Text: Hiroyo Delacour
INDEX
- The differences between the beer scenes in Japan and Hawaii
- Characteristics of Hawaiian beer
- [Recommended store 1] Waikiki Brewing Company, Kakaako: a brewery and restaurant serving fresh craft beer
- [Recommended store 2] Square Barrels: Compare and sample an extensive beer menu with around 50 varieties
- [Recommended store 3] As much as you like. Hawaii's latest style beer bar: Off The Wall Craft Beer & Wine
- [Recommended store 4] Enjoy Hawaiian draft beer at a popular cafe and wine bar: Island Vintage Wine Bar
- [Recommended store 5] Kona Brewing Company: Tour the factory and enjoy delicious freshly brewed beer at the pub
- If you want to buy beer as a souvenir, go to a supermarket with a wide selection
- Top 5 craft beers recommended as souvenirs, divided by genre
- Things to keep in mind when buying beer and taking it home on an airplane
Beer in Hawaii is cheaper than in Japan. What are the differences in the beer situation?
Things to be aware of when drinking alcohol in Hawaii
![画像: ハワイでお酒を飲むときの注意点](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/b2d271dbe5e2696fac71f67477431febe6771023.jpg)
The biggest difference between Hawaii and Japan is the rules regarding alcohol. In Hawaii, you must be 21 or older to drink alcohol, but unlike in Japan, you can't just drink wherever you want as long as you're over the age limit.
The areas where you can drink alcohol are strictly demarcated, and drinking alcohol on the beach or in the city is prohibited. In restaurants, you can only drink alcohol in the areas designated by the restaurant. In open-air restaurants, you need to be careful because there are signs saying things like "No taking alcohol out from this point onwards."
There are also systems in place that allow you to enjoy beer at a discount, such as happy hour.
![画像1: ハッピーアワーなど、お得にビールを楽しめるシステムも](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/fb31894d08897865e5110675bd91296a91cd2bc2.jpg)
In Hawaii, you won't find many establishments that offer the all-you-can-drink alcohol system that is common in Japanese izakayas, but there are ways to enjoy alcohol at a bargain price that are unique to Hawaii.
If you choose to drink at a bar, we recommend taking advantage of services such as happy hours where drinks and food are offered at special prices for a limited time, or the option to bring your own alcohol (known as BYOB) to restaurants that do not serve alcohol.
Additionally, when purchasing beer at supermarkets, a container "deposit" system applies.
![画像2: ハッピーアワーなど、お得にビールを楽しめるシステムも](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/fc147a848ac16cb947963e72c025b39c55d2cd06.jpg)
When purchasing bottles, cans, or plastic bottles, a deposit (HI BEV DEPOSIT, pictured above) and a container fee (HI BEV FEE, pictured above) are added separately for each bottle. If you take the empty container to a recycling center, this deposit fee (the container fee is non-refundable) will be refunded, making it an eco-friendly system.
There is a recycling center along Kapahulu Avenue within walking distance of Waikiki, so don't throw away your used cans and bottles, but take them there!
Characteristics of Hawaiian beer
![画像: ハワイのビールの特徴](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/627d8a3171e7c04b1f55a73f6dbe2cadd58ead9d_xlarge.jpg)
Most beers are divided into two categories, "ale" or "lager", depending on the fermentation method, and within ale, for example, there are various styles such as IPA, pale ale, stout, etc. There are more than 100 different beer styles.
Lager beer is the mainstream in Japan, but ale beer is plentiful in America, and you can choose from a wide variety of brands at supermarkets. Trying different styles of beer that are hard to find in Japan and finding your favorite flavor may be a new way to enjoy your trip to Hawaii.
[Recommended store 1] A brewery and restaurant where you can drink fresh craft beer
Waikiki Brewing Company, Kakaako
![画像: 奥に見えるのがビール醸造用のタンク](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/fc682f1647b17502233f8990e91c7a34c2128b21.jpg)
In the background you can see the beer brewing tanks.
Waikiki Brewing Company, which opened in Waikiki in 2015, is a pioneer of the brewery and restaurant boom in Hawaii. The Kakaako store is the second store and is a place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere where locals gather. It is located on the edge of Kakaako, about a 10-minute walk from Salt at Kakaako, a restaurant and shopping complex.
![画像: ロゴが入ったオリジナルのグラスに注いでくれる](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/789561622a36055d9aaa44f9dc4cf981f3854383.jpg)
They pour it into an original glass with their logo on it.
As of October 2019, the shop brews nine types of craft beer. They have a wide variety of beers, including IPA (Indian pale ale), porter, and ale. In particular, the IPA "Skinny Jeans" uses two types of hops and has a sweet aroma of blueberries and roses mixed with astringency, making it easy to drink even for beginners. This shop has been focusing on IPAs since before the craft beer boom in the mainland United States, so you can taste highly refined beers.
Waikiki Brewing Company, Kakaako | ||
---|---|---|
business hours | : | 11:00-23:00 (Friday: 11:00-midnight, Saturday: 10:00-midnight, Sunday: 10:00-23:00) |
Closed Day | : | none |
address | : | 831 Queen St. |
Web | : | http://www.waikikibrewing.com/ |
[Recommended store 2] Compare and sample the extensive beer menu with around 50 varieties
Square Barrels
Square Barrel opened in 2015 as a pub restaurant serving craft beer and food such as hamburgers. They stock many craft beers from small local breweries such as Honolulu Beerworks and Lanikai Brewing Company. They now also stock wine, whiskey and other alcoholic beverages, and are a popular spot for locals of all ages and generations to hang out and relax.
![画像: Square Barrels(スクエア・バレル)](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/bffb0f3ab91e34e85370da6ef205be55571df2fa_xlarge.jpg)
The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, where office buildings line the streets. The interior is spacious and has counter seats, tables, and booth seats.
![画像: 強い苦味もスタウトビールの楽しみのひとつ](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/bde232fd1ef2585b440a37cc2177c30526a8be35.jpg)
The strong bitterness is one of the joys of stout beer
They carry about 50 types of beer, including their own craft beer and a selection of local brands. They also have a wide variety of stouts, including aged brands made between 2013 and 2017. Although the alcohol content and bitterness are strong, the longer it sits the smoother it becomes to drink, making it an interesting beer. There is a limited number of aged beers, so we recommend going early.
![Image: "Iland Chorizo Burger" made with Iland meat](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/4292ebccfd9c9e8f36ed3a60f7519a054588e951_xlarge.jpg)
"Iland Chorizo Burger" made with Iland meat
The recommended food menu at Square Barrel is the Eland Chorizo Burger. Eland is a type of antelope that lives in Africa, and is raised on the island of Niihau, where only residents are allowed to enter. Square Barrel is the only place in Hawaii that serves hamburgers made with eland meat from Niihau, which becomes more delicious the more you chew it.
This burger goes perfectly with Square Barrel's original beer, and the combination with the wild flavor of the patty is sure to become addictive.
Square Barrels | ||
---|---|---|
business hours | : | 11:00-22:00 (until 23:00 on Fridays, 16:00-23:00 on Saturdays) |
Closed Day | : | Sunday |
address | : | 1001 Bishop St |
Web | : | http://squarebarrels.com/ |
[Recommended store 3] As much as you like. Hawaii's latest style beer bar.
Off The Wall Craft Beer & Wine
![Image: Off The Wall Craft Beer & Wine](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/b91574533b568c5f900ba52eb9fc303820bcb466_xlarge.jpg)
Off the Wall Craft Beer & Wine, which opened in 2018 in the Ward Kakaako area, which has been attracting attention due to redevelopment, is a self-service beer bar where customers pour their own amount into their glass from a server that sticks out from the wall.
What makes this store unique is the way you purchase beer.
1. Present your ID and credit card at the entrance to receive a special card.
![Image: A special card. You will need the card when paying, so be careful not to lose it.](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/232ef9754197a3fa9e9d3b16ef37732ba7965151.jpg)
A special card. You will need the card when paying, so be careful not to lose it.
2. Place the card on the holder above the tap of the beer you want to drink and pour as much as you like into your glass.
Prices are displayed on the screen above the server.
![Image: Touch the screen above the server to see a description of the beer.](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/2a4ffa40c76219508c80c7aaf0a30e07e4b0accd.jpg)
Touch the screen above the server to see a description of the beer.
3. To pay, hand your card over to the cashier and pay for any other food you ordered together.
Don't forget to tip (about 15-20% of the price excluding tax).
All the beers they carry are local Hawaiian craft beers. There are about 16 varieties in total, and they change 2-3 types of beer every week, so you're sure to find something new every time you visit.
In addition to beer, you can also help yourself to wine and apple cider. They also carry beers from local breweries such as Aloha Beer Company, Beer Lab, and Kohola Brewery, so be sure to check them out.
![画像: IPA、ピルスナー、ポーターなどいろいろな種類を少しずつ試せるのがうれしい](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/9a0f29dd7578722a1328e746f54d9b931b7b2d2b.jpg)
It's nice to be able to try a little bit of each type, such as IPA, Pilsner, and Porter.
The recommended food items that go well with any beer are the hand-cut French fries "Papas Bravas", the sliders "Sliders & Papas" made with beef from Oahu, and the healthy "Breadfruit Hummus". The juicy sliders, accented with the sweetness of jam, are an irresistible combination of sweet and salty.
![Image: Many of the dishes incorporate flavors from South America, the owners' home country.](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/2a53745b2360f68ef0cd665dbbef98e2e1d6240b.jpg)
Many of the dishes incorporate flavors from South America, the owners' home country.
Off The Wall Craft Beer & Wine | ||
---|---|---|
business hours | : | 11:00-23:00 (until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, until 21:00 on Sundays) |
Closed Day | : | none |
address | : | 1170 Auahi St. South Shore Market |
Web | : | https://www.offthewallhawaii.com/ |
[Recommended store 4] Enjoy Hawaiian draft beer at a popular cafe and wine bar
Island Vintage Wine Bar
![Image 1: Island Vintage Wine Bar](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/d5ef3c2751c4432a11a6b265adddc5c030fe8177.jpg)
Island Vintage Coffee, famous for its coffee and acai bowls, opened Island Vintage Wine Bar next to its Waikiki store in August 2019.
In addition to ordering directly from the staff, customers can also use cards pre-loaded with amounts such as $10 or $25 to pour themselves a glass from the wine server. Although wine is the main focus of the bar, they also carry a carefully selected range of locally brewed draft beers, so even if you just want a beer, you'll be very satisfied.
![Image: Island Vintage Wine Bar's exclusive original beer](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/3630c57b9e123e177ae9d202ad483d62e9df2bbb.jpg)
Island Vintage Wine Bar's exclusive original beer
The first beer we recommend you try is the original "Island Vintage Blonde Ale" made in collaboration with Waikiki Brewing Company. It has a refreshing taste with little bitterness, and a smooth finish that will make you want to drink it over and over again.
![Image 2: Island Vintage Wine Bar](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/029e75c34c0b144d0f5198b2ac2dd34eedc75d6a.jpg)
For snacks, try the "poke dip" and "truffle mac & cheese." The spicy ahi (tuna) dip and the rich flavors of the truffles and cheese combine to create a strong pasta flavor, which is perfectly balanced by the refreshing original beer.
We also stock a wide variety of unusual bottled beers, including organic beers for health-conscious drinkers.
Island Vintage Wine Bar | ||
---|---|---|
business hours | : | 7:30~23:00 |
Closed Day | : | none |
address | : | 2301 Kalakaua Ave. Royal Hawaiian Center, Building C, 2nd floor |
Web | : | https://www.islandvintagewinebar.com/ |
[Recommended store 5] Factory tour and pub with delicious freshly brewed beer
Kona Brewing Company
At the first Waikiki Brewing Company on Oahu, you can only enjoy food and beer. However, if you travel a little further and visit the Big Island, you will find a pub where you can also tour the brewery. This is Kona Brewing Company, run by Hawaii's leading beer brand, which was established in 1994.
![Image: The big tank is the landmark](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/c37073ffc1ea81eb0dc8fc7ec2a87f91304451cb.jpg)
Look for the large tank
Kona Brewing Company opened its shop on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1998. Anyone 15 years of age or older can tour the brewery for $10 (as of September 2018). The tour lasts about an hour and includes gifts and beer samples (for those 21 years of age or older only), making it a great spot to stop by for sightseeing as well as for food.
![Photo: A drink after the tour is something special](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/ab5093025f155d22b4ab4fddc7ca125274786b01.jpg)
A drink after the tour is exceptional
After the tour, enjoy a freshly brewed beer at the pub. A typical brand is "Longboard." It is a refreshing lager type that is easy to drink and has a slightly sweet taste. It is a popular beer among tourists as well as locals. They also have seasonal beers, so if you see it on a menu, it's your chance to enjoy a seasonal flavor. After learning about beer, a glass of beer may taste even better than usual.
Kona Brewing Company | ||
---|---|---|
business hours | : | 11:00-22:00 (check the website for tour times) |
Closed Day | : | none |
address | : | 74-5612 Pawai Place Kailua Kona |
Web | : | https://konabrewingco.com/ |
If you want to buy beer as a souvenir, go to a supermarket with a wide selection
With the increase in breweries in Hawaii, a variety of locally brewed beers are now available at supermarkets, making them easy to purchase.
![Photo: If you want to buy beer as a souvenir, head to the supermarket with a wide selection](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/d8a6c3548efcf8560dcca4476cf9866083b778a4_xlarge.jpg)
Canned beer is often sold in packs of six, but if the price is displayed per can, there is no problem in taking out only the amount you want and buying it. Many people think that they can only be purchased in sets, so it's useful to remember this.
Recommended supermarkets are "ABC Store" and "Foodland"
The ABC Store on the first floor of The Imperial Hawaii Resort at Waikiki has a wider selection of alcohol and snacks than other stores, perhaps because it is surrounded by condominiums.
The local supermarket "Foodland" is a treasure trove of locally brewed beer. "Foodland Farms Ala Moana" in Ala Moana sells locally brewed beer in bulk in the beer section, making it easy to find the beer you're looking for, and convenient for finding souvenirs. There is also a bar inside the supermarket, so we recommend having a drink there before shopping.
![Photo: The selection is as impressive as that of a specialty store](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/ca49deae9d9a9a3cf3acd5fdfafa01bfc0dfe7d3_xlarge.jpg)
The selection is as impressive as that of a specialty store
Foodland Farms Ala Moana | ||
---|---|---|
business hours | : | 5:00~23:00 |
Closed Day | : | Open until 6pm on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas |
address | : | 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Ala Moana Center, Ewa Wing, 1st floor |
Web | : | https://foodland.com/ |
Top 5 craft beers recommended as souvenirs, divided by genre
Hawaiian beer comes in a wide variety of flavors and unique, stylish packaging, making it the perfect unique souvenir from Hawaii for your alcohol-loving friends and family.
From the many beers available, we will introduce recommended beers divided into three categories: taste, packaging, and limited editions.
1. Recommended beers for "flavor"
Well...Ola Brew
![Image: A light-tasting beer that's perfect for gulping down on a hot day](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/fa88b8b59d95bbbb662a6cdf4d9f41c0e826e499.jpg)
A light-tasting beer that's perfect for gulping down on a hot day
A beer from a brewery based on the Big Island that has recently been gaining attention and is now being sold in more and more stores. Made with a mix of American and German hops, this lager has a crisp flavor and is recommended for those who like lighter flavors.
2. "Package" Recommendations
Skinny Jeans…Waikiki Brewing Company
![Image: Unique illustrations create a striking presence](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/07e89dbc246cbbfdf7e3940c9ea007e540f67b67.jpg)
Unique illustrations create a striking presence
It has a humorous name and a very unique can design. We introduced it at the Waikiki Brewing Company bar, and it's an addictive IPA with a strong flavor that you can drink so much that your skinny jeans get tight.
Hanahou…Waikiki Brewing Company
![Image: A lovely beer with a gorgeous aroma that fills your mouth](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/1706fa6390f7797e3058ff4a051c13aaf3518717.jpg)
A lovely beer with a gorgeous aroma that fills your mouth
This is also a beer from Waikiki Brewing Company. It has a design of palm trees with hops and is colorful. It is a Hefeweizen white beer, fruity and easy to drink, and you will want to say "Hanahou" (meaning encore in Hawaiian) after drinking it.
3. Recommendations for "limited items"
Cast Away and Kua Bay…Kona Brewing Company
![Image: Kona Brewing Company beer is available in cans, but is primarily sold in bottles.](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/534c597b3203d3efc513448e60e239cf6e9bf16d.jpg)
Kona Brewing Company beer is available in cans, but is primarily sold in bottles.
Hawaiian beer also has seasonal and regional limited editions. Kona Brewing Company beer has a wide distribution network and is easy to purchase outside of Hawaii, but Cast Away, which is only sold in limited areas of Hawaii and the mainland U.S., and Kua Bay, which is only sold from May to August, are rare beers that would make great souvenirs.
Things to keep in mind when buying beer and taking it home on an airplane
![Image: No purchases possible without ID](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2019/10/28/4540afa16ba2d05083404fb62510104c9dbd41bb_xlarge.jpg)
You can't buy without ID
When purchasing alcohol in Hawaii, you must present a form of identification with English writing on it, such as a passport (copies are not acceptable), so be sure to bring it with you when shopping. You may also be asked to show your ID when ordering alcohol at restaurants and bars.
Regular beer cans and bottles exceed the liquid content limit, so they are prohibited from being brought on board. They must be checked in. Also, depending on the amount, customs duties may be charged, so it's a good idea to check the total weight in advance to see if it's within the regulations.
When packing, it is a good idea to wrap bottles in clothes to prevent them from breaking, and to pack them at room temperature to prevent water droplets from getting on other items.
Hawaiian craft beer is now available in restaurants and bars, as well as in supermarkets, and is likely to become even more popular in the future. Enjoy the deep world of Hawaiian craft beer, with a wide variety of flavors to choose from.
Hiroyo Delacourba
A freelance writer and coordinator living in Hawaii. After dropping out of college, she worked as a graphic designer before traveling to learn Spanish. She spent three years traveling around the world, mainly in Central and South America, and returned to Japan in 2009.
Originally posted: September 27, 2018
Kona beer will be served on board starting December 1st!
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.