Hanalei Island IPA
Kona Brewing Co.
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- IPA - American
Ranked #6,940 - ABV:
- 4.5%
- Score:
- 82
Ranked #44,665 - Avg:
- 3.61 | pDev: 12.19%
- Reviews:
- 124
- Ratings:
- From:
- Kona Brewing Co.
- Hawaii, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 8
- Gots
- 126
SCORE
82
Good
82
Good
Notes:
This easy-drinking island-inspired IPA is Kona Brewing Co.’s homage to Kauai, “the most beautiful place on earth.” Passionfruit, orange and guava balance the subtle bitterness of aromatic Azacca and Galaxy hops to deliver a coppery laidback, session-style ale bright with tropical flavors.
Reviews: 124
| Ratings: 400
| Log in to view all ratings and sort
JayQue from Virginia
3.02/5 rDev -16.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Not really an IPA. Really deficient in all aspects. Picked up a bottle at Total Wine. I got one of those USA map bottle cap cutouts for Christmas. Went to Total Wine to get some bottles from various states. I have had some Kona beers before and remember them as pretty good. This one doesn't make it!!!! Pours an almost clear gold color. Tiny fizzy head that fades fast. There was some foamy lacing on the glass. Lacing lasted longer than the head. Aroma featured mild grassy hops and a very slight fruity aroma, mostly orange. Flavor was weak as well, a bit of grassy hops and a slight citrus flavor. Mouthfeel is thin, very little bitterness. All in all this is a lawnmower beer. Tastes more like an adjunct lager than an American IPA.
Mar 14, 2021
3.02/5 rDev -16.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Not really an IPA. Really deficient in all aspects. Picked up a bottle at Total Wine. I got one of those USA map bottle cap cutouts for Christmas. Went to Total Wine to get some bottles from various states. I have had some Kona beers before and remember them as pretty good. This one doesn't make it!!!! Pours an almost clear gold color. Tiny fizzy head that fades fast. There was some foamy lacing on the glass. Lacing lasted longer than the head. Aroma featured mild grassy hops and a very slight fruity aroma, mostly orange. Flavor was weak as well, a bit of grassy hops and a slight citrus flavor. Mouthfeel is thin, very little bitterness. All in all this is a lawnmower beer. Tastes more like an adjunct lager than an American IPA.
Mar 14, 2021
Shiredave from New York
3.03/5 rDev -16.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Cool bottle - islands and Liquid Aloha embossed. That may be the nicest thing I have to say here.
Bottled in NH on 4-23-20. Brewed with passionfruit, orange and guava w/ natural flavor added. (Ewwwwww)
Pretty yellow amber beer with a scant, wispy head and a speck or 2 of lace cling. No retention, low carbonation and tiny suspended flotsum throughout.
Big guava nose, a swirl brings some passionfruit and herbal hops forward. Spritzy, clean and fruity.
The flavor is almost non existent. The only sensation other than cool liquid is dryness. Like a desert dry. Some faint fruit flavors which may or may not be from the actual fruit or the "natural flavor" that was added.
No sweetness or malt character to balance the over fermented puckery dry.
Finish is watery and astringent.
At 4.5%, with fruit and no malt balance it's a travesty to call this an IPA just to lure the unsuspecting. Shame on you all.
Jan 24, 2021
3.03/5 rDev -16.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Cool bottle - islands and Liquid Aloha embossed. That may be the nicest thing I have to say here.
Bottled in NH on 4-23-20. Brewed with passionfruit, orange and guava w/ natural flavor added. (Ewwwwww)
Pretty yellow amber beer with a scant, wispy head and a speck or 2 of lace cling. No retention, low carbonation and tiny suspended flotsum throughout.
Big guava nose, a swirl brings some passionfruit and herbal hops forward. Spritzy, clean and fruity.
The flavor is almost non existent. The only sensation other than cool liquid is dryness. Like a desert dry. Some faint fruit flavors which may or may not be from the actual fruit or the "natural flavor" that was added.
No sweetness or malt character to balance the over fermented puckery dry.
Finish is watery and astringent.
At 4.5%, with fruit and no malt balance it's a travesty to call this an IPA just to lure the unsuspecting. Shame on you all.
Jan 24, 2021
IPAs_for_days_13 from Texas
2.38/5 rDev -34.1%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
L: Pours a yellow color with very faint orange hues, thin white head. Almost looks like a pilsner.
S: Smells very fruity upfront, papaya, guava, citrus, etc... Very small amount of hoppy aroma.
T: Taste certainly follows the nose, has a bitter finish, but not the one you like from hops.
F: Medium-bodied, high carbonation, thin feel to it.
O: I respect what they were going for here, but this doesn't even remotely resemble an IPA to me.
Dec 06, 2020
2.38/5 rDev -34.1%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
L: Pours a yellow color with very faint orange hues, thin white head. Almost looks like a pilsner.
S: Smells very fruity upfront, papaya, guava, citrus, etc... Very small amount of hoppy aroma.
T: Taste certainly follows the nose, has a bitter finish, but not the one you like from hops.
F: Medium-bodied, high carbonation, thin feel to it.
O: I respect what they were going for here, but this doesn't even remotely resemble an IPA to me.
Dec 06, 2020
Parmesan from Colorado
3.11/5 rDev -13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
L:. Pours a pale straw yellow with hints of orange and a large foamy white head and some nice fingers of lacing.
S:. Some sweet orange candy, notes of grapefruit, some tropical fruit, overall aroma is a little light.
T:. Very strong herbal bitterness, a bit of lemon and tropical fruit, the taste really isn't what I expect from a "island IPA"
F: Smooth carb, medium body.
O:. This isn't a very exciting IPA.
Nov 13, 2020
3.11/5 rDev -13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
L:. Pours a pale straw yellow with hints of orange and a large foamy white head and some nice fingers of lacing.
S:. Some sweet orange candy, notes of grapefruit, some tropical fruit, overall aroma is a little light.
T:. Very strong herbal bitterness, a bit of lemon and tropical fruit, the taste really isn't what I expect from a "island IPA"
F: Smooth carb, medium body.
O:. This isn't a very exciting IPA.
Nov 13, 2020
qrazvan from Romania
3.76/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A great, refreshing pale ale, perfect for hot summer days, with clear orange coloir and herbal/ flowery smell. Bit sour-bitter feel, with bunch of summer fruits: peaches, passion fruit, pineapple, oranges. Nice.
Aug 04, 2020
3.76/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A great, refreshing pale ale, perfect for hot summer days, with clear orange coloir and herbal/ flowery smell. Bit sour-bitter feel, with bunch of summer fruits: peaches, passion fruit, pineapple, oranges. Nice.
Aug 04, 2020
thehyperduck from Canada (ON)
3.9/5 rDev +8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
355 mL bottle from a sixer purchased at the LCBO; best before Apr 10 2021 and served slightly chilled.
Pours clear; its golden amber-hued body is initially crowned with one finger of frothy, soapy white head, but this recedes within a few minutes' time, leaving behind a tight collar and a scant spattering of lace. It smells fruity and a little juicy - the orange and guava are immediately evident on the nose, accompanied by notes of mango, pineapple, passion fruit and apricot. Perhaps a faint hint of grainy pale malts; no complaints so far.
Tasty, and pretty flavourful for a light beer - the fruit does most of the heavy lifting here, with orange, passion fruit and guava each coming through clearly. There's also a subtle backing of grainy pale malt sweetness, with notes of stone fruit and pineapple by the midpoint of the sip; it concludes with more guava and citrus, followed by a pithy, weakly bitter aftertaste that doesn't linger. Light in body, with assertive carbonation that prickles the palate continuously, remaining lively and crisp well into the glass. A very quaffable ale that maintains good balance between its fruity additions and its hop flavour.
Final Grade: 3.9, a B+. By IPA standards, Kona's Hanalei Island is not the most compelling brew I've ever consumed... but on a sweltering hot summer day, where refreshment tends to be the most important consideration, I'd be much more inclined to reach for this light, fruity pale ale vs. a more orthodox (i.e. bitter, stronger) IPA. Hopefully this will remain available in Ontario for at least the next few months - as with most imported American craft brews, it's a little pricey, but it's also an undoubtedly fine thirst-quencher for the beach, backyard, etc.
Jul 07, 2020
3.9/5 rDev +8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
355 mL bottle from a sixer purchased at the LCBO; best before Apr 10 2021 and served slightly chilled.
Pours clear; its golden amber-hued body is initially crowned with one finger of frothy, soapy white head, but this recedes within a few minutes' time, leaving behind a tight collar and a scant spattering of lace. It smells fruity and a little juicy - the orange and guava are immediately evident on the nose, accompanied by notes of mango, pineapple, passion fruit and apricot. Perhaps a faint hint of grainy pale malts; no complaints so far.
Tasty, and pretty flavourful for a light beer - the fruit does most of the heavy lifting here, with orange, passion fruit and guava each coming through clearly. There's also a subtle backing of grainy pale malt sweetness, with notes of stone fruit and pineapple by the midpoint of the sip; it concludes with more guava and citrus, followed by a pithy, weakly bitter aftertaste that doesn't linger. Light in body, with assertive carbonation that prickles the palate continuously, remaining lively and crisp well into the glass. A very quaffable ale that maintains good balance between its fruity additions and its hop flavour.
Final Grade: 3.9, a B+. By IPA standards, Kona's Hanalei Island is not the most compelling brew I've ever consumed... but on a sweltering hot summer day, where refreshment tends to be the most important consideration, I'd be much more inclined to reach for this light, fruity pale ale vs. a more orthodox (i.e. bitter, stronger) IPA. Hopefully this will remain available in Ontario for at least the next few months - as with most imported American craft brews, it's a little pricey, but it's also an undoubtedly fine thirst-quencher for the beach, backyard, etc.
Jul 07, 2020
Profundobaso from New York
3.7/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Look - poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass. Light amber in color, transparent, and big frothy head with plenty of lacing.
Smell - Strong tropical flavors, dominated by passion fruit, guava, and some citrus. very inviting
Taste - light in flavor, both malts and hoppiness. slightly hop forward, with a strong fruity finish.
Feel - medium bodied (though on the light side), highly carbonated, and sessionable beer at 4.5% ABV.
Overall - despite the light flavor, i actually like this beer quite a bit. the fruitiness, especially from the passion fruit, adds a nice touch without being too sweet. a light but enjoyable brew.
Jun 15, 2020
3.7/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Look - poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass. Light amber in color, transparent, and big frothy head with plenty of lacing.
Smell - Strong tropical flavors, dominated by passion fruit, guava, and some citrus. very inviting
Taste - light in flavor, both malts and hoppiness. slightly hop forward, with a strong fruity finish.
Feel - medium bodied (though on the light side), highly carbonated, and sessionable beer at 4.5% ABV.
Overall - despite the light flavor, i actually like this beer quite a bit. the fruitiness, especially from the passion fruit, adds a nice touch without being too sweet. a light but enjoyable brew.
Jun 15, 2020
Jugs_McGhee from Oklahoma
3.11/5 rDev -13.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
BOTTLE: Runs something like $8.99 USD per sixer at beer stores in Colorado.
"Ale brewed with passionfruit, orange, and guava with natural flavor added." "Island IPA." 4.5% ABV.
Coming in at a scant 4.5% ABV, this ostensible IPA is actually more rightly regarded as a pale ale, and even then its fruit additions - which border on artificial but aren't altogether unpleasant - eclipses its hops.
Passionfruit puree, orange and guava extract...it's terpene-heavy with mild hop bitterness and fruity hop character, but one can't separate the intermingling fruity notes from each other. Pleasant albeit not entirely genuine...it's an enjoyable and drinkable pale ale dressed up as an IPA for marketing success.
Passionfruit is more prominent in the mix than the orange or the guava. Not a pulpy or acidic-ly citrusy beer. It's balanced enough, but the artifice of the fruit fakery does stick out the more I drink it.
Medium-bodied but somewhat refreshing. Mildly overcarbonated. A bit oily. Smooth.
I wouldn't buy another sixer, but it'd be hard not to enjoy the rest of the one I've got. I hold a more favorable opinion of Kona Brewing than many seem to, but this isn't amongst my favourites of their lineup.
C+ / ABOVE AVERAGE
***
04/13/20:
The fruit emphasis is pleasant at first but the reason we buy beers in this style is hop flavour.
C+ / ABOVE AVERAGE
Apr 11, 2020
3.11/5 rDev -13.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
BOTTLE: Runs something like $8.99 USD per sixer at beer stores in Colorado.
"Ale brewed with passionfruit, orange, and guava with natural flavor added." "Island IPA." 4.5% ABV.
Coming in at a scant 4.5% ABV, this ostensible IPA is actually more rightly regarded as a pale ale, and even then its fruit additions - which border on artificial but aren't altogether unpleasant - eclipses its hops.
Passionfruit puree, orange and guava extract...it's terpene-heavy with mild hop bitterness and fruity hop character, but one can't separate the intermingling fruity notes from each other. Pleasant albeit not entirely genuine...it's an enjoyable and drinkable pale ale dressed up as an IPA for marketing success.
Passionfruit is more prominent in the mix than the orange or the guava. Not a pulpy or acidic-ly citrusy beer. It's balanced enough, but the artifice of the fruit fakery does stick out the more I drink it.
Medium-bodied but somewhat refreshing. Mildly overcarbonated. A bit oily. Smooth.
I wouldn't buy another sixer, but it'd be hard not to enjoy the rest of the one I've got. I hold a more favorable opinion of Kona Brewing than many seem to, but this isn't amongst my favourites of their lineup.
C+ / ABOVE AVERAGE
***
04/13/20:
The fruit emphasis is pleasant at first but the reason we buy beers in this style is hop flavour.
C+ / ABOVE AVERAGE
Apr 11, 2020
hman43 from North Carolina
3.42/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Look: It pours clear and golden with a white head. Head retention is low.
Smell: There are some fruit aromas of guava and passion fruit. There is a musty and grassy note. Orange is also more noticeable as the beer warms.
Taste: It has an orange and guava flavor. There are some grainy and musty elements in the background.
Feel: It is highly carbonated with a medium light body.
Overall, the musty elements through off some of the flavors.
Mar 27, 2020
3.42/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Look: It pours clear and golden with a white head. Head retention is low.
Smell: There are some fruit aromas of guava and passion fruit. There is a musty and grassy note. Orange is also more noticeable as the beer warms.
Taste: It has an orange and guava flavor. There are some grainy and musty elements in the background.
Feel: It is highly carbonated with a medium light body.
Overall, the musty elements through off some of the flavors.
Mar 27, 2020
Limazulu from Idaho
3.81/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Tastes like that essential Hawaiian refreshing beverage, POG (passionfruit, orange, guava). This is one of the more refreshing beers on a hot summer day.
Jan 04, 2020
3.81/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Tastes like that essential Hawaiian refreshing beverage, POG (passionfruit, orange, guava). This is one of the more refreshing beers on a hot summer day.
Jan 04, 2020
BeerAndGasMasks from Virginia
3.78/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
From the big bottle, it pours a clear amber with modest head that leaves lacing. In the nose, citrus is evident. In the mouth, a soft feel envelops the tongue and is accompanied by a malt, but lightly citrus tang. Nice!
Could Island IPA be a new style? Hmmm...
Nov 02, 2019
3.78/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
From the big bottle, it pours a clear amber with modest head that leaves lacing. In the nose, citrus is evident. In the mouth, a soft feel envelops the tongue and is accompanied by a malt, but lightly citrus tang. Nice!
Could Island IPA be a new style? Hmmm...
Nov 02, 2019
WYeates from North Carolina
4.11/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5
Pours to an amber color with a mild head. Aroma is of papaya fruit. Has a fruity taste with a slightly bitter and wet finish. Definitely a solid offering by Kona, while it would be better with an increased fruit profile it is one of my favorite IPAs.
Oct 27, 2019
4.11/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5
Pours to an amber color with a mild head. Aroma is of papaya fruit. Has a fruity taste with a slightly bitter and wet finish. Definitely a solid offering by Kona, while it would be better with an increased fruit profile it is one of my favorite IPAs.
Oct 27, 2019
bir_noob
3.17/5 rDev -12.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Pours a hazy, orange color with a light, medium head. Smells heavy of citrus peels, mango, and subtly of sweet grains. First gulp down hits with a citrusy wash over the tongue with hints of other tropical fruits such as guava and mango, followed by some floral bitterness. As I kept drinking, a light tinny flavor came through. A pretty watery mouthfeel with little to report back on. Aftertaste of bread and bitterness lingers for some time before being overcome with grapefruit peels. My first IPA ever and I can say that it's ok. Definitely refreshing and makes me curious about other beers of this style.
Oct 24, 2019
3.17/5 rDev -12.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Pours a hazy, orange color with a light, medium head. Smells heavy of citrus peels, mango, and subtly of sweet grains. First gulp down hits with a citrusy wash over the tongue with hints of other tropical fruits such as guava and mango, followed by some floral bitterness. As I kept drinking, a light tinny flavor came through. A pretty watery mouthfeel with little to report back on. Aftertaste of bread and bitterness lingers for some time before being overcome with grapefruit peels. My first IPA ever and I can say that it's ok. Definitely refreshing and makes me curious about other beers of this style.
Oct 24, 2019
spectru from Florida
3.75/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Clear amber, thin white head, retains a skim for awhile, somewhat lacy; A nice aroma, not strong, but hints at something good; the flavor has discernible but not pronounced fruit, just a hint of hops, I wouldn't identify it as an IPA if it didn't say so on the label; Mouthfeel is smooth, moderate carbonation; This is a pleasant beer - I wouldn't turn it down.
I did a taste test of Gold Cliff IPA and Hanalei Island IPA, both by Kona Brewing. I had expected, for no good reason other than the name, for Gold cliff to be the better of the two. Gold Cliff is just slightly paler. Hanalei has a frothier head with just a bet more retention. The smell quite similar, neither is strong, but Gold Cliff may be just slightly stronger. Mouthfeel is about the same. Hanalei seemed just slightly milder in flavor, which was not my initial impression when I drank the beers on separate days. Now I think I might have gotten the glasses confused as to which is which. And that makes this taste test worthless, doesn't it? These two beers are similar enough, that I bet that, though there is a slight difference between the two, if you were given one and asked to say which it was, I bet you couldn't. on the other hand, if you buy both, you'd probably eventually pick a favorite. Basically, they are very similar.
Sep 19, 2019
3.75/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Clear amber, thin white head, retains a skim for awhile, somewhat lacy; A nice aroma, not strong, but hints at something good; the flavor has discernible but not pronounced fruit, just a hint of hops, I wouldn't identify it as an IPA if it didn't say so on the label; Mouthfeel is smooth, moderate carbonation; This is a pleasant beer - I wouldn't turn it down.
I did a taste test of Gold Cliff IPA and Hanalei Island IPA, both by Kona Brewing. I had expected, for no good reason other than the name, for Gold cliff to be the better of the two. Gold Cliff is just slightly paler. Hanalei has a frothier head with just a bet more retention. The smell quite similar, neither is strong, but Gold Cliff may be just slightly stronger. Mouthfeel is about the same. Hanalei seemed just slightly milder in flavor, which was not my initial impression when I drank the beers on separate days. Now I think I might have gotten the glasses confused as to which is which. And that makes this taste test worthless, doesn't it? These two beers are similar enough, that I bet that, though there is a slight difference between the two, if you were given one and asked to say which it was, I bet you couldn't. on the other hand, if you buy both, you'd probably eventually pick a favorite. Basically, they are very similar.
Sep 19, 2019
jwc215 from Arizona
3.8/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
12 oz. bottle - Bottled on March 11 19:
Pours slightly hazed light golden. A thin head immediately becomes a thin wisp. Minimal lacing.
The smell is of oranges, passionfruit, some guava. Tropical.
The taste is of orange, passionfruit, guava. An herbal bitter touch in the finish shows its IPA character. (Giving it the benefit of the doubt, it barely reaches a 4.0. Almost gave it slightly lower, but enough there to justify the higher of the scores I had in mind for the taste, especially compared to other "session" IPA's.)
Unfortunately, there's a bit more water character on the feel than I like in my IPA's (even keeping in mind it's a "session" IPA.
An easy drinking, tropical fruity IPA. Nowhere near a hop-bomb, but enough bitter, fruit-forward hops to fit the style, especially with the lower abv (making it a "session". It works well overall. A refreshing light IPA.
Aug 28, 2019
3.8/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
12 oz. bottle - Bottled on March 11 19:
Pours slightly hazed light golden. A thin head immediately becomes a thin wisp. Minimal lacing.
The smell is of oranges, passionfruit, some guava. Tropical.
The taste is of orange, passionfruit, guava. An herbal bitter touch in the finish shows its IPA character. (Giving it the benefit of the doubt, it barely reaches a 4.0. Almost gave it slightly lower, but enough there to justify the higher of the scores I had in mind for the taste, especially compared to other "session" IPA's.)
Unfortunately, there's a bit more water character on the feel than I like in my IPA's (even keeping in mind it's a "session" IPA.
An easy drinking, tropical fruity IPA. Nowhere near a hop-bomb, but enough bitter, fruit-forward hops to fit the style, especially with the lower abv (making it a "session". It works well overall. A refreshing light IPA.
Aug 28, 2019
rex_4539 from Greece
3.74/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
L: Clear amber color, one finger white head, messy lacing, good carbonation. Looks like a lager basically.
S: Peach, tropical fruits. Smells wonderful.
T: Peach, tropical fruits, bitter.
F: Light bodied, lots of fruit flavors.
O: Not a fan of this beer but I’m glad I tried it.
Aug 19, 2019
3.74/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
L: Clear amber color, one finger white head, messy lacing, good carbonation. Looks like a lager basically.
S: Peach, tropical fruits. Smells wonderful.
T: Peach, tropical fruits, bitter.
F: Light bodied, lots of fruit flavors.
O: Not a fan of this beer but I’m glad I tried it.
Aug 19, 2019
defunksta from North Dakota
2.3/5 rDev -36.3%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 2.25
Appearance: Pours a deep clear copper color with a medium, layering white head. SRM of 14. (4.00)
Aroma: Huge aromas of skunk and buttered popcorn. Severely light-struck and a ton of diacetyl detected. Behind that there is a little bit of peach, mango, and guava. (2.00)
Flavor: Flavor is bland. More cardboard, buttered-popcorn. A very slight mango and guava tropical fruitiness underneath. There is some catty, herbal onion and grape. A medium bitterness comes through on the end. (2.00)
Feel: Medium-bodied. Mild to medium carbonation. Finishes bitter, and medium bodied. Dry because there is no flavor. (3.25)
Overall: Wow this one is terrible. Date on the bottle is 3 months prior. Not sure if that is the best-buy or packaged date but this one is light-struck and tons of diacetyl. It's just bad all-around. This one I poured out. If it's better fresh, then I should retry it. (Final Rating: 2.3)
Aug 17, 2019
2.3/5 rDev -36.3%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 2.25
Appearance: Pours a deep clear copper color with a medium, layering white head. SRM of 14. (4.00)
Aroma: Huge aromas of skunk and buttered popcorn. Severely light-struck and a ton of diacetyl detected. Behind that there is a little bit of peach, mango, and guava. (2.00)
Flavor: Flavor is bland. More cardboard, buttered-popcorn. A very slight mango and guava tropical fruitiness underneath. There is some catty, herbal onion and grape. A medium bitterness comes through on the end. (2.00)
Feel: Medium-bodied. Mild to medium carbonation. Finishes bitter, and medium bodied. Dry because there is no flavor. (3.25)
Overall: Wow this one is terrible. Date on the bottle is 3 months prior. Not sure if that is the best-buy or packaged date but this one is light-struck and tons of diacetyl. It's just bad all-around. This one I poured out. If it's better fresh, then I should retry it. (Final Rating: 2.3)
Aug 17, 2019
Lucular from Maryland
3.81/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
This is an extremely fruity beer (thank you passionfruit orange guava aka P.O.G. - or does it have to be pineapple?) with very low bitterness. Good amount of flavor for a 4.5% session IPA.
Aug 16, 2019
3.81/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
This is an extremely fruity beer (thank you passionfruit orange guava aka P.O.G. - or does it have to be pineapple?) with very low bitterness. Good amount of flavor for a 4.5% session IPA.
Aug 16, 2019
beerthulhu from New Jersey
3.4/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
A: Mid hazy orange with a small and washy topping that quickly lapsed to a scat covering. Quick paced carbonation and no legs on the vessel. Pretty standard fair here.
S: Things pick up a bit. Fruit cup aroma of peaches and apricot with some wet citrus. Hints of semi-dry pineapple and toasted grains. Tropical orange, good awareness.
T: A bit of sour funk oranges, tart pineapple. Not much there-after, very narrow in scope in terms of flavor reach, muddled fruit and sour malt.
M: Mid mouthful, fizzy carbonation, not much else going on here as well.
O: Overall really didn't care for the flavor aspect to much, the nose held some promise, but the flavor failed to follow through for me. Very muddled flavor wise, not a lot of hop definition, funky oranges, tart tropical but very mundane in expectations. Flavor claims passion fruit, guava and oranges, I managed to get 1 out of 3, the other notes not as promising or defined. Mid level hop bitterness, expected a more tropical sense from a brewer from Hawaii.
Jul 30, 2019
3.4/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
A: Mid hazy orange with a small and washy topping that quickly lapsed to a scat covering. Quick paced carbonation and no legs on the vessel. Pretty standard fair here.
S: Things pick up a bit. Fruit cup aroma of peaches and apricot with some wet citrus. Hints of semi-dry pineapple and toasted grains. Tropical orange, good awareness.
T: A bit of sour funk oranges, tart pineapple. Not much there-after, very narrow in scope in terms of flavor reach, muddled fruit and sour malt.
M: Mid mouthful, fizzy carbonation, not much else going on here as well.
O: Overall really didn't care for the flavor aspect to much, the nose held some promise, but the flavor failed to follow through for me. Very muddled flavor wise, not a lot of hop definition, funky oranges, tart tropical but very mundane in expectations. Flavor claims passion fruit, guava and oranges, I managed to get 1 out of 3, the other notes not as promising or defined. Mid level hop bitterness, expected a more tropical sense from a brewer from Hawaii.
Jul 30, 2019
Mister_Faucher from Washington
3.85/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Six pack of bottles picked up at Safeway in Bothell, Washington.
Pckd on date is 5/30/19 so it's pretty fresh. Served in a pint glass.
Look- Slightly hazy, medium copper/gold color. Puffy off-white head, leaving a little lacing on the glass.
Decent carbonation action in the glass as it sits.
Smell- The hops (Millennium, Azacca, Galaxy) are prevalent. Same with the fruit used.
Heavy pungent tropical fruit and citrus, a little dank.
Taste- Follows the nose but a little more balanced than the smell, sweet malt comes in before the bitterness.
Feel- Really light, not filling, complete session beer. The low ABV probably has something to do with that.
O- I got this 6 pack of this for $7 on sale and I can't complain.
Not very often I find IPA that I'll kill a 6er of...Found it!
Jul 28, 2019
3.85/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Six pack of bottles picked up at Safeway in Bothell, Washington.
Pckd on date is 5/30/19 so it's pretty fresh. Served in a pint glass.
Look- Slightly hazy, medium copper/gold color. Puffy off-white head, leaving a little lacing on the glass.
Decent carbonation action in the glass as it sits.
Smell- The hops (Millennium, Azacca, Galaxy) are prevalent. Same with the fruit used.
Heavy pungent tropical fruit and citrus, a little dank.
Taste- Follows the nose but a little more balanced than the smell, sweet malt comes in before the bitterness.
Feel- Really light, not filling, complete session beer. The low ABV probably has something to do with that.
O- I got this 6 pack of this for $7 on sale and I can't complain.
Not very often I find IPA that I'll kill a 6er of...Found it!
Jul 28, 2019
SB2017 from Iowa
3.71/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Super fruity nose, and a grassy taste. Well balanced for the most part, but Kona tends to go a little sweeter than I like. The grassiness is nice those, like a Modelo made fruity IPA.
Jul 06, 2019
3.71/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Super fruity nose, and a grassy taste. Well balanced for the most part, but Kona tends to go a little sweeter than I like. The grassiness is nice those, like a Modelo made fruity IPA.
Jul 06, 2019
yuenglingfan101 from Ohio
4/5 rDev +10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Love this beer. Nice color and small head. What i like most about this beer is the passionfruit in it. It give a tropical taste and it was fairly smooth beer too
Jun 08, 2019
4/5 rDev +10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Love this beer. Nice color and small head. What i like most about this beer is the passionfruit in it. It give a tropical taste and it was fairly smooth beer too
Jun 08, 2019
Thomguzow from California
4.31/5 rDev +19.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This session IPA really achieves what I feel it should. It pours a delightful light to medium amber color and offers a white lacing foam. It’s aroma exploded with juicy tropical fruits and the flavor follows. The hop bitterness balances out the fruit
May 27, 2019
4.31/5 rDev +19.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This session IPA really achieves what I feel it should. It pours a delightful light to medium amber color and offers a white lacing foam. It’s aroma exploded with juicy tropical fruits and the flavor follows. The hop bitterness balances out the fruit
May 27, 2019
leaddog from Canada (AB)
4.25/5 rDev +17.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance - Pours a clear gold with three fingers of frothy white head.
Smell - citrus and tropical hops, passionfruit, orange, guava, bready malts, and earthy yeast.
Taste - citrus and tropical hops upfront followed quickly by the passionfruit, orange, and guava. The bready malts and earthy yeast finish the brew off.
Mouthfeel - Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Finishes sticky with the hops and fruits lingering.
Overall - A highly sessionable IPA from Kona. The flavours are spot on and truly deliver a unique sessionable IPA.
Apr 07, 2019
4.25/5 rDev +17.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance - Pours a clear gold with three fingers of frothy white head.
Smell - citrus and tropical hops, passionfruit, orange, guava, bready malts, and earthy yeast.
Taste - citrus and tropical hops upfront followed quickly by the passionfruit, orange, and guava. The bready malts and earthy yeast finish the brew off.
Mouthfeel - Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Finishes sticky with the hops and fruits lingering.
Overall - A highly sessionable IPA from Kona. The flavours are spot on and truly deliver a unique sessionable IPA.
Apr 07, 2019
Bitterbill from Wyoming
3.61/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Bottle bought at Liquor Shed, bottled January 19th, 2019. 22 ounces.
Good clear gold colour, an inch of foam, fairly slowly receding.
Pretty tropical fruity nose, mango, grapefruit citrus, somewhat grassy, little bit of a sweet malt presence.
The taste is good. Tropical fruit with grapefruit and grass but with a decent malt presence of caramel that is rare to find in a session IPA.
The body is on the thin side, as expected, but not what I consider watery.
Pretty good beer for tackling a hard to please style.
Mar 22, 2019
3.61/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Bottle bought at Liquor Shed, bottled January 19th, 2019. 22 ounces.
Good clear gold colour, an inch of foam, fairly slowly receding.
Pretty tropical fruity nose, mango, grapefruit citrus, somewhat grassy, little bit of a sweet malt presence.
The taste is good. Tropical fruit with grapefruit and grass but with a decent malt presence of caramel that is rare to find in a session IPA.
The body is on the thin side, as expected, but not what I consider watery.
Pretty good beer for tackling a hard to please style.
Mar 22, 2019
Hanalei Island IPA from Kona Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
82 out of
100 with
400 ratings
0 characters. We love reviews! Turn your rating into one with 150 characters or more.
Protips: Explain why you're giving this rating. Your review must discuss the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) and your overall impression in order to indicate that you have legitimately tried the beer. Nonconstructive reviews may be removed without notice and action may be taken on your account.
Close