December 10 is National Lager Day, and while we really don’t need an excuse to have a couple of cold ones, there are a few lagers crafted in Hawaii worth trying, if you have not already. Some of the more popular breweries include Kona Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, Waikiki Brewing Company, and Hana Koa Brewing Company. Below are a few we recommend, along with some eateries that serve them.
Craft Light by Waikiki Brewing Company
Once a seven-barrel brew house that started in Waikiki quickly expanded to Honolulu’s art district in Kaka’ako to increase production. Now claiming to be the third largest producer of craft beer in the state, Waikiki Brewing Company is an esteemed brewery boasting medals at the Great American Beer Festival, The U.S. Open Beer Championship, and the Denver International Beer Competition. There is no doubt that the Craft Light lager crafted by the award-winning team is quaffable.
Craft Light and Aloha Spirit Blonde Ale
In line with light beers, this one has a 4.0% ABV, with an IBU of 8, making it clean, crisp, and smooth. Consider pairing this with burgers and salads, but also a soothing remedy for spicy foods.
Kona Longboard Island Lager by Kona Brewing Company
The folks at Kona Brewing Company delivers a Longboard Island lager, a crisp, pale-gold lager crafted with malts and fragrant hops. Brewed in a traditional lager style, this beer has 4.6% alcohol by volume with a 20 IBU. It works well with lighter dishes but is robust enough in flavor to hold up against heartier meals. Consider this one with some grilled chicken, sandwich, or even a pizza.
Bikini Blonde Lager by Maui Brewing Company
Maui Brewing Company’s Bikini Blonde Lager is a German-style helles that is golden in hue, expressing aromatics of caramel and malted sweetness. Crisp and clean, this 4.8% ABV beauty maintains a low level of bitterness with its 21 IBU. Enjoy it anytime, as you should all beers!
Winter Lagerland by Hana Koa Brewing Company
During the holidays, there is a limited time Winter Lagerland available from Hana Koa Brewing company, an independent craft brewery located in Kaka’ako. After brewing its lager, the addition of 100% pure fruit purees made from blackberries and raspberries, elicits a fruit-scented beer with an ABV of 4.0%. There aren’t any extracts, and since there is fruit in there, that makes it healthy, right?
So if you are wanting to have a Hawaiian lager with one of your meals, consider checking out these establishments which carry some of the items:
Waikiki Food Hall (Waikiki Brewing Company) >> Get a special offer!
Giovanni Pastrami (Kona Brewing Company & Maui Brewing Company) >> Get a special offer! *Excludes alcohol.
Lulu’s Waikiki (Kona Brewing Company & Maui Brewing Company) >> Get a special offer! *Excludes drinks & happy hour menus.
Heavenly Island Lifestyle (Kona Brewing Company & Maui Brewing Company) >> Get a special offer! *Excludes drinks & happy hour items.
Or go straight to the brewery locations, such as
Waikiki Brewing Company
1945 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Phone: (808) 946-6590
Business hours: Mon-Thu, 10:30am – 11:00pm; Fri & Sat, 9:00am – 12:00 midnight; Sun, 8:00am – 11:00pm
Kona Brewing Company
7192 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, HI
Phone: (808) 396-5662
Business hours: Sun-Sat, 11:00am – 9:00pm
Maui Brewing Company
Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger, 2300 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Phone: (808) 843-2739
Business hours: Sun-Thu, 11:00am – 10:00pm; Fri & Sat, 11:00am – 11:00pm
Hana Koa Brewing Company
962 Kawaiahao Street, Honolulu, HI
(808) 591-2337
Business hours: Tue-Thu, 12:00 noon – 10:00pm; Fri & Sat, 11:00am – 11:00pm; Sun, 10:00am – 9:00pm (closed Mon)
Just don’t overdo your consumption, or peoples’ kids may jump on your lap to tell you their Christmas wish list.
