Save The Ales

Raise a glass to Hawai‘i’s 50th next Friday by ditching the mass-produced longneck for better, brewed-in-Hawai‘i beers. There's no better time to think globally and drink locally.

Maui Brewing Company
As local as they come, Maui Brewing Company insists on making their suds on-island from fresh Hawaiian ingredients and mountain water. You can find Bikini Blonde, Big Swell IPA and Coconut Porter in cans all over the state, but you have to head to the brewpub outside Lahaina to taste their specialty flavors, like the Black Pearl, which is Coconut Porter (made with real Hawaiian coconuts, of course) aged in Braddah Kimos’ rum barrels. Or go loco for the Mana Wheat, brewed with fresh Maui Gold pineapple. Find stores that stock Maui Brewing beers here.

Hawai‘i Nui Brewing
Local bottling is an endangered species, says Hawai‘i Nui brewmaster Andy Baker, who runs the only barley-to-bottle operation in the state. Go out and get yourself the newest Hawai‘i Nui brew — Hapa Brown Ale. This baby has the traditional bold malt flava’ with a Hawaiian-style hint of citrus that is distinctly island. Worried about trying something new? No problem. Hawai‘i Nui’s new Hilo tasting room is just the ticket for the indecisive or just plain thirsty. Go to www.hawaiinuibrewing.com and click on "Find Our Beer" for a full list of stores and retaurants that carry it.

Kona Brewing Company
As the longtime ambassador of “Ale-oha,” Kona Brewing Company is the best known local brewer. And while Longboard Lager and Big Wave Golden Ale are on the shelves of supermarkets all over Hawai‘i and the Mainland, it’s the draft-only and seasonal beers found only here in the Islands that are really special. Head to the Kona brewpub for Big Island Ginger beer, with its spicy tang — perfect for a day where the trade winds aren’t kicking. Kona’s Pipeline porter rocks out 100 percent Kona coffee, and a current limited release of Wailua Wheat is laced with lilikoi. Find somewhere to buy a Kona brew here.