The Kona Brewing Company is a small, independent traditional brewery in Kona. They produce beers with names like “Big Wave Golden Ale”, Longboard Island Lager”, “Fire Rock Pale Ale” and “Pipeline Porter”. They organize not-so-memorable brewery tours, but also host a Brewpub with excellent food and their own beers. A perfect place for a local night out.
Brewery tours
Brewery tours are organized a few times a day and last about an hour, typically split in a 30 minute tour and a 30 minute tasting. During the tour you will learn about the company and about the brewing process, the tour also includes a complimentary gift and four 4oz beer samples for those +21.
Reservations ahead of time are normally not needed but calling ahead to reserve can never hurt, especially during high season: (808) 334 BREW (2739)
The Kona pub and brewery. Photo: Courtesy Kona Brewing Co.
More local Big Island breweries
In Kona
The Ola Brew Co in Kona is the newest brewery on the island and brews both beers and ciders. They have a strong focus on using local ingredients, organize daily tours, and serve good quality food next to their beers and ciders.
In Waimea
If you like exploring Hawaii by its very tasty micro brews, you cannot miss going to Waimea. The Big Island Brewhaus has an impressive collection of beers for you to taste.
In Hilo
The Mehana Brewing Company has won golden and silver medals in the US Open of Beer and the World Cup of Beer. Their beers are sold in some bars around the Island or you can visit their brewery in Hilo, where their tasting room is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.