Beer Drinking In Hawaii: A Historical Perspective

Beer in Hawaii has a long and tumultuous history. While Native Hawaiians were making alcoholic drinks using 'awa root before colonisation, beer as we know it today has faced many challenges in the Aloha State.

The first record of beer being brewed in Hawaii was in the diary of a Spanish settler, Francisco de Paula Marin, in 1812. However, it wasn't until 1854 that the islands' first commercial brewery, The Honolulu Brewery, was established. Since then, Hawaii's brewing history has been characterised by a series of openings and closures, with breweries struggling to capture the market and facing opposition from religious groups.

Despite these challenges, the craft beer scene in Hawaii is now thriving, with local breweries popping up on the four main Hawaiian islands and unique beers inspired by the islands' flavours and laid-back lifestyle.

Beer in Hawaii before it was 'beer as we know it'

Beer in Hawaii has a long and tumultuous history. While Native Hawaiians were making alcoholic drinks using 'awa root before colonisation, beer as we know it today didn't come about until 1901, according to the Hawaiian Craft Brewers Guild. The first record of beer being brewed in Hawaii dates back to 1812, when a Spanish settler in Honolulu, Francisco de Paula Marin, wrote about brewing beer in his diary.

Hawaii's first commercial brewery, The Honolulu Brewery, was established in 1854 by Bischoff and Company. However, the brewery was short-lived and closed in 1857, leading to another hiatus in beer production on the islands. In 1865, Thomas Warren and Willard Francis partnered to open Hawaiian Beer, offering lager beer to the residents of Oahu. The partnership dissolved after just four months, with both men starting their own breweries, which ultimately failed.

It wasn't until 1888 that the next brewery, The National Brewery, opened its doors in Kalihi. Once again, this venture was short-lived, and Hawaii was left without a brewery until 1898 when the Honolulu Brewing & Malting Company (HBMC) was established. HBMC introduced Primo Lager, which became the beer most closely associated with the islands.

Prohibition, which began in Hawaii in 1918, two years before it was imposed nationally, brought an end to brewing in the state. It is suggested that missionaries and plantation owners played a significant role in making it difficult for breweries to prosper during this time.

After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, several breweries attempted to revive the industry, including the American Brewing Company and the Hawaiian Brewing Corporation, which took over the brewing of Primo. However, consolidation in the brewing industry and the high costs of production and distribution took their toll, and by the end of the 1970s, beer-making in Hawaii had ceased once more.

It wasn't until the 1980s and 1990s that microbreweries and brewpubs began to appear in Hawaii, thanks to modifications in state liquor laws. Today, there is a thriving craft beer scene in Hawaii, with numerous local breweries and unique beer offerings that showcase the flavours and laid-back lifestyle of the islands.

The Honolulu Brewery

Hawaii may be known for its beaches, coconut palms, and fruity drinks with umbrellas, but the state has a long history of brewing. Hawai'i's first commercial brewery, The Honolulu Brewery, was established in 1854 by Bischoff and Company, who maintained the brewery until 1857. After the closure of the Honolulu Brewery, beer in the islands was difficult to come by and provided largely through importation.

In recent years, craft beer has been making inroads into the local bar and resort scene, despite the expense of sourcing ingredients. Today, there are about 10 breweries and brewpubs in Hawaii, with many microbreweries popping up on the four main Hawaiian islands (Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu).

Honolulu Beerworks, established in 2014, is one such example. Located in the Kaka’ako district on Oahu, they experiment with locally sourced ingredients to create unique and tasty beverages. Their Pia Mahiʻai Honey Citrus Saison, for instance, is a tribute to Hawaii’s strong agricultural sector, using local ingredients such as lemongrass, oranges, and Hawaii Island honey.

Hawaiian Brewery

While Hawaii is known for its lush rainforests, stunning sunsets, and beautiful beaches, it is also home to a thriving craft beer scene. Hawaiian-made beer can be traced back to 1812 after European contact was made. Native Hawaiians have been making alcoholic drinks using ‘awa root since before colonization, but beer as we know it today only came about in 1901, according to the Hawaiian Craft Brewers Guild.

Hawaii's first commercial brewery, The Honolulu Brewery, was established in 1854 by Bischoff and Company, who maintained the brewery until 1857. After the closure of the Honolulu Brewery, beer in the islands was mainly imported. However, in the early 2000s, state liquor laws changed, allowing brewpubs to distribute beer for profit, and local breweries began to pop up on the four main Hawaiian islands.

Kona Brewing Company

Kona Brewing Company is Hawaii's longest-running craft brewery, celebrating 25 years of production in 2019. It was started in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island in 1994 by a father-son duo with a dream to create fresh, local island brews made with spirit and passion. Sold in all 50 states, Kona Brewing is best known for its flagship beers Big Wave Golden Ale and Longboard Island Lager. They also brew several other popular beers, including the Hula Hefeweizen and the Wailua Wheat Ale.

Maui Brewing Company

Maui Brewing Company is Hawaii's largest craft brewery, founded in 2005 on the island of Maui. It quickly became one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, thanks to its unique location and delicious beer. Their flagship beer is the Coconut Hiwa Porter, a rich and full-bodied porter with a deep chocolate flavor and a touch of sweetness. In addition, they produce a variety of other beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. The brewery offers tours and tastings, providing visitors with a chance to learn about the brewing process and sample their beers.

Hana Koa Brewing Co.

Hana Koa Brewing Co. is a small brewery located on the island of Maui, opened in 2016. They are known for their innovative flavors and ingredients, often incorporating local fruits and herbs. Their Aloha Series, featuring fruits like pineapple, mango, and guava, is one of their most popular offerings. Whether you're seeking a refreshing beer after a day at the beach or something new and exciting, Hana Koa Brewing Co. is worth a visit.

Waikiki Brewing Company

The Waikiki Brewing Company is a local Hawaii brewery established in 2014, known for its handcrafted beers brewed using only the finest ingredients. Their flagship beer is the Aloha Blonde Ale, a light and refreshing brew perfect for enjoying on a warm day by the beach. In addition to their signature beers, they also offer seasonal and limited-release options.

Honolulu Beerworks

Honolulu Beerworks is a small but mighty brewery in the heart of Honolulu's Chinatown, founded in 2014 by two friends with a passion for beer. They are all about experimenting with new and innovative brewing techniques, whether it's their line of hazy IPAs or their chocolate milk stout. Honolulu Beerworks also offers food, including turkey and salmon sandwiches that pair well with their Dango Yo Ale.

Big Island Brewhaus

Big Island Brewhaus is a microbrewery and restaurant on the big island of Hawaii, located in Kailua-Kona. They are known for their unique Hawaiian-style beers, brewed with locally sourced ingredients. Their popular Coconut Hiwa Porter is a must-try, and they also offer a variety of seasonal and limited-release brews.

In addition to these breweries, there are several other notable mentions in Hawaii, including Lanikai Brewing Company, Aloha Beer Company, Island Distillers, and Kauai Beer Company. Each of these breweries offers its own unique take on craft beer, incorporating local ingredients and capturing the essence of the islands in every sip.

The National Brewery

Despite these challenges, The National Brewery managed to find success with its Steam Beer, offering a unique style that resembled the vaunted Anchor Steam beer from San Francisco. However, like its predecessors, The National Brewery ultimately closed, marking another hiatus in beer production on the islands until the Honolulu Brewing & Malting Company (founded in 1898) introduced Primo Lager, which became the beer most closely associated with Hawaii.

Prohibition in Hawaii

Hawaii's first commercial brewery, The Honolulu Brewery, was established in 1854 by Bischoff and Company, who maintained the brewery until 1857. After the closure of the Honolulu Brewery, beer in the islands was difficult to come by and was largely provided through importation.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hawaii's upstart brewing industry faced pressure from religious groups, including missionaries for the Presbyterian, Congregationalist, Baptist, and Mormon churches. As missionary work gave way to plantations, the religious in Hawaii and the plantation owners continued their fight against alcohol through anti-saloon leagues and pro-prohibition organisations like the Women's Christian Temperance Union. These groups led an all-out war against alcohol on the island, attacking anyone or any company that attempted the production and/or sale of alcohol.

In 1910, The Hawaiian Gazette ran political cartoons to persuade people to vote for prohibition in Hawaii. The newspaper's editorials and cartoons portrayed the saloon owners as profiting from the sale of alcohol and alcohol as bringing societal ills to the native Hawaiians. Ultimately, Hawaii voters chose the option of no prohibition in Hawaii. However, in 1918, Hawaii's legislature gave in to prohibitionist pressure and outlawed alcohol on the islands.

In 1933, with the national repeal of prohibition, Hawaiians resumed brewing.

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