There is more to living in Kailua-Kona than the ocean, the lava fields, and the coffee farms — though those alone make a compelling case. One of the things that surprises people when they move here or start spending serious time on the Big Island is how good the local brewery scene is. From the internationally recognized to the genuinely local and community-rooted, Kona's craft beer options reflect the same spirit that makes this place worth putting down roots in. Here's where to go.
Key Takeaways
- Kona Brewing Company is the Big Island's longest-running craft brewery, founded in 1994, and still brews Hawaii-exclusive beers on-site
- Ola Brew Company is Kailua-Kona's community and employee-owned brewery, rotating through 40-plus locally sourced beers, ciders, and seltzers
- Big Island Brewhaus in Waimea is an award-winning destination worth the drive north
- The Kona Brewers Festival, held annually, is one of the best craft beer events in the state
Kona Brewing Company
Kona Brewing Company is where it all started on the Big Island. Founded in 1994 by father-and-son duo Cameron and Spoon Healy, it is the state's longest-running craft brewery and grew from a small-batch operation into one of the most recognized beer brands in the country. In 2020, Kona Brewing Hawaii split from the mainland's Anheuser-Busch distribution operation and re-established as an independent local brewery — a move that brought the focus back to brewing fresh, Hawaii-exclusive beers for the local market.
The Kailua-Kona brewpub sits at 74-5612 Pawai Place and is the place to try beers you won't find packaged on the mainland. The new state-of-the-art brewing facility runs on solar energy, recovers CO2 from its own fermentation process, and purifies water for reuse — making it one of the more environmentally responsible large-scale breweries in the country.
What to know before visiting Kona Brewing
- Brewery tours available daily for guests 15 and older, with four 4-ounce beer samples included
- On-site restaurant serves pupus, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and full entrees
- The brewpub is a popular spot — reservations recommended, especially on weekends
- Hawaii-exclusive beers brewed on-site: look for local small-batch and seasonal releases not available elsewhere
- Address: 74-5612 Pawai Place, Kailua-Kona
For anyone new to the Big Island, a visit to Kona Brewing Company is one of the most direct ways to understand how seriously the local community takes craft beverage culture here.
Ola Brew Company
Ola Brew is everything that makes the Kona community feel distinct. It is Hawaii's only community and employee-owned brewery, founded on the principle of building a powerful brand alongside a powerful community — specifically by sourcing ingredients from local farmers and incorporating them into every brew. The name comes from the Hawaiian word for life and health, and the mission behind it is literal: every pint is a direct contribution to Hawai'i's agricultural economy.
The Kona taproom at 74-5598 Luhia Street carries a rotating selection of more than 40 specialty beers, ciders, hard seltzers, and hard teas on any given visit. The lineup includes signature brews like the Lilikoi Lime Milkshake IPA, the Kiawe Vanilla Porter, and the Ma'a Island Lager, alongside a weekly Thursday limited-edition release that gives regulars a reason to keep coming back. Non-drinkers are covered too — local juices and housemade iced teas round out the menu.
Why Ola Brew stands out
- Over 40 rotating specialty beers, ciders, seltzers, and teas at any given time
- Weekly Thursday limited-edition release — always something new
- Indoor seating with views into the brewery and an outdoor deck with island sunset views
- Family-friendly with live music on a regular basis
- Located just one mile from King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Resort
- Address: 74-5598 Luhia Street, Kailua-Kona
Ola Brew is the kind of place that becomes a regular stop once you live here. The community ownership model means the people pouring your beer have a genuine stake in the quality of what they're serving.
Big Island Brewhaus
For a full afternoon excursion, Big Island Brewhaus in Waimea is worth the drive north from Kona. The owner spent three years at Maui Brewing Company winning more than 30 national and international awards before launching the Brewhaus — and that pedigree shows in the beer. The motto is Live Beer, Live Food, and Live Music, and the experience delivers on all three.
- What makes Big Island Brewhaus worth the trip
- Internationally award-winning brews from a head brewer with over 30 national and international accolades
- Rotating tap selection focused on quality and craft over volume
- Live music lineup makes it a genuine evening destination, not just a tasting stop
- Located in Waimea — combine with a drive through Kohala country for a full day out
- About a 45-minute drive north from Kailua-Kona along the Queen K Highway
Waimea sits at roughly 2,600 feet elevation, meaning the cooler temperatures and pastoral setting make the outdoor seating here feel entirely different from the coast. It is a deliberately different Big Island experience.
The Kona Brewers Festival
Once a year, the Kona Brewers Festival brings together roughly 60 craft beers from Hawaii and the U.S. mainland alongside gourmet food, a Brewer's Dinner, a Golf Tournament, and the Run for the Hops. Organized by the Rotary Club, it is one of the best-attended events on the island's calendar and draws serious craft beer enthusiasts from across the state.
- Why the festival matters for Kona residents
- One of Hawaii's most anticipated annual craft beer events
- Approximately 60 beers from local and mainland breweries represented
- Proceeds support Rotary Club community programs on the Big Island
- Held on the Kona coast — the setting alone is worth showing up for
For buyers considering the Kona lifestyle, the Brewers Festival is the kind of local tradition that reflects why people choose to stay here once they arrive.
What the Brewery Scene Says About Kona
A community with this much investment in quality, local sourcing, and independent craft is a community worth paying attention to. The breweries in Kailua-Kona are not just places to grab a beer — they are a direct expression of the Aloha spirit, the agricultural heritage of the Big Island, and the kind of local pride that makes this market hold its value over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kona Brewing Company the same as the mainland Kona beer brand?
No. In 2020, Kona Brewing Hawaii separated from the Anheuser-Busch-distributed mainland brand and re-established itself as an independent local brewery. The Kailua-Kona brewpub produces Hawaii-exclusive beers not available on the mainland.
Does Ola Brew have food available?
Yes. Ola Brew's kitchen at the Kona taproom serves a full food menu Tuesday through Saturday. The menu includes smash burgers, chicken wings, and other made-to-order items alongside the full beverage menu.
Can I visit multiple breweries in Kona in one day?
Yes. Kona Brewing and Ola Brew are both centrally located in Kailua-Kona and are within a short drive of each other. Big Island Brewhaus in Waimea is a dedicated day trip about 45 minutes north.
Explore Kailua-Kona With Lailan Bento
The local character of Kailua-Kona, from the brewery scene to the farmers' markets to the coastal neighborhoods, is something I know from living and working here. If you're considering making the Big Island home, I'd love to show you what that life actually looks like.
Reach out to me,
learn more about my work in Kailua-Kona, and let's start a conversation.
