Top 10 Beers Made in Hawaii

This is the perfect summertime beer, and in Hawaii, it always feels (and looks) like summertime. Light, refreshing and smooth, this beer is “the closest thing you’ll find to an American lager.” Bikini Blonde is a filtered Munich Helles lager brewed with “floral hops, Pilsner and Munich malts,” which make it the perfect drink to sip in the sunshine.

“Can’t judge a man for hitting up some Bikini Blonde lager when vacationing in Maui. Just soooooooo drinkable any time.” — r/CraftBeer

Since their origin in England in 1800, India Pale Ales are a dime a dozen. Truly good ones, however, are few and far between. Enter Big Swell IPA, another winner from Maui Brewing Company, known for its great beer. This full-flavored beer is brewed with four different kinds of Northwestern hops and malted barley. If you’re a fan of hoppy beers, this one’s for you.

“Very good beer. Well balanced, not too bitter, and has this subtle pine note to it.” — r/beerporn

Another great daytime beer is from our friends at Kona Brewing Company, where the friendly staff serve up handcrafted Hawaiian ales and lagers in their Kailua-Kona Brewpub on Hawaii’s Big Island. Hula Hefeweizen, one of their most popular choices, is a traditional Bavarian-style weissbier with a “pronounced banana/herbal flavor and aroma,” accomplished by a special type of yeast strain used during the brewing process.

“Banana is definitely present but still has a classic Hefeweizen profile.” — Untappd

Home to Hawaii’s highest brewery at 2,764 feet above sea level, Waimea’s Big Island Brewhaus offers visitors handcrafted beer with a view in the new Bamboo Beer Garden, and nearby restaurants that complement the experience. Thomas Kerns, former Maui Brewing Company brewmaster and creator of Big Island Brewhaus, has created year-round favorites and seasonal specialties that are aimed at “brewing outside the box”.

“A cool, smooth take on the coffee porter style, with creamy notes of coconut and a long, complex finish.” — Sprudge

Located on the island of Oahu, Honolulu Beerworks was founded in 2014 by Geoff and Charmayne Seidman. Situated in the trendy Kaka’ako area, this neighborhood brewery is quickly gaining attention in Hawaii’s brewmaster and beer lover communities.

“Tropical meets Bavarian … brings forth a medley of aromas and flavors—banana, clove, peppercorn, and coconut.” — Maui Guide

Maui Brewing Company‘s Coconut Hiwa Porter was the first beer to use Hawaiian coconut in the brewing process in place of a typical extract. Brewed with six varieties of toasted coconut, malted barley and hops, this delicious-smelling beer offers flavors of coconut, chocolate and coffee while not being overly sweet for a beach day in paradise.

“The Coconut Porter is the best of that style I’ve ever had, too.” — r/beer

Back on Hawaii’s highest brewery, Big Island Brewhaus serves up a Strong American Pale Ale called “Paniolo” Pale Ale, meaning Hawaiian Cowboy. Featuring a British Maris Otter malt and American hop blend, Paniolo has hints of tropical fruit that make it perfect for those looking for a smooth, hoppy flavor that isn’t overpowering.

One of Maui’s most beloved fruits is the Maui Gold Pineapple, a special brand that contains 3 times the Vitamin C of other pineapples. Maui Brewing Company’s Pineapple Mana Wheat is an unfiltered, handcrafted, American-style wheat ale infused with Maui Gold Pineapple, creating a crisp and refreshing flavor that’s perfect for happy hour, beach lounging or even Sunday brunch.

“The Pineapple Mana Wheat is super good and available on the mainland.” — r/beer

Referred to as the “Pioneer of Craft Beer” in the Hawaii beer community, Aloha Beer Company Brewmaster Dave Campbell has created an assortment of unique beers that embody “the classic Hawaiian lifestyle”.
Located on Oahu, Aloha Beer Company has its own Beer Hall, serving up fresh-made favorites like the Froot Lupes Juicy IPA, which is bursting with tropical fruitiness and has a soft, pillowy finish.

“A big, juicy IPA with restrained bitterness and pronounced tropical fruitiness in the flavor and aroma. … deceptively strong for how easy it goes down.” — BeerAdvocate

Waikiki Brewing Company’s Aloha Spirit Blonde Ale is a light, and slightly bitter two-row malt made on the Island of Oahu. It’s brewed with Perle, Tettnang, and Cascade hops– a combination that adds to the bitterness, yet created a nice balance to the malt.

“A tasty and easy to drink Blonde Ale. Simple and straightforward, but has enough flavor so it’s not boring.” — BeerAdvocate