Ive searched and seen some of the older threads about Kauai but was looking for more information. Going there on vacation next month and was wondering where the best bars, bottle shops etc are now. Thanks!
http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/kauai-hi.177898/ There is not much available on Kauai. You can find all the standards at the grocery stores and for anything else the wine shops are your best choice. Princeville Wine Market and the Wine Garden in Lihue.
A few years ago, I came back with a few bottles of mead, which I'm told has the same effect as beer. Other times (not necessarily returning from HI), I've programmed in stopovers in the Bay Area or SoCal and finished loading up my suitcase with stuff from there. Probably too late for that tip, but it works for me. Hell, I'm doing that in about two months.
It's been a few years since my last visit to Kauai. I would like to fly back to Lihue soon and re-visit Kauai Beer Co. Last visit was back in their beginnings. Would like to see how far along they've come. Did not see any of their beers on the island of Maui a month and half ago. But I'm sure they are doing well on Kauai. Not sure about the island Kauai but Maui had plenty of good bottles and cans to choose from. Local and from mainland. Check the dates on the IPA's. Foodland on the north side and south side may have some mainland bottles. Otherwise you might just want to stick with the local stuff.
Kauai Beer Co is doing well though they still need to work on their consistency. I still like Kauai Island Brewing better in Port Allen. Since I stay in Princeville it is out of the way for us but we normally stop there after a hike up out of Koke'e State Park.
Been to both. Preferred Kauai Beer over Island back then. I really enjoyed the Black Limousine. No IPA's back then. Brought a growler of the BL back with me and shared at BWSB. Everyone loved it. Happy for Jim Sr (owner). Looks like he is doing well.
I was there in April and preferred Kauai Beer Company over Kauai Island. KBC had a slightly hazy NE-style IPA on tap that I really liked. The Princeville Food Land had the best selection of beer on the island. Grab some Lanikai bombers. And you can supplement with mainland bottles at the Wine Market around the corner (Cascade, Eclipse, Breakside, etc.).
Just got back from Kauai, KBC is definitely the one you want to visit. Black Limousine is awesome, as well as the oatmeal IPA. I tried everything and wasn't disappointed in any of them. Good food and reasonable prices as well, my only regret is I can't get any of their stuff on the mainland.
I was there over the summer and really enjoyed Kalypso Island Bar and Grill in Hanalei Bay. The kalua pork nachos were out of this world. Plus they had a really nice craft beer lineup on draft. Cool vibe too. Highly, highly recommend the place.
