Micro-Brew Beers of Hawaii

According to local Hawaii brewers, Hawaii is the biggest beer drinking state per capita in the country. Whether it is due to the sunny skies or the frequent visitors, Hawaii is proud to hold this honor. To please the demanding beer connoisseur, Hawaii has become home to some award winning microbrews. There are several microbrews on the island, and this article will feature three of the best.

Maui Brewing Company

Maui Brewing Company started brewing beer in 2005. They pride themselves in brewing 100% local beer, from ingredients to bottle, everything that goes into their beer is locally made and produced. Maui Brewing Company offers several beer varieties including Bikini Blonde, Big Swell IPA, and Coconut Porter available in a can; and Lucifer's Angel, McGrumpy's, and Pia Hale Mild available on tap. In 2009, the Maui Brewing Company was awarded four medals for their brew in the Los Angeles International Commercial Beer Competition. Big Swell IPA, Bikini Blonde Lager, and Father Damien Abbey all took home gold, while Honolulu Lager won silver. Maui Brewing Company beer is available in California and Japan.

Kona Beer

The Kona Brewing Company is located on the Big Island in the town of Kailua-Kona. Kona Brewery began brewing beer in 1995 with Pacific Golden Ale and Fire Rock Pale Ale. Within a few years, they began to brew ten other styles. The Kona Brewing Company distributes the three most popular beers, which includes the 2 originals and Longboard Island Lager to the neighboring islands, making them the top selling microbrew on the islands. For three years in a row, Longboard Island Lager won Best of the Northwest/Pacific in the Dortumunder/Helles category. While Kailua-Kona serves as the flagship brewery, Kona brews are also produced in Portland, Oregon and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Kona beers are available in specialty shops throughout the U.S. and Japan, online orders are also available.

Mehana Brewing Company

Mehana Brewing Company began operations in 1995 in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. They brew and bottle five different beers including: Hawaii Lager, Volcano Red Ale, Roy's Private Reserve Beer, Mauna Kea Pale Ale, and Humpback Blue Beer. Roy's Private Reserve Beer is mild ale brewed to compliment the Hawaiian Fusion cuisine Roy's is famous for. When in Hilo, Calvin Shindo, Mehana Brew master, encourages visitors to stop by to tour the brewery to see the crafting of fine beer with Hawaiian hospitality. Mehana beer can be found in California, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, and Japan.

Hawaii may be best known for the Mai Tai, but when in Hawaii be sure to give one of the microbrews a try. The staff at local restaurants and bars is well versed in the local varieties and help patrons make a selection.