Discovering Island Flavors: Hawaii’s Top 10 Beers and Breweries

What makes a good beer? Is it the crisp burst of refreshment on a hot day? The artful balance of hops, malt, and creativity? Or maybe it’s the story that comes with every sip. On the islands of Hawaii, brewing isn’t just a craft—it’s a lifestyle infused with the spirit of aloha and the flavors of paradise. Whether you’re a local, a traveler, or a die-hard beer enthusiast, Hawaii’s beer scene offers an experience that’s as rich, vibrant, and diverse as the islands themselves.

From passion fruit-infused lagers to IPAs that take you on a tropical flavor adventure, Hawaii beers are redefining craft brewing. And we’re here to help you explore! Below, check out our top 10 Hawaii beers, a deep dive into the breweries behind them, and beer enthusiast tips for experiencing every sip of the islands.

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Top 10 Beers Made in Hawaii 🍺🌺

Each beer on this list has been hand-picked (or should we say, poured?) for its unique flavor, exceptional quality, and contribution to Hawaii’s rich beer culture. And yes, we’ve got the Bro! Beer Me ratings to back it up. These aren’t just brews—they’re experiences in a glass.

1. Hana Koa Brewing Co. – How to Make Friends

Rating: 98 (Bro! Beer Me beer!)

This double IPA is everything you’d expect from a beer with a name this inviting. With a hazy, tropical profile and notes of pineapple, mango, and citrus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that lives up to its mission of “making friends, one pint at a time.” You’ll find it at Hana Koa’s brewery in Honolulu, where the vibe is as warm as the brew.

2. Big Island Brewhaus – Overboard IPA

Rating: 96

This flagship beer from Big Island Brewhaus is a hophead’s dream. Overboard IPA boasts a bold, citrusy aroma with a touch of honey—an ode to Hawaii’s local honey farmers. Balanced and endlessly drinkable, it’s perfect for sipping while catching a sunset on the Big Island.

3. Kona Brewing Co. – Big Wave Golden Ale

Rating: 94

The OG of Hawaii beers, Kona Brewing’s Big Wave Golden Ale is a classic for locals and visitors alike. Light-bodied with hints of tropical fruit and a subtle hop finish, it’s the beer you want by your side at a Mai Tai-fueled beach BBQ.

4. Maui Brewing Co. – Coconut Hiwa Porter

Rating: 95

Rich, roasty, and irresistibly smooth, Coconut Hiwa Porter delivers a burst of toasted coconut in every sip. This dark beauty is best enjoyed slow, preferably while lounging under the palm trees.

5. Beer Lab Hawaii – Chromosphere

Rating: 94

Experimentation at its finest! This sour beer from Beer Lab Hawaii is like a tropical fruit medley, packed with passion fruit and guava notes. If you’re into bold, tangy flavors, Chromosphere will blow your mind.

6. Waikiki Brewing Co. – Hana Hou Hefe

Rating: 92

“Hana hou” means “encore” in Hawaiian, and you’ll definitely want a second round of this wheat beer. With a hint of orange zest and a creamy finish, it’s the ideal beach day companion.

7. Lanikai Brewing Co. – Pillbox Porter

Rating: 93

This rich, silky porter is inspired by Hawaii’s rugged pillbox hikes. With layers of chocolate, caramel, and coffee, it’ll fuel your post-hike beer cravings.

8. Kohola Brewery – Talk Story Pale Ale

Rating: 91

Light and easy, Talk Story Pale Ale isn’t just a beer—it’s an invitation to connect. This pale ale balances citrus hops with a smooth malt backbone, making every sip a conversation starter.

9. Honolulu Beerworks – Cocoweizen

Rating: 92

This refreshing beer is a love letter to Hawaii’s coconuts. Imagine a traditional hefeweizen with a tropical twist, and you’ve got Cocoweizen. Sip it while taking in the urban buzz of Kaka‘ako.

10. Mehana Brewing Co. – Mauna Kea Pale Ale

Rating: 90

Named after the iconic Mauna Kea volcano, this pale ale is as bold as its namesake. With floral hops and a crisp finish, it’s a staple for Big Island beer lovers.

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Breweries in Hawaii 🍻

Behind every great beer is a great brewery, and Hawaii’s local breweries are as diverse as the flavors they create. Here’s a closer look at a few must-visit spots.

Hana Koa Brewing Co. (Honolulu)

Philosophy? Community first, amazing beer second. Hana Koa is where science meets art, yielding inventive brews like How to Make Friends. Rated 97 on Bro! Beer Me, this brewery is a hotspot for creative beers and good vibes.

Maui Brewing Co. (Kihei)

Hawaii’s largest craft brewery prioritizes sustainability. Got a thing for eco-friendly brews? Don’t miss their Coconut Hiwa Porter.

Big Island Brewhaus (Waimea)

With multiple Great American Beer Festival awards, Big Island Brewhaus proves that good beer and small islands go hand in hand.

Beer Lab Hawaii (Oahu)

Calling all adventurous beer geeks! This experimental brewery thrives on innovation. Stop by and discover a new favorite brew (or two).

Lanikai Brewing Co. (Kailua)

Known as the “adventurous brewery,” Lanikai creates beers inspired by Hawaii’s wild flora and fauna.

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Brewing the Island Way 🌴

What makes Hawaii beers so special? It’s more than just the flavor—it’s the process. Brewers here use native ingredients like taro, passion fruit, and Hawaiian honey. Add in the unique influence of the islands’ climate and water profile, and you’ve got the perfect storm for brewing magic.

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Tips for Visiting Beer Enthusiasts

If you’re headed to Hawaii, add these must-see spots to your beer bucket list:

• Brewery Tours: Maui Brewing Co. and Kona Brewing both offer tours showcasing their beer-making process.
• Local Bars: Try beachside bars like Duke’s Waikiki to sip Hawaii beers with unbeatable ocean views.
• Beer Events: Time your trip with the annual Mele Craft Beer Festival for a day of local brews and music.

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Raise Your Glass to Island Flavors

Whether it’s a hazy IPA, a tart sour, or a silky porter, Hawaii beers embody the spirit of the islands. These brews take traditional recipes and infuse them with aloha, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

Now, it’s your turn—why wait? Plan your brewery visits, taste these liquid works of art, and don’t forget to support these incredible local breweries. After all, the best way to discover Hawaii is one pint at a time. Cheers!