The stunning and breathtaking state of Hawaii is one of the most popular romantic and family vacation destinations in America. The series of islands offer stunning beaches and rich wildlife with plentiful tropical forestry. However, what many Hawaii visitors do not realize is that there is a vibrant craft distillery scene thriving in Hawaii. So, add these best distillery tours to your Hawaii vacation itinerary. 

Hawai’i Island 

Hawai’i Island is the largest of the islands, yet it is not the most populated. Sugar cane farming was once the island’s main economic industry. However, tourism and eco-tourism are the big attractions today. 

12th Hawaii Distiller

At 12th Hawaii Distiller, they use locally sourced sugar cane and raw Hawaiian honey. Its name comes from being the 12th established distiller in Hawaii. Additionally, the spirits you can enjoy include honey shine, distiller’s reserve, Hawaiian vodka, and Hawaiian Kona coffee spirits. Unfortunately, they do not offer distillery tours or have a tasting room. 

Kuleana Rum Works

The Kuleana Rum Works distills four types of rum from heirloom sugar cane. The result is a lineup of rums that are rich, layered flavors of the island. And even still, there are several ways you can experience the rum. Dine at the Rum Shack or join the Rum 101 guided tasting, mai tai class, or Kuleana daiquiri class. So, keep an eye on the schedule. The distillery also hosts several events throughout the year. 

Maui

The gorgeous island of Maui is also known as the Valley Isle, with famous beaches and views of migrating humpback whales. It’s one of the most beautiful, exhilarating, and popular islands for tourists. Additionally, it’s home to incredible Hawaii distillery experiences.

Haliimaile Distilling Company

Dedicated to the distillation craft, Haliimaile Distilling Company offers the broadest lineup of spirits. They produce vodka, rum, whiskey, and gin. Located in upcountry Maui, it is in the heart of farmland, perfect for sourcing high-quality local ingredients. You can book a distillery tour and experience the process up close. There is also a wonderful tasting room where you can sample each of the different spirits. 

The Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm and Distillery

Inspired by the ocean that surrounds Hawaii, the Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm and Distillery has four branded spirit lines. The most famous is Ocean Vodka in a unique glass sphere. The others include KULA rum, FY gin, and BRUM rum. Learn about the farm-to-glass distillation process by visiting the tasting room. There is additionally a large store where you can purchase spirits and other merchandise. Finally, a farm cafe lets you enjoy savory bites and perfectly paired cocktails. Unfortunately, distillery tours are not offered. 

Waikulu Distillery

The Waikulu Distillery is dedicated to making agave craft spirits. Its lineup includes a silver, opioid, Ohana reserve, smoke Pepa, and an aged Ohana reserve. It’s the only distillery in Hawaii producing agave spirits. While you can tour the distillery, they aren’t licensed to offer tastings. However, there is a gift shop you can check out. 

O’ahu

Home to the state capital and Pearl Harbor, O’ahu is the busiest island for tourism. The island is densely populated, with plenty of things to see and do. 

Ko Hana Distillers

The team of distillers at Ko Hana Distillers is passionate about their craft spirits. They use different varieties of heirloom sugar cane to create their rum. Their line of craft spirits includes several small-batch specialty rums, each with a unique flavor profile. They also sell craft ready-to-drink bottled cocktails. Book a distillery tour and learn about the 800-year history of Hawaiin sugar cane. From the farm to the bottle, learn what it takes to distill the world’s finest pure sugar cane rum. You can book a farm-only tour, tour, and tasting, or tasting only. 

Ko’olau Distillery

This veterans-owned distillery is dedicated to making craft spirits of whiskey, gin, and moonshine. Pure volcano-filtered Hawaiian water and locally grown corn ingredients infuse these spirits with flavor. Book a distillery tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at how each small batch comes to life. Then head over to the tasting room and have a guided tour through each of the craft spirits. Also, a unique service that Ko’olau Distillery offers is bottle engraving. Commemorate your Hawaii distillery tour with an etched custom bottle! 

Island Distillers

The Island Distillers prides themselves on making the best craft spirits on the island. Each batch is crafted by hand. Their craft spirit lineup includes 100-proof Okolehao, coconut vodka, premium vodka, hibiscus vodka, and chili pepper vodka. Unfortunately, they do not offer tours or on-site tastings. However, you can easily find their craft spirits at Foodland stores, Safeway, Times, KTA, and ABC stores throughout Hawaii. 

Kaua’i

Nicknamed the Garden Island, much of Kaua’i is covered in lush rainforest. It is the oldest of all the Hawaiian islands and has a more natural feel than some of the more touristy islands. 

Koloa Rum Company

Hidden among the lush landscape is the Koloa Rum Company. They distill dark, gold, white, and spiced rums. Also, the team distills some unique flavors that embody Hawaii, such as coffee, cacao, and coconut. Pure sugar cane and pristine rainwater are used in the distillation process. They also produce canned and bottled cocktails. Additionally, the canned cocktails feature classic Hawaiian flavors like mango, guava, pineapple, and coconut. Moreover, bottled cocktails include mai tai, rum punch, and pineapple passion rum cocktails. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Distillery Adventures

Is there any bourbon made in Hawaii distillery locations?

Yes, bourbon is made in Hawaii. The Kauai Distilling Company makes Kapahi Bourbon Whiskey from Hawaii-grown corn, rye, and barley grains. It goes through a double distillation process and will age for two years in charred American oak barrels. 

What alcohol is only made in Hawaii distillery facilities?

Okolehao is a spirit originating in Hawaii and affectionately known as Hawaiian moonshine. To make it, the fermented roots of the oke, or “ti plant,” are distilled. Several Hawaiian distilleries make Okolehao today. 

Do they make whiskey in Hawaii distillery locations?

Yes, there are several distillers across the islands that make whiskey in Hawaii. The volcanic soil is rich in nutrients. So, this makes it a perfect ecosystem for farming. Also, the high-quality products from the farms allow the distillers to use the best quality ingredients for distilling whiskey and other spirits. 

Discover more distillers in Hawaii and other states by checking out Distillery Nearby. And remember that no matter where your vacation takes you, there’s probably a great distillery tour nearby!