Hawaii has been producing beer since the middle of the 1800s, but early in the 1990s, craft breweries began to open. In the 2010s, Hawaii’s craft beer movement raged. While the Kakako neighborhood on Oahu serves as the local craft beer center, readers of HAWAI’I Magazine distribute the five best local beers in Hawaii throughout the state.
1. Kona Brewing Hawaii
Originally the first craft brewery in Hawaiʻi, Kona Brewing has grown to be a nationally known brand. It began in 1994. Originally situated on Hawaiʻi Island, Kona Brewing Co. recently established a sustainable, state-of-the-art brewery and canning plant far from its original site, allowing them to once again make beer on the island after years of brewing on the mainland. See the Hawaii Kai site in Koko Marina Center if you are on Oʻahu. Refreshing, low-ABV Kona Light Blonde Ale from konabrewinghawaii.com will cool you off. Kona Brewing Hawaii is certainly among the best local beers in Hawaii 2024.
2. Maui Brewing Co.
Maui Brewing Co. is very satisfied with its low carbon impact. Whether it’s delivering leftover grain to farmers or using solar energy, its operations and packaging are environmentally friendly. Try the most recent edition. Made in cooperation with Epic Swim Maui, a world-class event scheduled for Maui this month to raise awareness of ocean health, Da Hawaiʻi Life Lite Lager is a crushable low-cal beer. mauibrownco.com. Maui Brewing Co. is another top contender for the best local beers in Hawaii 2024.
3. Kauai Beer Co.
With handmade batches of premium craft beer and a complementary menu of smash burgers, tacos, and shared apps, Open since 2013 in Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi Beer Co. is the traditional neighborhood microbrewery. (The Bavarian pretzel is really essential.) Its first beer was the German-style Schwarzbier Black Limousine; the second, and maybe most well-liked, is the malty, German-style pale lager with tropical tastes called Līhuʻe Lager. It’s also friendly for dogs. Kauaibeer.com. Kauai Beer Co. is definitely one of the best local beers in Hawaii 2024.
4. Aloha Beer Co.
Aloha Beer Co. has been renowned since its founding for its traditional style and well-balanced, clean beers. See their location in Waikīkī on the main strip next to Waikīkī Beach Walk; visit the flagship site in Kakaʻako for tastings and brewery tours; or unwind in the dog-friendly beer garden. Try the iconic Aloha Beer Co. brew Fruit Lupes IPA, rich with tropical fruit taste and scent. alohabeer.com. Aloha Beer Co. is another must-try when searching for the best local beers in Hawaii 2024.
5. Big Island Brewhaus
Brewer Thomas Kerns, originally Maui Brewing Co.’s brewer, created Big Island Brewhaus with his wife in 2011 to fulfill their vision of establishing a venue in Waimea on Hawaii Island for the community to meet over fine beer, food, and music. From lagers and pilsners to crème ales and Belgians and everything else in between, beers vary in worldwide styles. Try the sultry toasted coconut-and-Hamakua-Estate-Coffee-infused porter, which has dark malt and milk chocolate overtones. Big Island Brewhaus is certainly among the best local beers in Hawaii 2024.
These breweries represent the best local beers in Hawaii 2024, each offering unique flavors and experiences that capture the spirit of the islands. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these breweries are worth exploring for their top-notch craft beers and commitment to quality.