Best 15 Breweries in Hawaii: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Destinations in the Aloha State

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and delicious food, but it is also home to some of the best breweries in the world. With a growing craft beer scene, visitors and locals alike can enjoy a variety of unique, locally-made beers that showcase the flavors of the islands.

From Kona Brewing Company, which is best known for its Hawaiian-inspired beers brewed with ingredients like Kona coffee and passionfruit, to new breweries like Lokahi Brewing Co. and Mahalo Aleworks, Hawaii has something for every beer lover. In addition to traditional beer styles, many breweries in Hawaii experiment with local flavors like pineapple, coconut, and hibiscus to create truly unique and delicious brews. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs or smooth stouts, you’re sure to find a beer that suits your taste buds in Hawaii.

The Rise of Breweries in Hawaii

Hawaii’s craft beer scene has been on the rise in recent years, with new breweries popping up all over the islands. In 2022, there were already over 30 breweries in Hawaii, and the number has only continued to grow since then.

One of the reasons for the increase in breweries is the growing demand for craft beer in Hawaii. As more people become interested in trying new and unique beers, breweries have responded by producing a wide variety of styles and flavors. From IPAs to stouts to sours, there is something for every beer lover in Hawaii.

Another factor contributing to the rise of breweries in Hawaii is the abundance of local ingredients. Many breweries in Hawaii use locally sourced hops, fruits, and other ingredients to create beers that are uniquely Hawaiian. This not only helps to support local farmers and businesses, but it also gives beer drinkers a taste of the islands.

In addition to producing great beer, many breweries in Hawaii also offer a unique atmosphere for visitors. From outdoor seating areas with ocean views to cozy taprooms with live music, there is no shortage of places to enjoy a cold beer in Hawaii.

Top Breweries in Hawaii

Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches and tropical weather, but it’s also home to some of the best breweries in the country. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a refreshing drink, Hawaii’s breweries have something for everyone. Here are some of the top breweries in Hawaii:

Maui Brewing Co

Maui Brewing Co. is one of the largest breweries in Hawaii. They offer a wide variety of beers, including their popular Bikini Blonde Lager and Coconut Hiwa Porter. The brewery has two locations on Maui, one in Kihei and one in Lahaina.

Website: https://mauibrewingco.com/

Address: 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753, United States

Kona Brewing Co

Kona Brewing Co. is located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Longboard Island Lager and Big Wave Golden Ale. They also have a brewpub in Honolulu.

Website: https://konabrewinghawaii.com/

Address: 74-5612 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States

Big Island Brewhaus

Big Island Brewhaus is located in Waimea on the Big Island. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Overboard IPA and White Mountain Porter. They also have a restaurant that serves locally sourced food.

Website: https://bigislandbrewhaus.com/

Address: 64-1066 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA

Honolulu Beerworks

Honolulu Beerworks is located in Kakaako in Honolulu. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular CocoWeizen and Pia Mahi’ai Honey Citrus Saison. They also have a restaurant that serves pub fare.

Website: https://www.honolulubeerworks.com/

Address: 328 Cooke St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA

Aloha Beer Co

Aloha Beer Co. is located in Kakaako in Honolulu. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Aloha Lager and Hop Lei IPA. They also have a restaurant that serves Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.

Website: https://alohabeer.com/

Address: 700 Queen St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States

Lanikai Brewing

Lanikai Brewing is located in Kailua on Oahu. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Pillbox Porter and Moku Imperial IPA. They also have a taproom that serves pizza and other snacks.

Website: https://www.lanikaibrewing.com/

Address: 167 Hamakua Dr, Kailua, HI 96734, USA

Kauai Beer Company

Kauai Beer Company is located in Lihue on Kauai. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Lihue Lager and Black Limousine Stout. They also have a restaurant that serves pub fare.

Website: https://www.kauaibeer.com/

Address: 4265 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA

Waikiki Brewing Co

Waikiki Brewing Co. is located in Honolulu. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Hana Hou Hefe and Black Strap Molasses Porter. They also have a brewpub that serves pub fare.

Website: https://www.waikikibrewing.com/

Address: 1945 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

Hana Koa Brewing Co

Hana Koa Brewing Co. is located in Waipio on the Big Island. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Hana Koa Pale Ale and Kona Coffee Stout. They also have a restaurant that serves locally sourced food.

Website: https://www.hanakoabrewing.com/

Address: 962 Kawaiaha‘o St, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA

Ola Brew Co

Ola Brew Co is located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Hanalei Sour and Hazy IPA. They also have a taproom that serves pizza and other snacks.

Website: https://www.olabrewco.com/

Address: 74-5598 Luhia St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

Beer Lab Hi

Beer Lab Hi is located in Honolulu. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Hazy IPA and Belgian Dubbel. They also have a restaurant that serves pub fare.

Website: https://www.beerlabhi.com/

Address: 1010 University Ave, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA

Lokahi Brewing Co

Lokahi Brewing Co. is located in Hilo on the Big Island. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Hilo Bay IPA and Coconut Porter. They also have a taproom that serves pizza and other snacks.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/lokahibrewing/

Address: 1160 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA

Mahalo Aleworks

Mahalo Aleworks is located in Waimea on the Big Island. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Mahalo Lager and Paniolo Pale Ale. They also have a taproom that serves pub fare.

Website: https://www.mahaloaleworks.com/

Address: 30 Kupaoa St #101, Pukalani, HI 96768, USA

Broken Boundary Brewery

Broken Boundary Brewery is located in Kaneohe on Oahu. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Hazy IPA and Chocolate Porter. They also have a taproom that serves pub fare.

Website: https://kalihibeer.com/

Address: 740 Moowaa St Suite A, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA

Kauai Island Brewery & Grill

Kauai Island Brewery & Grill is located in Port Allen on Kauai. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Hula Hefeweizen and Black Limousine Stout. They also have a restaurant that serves pub fare.

These are just some of the top breweries in Hawaii. Each brewery offers a unique experience and a variety of beers to choose from. Whether you’re on Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or the Big Island, you’re sure to find a great brewery to visit.

Website: https://kauaiislandbrewing.com/

Address: 4350 Waialo Rd, Eleele, HI 96705, USA

Signature Beers

Hawaii is home to some of the best breweries in the world, and each one has its own signature beers. In this section, we will highlight some of the most popular signature beers from the best breweries in Hawaii.

Pillbox Porter

Pillbox Porter is a dark, rich, and smooth beer that is brewed by the Kona Brewing Company. This beer is made with roasted barley, chocolate malt, and a blend of hops that give it a unique flavor. It has a slightly bitter taste and a creamy finish that makes it perfect for those who love dark beers.

Overboard IPA

Overboard IPA is a hoppy beer that is brewed by the Maui Brewing Company. This beer is made with a blend of hops that give it a strong and bitter taste. It has a citrusy aroma and a crisp finish that makes it perfect for those who love hoppy beers.

Big Wave Golden Ale

Big Wave Golden Ale is a light and refreshing beer that is brewed by the Kona Brewing Company. This beer is made with a blend of hops and malt that give it a smooth and crisp taste. It has a slightly sweet aroma and a clean finish that makes it perfect for those who love light beers.

Longboard Island Lager

Longboard Island Lager is a light and refreshing beer that is brewed by the Kona Brewing Company. This beer is made with a blend of hops and malt that give it a smooth and crisp taste. It has a slightly sweet aroma and a clean finish that makes it perfect for those who love light beers.

Lihue Lager

Lihue Lager is a light and refreshing beer that is brewed by the Kauai Island Brewery & Grill. This beer is made with a blend of hops and malt that give it a smooth and crisp taste. It has a slightly sweet aroma and a clean finish that makes it perfect for those who love light beers.

Hop Island IPA

Hop Island IPA is a hoppy beer that is brewed by the Kauai Island Brewery & Grill. This beer is made with a blend of hops that give it a strong and bitter taste. It has a citrusy aroma and a crisp finish that makes it perfect for those who love hoppy beers.

Route 70 Saison

Route 70 Saison is a light and refreshing beer that is brewed by the Lanikai Brewing Company. This beer is made with a blend of hops and malt that give it a smooth and crisp taste. It has a slightly sweet aroma and a clean finish that makes it perfect for those who love light beers.

Pea Blossom Neipa

Pea Blossom Neipa is a hoppy beer that is brewed by the Lanikai Brewing Company. This beer is made with a blend of hops that give it a strong and bitter taste. It has a citrusy aroma and a crisp finish that makes it perfect for those who love hoppy beers.

Brewery Experiences

Visiting a brewery in Hawaii is an experience that beer lovers should not miss. From small, family-run operations to larger-scale production breweries, there is something for everyone. Here are some aspects of the brewery experience to keep in mind:

Brewery Tours

Many breweries in Hawaii offer tours of their facilities. These tours can be a great way to learn about the brewing process and the history of the brewery. Visitors can often see the equipment used to make the beer and learn about the ingredients that go into each brew. Some breweries may also offer tastings as part of their tour.

Brewery Experience

The experience of visiting a brewery can vary widely depending on the brewery. Some breweries have a laid-back, casual atmosphere, while others may be more formal and structured. Visitors should keep in mind that breweries can get busy, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and arrive early.

Staff

The staff at breweries in Hawaii are often knowledgeable about beer and the brewing process. They can answer questions and provide recommendations for visitors who are new to the brewery or to craft beer in general. Visitors should feel free to ask the staff for recommendations or for more information about the brewery’s beers.

Website

Many breweries in Hawaii have websites that provide information about their beers, events, and other offerings. Visitors can often find information about brewery tours, hours of operation, and upcoming events on the brewery’s website. Some breweries may also offer online ordering for their beers or merchandise.

Food at the Breweries

When it comes to enjoying a cold beer, it’s always great to have some delicious food to go along with it. Luckily, many of Hawaii’s best breweries have got you covered, offering a variety of tasty options to satisfy any craving.

Pizza

Pizza is a classic choice that pairs perfectly with beer, and many breweries in Hawaii offer their own unique take on this beloved dish. For example, Waikiki Brewing Company serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients. At Honolulu Beerworks, you can try their signature “Piggy Smalls” pizza, topped with slow-roasted pork, bacon, and pineapple.

Brisket

For those who love meat, brisket is a must-try option at many of Hawaii’s breweries. At Kohola Brewery in Lahaina, you can enjoy their mouth-watering smoked brisket, served with a side of macaroni salad and rice. At Aloha Beer Company in Honolulu, you can try their “Brisket Dip” sandwich, featuring slow-roasted brisket, Swiss cheese, and horseradish mayo on a hoagie roll.

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Another popular meat option at Hawaii’s breweries is pulled pork, which can be found in various forms on many menus. At Kona Brewing Company in Kailua-Kona, you can try their “Hawaiian Pork Sliders,” featuring slow-roasted Kalua pork, pineapple slaw, and a sweet chili glaze. Over at Maui Brewing Company in Kihei, you can enjoy their “Pulled Pork Sammy,” served with garlic aioli, pickled onions, and arugula.

Chicken Tenders

For those who prefer something a bit lighter, chicken tenders are always a great option. At Big Island Brewhaus in Waimea, you can try their “Katsu Chicken Tenders,” featuring panko-crusted chicken tenders served with a side of honey mustard. At Lanikai Brewing Company in Kailua, you can enjoy their “Korean Fried Chicken,” featuring crispy chicken tenders coated in a spicy gochujang sauce.