Cheers to the breweries and distilleries that make the Hawaiian Islands so unique! — Photo courtesy of Jenny Sathngam
Hawaii might be well-known for beautiful beaches, big waves and Mai Tais, but the unsung hero of the islands is the network of breweries and distilleries cropping up across the 50th state.
From the first Hawaiian craft brewery to Hawaii’s first canned cocktail, the makers behind these tropical libations agree – sourcing locally when possible is what makes their products so unique.
While enjoying this sun-soaked destination, consider dropping in at one of these ten breweries and distilleries in Hawaii for tours, samples and a true taste of the islands.
Honolulu Beerworks
You can’t go wrong with anything in this stack — Photo courtesy of Honolulu Beerworks
When Geoff and Charmayne Seideman decided to open a brewery, they knew they wanted to create a neighborhood brewpub where locally sourced ingredients were fused with unique imported ingredients, and they wanted to make sure the barrel-aging process was used. In 2014, Honolulu Beerworks was born.
This open-air brewery with communal seating in the Kaka’ako neighborhood of Oahu features over 14 brews on tap ranging from a rich South Shore stout to a Belgian-style Pia Mahi ‘Ai Honey Citrus saison. Don’t leave without grabbing a taste of Pussy Grabs Back, a citrusy blend whose proceeds benefit Pink Boots Society, a non-profit which supports women working in the brewing profession.
Island Distillers
If Hawaii had a taste, it might be this coconut vodka — Photo courtesy of Kait Hanson
Dave Flintstone believed that tropically-inspired beverages could be made in the Hawaiian Islands, thanks to an abundance of natural resources and a temperate climate. After studying cane sugar alcohol in the Caribbean, Flintstone returned to Hawaii and Island Distillers became a reality.
A hidden, albeit bright turquoise, gem tucked behind looming Koko Head Crater on Oahu, Island Distillers features a full tasting room, in addition to their distilling complex, where guests can sample their trademark vodkas – coconut, hibiscus and Hawaiian chili pepper.
Maui Brewing Company
A little Bikini Blonde anyone? — Photo courtesy of Maui Brewing Company
Hawaii’s largest craft brewery, Maui Brewing Company manages an indoor/outdoor tasting room at their Kihei headquarters. Visitors can purchase samplers, flights and full pours of Maui-made brews and island-crafted Kupu Spirits cocktails – the first ready-to-drink canned cocktail produced in Hawaii.
Brewery tours are also offered daily from the Kihei Tasting Room. These 45-minute guided tours offer a look at the brewhouse, cellar and packaging line, ending with a tasting of their flagship beers. Daily tours (complete with samples) are offered for just $15.
Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery
An aerial view of Hawaii Sea Spirits’ organic farm in Kula, Maui — Photo courtesy of Hawaii Sea Spirits
When Shay Smith returned home from college and studying abroad, he wanted to create a premium product made in Hawaii and shared around the world. From that vision, Ocean Organic Vodka was formed.
Today, Hawaii Sea Spirits sits on an 80-acre organic farm in Upcountry Maui on the slopes of Haleakala and is the home of Ocean Organic Vodka. Over 30 species of Polynesian sugar cane are grown organically (GMO and gluten-free) and then blended with deep ocean mineral water, a resource drawn from 3,000 feet below the Kona coast.
Kona Brewing Company
An entire bucket of liquid aloha — Photo courtesy of Jenny Sathngam
Kona Brewing Company was started in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island in the spring of 1994 by a father-and-son duo, Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa, who had a dream to create fresh, local island brews made with spirit and passion. Fast-forward to today and Kona Brewing is Hawaii’s longest-running craft brewery, celebrating 25 years of production.
Sold in all 50 states, Kona Brewing is best known for the top-selling flagship beers Big Wave golden ale and Longboard Island lager, as well as innovative small-batch beers brewed exclusively on and for the islands.
Aloha Beer Company
Serving up some serious aloha — Photo courtesy of Courtney Cooper of Sangria Photography
The vision and concept for Aloha Beer Company is driven by co-owner and brewmaster, Dave Campbell. Born and raised on Oahu, Campbell brewed small batches in his carport as a teenager and opened Hawaii’s first home brew supply shop in the nineties.
Today, Aloha Beer Company sits on Queen Street in Honolulu and boasts a 2,500-barrel annual output of flagship brews like Aloha Blonde and Waimanalo Farmhouse.
Kōloa Rum
This Kauai-made line-up is a can’t miss — Photo courtesy of Koloa Rum
Building on the agricultural legacy of Hawaiian cane sugar, award-winning Kōloa Rum is distilled using only the finest local ingredients. Pure mountain rainwater and cane sugar come together to produce single-batch rums with remarkably rich flavors and smoothness that capture the essence of the Garden Isle in a delicious range of premium rum products.
Visitors can taste rums from the collection and enjoy the legendary spirit of a bygone era at the Kōloa Rum Tasting Room, located at the historic Kilohana Plantation in Lihue. Tastings are complimentary and are offered daily every half-hour beginning at 10:30 am.
Kauai Beer Company
Kauai Beer Company – where beer leads the way! — Photo courtesy of Kauai Beer Company
Opened in the fall of 2013, Kauai Beer Company is a neighborhood microbrewery that produces artisan batches of craft beer served in an atmosphere designed to feel like you’re in your best friend’s living room.
Family-owned and operated, the brewpub, located in Lihue, serves up small plates and pub fare alongside household brews like Lihue lager, a blend of traditional and tropical flavors, and the more complex, light-bodied Black Limousine, the first beer brewed by Kauai Beer Company.
Home of the Brave Brewing
Don’t miss Honolulu’s “Best Kept Secret” — Photo courtesy of Home of the Brave Brewing
Transport to a simpler time at the Tomlinson family’s Home of the Brave Brewing and Brewseum tucked into the trendy Kaka’ako neighborhood on Oahu. What started as a small concept, Home of the Brave has become a USO-style brewpub, speakeasy and WWII museum to remember and honor the United States Military, as well as serve troops and patriotic Americans.
Their signature Pilot pale ale, a light citrus brew, was crafted for the first time in 2009 and Remember Pearl Harbor dark lager was released on the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Big Island Brewhaus
A brew worthy of applause — Photo courtesy of Big Island Brewhaus
Owned and operated by Thomas Kerns, who began home brewing in 1988, Big Island Brewhaus is located at 2,764 feet above the sea overlooking Waimea. Opened in March 2011, six months later they took home the gold medal at the U.S. Open Beer Championships for Overboard IPA.
Don’t leave without sampling the Coconut Creme ale, which pairs nicely with the spicy fish bites from the bar menu.