Today is my last full day on Oahu and tomorrow I’ll be flying back to California. As part of the trip, I managed to explore and sample the now emerging craft beer industry in Hawaii. Most savvy beer drinkers are aware of Hawaiian breweries such as Kona Brewing and Maui Brewing. However, there is a newly emerging Hawaiian microbrewery industry that is just getting started. Here are 3 examples of Hawaii’s emerging craft beer industry on Oahu.

Waikiki Brewing Company

Waikiki Brewing Company is the brainchild of Joe Lorenzen. As noted on their website: “Waikiki Brewing Company got its start when Cheeseburger Restaurants General Manager (GM), Joe Lorenzen, saw untapped potential in the unused banquet room at his restaurant.”

An avid home brewer, Joe completed coursework with the American Brewers Guild and with help from the founders of Cheeseburger restaurants opened Waikiki Brewing Company less than 2 months ago. Joe is the brewmaster, producing a wide range of beers in the new 7 barrel brewhouse.

Waikiki Brewing Company is within easy walking distance of most Waikiki hotels, making this brewery easy to visit when staying in the area. Waikiki Brewing Company offers open-air, covered seating that is symbiotic with good weather in Hawaii. Food is also available.

I sampled all eight of the beers available on draft during my visit.  My three favorites were the Eee Pah IPA™, Black Strap Molasses Porter™, and Jalapeño Mouth™.

The Eee Pah IPA (ABV: 7.65% IBU: 75) had a lovely citrus aroma with pine, currants, and floral backing. The beer produced a nice pine flavor with supporting malt base and citrus.

The Black Strap Molasses Porter (ABV: 6.48% IBU) was a chocolate, coffee, and molasses flavor treat that worked well with the warm and humid Hawaiian  climate.

The Jalapeño Mouth (ABV:5.36% IBU:30) had a jalapeño nose and offered heat on the palate that would pair well with a burger, some chili, or even BBQ ribs.

This brewery is off to a solid start. I can’t wait to come back, see how things evolve, and drink more Waikiki Brewing Company beer.

Honolulu Beerworks

Located in an industrial and business section of Honolulu, Honolulu Beerworks was started by Geoff and Charmayne Seideman just over a year ago. Geoff is also the brewmaster. The inside of this industrial building has been transformed to an inviting, comfortable space that invoked in me thoughts of Pacific Northwest craft breweries somehow merging with Hawaiian hospitality. I loved this ambiance!

A colorful and beautiful beer garden also was available for seating.

Honolulu Beerworks offered a wide range of beers, as well as, food. I tried eight impressive beer samples.

The Pia Mahi’ai saison was light and refreshing with a banana aroma and honey, citrus, and banana flavors. The Maunalua Bay Double IPA was my favorite. Deep copper in color with a citrus and pine aroma, this DIPA had a malt and honey flavor in the foreground followed with a pine finish and dry hop bitterness.

Honolulu Beerworks may not be near the beach, but this brewery is definitely worth a visit (or two) during your stay in Oahu.

Lanikai Brewing Company

While I was staying in Waikiki Beach, newly started Lanikai Brewing Company released their Pillbox Porter through a restaurant called 12th Avenue Grill.

Lanikai Brewing Company was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign and the brewery is located in Kailua, Oahu. Steve Haumschild is the CEO and Brewmaster for Lanikai Brewing Company. Lanikai Brewing Company focuses on creating craft beer incorporating island-inspired ingredients.

The name Pillbox Porter was inspired by one of the remnant World War II pillboxes located in the Lanikai area and also throughout Oahu.

I found the Lanikai Brewing vanilla bean Pillbox Porter to be smooth and rich in malt flavor highlighted by vanilla beans and a hint of caramel. A mild hop bitterness at the end helped to round off the flavor profile. This is an excellent brew!

Lanikai Brewing Company has also released their 808 Imperial IPA. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to try this beer yet. Maybe they can send me a bottle!

There are other microbreweries starting up in Hawaii, but these three Oahu examples demonstrate a strong start with some brews you should definitely try. Mahalo all for some excellent brews!