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If you’re a boozy traveler like myself, you’ll want to read through this list about visiting Maui’s distilleries, craft breweries, and the only winery on Maui!
Here I go, writing about alcohol again! Such is the life of a liquid libation-loving traveler. Visiting Maui as an adult (or anywhere, really) allows for a much different experience versus growing up there as a kid (I was born and raised on Maui, if you’re new around here). I can actually partake in enjoying the many offerings of adult beverages!
Now, I’m not talking about getting smashed at bars or on the beach. Though if that is your thing, there’s no judgement here! I’m talking about sampling local craft beer, spirits, and wine at their very own production facilities smack dab in the middle of paradise.
Here’s a little list where you can discover for yourselves the taste of Maui-made vodka, rum, gin, craft beer, and even a little wine!
Distilleries on Maui
Maui Ocean Vodka
4051 Omaopio Rd, Kula, HI 96790
https://oceanvodka.com/our-farm/
First on the list is sampling Ocean Vodka at the Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm and Distillery. Ocean Vodka is located in the beautiful Upcountry Maui town of Kula, my favorite part of the island!
I always love revisiting the “countryside” of Maui, even though I grew up there. On a clear day, you get some amazing views of the island from above. You also get to experience a different kind of climate/landscape than you would find down in the resort areas.
- Read More: Best Things to Do in Upcountry Maui
What really makes the Ocean Vodka special, on top of the fact that it is organic, is that their vodka is distilled from sugarcane! They also use what they call deep ocean mineral water, which they explain in depth on their farm tours.
Tour of Maui Ocean Vodka
If you want a cool step-by-step learning experience on how their vodka is made, I highly recommend you take a tour of their farm and distillery. At the end of the tour, your guide will also walk you through a tasting of the vodka. Fun fact: this was our very first distillery tour ever – not a bad place for a first!
*Note: You don’t need to have a tour booked in order to visit their gift shop or café. If you simply want to stop and pick up some vodka or some of their spirit-infused chocolates, or even admire their little garden area, entry is free.
It was fascinating to learn there is quite a variety of different sugarcanes. Who knew? On the tour, they will take you by some of the sugarcane that grows on the farm where you can take note of the different varieties. All the sugarcane used for processing the vodka is grown right there on the Maui farm.
For more details and photos of our tour, check out my previous post on our first visit to the Ocean Vodka Distillery.
Hali’imaile Distilling Company
883 Haliimaile Rd, Makawao, HI 96768
https://haliimailedistilling.com/
Another great Upcountry distillery is Hali’imaile Distilling Company, located across the street from Hali’imaile General Store in another beautiful Upcountry Maui locale.
I accidentally stumbled across this distillery while researching things to do on the island. And yes, I still need to do that after all these years! I was excited to add this one to my boozy activity list.
Hali’imaile Distilling is currently home to four separate spirits: Pau Maui Vodka, Paniolo Whiskey, Mahina Rum, and Fid Street Gin.
Ocean Vodka isn’t the only kid around with a unique distilling origin. Hali’imaile’s flagship spirit, Pau Maui Vodka, is distilled from none other than the pineapple fruit. Raise your hand if you associate pineapples with Hawaii!
Tours at Hali’imaile Distilling
The only way to get a tasting at Hali’imaile is to take the tour, which you can book via their website. I always find distillery tours interesting and informative. There is a lot of work that goes into making our booze!
Much like other distillery tours, a guide will walk you through the facility, explaining the process of how they make their products. The tour ends in the tasting room for a sampling of three spirits of your choosing. There are A LOT to choose from, so choose wisely!
*Note: Tours currently only run Monday through Friday, and last about 30 to 45 minutes.
Waikulu Agave
3275 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768
https://www.waikulu.com/
Offering an even different distillery experience on the island is the newest Maui distillery: Waikulu Agave in Makawao. At Waikulu, they’re making spirits with agave plants grown right on Maui! Typically tequila and mezcal are produced from the agave plant, but Waikulu simply produces “agave spirits.”
While they aren’t yet set up for tastings, visitors can get a free tour of the facility Monday through Saturday, as well as purchase bottles of their agave spirits. If you really want to taste their spirits before purchasing a bottle, check out the list of local restaurants creating cocktails with their agave. I can’t wait to seek some out on my next visit soon!
Wine Tasting on Maui
MauiWine
14815 Piilani Hwy, Kula, HI 96790
https://mauiwine.com/
A winery on Maui? You bet! Established in 1974, Maui Wine was originally called Tedeschi Winery so if you’ve been here before and it’s been a while, you may notice the name change and re-branding of the winery.
Even if you aren’t super into wine, the drive alone to Maui Wine in Ulupalakua is totally worth it.
Depending on what part of the island you are coming from, you’ll be driving through the little towns that comprise Upcountry Maui, experiencing those sweeping views of the island below and the greenery that grows in the cooler climate on the mountainside.
The grounds of the winery are also very beautiful and it’s worth it to spend some time walking around admiring not only the beauty, but the history as well.
Tasting experience at MauiWine
For a tasting at Maui Wine, I would recommend making a reservation as there is limited space for walk-ins. Here, you can choose from two different flights at $12 each. My favorites are the Pineapple Sparkling and Mele Red Blend! Wines by the glass are also available for purchase and price varies depending upon your selection
They also now offer a selection of wine cocktails and serve a menu of small bites to accompany your tasting! I’ve done both flight tastings and recommend each, along with the goat cheese appetizer.
When we were in the tasting room on one of our visits, we met the one and only Mick Fleetwood (of the iconic band Fleetwood Mac) who happens to have a residence on Maui. Wow, he’s tall! My mom happened to know his lady-friend and got us an introduction.
Fun fact…my very first cassette tape my dad gave me to listen to was of Fleetwood Mac so that was a special experience.
I know this may sound odd, but one of my favorite things to photograph on the grounds of the winery are the jade plants that are outside the restroom building. So beautiful! It’s a strange place for something so pretty…but where else are you going to find these vibrant colors while listening to the glorious sound of flushing toilets? Eh – it’s totally worth it.
You will definitely not be disappointed with your visit to Maui Wine, wine lover or not.
Breweries on Maui
If you’re a follower of this blog, you may have seen my post on Where to Find Craft Beer on Maui. For more in depth info on each place, check that out! For the sake of this post, I’ll provide a little summary for each.
Maui Brewing Co.
605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753
https://mauibrewingco.com/
Maui’s craft beer pioneer, Maui Brewing Co., is not just a one-time visit kind of place. They will have you coming back for more and more! With a state of the art, modern facility located in Kihei, you can take tours, sample a plethora of beers, and enjoy a meal from their restaurant (the pizzas are delicious!).
Maui Brewing Company also makes their own hard seltzers if you want something light and refreshing. I recommend the dragon fruit!
If you’re staying on the west side of the island, Maui Brewing Co. has a brew pub in Kahana too so you can get your fill of beers no matter where you’re at!
- Read More: A Guide to Maui’s Best Eats!
Kohola Brewery
910 HI-30 #55, Lahaina, HI 96761
https://www.koholabrewery.com/
Kohola Brewery is a craft brewery located in Lahaina that took over the old Maui Brewing facility. I have to say, I’m super excited that the craft beer market is expanding on the island! Although the flavors at Kohola are a little more subdued than we are used to, it’s definitely worth the visit.
I love the casual vibe of the warehouse atmosphere. It’s an awesome place to grab a beer, play games, and hang out with your friends.
Of the beers that we tried, the Moon Beam Coffee Stout and the Mighty 88 Imperial IPA struck our fancy the most.
Visit the Kohola Taproom
While Kohola does not offer tours of the facility, you can visit them seven days a week for tasting flights, pints, and $1.00 off Happy Hour specials!
They are also located near the Ono Taco truck and Swagyu Hawaii. Since Kohola doesn’t serve food, you can pick up a plate of tacos to go or some smash burgers from Swagyu, and enjoy them at the taproom.
Waikiki Brewing
Locations in Lahaina and Wailea
https://www.waikikibrewing.com/
Waikiki Brewing, which originated on O’ahu, has two locations – one on Front Street in Lahaina and one at The Shops at Wailea (South Maui). While we haven’t personally visited any Waikiki Brewing locations yet, you can get your fill of all sorts of craft beers ranging from light lagers to specialty IPAs. They even serve beer cocktails, and have a full food menu to fill you up.
Ratings are mixed for both locations, but looks like that’s more for the food and service. I’ll pop in to the Wailea location soon to check it out. To be continued…
Mahalo Aleworks
30 Kupaoa St #101, Makawao, HI 96768
https://www.mahaloaleworks.com/
The newest kid on the Maui beer scene is Mahalo Aleworks, located in Upcountry Maui. I’ve visited their taproom and it’s a great, modern space! Their beer is pretty great too, and I highly recommend trying a flight that includes their latest IPAs and tropical sours.
Foodies will be happy as they partner with neighboring restaurant Marlow to bring in woodfired pizzas, and feature sausages from the Upcountry Sausage Co. food cart.
Are there any other spots you’d recommend for beverage-lovers visiting Maui?
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Awesome post, you guys! Contact us the next time you come to Maui, and we’d love to treat you to a Maui Craft Tours experience. We visit most of these same places, and focus on locally-produced craft wine, beer, liquor and farm-to-table food items. Sounds right up your alley. Cheers!
Sounds fantastic! I didn’t know there was a tour service like this on Maui yet. We’ll actually be back this December but only for four short days.