contest or the Stein-Hoisting competition. Or, if attendees are up for it, competing in both challenges is encouraged! To purchase tickets for Oktoberfest, and to enter one or both contests, log on to shop. princeresortshawaii.com. Don’t chicken out!