A vacation to Kauai, Hawaii’s famous Garden Isle, guarantees a few great things. Aside from its pristine-clear waters and abundance of legendary waves, locals work hard to keep their creative scene very much alive. This includes their showcase of food and drinks that will not only take you to paradise, but also introduce flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Wherever you may come from, gathering to share a drink is one great way to celebrate and socialize. Fortunately for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Kauai’s colorful culture, merriment with a good drink in hand is ever-present on special occasions.
Fancy a unique drink on your vacation? With great work and passion, the craft beer and spirits scene in Kauai is thriving as much as their other lucrative industries. It’s still a small space, but these brewers definitely have something good going on. Read on to explore Kauai’s artisanal beer and liquor scene and you just might find a new go-to drink.
Kauai Beer Company
Have a drink in a place where you can just ‘feel at home’ in Kauai Beer Company. This famous destination that opened in 2013 is known for their great selection of high-quality craft beers. This establishment is open to cater everyone from Monday to Saturday and can be easily located right in the heart of Lihue, near some of Kauai’s must-see museums.
Most people make a stop here to recharge as they travel between Kauai’s attractions. This is because not only their beer is top notch, but also the food they offer in their restaurant and excellent customer service. The place usually holds events so be sure to check their schedules to make your visit more enjoyable.
Kauai Island Brewery and Grill
As the famous quote says, “old but gold.” And that’s what Kauai Island Brewery and Grill stands for as the oldest brewery found at Port Allen in Kauai. It is a place that has accumulated a rich history throughout the decades. For this reason, a brewery tour is available for tourists upon request.
Bring your canned growlers if you want to have beer on the go. And if that isn’t enough, customers may opt for a keg rental filled with any of their house beers. For food, they serve excellent famous grills such as burgers or you can go fresh with their pupus and salads selections.
Their full bar offers cocktails and other mixed drinks. This goes perfect while relaxing or watching games on their 60-inch flat-screen HDTVs spread strategically inside. Indeed, it is a perfect place to bring your friends or family. And although their restaurant closes at 8PM, the bar that includes their pinball machines and dartboards stays open for a later time.
Kona Brewery Co.
Kona Brewery Co. found in Kona-Kahlua is also one beer stop that you shouldn’t miss along with your Ohana. Founded by a father and son in 1994, this brewery continues to serve their customers both locally and worldwide.
Popular staple drinks you can enjoy all year round are the Longboard Island Lager, Big Wave Golden Ale. and Kona Light Blonde Ale. It’s definitely tasting worldwide renowned beers to bump up your beer experience in Kauai. Kona Spiked Island Seltzers are also on the menu as an alternate refreshment aside from beer.
You might be delighted to know that Kona Brewery has a membership club that gives you access to special merchandise. Kona Brewery offers various drinkware, apparel, and other promo gear depending on the season.
Koloa Rum
Koloa Rum Co. distills their own rum to perfection in every bottle they sell. What can be tasted inside? Well, just the various flavors of Hawaii. Their rum that carries the ‘spirit of Aloha’ is crafted together using their own local sugarcane and rainwater sourced from Mount Waiʻaleʻale. It’s a must-try when you go see one of Kauai’s popular festivals! Aside from rum, the mixing show that they offer at the shop is both a treat to the eyes and one’s palate.
Other goodies to try when in their store are their rum cakes, jams, and Kukui Brand Mai Tai Mix. Your curiosity of how their award-winning rums tastes can be answered upon visiting their store and premier tasting room found at Kilohana Plantation in Puhi, Kauai. Just keep in mind that the management requires a valid ID and must be at the right age of 21 and above to be eligible for entering the tasting room and making an alcohol transaction.
Hanalei Spirits
If you are looking for that one place dedicated to making premium spirits, then Hanalei Spirits should definitely be at the top of your list. Using homegrown ingredients harvested in their own farm, the distinct flavor of the island’s flavors are captured in every sip of the spirits they offer.
Craft cocktails such as Hanalei Mule, Blue Hawaii, and the legendary Humuhumunukunukuapua’a are also available to share with your friends. For traveling groups, the distillery offers Bar in a Bag and Hanalei Spirits Canvas Bags that you can take to your next destination. Make sure to check this place plentiful of spirits at Kilauea, Kauai.
Nani Moon Meadery
Another place to enjoy wine tasting and microbrewery is at Nani Moon Meadery. But before you go, you must know that what they serve is not your typical beer or wine. It’s mead! Yes, you read it right. It’s not wine or beer, but mead. In fact, Nani Moon Meadery is one of the few meadery and producers of mead in Hawaii.
Without any use of chemicals, their mead or honey wine is crafted by mixing spices, fruits, and homegrown honey. Inside the vicinity, you and your loved ones can enjoy a family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Without a doubt, it’s a great educational stop and where one can enjoy a drink differently!
Try all the varieties of mead they create by booking a reservation. Fun fact – they allow one minor person to join the tasting upon reserving.
Discover Kauai’s Flavors
The industry of creating craft beers and spirits is very much alive in Kauai. If you don’t have a very experienced taste, a trip to one of these recommendations could definitely open up your world of flavors. On a trip with friends, why not plan your nights with visits to these breweries to sketch up a whole new adventure? Experience and taste, literally, what Kauai, Hawaii has to offer. Cheers!
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