Beer in Hawai‘i: Who’s Opening, Who Closed and What’s Coming Up
Plus moves, expansions and $5 beers all day at a familiar brewery in town.
Is it just me, or is 2025 flying by? Overall, it’s been a quiet year for beer in Hawai‘i and across the country. Maui’s Koholā Brewery is expanding two years after the Lahaina wildfire destroyed its facility, Honolulu Beerworks is settling into its much larger home and beer pairing dinners are making a comeback with Kona Brewing Hawai‘i, Aloha Beer Co., Koholā, Hana Koa Brewing, Waikīkī Brewing, Beer Lab Hawai‘i and Napali Brewing all collaborating on events with chefs. The number of breweries in the Aloha State has decreased overall, but those left are doing well.
Autumn will bring openings, events and changes across the Islands. Keep an eye out for Oktoberfest events starting soon, plus Halloween haunts and winter events revolving around beer. For many of the news tidbits below, we’ll be sharing our full experience with you soon. As always, thanks for reading and supporting local beer!
O‘ahu
Photo: Alexander Gates
Olohana Brewpub by Kalihi Beer
We’re hoping the third time is the charm for the former Kalihi Beer. After losing its original location, the brewpub has moved into the former home of Stewbum & Stonewall Brewing and Beach House Beer Co. at 96 N. King St. in Chinatown. Reimagined as Olohana Brewpub, it will brew and serve your favorite and new Kalihi Beers on site, along with a new food menu. Olohana is hiring cooks and service staff—email chris@kalihibeer.com.
Three Peaks Brewing
Another rebirth under new ownership, the former Kailua-based Olomana Brewing is moving to Waikīkī. The new brewery at 1778 Ala Moana Blvd. has a Mug Club to build support for its opening on Aug. 30—it includes a personalized mug, discounts, events and free beer on your birthday. Head to threepeakshawaii.com for details.
Beer Lab Hawai‘i
In appreciation for customer support over the years, going forward all beers, all styles, all sizes are just $5 all day, every day at Beer Lab’s Beretania Street brewpub.
SEE ALSO: Beer Lab Just Opened a Beer Garden and Poke Counter on Beretania
Lē‘ahi Brewing Co.
Named after Diamond Head, Lē‘ahi Brewing has been building out the former Hooters space at Aloha Tower Marketplace overlooking the harbor. With equipment installed and furniture being delivered, the team is perfecting the flavors and styles of beer with Hawai‘i flavors that will be pouring soon. Can art will feature local landmarks.
Hammerhead Bay Brewing Co.
The buildout in Kāne‘ohe is complete, the team is assembled. With a few more permits, beer will soon be flowing in the T. Yogi Building at 45-1048 Kamehameha Highway.
Hilton Hawaiian Village
The finale of the hotel’s summer beer dinner series is tonight, Aug. 13—a partnership with Koholā Brewery to raise money for Maui United Way. Koholā’s exclusive new Rainbow Pale Ale will be on tap at all HHV restaurants and bars, with $1 from every pint sold going to the nonprofit until August 2026.
Howzit Brewing
One of Hawai‘i’s newest breweries, Howzit is moving into packaging cans of its popular beers. John Montes De Oca, formerly of Barebottle Brewing in San Francisco and recently of Inu Island Ales in Kāne‘ohe, has taken over brewing duties. Phil Pesheck, who has been with Howzit since the beginning and brought to the local industry his scientific approach to brewing quality and delicious beer, is leaving Hawai‘i to be closer to family. Cheers to your next adventure, Phil!
SEE ALSO: Howzit, Honolulu’s Newest Brewery, Opens in Kaka‘ako
Halloween Beer Fest
A Halloween night Boos & Brews festival is coming to Palama Settlement in Kalihi, thanks to Hawai‘i Beer Fest by Kurious Productions in partnership with the Rotary Club of Honolulu. Don your favorite costume and compete to win cash and tickets to future festivals. Tickets are available at hawaiibeerfest.com.
Maui
Photo: Alexander Gates
Koholā Brewery and Mahalo Aleworks
Koholā lost its brewery in the 2023 Lahaina fire, survived when Kona Brewing Hawai‘i stepped in to keep it brewing, and opened a new spot in Wailea last August. Now, Koholā has purchased Mahalo Aleworks in Makawao. “We are thrilled to be brewing on Maui again and very grateful to all who have helped us rebuild,” owner Mary Anderson says. “This gives us the opportunity to continue to do what we are most passionate about—great craft beer and being tightly connected with our community.”
@koholabrewery, @mahaloaleworks
SEE ALSO: Welcome Back, Koholā! A Brewery Destroyed in Last Year’s Fire Reopens
Koa Brewing Co.
Getting closer to opening in Kihei, Koa Brewing is currently testing a sandwich menu with homemade sourdough breads. You can support them by buying merchandise at koabrewingco.com.
Kaua‘i
Napali Brewing Co.
For several months, this brewery has been making beers by world renowned brewer Fal Allen. “A three-month gig turned into 10, what a great time and great island!” says Allen. He’ll be returning to his roots, taking over Hawai‘i sales of Anderson Valley Brewing, but is looking forward to doing collaboration brews. Napali recently hired Bryan Hochstetlet, formerly of breweries in Colorado and Illinois, to take over brewing. We wish him success at Napali.
Hawai‘i Standard Time Brewing
Coming soon in the heart of Lihue is a brewery by a team who’s been home-brewing for many years. They’ve been appearing at festivals, pouring non-alcoholic offerings for now.
Hawai‘i Island
Lanikai Brewing in Volcano
In a first for an O‘ahu-based brewery, Kailua’s Lanikai Brewing has opened a neighbor island location just outside Volcanoes National Park. The move stems from a personal connection for co-founder and CEO Steve Haumschild, who worked in the park when he moved to Hawai‘i in 2000. “I fell in love with the beauty and purchased a home nearby I’ve been working on since,” he says. “When I was presented a chance to open less than a mile from my second community, I jumped on it.” The new restaurant and taproom is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 19-4005 Haunani Road.
Hilo Brewing
The one bit of sad news is the recent passing of industry legend Ron Jeffries, who co-founded Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales with his wife Laurie. The couple had recently purchased Hilo Brewing and hoped to expand. This writer is grateful to have met them and hear stories about their careers in beer. Hilo Brewing has since closed its doors, so the familiar canned and draft selections will no longer be available. A hui hou.
Is there anything we missed? Let us know, and cheers to many more stories about local beer in the future.
Alexander B. Gates is a regular contributor to Frolic Hawai‘i. @alohastatebeer
