Hops and High Tides: A 3-Day Brewery Tour Through Hawaii

Hawaii’s craft beer scene is as vibrant and diverse as its landscapes. From the lush islands of the Big Island to the bustling streets of Honolulu, Hawaii’s breweries offer a unique blend of local ingredients, innovative brewing techniques, and island-inspired flavors. Here’s a closer look at Hawaii’s craft brews and breweries:

Overview of Hawaii’s Craft Beer Scene

Hawaii’s craft beer industry has grown significantly in recent years, with breweries embracing the state’s unique tropical environment to create innovative and flavorful brews. The local brewing scene is characterized by its use of exotic ingredients like tropical fruits, local honey, and Hawaiian-grown hops. The breweries themselves often reflect the laid-back, island lifestyle, providing visitors with a relaxed and enjoyable tasting experience.

Notable Breweries and Their Offerings

1. Kona Brewing Co.

• Location: Kailua-Kona, Big Island
• Overview: Founded in 1994, Kona Brewing Co. is one of Hawaii’s most well-known breweries. They are celebrated for their flagship beers like the Longboard Island Lager and Big Wave Golden Ale. Kona Brewing Co. embraces the island lifestyle, and their beers often feature tropical flavors inspired by Hawaii’s natural beauty.
• Must-Try Beers: Longboard Island Lager, Big Wave Golden Ale, and the Hanalei Island IPA.

2. Maui Brewing Co.

• Location: Kihei, Maui
• Overview: Maui Brewing Co. is a pioneer in Hawaii’s craft beer scene, known for its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. Founded in 2005, the brewery offers a range of innovative beers with tropical and island-inspired flavors. Their taproom in Kihei is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
• Must-Try Beers: Pineapple Mana Wheat, Coconut Hiwa Porter, and the Bikini Blonde Lager.

3. Honolulu Beerworks

• Location: Honolulu, Oahu
• Overview: Honolulu Beerworks, established in 2013, is known for its creative and flavorful beers that incorporate local ingredients. Located in Honolulu, the brewery’s taproom offers a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a rotating selection of beers and participate in brewery tours.
• Must-Try Beers: Lilikoi Pale Ale, Mango IPA, and the Koi Amber Ale.

4. Big Island Brewhaus

• Location: Waimea, Big Island
• Overview: Big Island Brewhaus, founded in 2011, is known for its artisanal approach to brewing and its use of local ingredients. The brewery’s beers often feature unique flavors inspired by Hawaii’s diverse ecosystem, and their taproom offers a cozy setting for tasting and relaxation.
• Must-Try Beers: Pineapple Sculpin IPA, Paniolo Pale Ale, and the Black Sand Porter.

5. Kauai Beer Company

• Location: Lihue, Kauai
• Overview: Kauai Beer Company, established in 2013, is a family-owned brewery known for its small-batch, handcrafted beers. Their beers are brewed with a focus on quality and creativity, and the brewery often incorporates local ingredients into their recipes.
• Must-Try Beers: Coconut Ale, Lihue Lager, and the Moku Brown Ale.

Unique Aspects of Hawaii’s Craft Beer Scene

Local Ingredients

• Hawaii’s breweries often incorporate unique local ingredients, such as tropical fruits (pineapples, mangoes), macadamia nuts, and Hawaiian honey. These ingredients add distinctive flavors and showcase the island’s bounty.

Tropical Flavors

• Many Hawaiian craft beers are inspired by the tropical environment, featuring refreshing and fruity notes that complement the island’s warm climate. Expect to find beers with hints of passion fruit, guava, and coconut.

Brewery Culture

• Hawaii’s breweries typically embrace a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the island lifestyle. Taprooms often feature live music, local art, and community events, creating a vibrant and social environment.

Exploring Hawaii’s Breweries

When visiting Hawaii’s breweries, consider exploring different islands to experience a variety of local flavors and brewing styles. Brewery tours and tastings provide an opportunity to learn about the brewing process, sample unique beers, and connect with the local brewing community.

Travel Tips:

• Plan Ahead: Research brewery hours, tours, and tastings before your visit, as some breweries may require reservations or have limited hours.
• Transportation: Arrange for transportation or use rideshare services to ensure a safe and enjoyable brewery experience, especially if planning to visit multiple breweries in one day.
• Local Events: Check brewery websites or social media for special events, beer releases, and community activities that might coincide with your visit.

Hawaii’s craft beer scene offers a refreshing and vibrant exploration of local flavors, innovative brewing, and island-inspired experiences. From the tropical brews of Kona and Maui to the creative offerings of Honolulu Beerworks and Kauai Beer Company, each brewery showcases a unique aspect of Hawaii’s brewing culture. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach with a crisp lager or savoring a bold porter in a cozy taproom, Hawaii’s breweries provide a delightful taste of the islands and a memorable addition to any visit to the Aloha State. Cheers to discovering the diverse and delicious world of Hawaiian craft beers!

Here’s a suggested 3-day itinerary for exploring Hawaii’s craft breweries, with a focus on different islands to give you a well-rounded experience of the state’s beer scene. This itinerary includes recommendations for breweries, local attractions, and dining options.

Day 1: Oahu – The Heart of Hawaii’s Craft Beer Scene

Morning: Arrival and Brewery Tour

• Arrival: Arrive in Honolulu, Oahu, and check into your hotel.
• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Honolulu Beerworks.
  • Location: 328 Cooke Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
  • Experience: Enjoy a tour of the brewery and taste their rotating selection of innovative beers. Be sure to try their popular Lilikoi Pale Ale and Mango IPA.

Lunch: Local Flavors

• Location: Visit The Pig and The Lady for a unique fusion of Vietnamese cuisine and local ingredients.
  • Location: 83 N King Street, Honolulu, HI 96817

Afternoon: Explore Honolulu

• Attractions: Spend the afternoon exploring Honolulu’s attractions such as the Iolani Palace, the Bishop Museum, or the beautiful beaches of Waikiki.
• Relaxation: Stroll through the vibrant streets of Honolulu or relax at a café.

Evening: Dinner and Nightlife

• Dinner: Head to a local restaurant like Alan Wong’s Honolulu for an upscale dining experience.
  • Location: 1857 S King Street, Honolulu, HI 96826
• Nightlife: Enjoy some local nightlife or visit another brewery like Maui Brewing Co. Taproom in Waikiki.

Day 2: Maui – Tropical Brews and Scenic Beauty

Morning: Fly to Maui

• Travel: Take a morning flight from Oahu to Maui (approximately 30 minutes).
• Brewery Visit: Head to Maui Brewing Co. in Kihei.
  • Location: 605 Lipoa Parkway, Kihei, HI 96753
  • Experience: Tour the brewery and sample their flagship Pineapple Mana Wheat and Coconut Hiwa Porter.

Lunch: Beachside Dining

• Location: Have lunch at a beachside spot like Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman.
  • Location: 10 Wailea Ike Drive, Wailea, HI 96753

Afternoon: Scenic Exploration

• Attractions: Explore the scenic Road to Hana or relax at one of Maui’s beautiful beaches, such as Wailea Beach or Kaanapali Beach.

Evening: Dinner and Relaxation

• Dinner: Dine at a local favorite like Mama’s Fish House for fresh seafood with an ocean view.
  • Location: 799 Poho Place, Paia, HI 96779
• Evening Activity: Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring local shops or enjoying a sunset walk on the beach.

Day 3: Big Island – Unique Brews and Natural Wonders

Morning: Fly to Big Island

• Travel: Take a morning flight from Maui to the Big Island (approximately 50 minutes).
• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Big Island Brewhaus in Waimea.
  • Location: 67-106 Kealohanui Street, Waimea, HI 96743
  • Experience: Sample their unique brews such as Pineapple Sculpin IPA and Paniolo Pale Ale.

Lunch: Local Cuisine

• Location: Enjoy lunch at the nearby Red Water Cafe in Waimea for a casual, locally-inspired meal.
  • Location: 65-1279 Kawaihae Road, Waimea, HI 96743

Afternoon: Natural Wonders

• Attractions: Explore the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or relax at one of the Big Island’s beautiful beaches, like Hapuna Beach.

Evening: Brewery and Dinner

• Brewery Visit: Head to another local favorite like Kona Brewing Co. in Kailua-Kona.
  • Location: 74-5612 Pawai Place, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
  • Experience: Enjoy a tour and sample their renowned Longboard Island Lager and Big Wave Golden Ale.
• Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant such as Kona Brewing Company’s pub for a casual meal paired with their craft beers.

Conclusion and Departure

• Relax: Enjoy a final sunset at the beach or relax at your hotel before departure.
• Travel: Depart from the Big Island with wonderful memories and a taste of Hawaii’s craft beer scene.

Additional Tips

• Plan Ahead: Check the brewery hours and book tours or tastings in advance where required.
• Transportation: Consider renting a car for flexibility in exploring the islands and visiting breweries.
• Local Events: Look out for any special brewery events or local festivals happening during your visit.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of brewery visits, local attractions, and cultural experiences across Hawaii’s diverse islands. Enjoy your craft beer adventure in paradise!