There thousands of reasons to visit the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, and craft beer is now definitely one of them! And here are four breweries that you absolutely don’t want to miss when you’re there!
Maui Brewing
When it comes to craft beer, there’s no better place to start than with Maui Brewing, one of the first and certainly one of the best craft brewing operations in the islands.
Founded over a decade ago by Garrett Marreo, along with his wife Melanie, Maui Brewing has grown over the years from a 440 barrel brewpub to the largest craft brewery in the islands.
And even though their beers are now widely distributed on the mainland, their commitment to brewing 100% “Maui Made” beer using locally sourced ingredients is un-paralleled.
Must Beer: All of Maui’s beers just taste better when you’re there but Maui Pog IPA, a tropical limited release brewed with locally grown passionfruit, orange and guava that is mind-blowingly delicious!
Big Island Brewhaus
Founded in 2011 by one of Hawaii’s most accomplished brewers Tom Kerns, along with Jayne Kerns, Big Island’s brewpub began racking up national awards for their world class beers almost immediately.
And although they began bottling and distributing their artisan brews throughout the islands in 2013 nothing beats a visit to their brewpub and restaurant located at 2.764’ over the Pacific Ocean in Waimea.
Must Beer: Beer pilgrims come in from all around the world to experience Big Island’s multi-award-winning White Mountain Porter, an exceptional 5.8% robust porter spiced with all-natural hand-toasted coconut and roasted White Mountain coffee.
Koholā Brewery
Located in the heart of historic Lahaina, Maui, and considered by many seasoned beer travelers to be Hawaii’s best kept brewing secret, Koholā Brewery uses the best traditional hops and malts combined with locally grown fruits to produce their spectacular beers.
Koholā’s Happy Hour gatherings held in the brewery’s airy tasting room (5-7 daily) can become raucous celebrations of serious island beer and are not to be missed.
Must Beers: Koholā’s Lokahi Pilsner is pretty damned essential – it was Great American Beer Fest 2016 Bronze winner in 2016 and their Pineapple Lokahi is “to die for.”
Kauai Island Brewing
The westernmost brewery in the United States, Kauai Island Brewing is a casual, retro-industrial brewpub that along with some great beer offers an astonishing view of Hanapepe Bay.
Helmed by Bret and Janice Larson, along with their head brewmaster, Dave Curry. Kauai Island usually showcases at least 10 of their unique creations daily and is THE PLACE in Hawaii for pairing designer beer with a one-of-kind tropical sunset!
Must Beer: The Fonz IPAaaaaaaaaaaaaaa is one of the brewery’s most popular India Pale Ales and for good reason. Its recipe is always changing depending on how the brewer feels on that day but whatever it becomes, it remains remarkable!