Maui is A Great Place to Be a Beer Connoisseur(Snob)
While beer isn't my personal drink of choice, I do have to admit, I have enjoyed a few varieties of beer at the following Maui establishments. Especially Mahalo Aleworks, my personal favorite. I live Upcountry in Pukalani and before Mahalo Aleworks came into town, we were without a community watering hole. So, thank you Mahalo Aleworks for bringing some fun, entertainment, and craftsmanship to Upcountry Maui!
While you can grab a beer at most of the restaurants or bars anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands when you're in the mood to kick back and relax, several of these specialty Maui breweries and bars are rightfully known for their selection of craft beers, excellent ambiance, and lively events.
Whether you’re a beer drinker or not, breweries and craft beer bars are fun places to hang out and enjoy a cold beverage. If you're visiting or live here on Maui, you may have been looking to go out and enjoy yourself. In that case, look no further than these breweries and bars which are some of the best Maui has to offer.
1. Maui Brewing Company
Maui Brewing Company is certainly the most famous brewery on Maui and has extended distribution of its delicious brews around the US. Originally opened in 2005 as a small brewpub, MBC has grown into the largest and most popular of the many Maui breweries. Whether you are in the mood for beer tasting, a tour, or a full-service dining experience, you will have a great time at this Maui brewery.
With a constantly rotating selection, you can still enjoy all of the staples that have made Maui Brewing Company famous such as Bikini Blonde, Pineapple Mana Wheat, Pau Hana Pilsner, Big Swell IPA, and others. Check the schedule for details on happy hour and live music before your visit, but really anytime is a great time to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at their large Kihei facility, near Hokulani Golf Villas, complete with a large outdoor space and a full menu of delicious food.
Is Maui Brewing made in Hawaii?
Maui Brewing Company brews some of its beer at its grid-independent production brewery in Kihei. However, to keep up with growing demands, the brewery has recently shifted some of its production to the mainland U.S. In June 2022, founder Garrett Marrero announced a production partnership with Sleeping Giant Brewing Company (Denver, CO) to expand production and bring its craft beverages to more mainland fans at a competitive price.2. Waikiki Brewing Company
Since Waikiki Brewing Company opened in 2015, it has established two convenient locations on Maui. One on Front Street, just down the street from Puamana, and one in Wailea near the Wailea Beach Villas at the Shops at Wailea. While you enjoy your favorite ale or IPA at the Lahaina location on Front Street, you can take in ocean views. Appetizers and drinks are discounted during select hours with a pretty solid daily happy hour.
3. Mahalo Aleworks
Mahalo Aleworks is one of the newest breweries in Maui, and it has already gained a great reputation among locals thanks to its commitment to producing quality beers and providing excellent customer service. Located in Pukalani at the Kulamalu Town Center, Mahalo Aleworks provides a beautiful and fun environment to enjoy their great beer.
This microbrewery offers impressive mountain and coastal views from its second-story balcony. It was strategically designed to be able to have food for its guests from nearby venues like Restaurant Marlow(incredible pizza) and Upcountry Sausage Country. Guided tasting sessions and tours are available, all in all, it's just a really fun place to be.
4. Koholā Brewery
Kohola Brewery opened its taproom in 2016, and it has quickly gained popularity thanks to its award-winning craft beers. Some of the top options to try are Talk Story Pale Ale, Lokahi Pilsner, and Red Sand Amber Pale. Flights are available, but food is not on the menu. If you stop by for beer happy hour, you can bring your own snacks to share with friends or family. You can find Kohala Taproom in Lahaina off Papalaua Street.
What beer is popular in Hawaii?
Some of the most popular Hawaii beers are Bikini Blonde Lager (Maui Brewing Co.), Big Swell IPA (Maui Brewing Co.), and Longboard Lager (Kona Brewing Co.). In recent years, Hawaii has expanded its production of various spirits and beers with the addition of several breweries and distilleries.5. The Birdcage Bar
Ok, the Birdcage Bar isn't necessarily known for being a brewpub or a great place to expand your beer palate, BUT, it does have the best view and coolest atmosphere. Sometimes it's the ambiance that can make something taste just a little better. This unique bar located at Hotel Wailea in Wailea offers open-air, lounge-style seating with huge panoramic views. You can certainly grab a beer here, but they do have a very inspired cocktail menu as well.
Right behind the Wailea Highlands neighborhood, the Birdcage Bar offers one of the more unique and sophisticated drinking experiences anywhere on Maui.
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6. Barefoot Bar at Hula Grill in Ka'anapali
Barefoot Bar is located at Hula Grill in Whaler's Village, Ka'anapali, making it the perfect spot for cold beer, great food, and beautiful oceanfront views. Barefoot Bar is known for its Barefoot Brew. This is a house draft, honey amber ale. Food and drinks are offered at a discount during the bar’s Aloha Hour. Hula dancing and live music are featured on stage for you to enjoy while you drink. You can also enjoy some shopping at Whaler's Village while you're there or walk along the Ka'anapali Boardwalk.
7. Down the Hatch
Located on Front Street in Lahaina, Down the Hatch offers a variety of local beers on tap as well as adult shave ice and a full food menu. Live musical performances run throughout the day, and Down the Hatch also features a trivia night, dance lessons, and other special events. This venue was recognized as one of the Top 100 Restaurants by Yelp! and was named the Best Bar on Maui five times between 2017 and 2022.
8. The Pint & Cork
The Pint & Cork is a gastropub and sports bar conveniently located at The Shops at Wailea. It offers tap beer from Kohola Brewery, Maui Brewing Company, and a ton of others. While you enjoy the great atmosphere and a few cold beers, sample the lobster mac and cheese, garlic parmesan fries, and other fare. They have a great happy hour and if you like a good Margarita, try the mid-day Margarita, but remember beer before liquor! Or is it the other way around?!
What is the Official Drink of Maui?
If there were to be an ‘official’ drink of Maui, Mai Tais would have to take home the trophy. Mai Tais are hands down the island’s most popular drink. This tart cocktail typically includes rum, fresh lime juice, sweet and citrusy orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup. One of the most famous Mai Tais on Maui can be found at Monkeypod in either their Wailea or Ka'anapali locations. They take the Mai Tai a step further with their Lilikoi foam.
9. The Dirty Monkey
The Dirty Monkey is a popular sports bar on Front Street in Lahaina that is most well-known for its selection of whiskeys, but it is also the perfect place to enjoy craft beers. The list of beers on tap rotates regularly, so you can always find new options to try. The Dirty Monkey is popular for watching sports games, dancing, and more.
10. What Ales You
What Ales You, located in Kihei at the infamous "Triangle" aka Kihei Kalama Village, is a small taproom that features sports games on several TVs and outdoor patio seating. On tap, you can enjoy 20 beers on rotation. These include mainland and local brews. The menu includes wings, rings, and other apps.
Cheers!
With these top Maui breweries and other amazing destinations to explore across the island, you'll have no shortage of options when you're looking for a cold one! Make plans to visit some of these Maui breweries to experience a different side of island life when you're back on the Valley Isle.
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