Beer in Hawaii

Spending all that time around Waikiki is a waste.

 

Actually I prefer the Big Island over the other islands these days. Yes Oahu may have more Island craft selections but why are you in Hawaii? Vacation and paradise. Yes it’s nice to have a good selection of refreshments. So I always bring my own from the mainland when we visit the BI. But I always stop by the source Ola, Big Island Brewhouse and pick up the local stuff too. Aloha.

 

Going to echo the love for the Big Island. I much prefer trips there, and the beer scene (both access to Hawaiian breweries and from the Big Island itself) has been steadily improving year-by-year as well.

 

love the Pahoa side of Big Island. used to go there almost exclusively but Maui has become our favorite island. also our favorite snorkeling spot is now a lava field

 

We’ll be in Pahoa 2 weeks after our Seoul trip next weekend. That was our snorkeling and hot pool spot as well.

 

Going to Hawaii in May and was wondering about some great local spots for beers or must haves?

 

As in the actual island of Hawaii? If so, which side?

 

Headed to the Big Island in a few weeks. Staying in Waikoloa. Ran across Tropics Ale House (https://www.tropicsalehouse.com/drinks). Looks like they have offerings from a number of the locals (BIB, Ola, Lanakai, etc.) on tap and cans/bottles. Anyone ever been here?

 

Leaving for Kauai (Poipu area, but can drive) and Maui (Wailea area, but can drive as well) this week. Any recommendations for either of those islands? Looks like most of the recs above were for the big island.

 

I haven't been but I think my parents go there. Most taps around that area if my memory is correct. Humpy's in Kona will have your best selection. Lava Lava Beach Club has more minimal options but still some local beers. Head up to BIB if you can.

 

Kauai has options but is a bit of a beer wasteland compared to some of the other islands.

Kauai Island Brewing and Kauai Beer Company are the only breweries on the island. Both are perfectly fine but I like KBC better. Nani Moon Meadery is nice if you're into mead.

Avalon Gastropub and Street Burger have some of the best tap lists on the island.

 

@AndyBrewsBeer
Yes, drive to Waimea and hit up BIB. Bring some bottles back with you. I’ve eaten there 3 times. All 3 times I didn’t care for the food. But most of the menu was vegan or vegan-like. Skip the food and do yourself a favor. Have brunch or lunch at Hawaiian Style Cafe instead. They are open for breakfast and lunch only. Closes at 130pm. We stop at Hawaiian Style every visit to the Big Island. Either the one in Waimea or in Hilo or both. Both excellent local Hawaiian food. And check out the size of their pancakes! Hilo is open for dinner. Also in Hilo is Pineapples for great food and beer. In Kona hit up Kona Brewing Co for their pizzas and one off/seasonal beers. Not so much for their regular beers, which are bottles on the mainland and shipped to the islands. Ola Brewery is just up the road from Kona Brewing. We’ll be in Kona the end of this month for 3 nights.

edit....I always bring my own cans/bottles with me to mix in with the islands local offerings. Wether it be sharing at the pubs or at our place of stay. Don’t expect crazy hazy beers or exceptional west coast offering from the local island brewery’s. I do bring BIB and Ola cans/bottles back to the mainland.

 

I lived at Sunset Point Oahu back in the 1970's. Yes, I was surfing my life away.
Back then it was a steady diet of Primo.
Fosters Lager on payday.
My buddy would bring Carlsberg Elephant on the weekends.
Glad to hear there is great brew in Hawaii!

 

Primo on ice. That was one of my experiences of Oahu in the 70’s.

 

Went to Kauai a few years ago. The breweries were OKAY. Honestly there are so many amazing things to do on that island, I wouldn't recommend any. Waste of time, IMO.

We had a few awesome dinners, but our favorite was the intimate (super fresh) dinner -

Kauai Ono
5-5086 Kuhio Hwy
Princeville Ranch
Princeville, HI 96714

This was amazing. There is no menu, so no options. Chef makes based on what was caught/harvested that day. But everything was amazing. I think it was $60pp (w/o tip) cash & BYOB.

If you want a Luau, highly recommend - Smith Family Garden Luau. Overall an impressive experience.

 

We'll still eat at BIB but now I rather go to The Fish And The Hog for BBQ and then BIB for beers (or vice versa).

 

got back from Maui and Kauai last month. I don't have anything to contribute but just wanted to reminisce

there wasn't anything new from previous visits except this was the first time the restaurant was open (for us) at the main MBC brewery. they did a nice job with the spot. feel like the whole thing is kind of inspired by the Stone Escondido location

was kind of surprised to see Kauai Beer Company still not doing crowlers.

beer is always a bonus but personally when I'm in Hawaii I don't really even care that much what I drink. I can survive on MBC

 

I have been on Oaha the last two weeks and head back tomorrow. I have only had beer twice (Beer Labs and some Kona Brewing). Normally, I dont' much and use it for a down time from beer.

I did want to get to MBC Brewery in Kailua, but didn't make it.

 

We stay at the Hilton in Waikoloa & TAH is a short walk. Great food & tap list. Basically a sports bar.

Btw, the Hilton has an actual Kona Brewing pub in the hotel. Hella expensive but entertaining. Pool table. Foosball. Nice space. Worth wandering around Hilton just for art.

But, the go to place is Lava Lava Beach Club south of Marriott. Surprising tap list. Decent food. Location x 3.

Here’s a taste.