I attended my first Ohana Fest in 2019 and it exceeded all expectations. A chill environment paired with amazing bands was the perfect combo.
Getting in:
The process was quick and easy, as long as you did your research on the rules. Knowing to bring clear bags, empty reusable water bottles, tiny purses, beach towels only and no food helped. After quickly getting a 21+ wristband, you are wanded, searched, wristband scanned and on your way. Note, I arrived within an hour or so after doors opened each day. At doors or before headliners could be a different story. There's no re-entry.
Merch:
I opted to get my merch at the tent outside the gates on the first day and taking it home. I arrived about 45 minutes before the stand supposedly opened. It ended up opening about 45 minutes late, with no communication to the crowd. I was able to get all of the items I desired except the coveted Eddie Vedder zippos. I found those at various times over the next two days at the front inside merch tent. I'd suggest not waiting if you want certain things. Although some items are held back for the different days, selection was noticeably smaller by Sunday. Artist merch was removed the day after playing. For example, you couldn't get your Strokes merch on Saturday.
Artists:
I went for Eddie Vedder mainly with a love already for Red Hot Chili Peppers and Incubus. I left with an appreciation of so many others. The acts skewed rock/folk but there was a ton of variety and talent. Seeing Glen Hansard, Mudhoney, Tash Sultana, Mt Joy, LP, Jack Irons and so many others was just magical. It was a treat when Eddie would cameo in a song or two with others. There were two stages next to each other with alternating acts. I loved that you could set up at the main stage and still hear the other stage and see the video on the screen.
Festival grounds:
My biggest grip was the distance from the left side of the stage to the porta-potties, but there was probably no other logistical solution. There were so many stalls, I never waited- even later into the evening an act or two before the headliner. The concert is on the grass, but the vendors were closer to the beach. A fun variety of sampling and free swag. National Geographic sponsored an exhibit, and the Storytellers stage had folks speaking about causes such as the environment. I didn't spend time there, but it could've been cool.
Food and drink:
It was expensive, but not unexpected from a festival. Wine was $12 and beer was $13. Kona sponsored the beer, and I mostly opted for the Gold Cliffs IPA can. They had their new hibiscus IPA on draft, but carrying that through crowds was less than ideal. There were only larger food items and less bites. I ended up with a hot dog one day and a slice of pizza another day, as I wasn't looking for a super filling option. Kind Bar was a sponsor and was conveniently passing out samples. They encouraged bringing reusable water bottles and had water stations; I never went thirsty nor had to pay for water.
Crowd:
Folks were mostly chill and happy. It never got packed until a few acts before the headliners. If you don't want to be front and center, it doesn't even get too crazy with the headliners and you can still get a good view. It's a zoo trying to leave but that makes sense trying to get so many people out at once. Luckily our hotel was walking distance and we didn't need to deal with post concert traffic.
Fantastic experience and I look forward to returning. Mahalo! read more