Big Island Breweries: A Guide to Hawaiʻi Island’s Craft Beer Scene in 2026
Good beer. Incredible scenery. Local flavor. There may be no better place to raise a glass than Hawaiʻi Island.
In honor of National Beer Lovers Day, I thought it would be fun to take a look at the growing craft beer scene right here on the Big Island.
As of September 2026, I count 5 public brewery/taproom destinations on Hawaiʻi Island, plus 1 private brewery. And because they’re spread across the island, visiting them can easily turn into a pretty incredible Big Island road trip.
🍻 Where to Find Beer on the Big Island
Kona Brewing Co. — Kailua-Kona
Probably the best-known name on the list, Kona Brewing has been part of Hawaiʻi’s craft beer story for decades. Its Kona operation gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy locally brewed beer right where it all began.
Ola Brew — Kailua-Kona & Hilo
Ola gives you two opportunities to stop for a locally based brew. The company has its original Kona location as well as a Hilo taproom, making it one of the easiest Big Island breweries to enjoy no matter which side of the island you’re exploring.
Big Island Brewhaus — Waimea
Head up to cool, beautiful Waimea and you’ll find Big Island Brewhaus. It’s a great example of how different each part of Hawaiʻi Island can feel—you can leave the sunny Kona coast and be enjoying a craft beer in paniolo country before you know it.
Wailuku Brew Works — Keaʻau
Located in Keaʻau on the east side, Wailuku Brew Works adds another local craft beer stop to the Hilo/Puna side of the island. It’s also conveniently positioned for anyone traveling between Hilo and Volcano.
Lanikai Brewing Company — Volcano
One of the newer additions to the Big Island beer scene, Lanikai opened its Volcano taphouse and restaurant in 2025. One important distinction: this is a taphouse rather than Lanikai’s primary brewery operation, and its packaged products are brewed in Kailua on Oʻahu. Still, it gives visitors another great place to enjoy craft beer while exploring the Volcano area.
Kohanaiki Brewery — Kailua-Kona
Here’s the one most people may not know about. Kohanaiki has a true on-site craft microbrewery—but there’s a catch. Kohanaiki is a private club community, so the brewery is available to members and their guests rather than the general public.
So, How Many Breweries Are Actually on the Big Island?
It depends on how you count them.
For the average visitor or local looking for a place to go enjoy craft beer, I’d say there are 5 public brewery/taproom destinations.
If you include the private microbrewery at Kohanaiki, that brings the count to 6.
And if you see older Big Island brewery lists with different numbers, there’s a reason for that. Hilo Brewing Company closed in late 2024, while newer options such as Lanikai’s Volcano location have since entered the picture.
The island’s beer scene continues to evolve.
🌴 Turn It Into a Big Island Brewery Road Trip
One of the best things about this list is that the breweries give you an excuse to experience several completely different parts of Hawaiʻi Island.
You could begin in Kailua-Kona, head north through the rolling green hills of Waimea, travel around the island toward Volcano, stop in Keaʻau, and finish with another taproom experience in Hilo.
Along the way you’ll go from sunny lava-covered coastline to lush rainforest, cooler elevations, ranch country and tropical east Hawaiʻi.
It’s not just a brewery tour.
It’s a Big Island adventure with beer along the way.
🍺 Support Local, Explore Local
Our local restaurants, breweries and small businesses are part of what makes Hawaiʻi Island such an interesting place to live and visit.
So whether you’re celebrating National Beer Lovers Day, planning a weekend adventure, entertaining visiting friends or simply looking for somewhere new to try, consider making one of our local breweries your next stop.
Good beer. Great people. Incredible places.
That’s Big Island living. 🌺
Which Big Island brewery is your favorite—and is there one on this list you haven’t tried yet?
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