distillery tour oahu

The 13 Quality Hawaiian Distilleries: A Complete Guide by Island

May 28, 2021 | Hawaii , ingredient travel , lists , spirits , United States

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When I visited Hawaii in March 2021, I enjoyed some locally distilled spirits in cocktails at several bars in Oahu . With a fantastic climate for growing things like sugar cane, it makes sense that you would find distilleries close by. I wish I had rented a car to visit some of the Hawaiian distilleries while I was there. There are a good number of distilleries located across four of the seven main islands of the state. Due to import laws, it has been challenging to find Hawaiian spirits outside of the islands. However, the laws have recently changed so you should be able to find many of these products from Hawaiian distilleries soon!

Hawaiian Distilleries on Hawai’i

1. kuleana rum works.

Address: 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa Village, HI Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 3-9pm | Closed Monday and Tuesday Spirits: Hawaiian Rum Agricole; Huihui (blend of Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian rums); Nanea (a blend of non-Hawaiian aged rums) Tours: No Tasting Room: The Rum Shack serves food, cocktails, and sells bottles of Kuleana Rum

At the second bar I visited in Honolulu, I met a bartender who also works for Kuleana Rum Works . Of course I had to try one of the rums in a daiquiri. It was delicious. Kuleana opened in 2013 and was the first distillery on Hawai’i. They use 40 varieties of Hawaiian heirloom sugar cane for the local rum. They source rums from around the world for blending the Huihui and Nanea rums. The rums are ideal for tiki drinks.

2. 12th Hawaii Distiller

Address: 74-5467 Kaiwi Street, Unit 1-5, Kailua-Kona, HI Hours: 7 days a week, 9am-5pm Spirits: Hawaiian Honeyshine; Distiller’s Reserve; Hawaiian Vodka; Hawaiian Kona Coffee Spirits Tours: No Tasting Room: Yes

Bees play a central role in 12th Hawaii Distiller spirits. This is because all of their products are made using honey in their distillations. Opening on the island of Hawai’i in 2017, this distillery really works to bring unique Hawaiian flavors to their offerings. In addition to honey, they also use locally-grown Kona coffee, barrels made from Hawaiian Kiawe wood, and locally-sourced purple potatoes to produce their products.

Hawaiian Distilleries on Kaua’i

3. hanalei spirits distillery.

Address: 4241 Kahili Makai Street, Kilauea, HI Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm | Closed Saturday and Sunday Spirits: Vodka; Rum; Taro Vodka; Dark Rum; Okolehao ; Sugarloaf Pineapple Rum; Lilikoicello; Tutu’s Gin Tours: No Tasting Room: No

This family-owned and operated distillery was founded in 2016 and is known for its small batch spirits. They use as many locally grown ingredients as they can, including their own ginger, sugarcane, lilikoi, kalo, and ti leaf. The farm grows endangered hardwood timber and they have been adding crops to keep the land in balance. They try to source the rest of the ingredients they need from neighboring farms. If you visit Kaua’i, buy a few bottles of Hanalei Spirits because you can’t buy them off island.

4. Kōloa Rum Company

Address: 3-2087 Kaumualii Highway, Lihue, HI Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-3pm | Closed Sunday and Monday Spirits: Kauaʻi White, Gold, Dark, Spice, Coconut, Coffee, and Cacao rums; Reserve 12 Barrel Select Aged Hawaiian Rum Tours: No Tasting Room: Yes

The Kōloa Rum Company products are available in Hawaii and on the mainland of the United States. It seemed like everywhere I went, I saw gift packs of mini bottles of their rum to take home. Founded in 2009, the distillery uses pure cane sugar and water from  Mount Waiʻaleʻale . They were the first licensed distillery on Kaua’i. The company is named for the Hawaiian town where sugar production was first established in 1835.

Hawaiian Distilleries on Maui

5. Hali’imaile Distilling

Address: 883 Hali’imaile Rd, Makawao, HI Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm (currently by reservation only) | Closed Saturday and Sunday Spirits: Pau Maui Vodka; Fid Street Hawaiian Gin; Paniolo Blended Whiskey; Mihina Premium Rum Tours: Yes Tasting Room: Yes

Hali’imaile Distilling’s building is located in 100-year old pineapple fields. It’s no surprise that one of their best-known spirits, Pau Maui Vodka, is distilled from Maui Gold pineapple. Hawaiian pineapple takes 18 months to grow but only 2-3 days to ripen. Pineapple gets distilled into a neutral spirit for use in their blended whiskey. Two brothers opened this craft micro-distillery after bringing two large rum brands to life, Hana Bay Rum and Whaler’s Rum.

6. Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm and Distillery

Address: 4051 Omaopio Road, Kula, HI  Hours: 7 days a week, 9:30am-5pm Spirits: Ocean Organic Vodka; Kula Organic, Dark, and Toasted Coconut Rums Tours: Yes, 9:30am-4pm Tasting Room: Yes, they have a sampling area

Sugar cane is grown on the 80 acre Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm. Hawaii Sea Spirits distills the only vodka in the world made with sugar cane and deep seawater. The water is sourced from 500 fathoms (3,000 feet below sea level) off the Island of Hawaii. The bottle mimics the glass fishing net floats from the 14th century and the Earth’s axis, with the placement of the neck. Hawaii Sea Spirits produces three kinds of rum made with deep sea water.

7. Kolani Distillers

Address: 320 Baldwin Avenue, Paia, HI Hours: Not open to the public Spirits: Old Lahaina Silver, Gold, and Dark Rums Tours: No Tasting Room: No

Kolani comes from the Hawaiian words Kō (sugar) and Lani (heavenly). They are the oldest distillery still operating in Maui. The distillery was opened in 2005 by a father and son who still operate the business today. They pride themselves on being an independent business and have won a variety of awards. The distillery was constructed within the shell of an 1875 vintage sugar mill but due to space constraints and safety concerns, tours are not permitted by the landlord. The rum produced by Kolani Distillers is made specifically for rum-based cocktails.

8. Kupu Spirits

Address: 605 Lipoa Parkway, Kihei, HI Hours: 7 days a week, 11:30am-9:30pm Spirits: Gin; White Whiskey Tours: No (only for the brewery) Tasting Room: Yes

Maui Brewing Company is the largest craft brewery in Hawai’i. They also operate four restaurants, distill spirits, and make canned cocktails and hard seltzer. State regulations used to block alcohol producers from making more than a single type of alcoholic beverage. But this has changed and Maui Brewing Company started producing spirits in 2019. The White Whiskey is made from malted barley and local Maui corn. Kupu Gin is distilled with botanicals including locally hand-picked botanicals and dried hibiscus flowers.

Hawaiian Distilleries on O’ahu

9. Hawaiian Shochu Company

While I don’t have a lot of information on this distillery, it is definitely worth mentioning. If you find yourself in Haleiwa and you love shōchū , check out Hawaiian Shochu Company’s Facebook page . New batches are listed there when they are available for purchase. They list an email address that you can reach out to for information. You can also check out their website (in Japanese).

10. Island Distillers

Address: 577 Pakala Street, Honolulu, HI Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-4pm | Closed Monday and Tuesday Spirits: HAPA Premium, Coconut, Chili, and Hibiscus Vodkas; Hawaiian Okolehao; HAPA Premium Rum (coming soon) Tours: No Tasting Room: Yes

Sitting at the base of the Koko Head Crater, which boasts one of the best hiking trails on Ohau, you will find a distillery. Island Distillers blends its vodkas (and soon rum) with other spirits to create the perfect flavors. (HAPA means “part Hawaiian”.) They also use sugarcane to make their vodkas and Hawaii’s only indigenous spirit, okolehao. Okolehao is distilled ti root beer with sugarcane added in order to smooth out the flavor. It’s a truly unique spirit that is fit for a king.

11. Kō Hana Distillers

Address:   92-1770 Kunia Road #227, Kunia, HI Hours: 7 days a week, 11am-5pm Spirits: White, Barrel-Aged, Cask Strength, and Cacao+Honey Rums Tours: Yes Tasting Room: Yes

Thousands of years ago, Polynesians set sail for Hawaii using the stars as their guide. Many of the canoes they paddled contained sugarcane shoots. Kō Hana honors this history by focusing on heirloom sugarcane varietals for their rums. They press hand-harvested, single varietals of native Hawaiian sugarcane to produce their four standard rums. They occasionally produce limited edition rums as well. Their labels and bottles are beautiful.

12. Ko’olau Distillery

Address: 905 Kapaa Quarry Place, Building 50 Kailua, Unit 14, Kailua, HI Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm | Closed Monday and Tuesday Spirits: Old Pali Road Whiskey Tours: Yes Tasting Room: Yes

When I was in Oahu, I was so intrigued by this distillery that I almost rented a ridiculously expensive rental car for a visit. Instead of driving up, I ordered a pour of Ko’olau Distillery’s rum at a local bar. Hawaiian water, for the most part, is filtered through volcanic rock and soil. This gives it an amazing purity and minerality. The Old Pali Road Whiskey benefits from both the water and locally sourced corn. The whiskey is truly delicious.

13. Royal Hawaii Spirits

Address: [currently relocating to] 36 North King Street, Honolulu, HI Hours: 7 days a week, 1-4pm Spirits: Hula Girl Lilikoi (Passion Fruit) Flavored Vodka, Kona Mule Coffee Liqueur, Pineapple Spirit, Hawaii Mule Ginger Honey Cordial, Maui Pink Gin, Sandwich Islands Formula No.808 Whisky, Sandwich Islands Rum, and Sakura Shochu Hawaiian Style Tours: No Tasting Room: Yes, by appointment

Royal Hawaii Spirits produce a wide variety of spirits ranging from those listed above to ahi tuna fish vodka. They experiment with new flavors and formulas regularly, which you can try in the tasting room. Founded in 2016, this distillery has received a variety of awards and offers private label services.

Now that you know a little bit about the spirits created in these fine Hawaiian distilleries, enjoy them in a cocktail or two! You’ll find many of the spirits featured in drinks at these bars and restaurants on Oahu .

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Whiskey Tour - Koʻolau Distillery - Kailua, Hawai'i 96734

• Tour & Whiskey Tasting
• Entry/Admission - Oahu
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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• Anon8815 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Fun We had a good time. Moonshine and aged gin were the favorites. Love the decor and variety of sitting places. Variety of games available. Read more Written February 25, 2024
• Julia L 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Distillery Tour Did the distillery tour and it was so informative and fun! Would highly recommend for anyone interested in cocktails or the process of distilling! Read more Written October 29, 2023
• reedmangreg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice Stop on the East Side of Oahu Great product, free sampling (we didn't book a tour but then again we showed up unplanned at the end of October shoulder season but in summer it's a different game), nice owners - if not for a fairly remote and less "touristy" location this place would have probably hundreds of reviews and even more customers by now... but then again it's the location and history of the area that in my book gave this whiskey "its spirit" and I liked it! They produce whiskey, gin and I want to say the third was the moonshine - all 3 great products I see myself buying here on the mainland, had they been offered (hopefully one day...) + a variety of mixers made with dried fruits etc. + their moonshine. The whiskey came in 3 different sizes, the small ended up being a perfect gift to one of my family members :) TIP: great stop if you are heading east from Waikiki to Lanikai after you stopped at Nu'uanu Pali vista stop, or if you are heading back to Waikiki via Route 61 - this is somewhat a small "industrial park" area so plan accordingly - any car can do this, perfectly paved road and pretty scenic as well on this side of the island Read more Written November 8, 2022
• Z6396YUemilyf 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles No tour, but free tasting We were unable to do the actual tour due to our schedule and their limited spaces, but they did a free tasting for us when we were able to get over there. It’s a neat place and would have been cool to tour. Read more Written July 9, 2022
• 4TravelerBeenThere 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun Place Something different and Fun. The Whiskey was great and we enjoyed the people Recommend going for something different to enjoy. Read more Written April 3, 2022
• kalamakid 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice Holiday Interlude Eric and Ginger, two of the partners in this venture, gave us a tour of their unique distillery set up on the Windward side. We were there along with another couple with adult children and friends, and Eric explained the process, which was pretty interesting as we homebrew and have been on a lot of brewery tours as well. Something different. Enjoyed the whiskey and got cute shot glasses as a souvenir. Active and retired military discounts as the partners are all retired Marines. Located in Kapaa Quarry a few minutes from downtown Kailua, all the way at the back end of the complex, nice spot. Go and discover something different. Read more Written January 4, 2020

More to explore in Oahu

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Whiskey Tour - Koʻolau Distillery - Kailua, Hawai'i 96734 provided by Koʻolau Distillery

Ko'olau Distillery

Verified by the business over 3 months ago

Review Highlights

“ This place is known for their Old Pali Road Whiskey , but I loved the floral notes of their Barrel Aged Gin! ” in 11 reviews

“ My BF is a veteran and I thought that was so kind of these gentleman to give him a discount for his service. ” in 12 reviews

“ I'm heading to Vegas to pick up some hand rolled cigars and I think this moonshine will pair well with it!! ” in 12 reviews

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905 Kapaa Quarry Pl

Bldg 50,Space 5014

Kailua, HI 96734

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About the Business

Come experience our one-of-a-kind Hawaii distillery located in the foothills of the legendary Koolau mountains. Learn about the Koolau Distillery story and how we craft Old Pali Road Whiskey, one batch at a time with a narrated step-by-step guide by our knowledgeable whiskey aficionados. We share what makes Koolau Distillery so unique and the steps involved in the whiskey distilling process: Mashing, Fermenting, Distilling, Aging, and finally Bottling. We conclude with a whiskey tasting and an opportunity to purchase limited batch authenticated whiskey and other official Koolau Distillery souvenirs. …

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Overall rating

104 reviews

Loved our trip to the distillery. The tour was great and the rum was even better. Definitely recommend a stop!

Tasting flight

Barrel room from tour

Came across this lovely little distillery tucked away in Kailua while attending a birthday party around the corner. It's founded and run by military which is a huge plus in my book as a fellow military spouse. The bartenders are super sweet, extremely knowledgeable and are filled with so much aloha. I ordered a Ube-Bae and it was deep purple and delicious. They had a few little snack baggies if you wanted to pair those with your drinks. The merch was pretty cool if you'd like a hat, tee or some other items to add to your souvenir collection. Will definitely be back for another round or flight in the near future.

Ko'Olau Distillery

It was ok. The prices of their bottles reflect high local costs. They released 375 ml bottles of bourbon, which was ok, as a special release, but $80. If they sold full bottles it would be $160. It has to be a special bottle for that much, this just was not it for my price point. (They only had one barrel, so don't go expecting to get some) They charge $25 for a tour n tasting. This is a small distillary in an older commercial park, not exactly old rickhouse tour. Here us where it got really annoying. They have a bar area where they pour tastings and roughly $15 drinks. We asked about the tours and ordered some drinks, 2 minutes before the tour. They give us the drinks and say we can't drink them on the tour.. of the next room. They offer to hold the drinks for us, the iced drinks until after the tour (so they will be warm and watery after the tour!). We warned other who came in for the tour as it was about to start. One of the employees strolled by and said "counterintuitive, isn't it you can't bring drinks on the tour". I get it if it is the rules z they should have told us. The options are whisky (meh), vodka (good), moonshine (good), gin(pretty good). So, if is a rainy day, I'd recommend going to a liquor Store and doing a tasting at home or heading to a bar with views before I did this tasting.

(Drank 05/19/23 FR @ 12:00pm): Wow... a cool little distillery in the middle of nowhere! I took my friend on an exploration of Kailua into parts I haven't "discovered" yet, which ultimately brought us to Ko'olau Distillery. I scoped out this place and was finally happy to try it with someone who was interested as well. A slight detour from my brewery exploration, libations were still going to be had! Founded in 2018 by a disabled Marine, this was a story I wanted to learn more about and support. Would my usual beer and wine-forward tastebuds be cool with various distilled liquors!? PURCHASE 4pc Flight Taster $15.00 https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=IQo2X6CdEdkU6wvJobiHvg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ~Old Pali Road Whiskey 96 Proof 1/2floz: Honey, oaky, and smooth. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=FaXfCv3ENaogjVzcaWzY4w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ~Tradewind Gin 95 Proof 1/2floz: Citrusy, floral, and smooth. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=spA-4ve8SG6AOtPl23GZfQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ~Barrel Aged Tradewind Gin 95 Proof ¼floz: Citrusy, spicy, and mouthfeel. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=nhtTGDlHGqyhPOR079nGUg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ~Mahealani Moonshine 100 Proof ¼floz: Smoky, sweet, and trailing. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=-aNgaY7PDwR0vD3ifp_UEA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Pineapple Sippin Cream ($5.00): Pineapple, tropical, and creamy. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=YA5J9WC2EDYQBYGSTRwmYQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Old Fashioned ($15.00): Made with their Old Pali Road Whiskey, this was less smoky and more smooth than what I was used to. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=HOD_f8jLm7GmDisDNiB7DA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Moonshine Refresher ($12.00): Made with their Mahealani Moonshine and POG juice, this was a really refreshing elixir! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Q6sTy2aCJ_9IddOPicS6ew&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Hawaiian Hoki ($10.00 HH): Made with their Old Pali Road Whiskey and ginger beer, this was a very light Moscow Mule. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=IMi5QiXI3Wt9Ro9IjM1LOw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Gin & Tonic ($10.00 HH): Made with their Tradewind Gin and tonic water, this was simply water to me. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=P-6tHq46K6sdTKpP0f7O3g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Lin's Hawaiian Snacks Ube Chex Mix 4oz Bag ($7.00): There were few eating options other than the food truck, so we opted for this. Nearly every crunchy piece had some slightly sweet ube flavoring on it as we devoured the entire bag while we were there. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=whM-ahBxJC1Kto_Vo8W79w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Round Sticker ($1.00): I loved stickers and enjoyed placing them at breweries and the like to spread the love. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=IYjAA_oJOgt0fHSBijSHcw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw SERVICE Greeted by a young friendly female who directed us to sit anywhere, we each eagerly ordered a taster flight which she brought to us minutes later as she explained each one. Throughout the afternoon, we continued to order more drinks and even spoke with the owner. Before we left, live music started. Everyone was helpful and kind - mahalo! PARKING (FREE) It appeared they shared a somewhat spacious outdoor area with a handful of businesses - 'nuff said! ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE Located in an industrial area inside a sizable warehouse with one side for the tasting room https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=9gS0d8Uxf4ygHfXwhILX3w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw and the other side for to the distillery https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=abUG9z2GnaHa8Ztb87SsIA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw and tours. There were plenty of places to sit in addition to nice visuals https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=FxeFVi9HondLDXtZHHeRYA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw hung on the walls. There was a decent amount of natural lighting at the entrance while various electric hung and ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were a couple TVs while I couldn't remember if there was any background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=d2YZMMSCxANIsPLXpK3N1w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL I had a wonderful afternoon at Ko'olau Distillery and would consider returning with people who haven't been here before. Unless they offered something different, I couldn't see returning by myself. Aside from the tasting sizes (I wished they were at least 1floz), I was pleased with everything else. This also appeared to be a family and pet-friendly place. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $80.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS

See all photos from Jeff B. for Ko'olau Distillery

We came here about a year ago to do a tour/bottling/tasting and it was a cool activity. They do offer discounts for veterans and locals at $20. Their whiskey and gin are good bottles to take home. Today we were in the area so dropped by to try the local dragonfruit kombucha ($5) on draft from Waimanalo and a whisky based Hawaiian hoke cocktail ($13)! You can actually taste the alcohol unlike many other establishments that taste like overpriced juices. Very reasonable prices too! Bartender was nice and made a good drink. Veteran owned business who knows how to keep it real and fun! They've built a gorgeous space to hang out with your family and friends. They have special events like Trivia Thursdays, Friday & Saturday live music and food trucks! Definitely be back when I'm in the area :) Make sure to follow on IG for specials!

Definitely worth finding this place. In an industrial park like many breweries. Cocktails are spot on. Ube (purple sweet potato) cocktail and the Old Fashioned with Big Island macadamia nut syrup were spot on. Staff is so engaging and it's a veteran owned business. Well done tasting room with beautiful koa tables.

Macadamia nut Old Fashioned

Ube cocktail

Such a fun and unexpected cool place.. most definitely going back the next time we visit Hawaii!

The most delicious drinks!

Was looking on line for things to do around Kailua and Kaneohe and saw that there was a distillery near by! We were surprised by the location, but was pleasantly impressed by the atmosphere and vibe of the bar/distillery. It's located in an industrial area with other businesses. We had a flight of a mix of whiskey and gin. The employee that attended to us was awesome and was incredibly informative and helpful. While we there an art class ( they were painting) was in session . Complemented with a full bar and a tasting area , they also had on sale merchandise and distilled spirits made on the premises. If you want to support a local business as well as a quaint distillery, visit Ko' Olau Distillery!

We had a great time at the distillery, had a few cocktails before starting the tour and surprisingly they were delicious!! especially the Aviation. Unfortunately we couldn't take the drinks with us on the tour we had to shotgun everything. Our host was pretty funny and knowledgeable, kept if loose. Made it entertaining and informative.learned a lot about the process of making alcohol in Hawaii. At the end of the tour we filled our own bottle of whiskey that we ended up buying. we also had a tasting of whiskey, vodka, gin and moonshine. Wish we had more time to hang out at the bar to try more of the cocktails and maybe have some food from the vendor outside. Seems like a pretty nice vibe!

See all photos from Juvy L. for Ko'olau Distillery

Great bartender. He knows his stuff. Ask for Justin. I purchased the aged gin, which was so smooth!!! Loved the ambiance of the tasting room .

Aged whiskey gin & tonic, old fashion, and seno Rita margarita.

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TWO OF HAWAII’S TOP DISTILLERIES ON OAHU

February 27, 2019.

Hawaii’s unique climate and natural resources have inspired many local distillers to create sensational spirits with a tropical twist. Thanks to Oahu-based companies like Kō Hana and Island Distillers, happy hour has never tasted so good.

Kō Hana Distillers Head to Kunia to learn about the farm to bottle process of Kō Hana rum. The tour kicks off with a glass of fresh pressed cane juice—the star ingredient of this Hawaiian rum. As you tour this distillery, you’ll learn how this canoe plant turns into one of the finest agricole rums in the world. Plus, you’ll get a chance to stroll through the sugar cane fields and learn about the history of sugar cane, which was brought to Hawaii from Polynesia nearly one thousand years ago. From the observation deck, soak in breathtaking views of Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and the Waianae Mountains. The tour finishes at the tasting bar, where you’ll compare Kō Hana’s white and aged rums. There’s also a tour for two that includes kiawe wood fired pizza. If you can’t make it to Central Oahu, be sure to try one of Surfjack’s specialty cocktails—like Unkle’s Punch—featuring Kō Hana rum at Mahina & Sun’s. 92-1770 Kunia Rd., Kunia https://www.kohanarum.com/home

Island Distillers After the strenuous Koko Head hike, why not treat yourself to a nearby tour of Oahu’s oldest distillery. On the one-hour tour of Island Distillers, you’ll get a chance to taste world-renowned Hawaiian liquors like Hapa Rum and Vodka, as well as 100 Proof Hawaiian Okolehau (which uses ti root beer to produce a highly alcoholic spirit—Hawaii’s only indigenous distilled spirit). Hapa Vodka’s impressive collection is made from premium sugarcane and is available in unique island-style flavors such as coconut, hibiscus and chili pepper. Afterwards, grab a bottle to take home and mix up a tropical concoction of your own. 577 Pakala St., Honolulu https://www.islanddistillers.com

On neighbor islands, there’s also a variety of Hawaii distilleries and wineries that offer tours and tasting rooms. Think Ocean Organic Vodka (Kula Maui), MauiWine (Kula, Maui), Kōloa Rum (Lihue, Kauai), and Volcano Winery (Volcano, Big Island), to name just a few.

More of a beer drinker? Check out our round up of the best bars for craft beers on Oahu: https://surfjack.com/best-bars-craft-beer-honolulu/

And don’t forget to join us at the Surfjack every Tuesday for Tasting Room—where you can sample local, national and international craft beers, wines and spirits courtesy of our vendors and partners of Mahina & Sun’s. More info at https://surfjack.com/experiences/

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Brewery, Winery & Distillery Tour

Join us on the only Brewery, Winery & Distillery tour on Oahu!  Taste some of the best the island has to offer.  The best part is we do all the driving!

/per person

EXPERIENCE TRUE ALOHA

Ready for a unique Hawaiian Island Tour experience?  See the beautiful island of O’ahu and taste the fresh island flavors that Hawaii is known for.

Island Tropic Tours provides amazing group tours around the island of O’ahu.  Our local drivers have spent their entire lives on the island of O’ahu, and offer a unique tour experience unlike many of the other cookie-cutter tour companies.

Ready to experience Hawaii like a local?  Book your next Hawaiian vacation with Island Tropic Tours.

WHAT'S IN THE TOUR:

GIOVANNI PASTRAMI

• 10:30am Check-In
• 1 Hour Duration

2 Drinks + 1 Select Appetizer Included

O'eno winery.

• Tour & Tasting
• 45-minute Duration

Wine Tasting & Tour Included

KO'OLAU DISTILLERY

Experience a one-of-a-kind Hawaiian distillery located in the foothills of the beautiful Koʻolau mountains. Learn about the Koʻolau Distillery and how they craft their Old Pali Road Whiskey  one batch at a time, with a narrated step-by-step guide by their knowledgeable whiskey aficionados.

Learn what makes Koʻolau Distillery so unique and the steps involved in the whiskey distilling process: Mashing, Fermenting, Distilling, Aging, and finally Bottling.

• Whiskey Tasting
• Distillery Tour

INU ISLAND ALES

• 30-minute duration
• Various Beer Samples
• 7oz beer of your choice

WAIKIKI BREWING CO.

• 45-minute duration

Waikiki’s very first brewery!  Taste the Aloha, where award winning craft beer meets great food and good times.

• A 7oz beer of your choice
• Drop-off Approximately 5:00pm
• Guaranteed Seating

End your tour right back where it started just in time for Happy Hour!

2 Drinks Included

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