Looking for some tasty breweries on the Big Island of Hawaii? Well, for our beer lovers, there are 4 different breweries around the island offering delicious craft beers.
There’s two breweries in Kona, Hawaii, one brewery north in Waimea, and another brewery east in Hilo. So no matter where you plan to spend your vacation on the Big Island, you will certainly have the chance to get some delicious beer.
Lets dive into the best breweries in Kona, Hilo, and Waimea, Hawaii.
Ola Brew CO. (Kona, Hawaii & Hilo, Hawaii)
Ola Brew Company has two locations on the big island. One on the west in Kona and another on the east in Hilo. Their mission is to use local ingredients which in return will encourage growth in Hawaii’s agricultural economy.
The Beers at Ola Brew CO
Ola Brewery has a wide variety of delicious beers. Our personal favorite was the Hazy IPA (of course) but the good beers don’t stop there.
At their breweries they have 40 different beers, ciders, hard seltzers and hard teas, so really there is a wide assortment to suit everyone’s fancy in your group!
They have some very interesting flavors such as Lilikoi Lime Milkshake IPA. So if you like fruity beers, this is a must-try as it is one of their most popular beers. And the Kiawe Vanilla Porter for the beer drinkers who love darker, flavorful beers. Additionally, there’s other classics such as the Ola Brew IPA and Ma’a Island lager.
A bonus is they release a limited edition weekly special every Thursday. So there is always something new to try!
And even if you are the DD (designated driver) or simply not an alcohol drinker, they offer a local juice and delicious iced teas.
Food at Ola Brewing CO
Both the Kona & Hilo location have a restaurant attached to also grab some grub. Both offering a slightly different menu.
Kona has salads, bao buns, flatbreads, and sandwiches. Hilo has salads, bao buns, pupus (apps) and some main entrees. Despite just smaller menus, all the food looks amazing with enough variety to please all different appetites.
Brewery Tours at Ola Brewing CO
Currently, Ola Brewing CO does not offer brewery tours at either of their locations.
Kona Brewing CO. (Kona, Hawaii)
Kona Brewing Co has been around for nearly 30 years and is a flagship brewery of Hawaii. Thought up by a father son duo, they have been providing easy drinking beer to the island and beyond.
The Kona Brewery only has one location on the Big Island in Kona, Hawaii. But they also have another location on the island of Oahu. They are probably most known for their Big Wave Golden Ale (which has now been labeled as liquid aloha).
They use locally-sourced materials to brew their beers so they are fresh and a true inspiration of Hawaiian culture.
Beers at Kona Brewing CO
Kona Brewery probably has the widest selection of beer on the Big Island. But they definitely specialize in lighter and lower ABV brews (alcohol by volume). Perfect for drinking Hawaii’s hot weather!
Like mentioned above, the Kona Big Wave is by far their most popular beer. A close second would be the Longboard Island Lager. And for the beer lovers who like darker beers, the Black Sand Porter is a go-to.
Kona Brewing Co has a large variety of Lagers, Blondes, Wheats, Browns, Porters, Hefe’s, Stouts, etc. So you are sure to find at least one beer you might like.
And they do have a few IPAs, which is the type Jake and I prefer because they tend to be packed with that hoppy flavorful punch.
They also carry seltzers made with local fruits.
The artwork and designs on their cans and bottles is always a beautiful sight.
Kona Brewing Co doesn’t really carry our personal favorite beers (like Hazy IPAs), but maybe they will add one in the future. But that’s just our personal preference, clearly this brewery is well loved around the world.
If we had to choose our favorite would be the Castaway IPA, Gold Cliff IPA or their Fire Rock Pale Ale.
Your chances of finding Kona Beers on the mainland are fairly high, so if you enjoy their beer you are in luck!
Food at Kona Brewing CO
Kona Brewing CO also has a restaurant at their Kailua-Kona location. The Kona Brewing Company Restaurant offers a variety of pub fare. From pupus, salads, pizzas, sandwiches and entrees.
Brewery Tours at Kona Brewing CO
Kona Brewing CO offers tours daily to anyone over the age of 15. Of course you can only indulge in the beer if you are over the age of 21. Guests can learn about how Kona Brewery is brewing local environmentally responsible beers.
In 2021 they moved to a larger facility where they brew 100,000 barrels annually. Plus they use new eco-friendly brewing technology including solar panels. Which in return has helped them reduce their carbon footprint and overall impact on the environment.
The tour consists of an informative tour through the brewery including four 4oz beer samples. This is a great experience to learn more about Kona Beers.
If you are looking for one of the best breweries in Kona, Hawaii, Kona Brewing has the full package. With a large selection of beers, good food, and a tour to get the full experience.
Big Island Brewhaus
Big Island Brewhaus is a microbrewery north in Waimea, Hawaii. It’s Hawaii’s Highest Brewpub standing 2,764 feet above sea level.
The owner of Big Island Brewhaus has been in the brewing game since 1988, so you can count on some tasty brews here. He played an important role in the early success of Maui Brewing Company. Helping craft the very popular Bikini Blonde Lager, Big Swell IPA, and Coconut Porter.
The owners keep the aloha spirit alive with open mic night every Thursday, followed by live music every Friday.
Beers at Big Island Brewhaus
Big Island Brewhaus has tons of unique beer options on draft at their facility. Anything from different types of lagers, stouts, porters, IPAs, Belgian Style Ales, etc. The three most popular beers are Overboard IPA, Golden Sabbath, and White Mountain Porter.
But they don’t just serve beer at this brewery. They also make their own wines, and offer a large list of specialty cocktails. But their most famous cocktails are their margaritas.
And even if you come for the beer and feel like you missed out on the margaritas, they also have bottled margaritas to go! As well as a decent selection of their beers for take-away.
Food at Big Island Brewhaus
When Big Island Brewhaus was established in 2008, they purchased Tako Taco Taqueria to start the brewery. Therefore, you can also get some delicious food here too.
Much of the food is Mexican cuisine, like tacos, burritos, nachos, etc. There are also a few salads and sandwiches that are non-mexican style.
You can tell the owners have passion for making handcrafted beer and food for the local community.
Hilo Brewing Company (Hilo, Hawaii)
Lastly, there is the Hilo Brewing company on the east side of the island in… yup you guessed it, Hilo, Hawaii. It is a newer brewery established in 2018, but the brewmaster has many years of experience.
Beers at Hilo Brewing Company
They have about 6 solid beers in their lineup. Each a different type, from a lager, red ale, pale ale, IPA, golden ale and porter.
Food at Hilo Brewing Co
Since they are a newer brewery I think they are still trying to decide what they want to do with the food they offer. They’ve had a variety of different options throughout the years.
Sometimes offering pizza and hot dogs, to having taco Tuesday, and also adding in a local food truck. But from the reviews, it seems like that’s not always the case.
So before coming here with a massive appetite, call ahead to see what rotating food options might be available.
Kona Brewers Festival
Every year The Ke Kai Ala Foundation puts on the Kona Brewers Festival. The event helps raise funds and awareness for nonprofit organizations that contribute to environmental conservation.
This brings the local communities together for good beer, local food, live music, and even a trash-inspired fashion show. Locals dress up in outfits made out of trash and walk the runway.
The event usually takes place mid March, so check in to see if the Kona Brewers Festival is happening while you are visiting. Or consider planning your trip around this local event.
Takeaway | Best Big Island Breweries in Kona, Hilo, & Waimea
Overall, there are 4 amazing breweries to choose from for beer enthusiasts. Each brewery helping to bring community together and keep the aloha spirit alive!
With each company offering a slightly different selection of beer and food options, you are sure to keep your taste buds satisfied.
If you are headed to Maui, be sure to check out the best Maui Breweries.
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