Waikiki Brewing Company – Honolulu, HI

Just a half mile walk from Honolulu BeerWorks, lies another craft brew treasure, Waikiki Brewing Company (one of two locations in Honolulu).

The walk is not just easy on the legs, but on the eyes as well. Tons of murals showcase artists’ talent along the way–an art district of sorts.  Taking in the art prepares you for a cultural experience when you get to Waikiki Beer Company.

Open air, clean, with a chill vibe, Waikiki’s beer doesn’t disappoint. Nestled in the middle of what seems a quasi-industrial block, Waikiki shines like a beacon of refreshment against a backdrop of much-needed-renewal.

Oasis In Hawaii?!

In this oasis, you get a chance to to see the operation in action. That always makes for a nice treat. Plus the slight aroma of wort helps to enhance the overall experience. 

This brewery, you can tell, is a kick it spot for many. WIth a food trailer tucked to the side and a fairly extensive menu, I can envision chilling here for while in order to gear up for an afternoon at the beach (which is just a few blocks away).

Reminiscent of my home brew, although way better than anything I could conjure up–some of the beer at Waikiki Brewing is rather “yeasty.” You can probably chalk it up to the malt as well, but I appreciate that bready complexity only a brewery can churn out. It reminds me how fresh the beer is as some of the flavors may not have had a “full” conditioning period before it hits my lips.

Proper Chill Mode

Sitting inside, because it was cooler, we grabbed a four-top table. The bar would have been a good choice too if I was with less people. The bar was centered in the room with seats wrapped all around it. The bar’s location was inviting and could provide a good view of the entire room with plenty of TVs to boot.

At our table, service was friendly and speedy with glasses not even empty for a second before another round was ordered and displayed on our table for our delight. A plethora of styles can be found and suited to your tastes. Out of the tasters I had, Skinny Jeans was my favorite. A nice punch in the mouth of hops followed by a tinge of sweet akin to most West Coast IPAs.

For a little more alcohol to finish my day, I went with the Eee Pah IPA 7.65% ABV. Surprisingly smooth, the Eee Pah was harder to pronounce than drink. More malty than other IPAs I’ve had, it was unique, refreshing and a great beer to end my day with.

I highly recommend Waikiki Brewing Company for a relaxing afternoon before hitting beach and taking in the sunset. Not too far from Ala Moana Beach Park, grab some cans before you go.

Visit Waikiki Brewing Company

Waikiki Brewing Company, Kakaako, 831 Queen St, Honolulu, HI 96813

Honolulu BeerWorks

Craft Beer: A Family Affair.

After a little too long with the kids, my brother, father, father-in-law and I wanted a fellas day to ourselves. We decided to make the hour-long drive from Laie to Honolulu and check out a couple breweries.

Sure we could have went to Kona or Maui Breweries, but we wanted something off the beaten path. We decided to hit Honolulu BeerWorks. Parking was on the street, but pop in a few quarters (which you can get from the bar inside), and off we went to indulge in some fermented libations.

 

The brewery sits not too far from Kakaʻako Waterfront Park. Just a tad off the main drag as you head in to the Ala Moana area.

One if the first things I noticed was the how the entire block of buildings the brewery is housed in are made of tin or some type of metal (I can thank my brother for my architectural critiques). The cold look of the metal stands out like the dew on your beer bottle against the backdrop of the beach and surrounding high-rises, refreshing.

We arrived just after 11:30 am (on a Wednesday) and the place already had beer connoisseurs sipping away. The open-air dining area was nice, but we still had our pick of tables and elected to sit outside. It is Hawaii after all!

Under an umbrella, we sat at a wooden picnic table. (I believe the picnic table to be the best table for drinking beer. No frills. Non-delicate. And it forces you to sit up with elbows on the table, grasping your glass, getting you ready for the next sip, while your stomach has room to stretch between your thighs as you consume more beer). Service was friendly, prompt and attentive. Hungry, we ordered sandwiches and a pizza–other food is available after 4pm. Seeing the food come out was a real surprise. The portions were huge! Definitely reserve a couple hours to kill the sandwich and drink more beer.

The beer selection, from what I’m used to, was lacking in quantity, but the quality was certainly there. At the same time, they offered a good mix of styles that each had unique flavors I haven’t had before. Such a beer was El Guapo. Brewed with honey, limes and cilantro (not coriander!). The first sip of it had me say, “hmm…that’s good.” With hints of lemongrass and a crisp finish it was my favorite beer of the day.

Upon enjoying your craft brew you will notice, at least if you sit outside,  beautiful artwork on the walls as well as some unique plants and flowers (one of which looks like it has a tongue sticking out trying to Zamboni any spilled beer).

We stayed there for about an hour and a half and moved on the next brewery right down the street, Waikiki Brewing Company.

Tasters and pints are available. I always recommend to go with the tasters first, then decide which pint you want to get or keep the tasters coming. Just drink responsibly.

Honolulu BeerWorks

328 Cooke St, Honolulu, HI 96813