The ultimate guide to Oahu’s craft beer scene
Beer lovers don’t have to look far to find a quality selection of locally-made beers on Oahu.
Hawaii has long been home of the tropical cocktail, but in the past few years a booze rebirth has taken place in the Islands, and Oahu is quickly catching up to the mainland when it comes to quality, locally-made beer.
On Oahu, the hip, evolving neighbourhood of Kakaako has become the island’s craft brew hub. There are three ‘brewpubs’ – breweries plus restaurants – all within walking distance of each other.
You can also find quality beer in the heart of Waikiki, and taprooms (beer tasting establishments) near the University of Hawaii campus in Moiliili and in Kailua on Oahu’s windward side.
And Oahu isn’t the only island churning out quality suds. Even better, there are dozens of local bars and restaurants (even grocery stores) selling these brewed-in-Hawaii beers.
Here’s where to go to drink a pint or two of quality craft beer, direct from the source:
Honolulu Beerworks
When it comes to craft breweries on Oahu, Honolulu Beerworks has been leading the charge.
Located in a converted warehouse in Kakaako, the five-year-old brewpub is owned by husband and wife Geoff and Charmayne Seideman.
Honolulu Beerworks has 14 beers on tap, in addition to creative limited releases. There’s the Pia Mahiai saison made with locally grown oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes, lemongrass and Big Island honey; and the popular Sheltered Bay IPA, a Pacific Northwest style IPA.
I recommend the smoked ahi dip with locally made crispy baguette slices and the Bavarian soft pretzels with beer cheese fondue. They provide the perfect carbs to go along with your beer.
Honolulu Beerworks has become a popular spot on the weekends, and with its communal seating, the open-air brewpub is a great place to talk craft beer and make new friends.
Waikiki Brewing Company
The talented people at Waikiki Brewing Company have the meaning of brewpub down. Not only does this place make quality craft beer, but it also serves ono (delicious) food.
Waikiki Brewing Company opened in 2015 in the heart of Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue, hence its name. And in 2017, it established a second location in Kakaako on Queen Street.
Joe Lorenzen is the brew master of Waikiki Brewing, and opened the first brewpub after inquiring about a vacancy adjacent to Cheeseburger Waikiki (Lorenzen is the former general manager of Cheeseburger Restaurants).
Waikiki Brewing Company has nine beers on tap, such as the Skinny Jeans IPA and the Hana Hou Hefe, in which sweet orange peel and strawberry puree are added before fermentation.
Waikiki Brewing also cans its beers, so patrons can buy a six-pack at the bar to enjoy later. You can also get them in grocery stores throughout the state.
Each brewpub has different food offerings, but the Kakaako one is where the food menu really shines.
The Kakaako location smokes all its meat in-house in a food truck on the property using kiawe wood. This results in tender beef brisket, herb-crusted chicken, smoked bratwurst and pulled pork. It’s a beer and barbecue lover’s dream come true.
Maui Brewing Co.
Beer drinkers across Oahu were ecstatic when longtime local craft beer favourite Maui Brewing Co. announced it was opening up shop on the island.
The Kihei-headquartered company brews up 50 types of quality, locally made beer each year. You can find the brand’s flagship brews in local grocery shows and restaurants, so to imbibe Maui Brewing’s limited release drafts you can’t find elsewhere, visit the brewpub. Plus, the food is a great accompaniment.
Maui Brewing Co.’s shopfront is located on the second floor of Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger. It’s an impressive 18,000 square-feet and can seat more than 400 people.
Maui Brewing strives to source local ingredients for its beer and food, including the Brewmaster pizza made with Kukui sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers and olives and the pork belly bao with Waianae pork, kimchi cucumber, house-made bao and plum sauce. More good news? There’s also a second Oahu location in Kailua.
Beer Lab HI
Beer Lab HI is small-batch brewery, but what it lacks in brewing capacity, it more than makes up for in innovation.
Even better, there are three taprooms across the island. The original taproom, located on University Avenue, is less than half a mile from the University of Hawaii campus, but Beer Lab HI also has locations in Waipio, on Oahu’s West side, and in Aiea in Pearlridge Center Uptown.
Since it opened in 2016, Beer Lab HI has cultivated a reputation for experimental beers made with specialty ingredients. Take for example, The Truth, a pale ale fermented with 100 percent Brettanomyces – a special yeast.
Beer Lab HI is owned by Nick Wong, Derek Taguchi and Kevin Teruya, who work as nuclear engineers at Pearl Harbor, which might explain the brewery’s scientific bent with its beers.
Beer Lab releases new beers frequently, and it’s worth following them on Instagram to see what they’re brewing up next.
Lanikai Brewing Company
Lanikai Brewing Company put Kailua on the map when it came to brewed-on-Oahu beers. With friendly bartenders ready to fill up your glass, the taproom is relaxed spot to try a new beer, and likely learn a thing or two about beer making in the process.
Like most other craft brewers, Lanikai’s IPA is one of the most popular; its Moku Imperial IPA is made with pikake flowers.
However, brewmaster Steve Haumschild says the brewery’s sour beers have a loyal following, too. Its Rubbah Slippah Yuzu sour recently won a silver Best of Craft Beer award at the annual Oregon event.
The beers are made with locally inspired ingredients such as hibiscus, local honey, macadamia nuts, papaya, pineapple, ti root, ulu, taro, mango and more.
Lanikai Brewing doesn’t have a food menu, but the taproom is BYO-food-friendly.
Aloha Beer Co.
For many locals, cruising with friends and family in their garage and drinking a cold one is a beloved Hawaii pastime. Aloha Beer Co. incorporated this island tradition into its Kakaako brewery, which opened in 2017.
There are different seating areas, including the casual outdoor area (reminiscent of a garage space), the industrial indoor taproom and upstairs area, complete with its own speakeasy-style secret entrance.
Steve Sombrero founded the brewery with veteran Hawaii brewmaster Dave Campbell. Aloha Beer Co. has 12 beers on draft, such as the Hop Lei IPA, Waimanalo Farmhouse and Portlock Porter.
Patrons are advised to come hungry because Aloha Beer Co. serves hearty sandwiches, including pulled pork and bratwurst, each made with Pono Pork and served with locally-made condiments on toasted buns.
This article originally appeared on Hawaiian Airlines’ website and was republished with permission.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Aloha Down Under Aloha Friday wrap Aloha Friday' beer craft beer hawaii oahuLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!