Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put Hawaii on the Map
Nestled on the verdant slopes of Mauna Kea, in the town of Waimea about an hour’s drive north of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, the Kohana Rum Company crafts its spirits in a way that honors Hawaii’s volcanic soil and tropical climate. Visitors to their distillery can tour the facility to watch the process of transforming locally grown sugarcane into signature rums, with tasting sessions that highlight subtle notes imparted by the island’s unique terroir. The surrounding ranch lands and panoramic views of Mauna Kea’s summit create a dramatic backdrop, making the visit feel as much a cultural immersion as a tasting experience. Early morning tours offer the freshest insights into the distillation process before island heat builds, ideal for engaging fully with the guides’ stories about Hawaii’s sugarcane legacy.
On Oahu’s North Shore, about 45 minutes from Honolulu, the Haleiwa Brewing Company has become a beloved stop for craft beer enthusiasts eager to sample brews inspired by the island’s coastal vibe. Their tasting room, located near the historic Haleiwa Town Center, is a lively hub where visitors can enjoy small-batch brews that often incorporate local ingredients like guava and pineapple. Beyond the brewery, exploring the nearby Waimea Bay and the famous Banzai Pipeline surf spots adds an adventurous cultural layer to the outing. The brewery’s casual setting thrives during the late afternoon when surfers and tourists alike gather, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day in the sun and surf.
On the lush island of Maui, in the upcountry town of Kula about 30 minutes south of Kahului, Maui Brewing Company’s original farm brewery stands out for integrating agriculture and brewing in a singular way. Visitors here can wander the gardens where hops and other ingredients are grown, then move indoors to the tasting room to savor beers that often feature Maui-grown elements. The brewery tour offers a glimpse into sustainable practices and the fusion of island flavors with traditional craft brewing methods. The vantage point from their taproom encompasses sweeping views of the island’s central valley, especially striking during the golden light of late afternoon, making it a sensory experience that blends taste with place.
Moving to Kauai, the island’s oldest craft brewery, Kauai Island Brewing Company, operates near Lihue, about 10 minutes east of the city center. This brewery captures the spirit of the Garden Isle with beers that balance tropical fruitiness and hoppy freshness. The indoor-outdoor tasting area is surrounded by verdant landscaping that echoes the island’s lush surroundings. Visitors can combine a tour with a visit to the nearby Wailua River State Park to experience Kauai’s famed natural beauty, from waterfalls to fern grottoes. Early morning visits to the park followed by an afternoon tasting allow travelers to experience two of the island’s defining elements: its emerald landscapes and its blossoming craft beer scene.
On the island of Lanai, a less-visited gem about a 45-minute ferry ride from Maui’s Lahaina harbor, the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center incorporates a small but notable presentation on the island’s agricultural history, including pineapple and coffee cultivation, which relates directly to the flavors emerging in local craft beverages. While the island doesn’t yet have a sprawling brewery or distillery scene, the center hosts events and tastings that showcase the evolving craft beverage culture, often highlighting rare, small-batch spirits made on-island. The center’s exhibits and tasting events provide a rare chance to connect deeply with the agricultural roots that influence Hawaii’s liquid artistry, best experienced on clear days when the surrounding ocean views stretch endlessly.
On the windward coast of Oahu, in Kailua about 30 minutes from Honolulu, Lanikai Brewing Company offers a laid-back neighborhood spot where craft beer meets community spirit. The brewery’s small-batch styles often feature tropical twists with local fruits and a nod to traditional Hawaiian flavors. Visitors can enjoy their brews before heading out to explore the nearby Lanikai Pillbox Hike, a short but moderately steep trail offering panoramic views of the Mokulua Islands and Kailua Bay. The combination of the brewery’s welcoming atmosphere and the trail’s scenic reward makes for a perfect half-day excursion, especially mid-morning to early afternoon when the light is best for photos and the brewery is lively but not crowded.
Finally, the MauiWine estate in Ulupalakua, about 30 minutes south of Kahului on Maui’s southern slopes, offers a distinct take on Hawaii’s burgeoning wine scene. Surrounded by rolling hills and expansive vineyards, visitors can tour the tasting room nestled within an old pineapple plantation, sampling wines that highlight Maui’s volcanic soil and subtropical climate. The estate is known for its handcrafted pineapple wine, a true island specialty. Guests can stroll through the vineyards and historic buildings, learning about the island’s agricultural transformation from sugarcane to diverse crops. Sunset visits here are particularly magical, as the fading light casts warm hues over the vines and the distant ocean, weaving together the island’s natural beauty with its artisanal craft.
Together, these places illustrate how Hawaii’s craft beverage scene goes beyond mere production—it is deeply intertwined with the islands’ landscapes, histories, and local flavors. From the volcanic slopes of the Big Island to the tropical coasts of Oahu and the hidden charm of Lanai, each destination gives visitors a chance to taste and toast the unique elements that put Hawaii on the map in the world of craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries.