Hawaii's Beer Buying Age And Availability

In Hawaii, the sale of beer is dependent on the county and the type of business. In most counties, off-premise alcohol sales are legal from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. or midnight, while on-premise sales are allowed from 6 a.m. or 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. However, some establishments hold a special 'cabaret license', which permits alcohol sales until 4 a.m. Notably, the town of Laie is unofficially dry due to the absence of liquor licenses.

Where you can buy beer in Hawaii

In Hawaii, you can buy beer from a variety of places, including bars and restaurants, package and liquor stores, breweries and taprooms, and even gas stations and grocery stores.

If you're looking for a cold one in Honolulu, Hawai'i, or Kaua'i counties, you can head to a bar or restaurant between 6 am and 2 am. In Maui County, on-premise consumption is allowed between 8 am and 2 am. For off-premise consumption, you can purchase beer from a variety of retailers, including gas stations and grocery stores, typically until 11 pm, although in Honolulu County, sales are permitted until midnight.

There are also several large retailers that sell alcohol in Hawaii, including Walmart, Target, and Costco. If you're looking for a good deal, consider checking out Costco or getting a Safeway card for discounts at Safeway stores.

When purchasing alcohol in Hawaii, it's important to keep in mind that the specific sales hours and regulations may vary depending on the county and the type of establishment. While Hawaii does not have any blue laws restricting the sale of alcohol on Sundays, it's always a good idea to check the hours of sale for the particular county you're in.

Beer sales hours in Hawaii

In Honolulu, Kaua'i, and Hawai'i counties, on-premise beer consumption is allowed from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Maui County allows on-premise consumption from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. For off-premise consumption, Honolulu County permits sales from 6 a.m. to midnight, while Maui, Kaua'i, and Hawai'i counties allow sales from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

It is important to note that Hawaii is a licensed state, meaning that the state sets the framework for alcohol laws, but the five counties determine the specifics. Therefore, it is advisable to check the regulations of the specific county you are in, as there may be some variation in the beer sales hours.

Additionally, Hawaii does not have any blue laws restricting the sale of alcohol on Sundays, so the hours of sale are the same as for the rest of the week.

Beer delivery in Hawaii

Beer delivery is permitted in Hawaii, with services such as Drizly offering deliveries in under 60 minutes. However, there are some restrictions to be aware of. Upon delivery, the customer must sign for the package and show proof of age, and deliveries may be carried out by a licensee's employees or a third-party service.

In Hawaii, the legal drinking age is 21, and minors are only permitted to consume alcohol in private areas under the supervision of their parents or legal guardians. Additionally, servers are allowed to serve alcohol provided they are 18 years old and supervised by someone 21 or older.

The sale of alcohol in Hawaii is restricted to certain hours, and these vary depending on the county and the type of establishment. Generally, off-premise sales in grocery and convenience stores are permitted between 6 am and 11 pm every day in most counties, while on-premise sales in restaurants and bars are allowed between 8 am and 2 am, with some establishments holding a cabaret license to serve until 4 am.

Hawaii has a three-tier system for alcohol distribution, with wholesalers or importers in the middle tier, receiving products from suppliers and manufacturers and selling them to distributors. Distributors then supply retailers such as bars, restaurants, and package stores.

The state also has strict DUI laws, with a zero-tolerance policy and penalties including fines, community service, and license suspension. The legal limit for drivers under 21 is 0.02% BAC, while for drivers 21 and older, it is 0.08% BAC.

Hawaii's drinking age

Hawaii has a thriving alcohol industry, with its sandy beaches and fruity cocktails attracting many tourists. The state has a liberal approach to alcohol sales, with no dry counties, and alcohol is available seven days a week. However, there are some strict laws surrounding the sale and consumption of alcohol that should be noted.

Drinking Age in Hawaii

The minimum drinking age in Hawaii is 21 years old, which is uniform across all 50 states. This means anyone under 21 is prohibited from purchasing, consuming, or possessing alcoholic beverages in Hawaii. However, there is an exception for minors consuming alcohol under parental supervision in a private area. Minors can drink with their parents or legal guardians, but the parents or guardians must be the ones providing the alcohol.

Purchasing Alcohol in Hawaii

The sale of alcohol in Hawaii is regulated by the individual counties, and there may be some variation in the laws between them. Generally, off-premise retail sales, such as grocery and convenience stores, sell alcohol between 6 am and 11 pm every day. On-premise consumption, such as in restaurants and bars, is allowed from 8 am to 2 am, although some establishments with a special "cabaret license" can serve alcohol until 4 am. It is worth noting that closing times for bars and alcohol-serving establishments may vary depending on the county and the specific establishment's license.

Serving Alcohol in Hawaii

In most counties, servers are allowed to serve alcohol to customers provided they are 18 years old and supervised by someone 21 or older. However, the laws surrounding serving alcohol are strict, and owners of bars and restaurants can be held liable for serving alcohol to a patron who later causes injury or damage while intoxicated. This is known as the "dram shop law."

DUI Laws in Hawaii

Hawaii has strict laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol, with penalties including mandatory alcohol education and license suspension or revocation. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21 is 0.02%, while for drivers 21 and older, it is 0.08%.

Beer sales by business type

Beer sales in Hawaii are permitted at various times depending on the business type and county. The state does not specify the hours of sale for alcohol licensees, leaving the counties to set the hours.

Bars and Restaurants

Bars and restaurants can sell beer, wine, and liquor every day of the week. In Honolulu, Hawai'i, and Kaua'i counties, they can do so between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. In Maui County, they can sell alcohol between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. Sales can be for on-premise consumption and delivery.

Package and Liquor Stores

Hawaii liquor stores can sell alcohol every day of the week. The hours are from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. in Hawai'i, Kaua'i, and Maui counties, or until midnight in Honolulu County. All sales are for off-premise consumption in original packaging, except for growlers, which can be filled.

Breweries and Taprooms

Hawaii breweries can sell beer, wine, and liquor seven days a week. On-premise sales are legal from 6 a.m. or 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. Off-premise sales are legal from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. or midnight. Breweries and brewpubs can sell and fill growlers, and alcohol delivery is also permitted.

Gas Stations

Gas stations in Hawaii can sell beer, wine, and liquor every day of the week. Their hours for alcohol sales are from 6 a.m. until midnight in Honolulu County and from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. in Hawai'i, Kaua'i, and Maui counties. All sales must be for off-premise consumption in original packaging.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores in Hawaii can sell beer, wine, and liquor every day of the week. Alcohol sale hours are between 6 a.m. and midnight in Honolulu County and from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. in Hawai'i, Maui, and Kaua'i counties. All sales are for off-premise consumption in original packaging, but grocery stores can fill growlers if they choose to invest in the equipment.

Frequently asked questions