Posted on: May 1, 2024
Maui, known for its stunning beaches and lush landscapes, also boasts a thriving wine, microbrew, and distillery scene. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your journey into the world of spirits, Maui offers a variety of options that cater to all tastes. Here are some of the best ways to experience the island’s finest beverages.
Maui Wine
Nestled in the upcountry region of Maui, MauiWine is a historic winery that offers tours showcasing its rich history and exquisite wines. The tour takes you through the picturesque grounds, including the vineyards and the estate’s stunning gardens. You’ll learn about the winemaking process and sample some of their award-winning wines, including their signature pineapple wine, which is a must-try for visitors. Our favorites are the sparking wines! Take a few bottles with you to mix with POG (Passion Orange Guava juice) for the best mimosa ever!
Maui Brewing Company
For beer enthusiasts, a visit to Maui Brewing Co. is a must. Located in Kihei, Maui Brewing Co. is the island’s largest craft brewery, known for its innovative and delicious brews. The brewery offers guided tours where you can learn about the brewing process, from grain to glass. After the tour, you can relax in the tasting room and sample a variety of their handcrafted beers, including their flagship Bikini Blonde Lager and Matt’s favorite, the Kihei Kolsch. They also have an amazing food menu and are surprisingly very kid-friendly! Live music to dance to and a lot of games make it a fun atmosphere for everyone! Their house-brewed root beer float is one of our daughter’s favorites! We also love their Huli Huli glazed Boneless Bites and the Fish and Chips!
Hali’imaile Distilling Company
For those with a taste for spirits, Hali’imaile Distilling Company offers an insightful look into the world of craft spirits. Located upcountry in the heart of Maui’s pineapple region near Makawao, this distillery produces a range of spirits, including vodka, rum, and whiskey, using locally sourced ingredients. The tour takes you through the distilling process, from fermentation to bottling, and ends with a tasting of their award-winning spirits, including our favorite Pau Maui Vodka and Mahina Premium Rum. After your tour make sure to check out Makai Glass right next door and watch them create unique glass-blown sculptures right in front of your eyes! If you’re feeling hungry, cross the street and grab a bite at the Hali’imaile General Store. It is one of our favorites and you must try the Sashimi Napoleon and the Pineapple Upside Down Cake!
Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery
Located in Kula, Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery offers a unique tour experience that combines stunning ocean views with a behind-the-scenes look at their sustainable vodka production. The tour includes a walk through their organic farm, where you can see the sugarcane used in their vodka, followed by a tour of the distillery and a tasting of their premium vodka, which is distilled using deep ocean mineral water. Visit later in the day and grab an early dinner at the café- their pizzas are delish!! They have live music every day from 4:30-7pm and offer amazing sunset views!!
Waikiki Brewing Company
If you’re at the Shops at Wailea and find yourself craving beer and a burger, look no further than the Waikiki Brewing Company. It’s an open-air, laid back atmosphere where they offer 9 core beers and a few seasonal beers each day. If you are lucky to be there when they have their Mango Hibiscus beer, you must order it! We usually go for apps and burgers, or if we time it right, they have a great happy hour from 2-5pm daily.
Mahalo Aleworks
Located upcountry in Makawao, Aleworks offers a diverse selection of handcrafted beers included hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, all brewed on-site with locally sourced ingredients. The laid-back, modern, atmosphere offers amazing views of the Ocean, West Maui Mountains and up the slopes of Haleakala. The sunsets are pretty amazing! If you are hungry you can order from the Upcountry Sausage Company cart out on the Lanai where you can get a variety of options including some amazing smash burgers! You can also get food from the restaurant next door, Marlow. They offer delicious charcuterie plates and wood-fired pizzas. For more food options, check out our favorite restaurants.
As you can see, Maui’s wine, microbrew, and distillery scene offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s rich culinary landscape. Whether you’re a wine aficionado, beer lover, or spirits enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab a glass, take a sip, and savor the flavors of Maui. Aloha!