Gluten-Free Beer: Best Hawaiian Spots To Buy

If you're looking for gluten-free beer options in Hawaii, you're in luck! The island state is home to several craft breweries offering gluten-free options, and there are also dedicated apps and websites to help you find gluten-free beer near you. For those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it can be challenging to find safe and tasty beer options, but Hawaii has some great choices. From gluten-free IPAs and lagers to blonde ales and stouts, you can enjoy a refreshing beer without worrying about gluten. So, whether you're a local or a visitor, you can explore the gluten-free beer scene in Hawaii with ease.

Gluten-free beers in Maui

Gluten-free beers are widely available in Maui, Hawaii. Here is a list of places in Maui where you can find gluten-free beer options:

Manoli's Pizza Company

This pizzeria, located at 100 Wailea Ike Dr, Kihei, offers gluten-free beer along with gluten-free pizza options. According to reviews, it is celiac-friendly, with 100% of 21 votes confirming its suitability for those with celiac disease.

Fabiani's Bakery and Pizzeria

Fabiani's, located at 95 E Lipoa St, Kihei, offers a range of gluten-free options, including beer, cakes, macarons, and pasta. 87% of 8 votes say it is celiac-friendly, making it a safe choice for gluten-intolerant individuals.

Whole Foods Market

While not a specific location in Maui, Whole Foods Markets are known to carry gluten-free beer options. You can check their website or give them a call to confirm availability before heading over.

Maui Brewing Co.

Maui Brewing Co. has two locations in Maui, one in Kihei and the other in Lahaina. While their gluten-friendliness rating is not as high, with only 37% and 25% of votes, respectively, confirming their suitability for celiacs, they do offer gluten-free options, including pizza.

Additional Options

Other places in Maui with reported gluten-free beer options include Cheeseburger In Paradise, Miso Phat Sushi, and Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman. Duo Steak & Seafood offers gluten-reduced beer options, and Nutcharee's Authentic Thai Food and Fairmont Kea Lani - Maui are also reported to have gluten-free options, although specific details are not provided.

Gluten-Free Beer Options

When looking for gluten-free beer options, it is important to read labels carefully and ensure they are 100% gluten-free, especially if you have celiac disease. Some popular gluten-free beer brands include Ghostfish Brewing Co, Ground Breaker Brewing, Holidaily Brewing Co, and Green’s Beer, which offers a Pale Dry-Hopped Lager that is gluten-free and brewed in the Belgian tradition.

Gluten-free beer locations via the Gluten Dude app

The Gluten Dude app is a celiac-trusted app that helps you find gluten-free restaurants, gluten-free beer, and gluten-free options at international airports. The app has a directory of over 17,000 locations worldwide where you can find 100% gluten-free beer.

The app is free to download and offers a 7-day free trial with complete access to all features. After the trial ends, you can choose from three subscription levels: monthly ($5.99), semi-annual ($29.99), or annual ($49.99).

• Instant notifications for new celiac-vetted restaurants and gluten-free beer locations in your chosen areas.
• Customizable safety filters to match your personal comfort level and put you in control of your dining and drinking choices.
• No fast-food restaurants are included due to their high cross-contamination risks.
• Exclusive discounts from 50+ trusted gluten-free brands.
• A vibrant forum with thousands of comments, providing a supportive community.

The app is developed by a long-time celiac advocate and trusted by thousands. It aims to support your gluten-free journey, making it easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Celiac-friendly restaurants in Maui

Celiac disease affects around 1% of the American population, and for those affected, consuming gluten can cause damage to the small intestine and hinder nutrient absorption. As gluten is traditionally found in beer, this can be frustrating for those who enjoy drinking it. However, there are now several gluten-free beers available in Hawaii, including:

• Estrella Damm Daura
• Omission
• Green's
• Redbridge
• Bard's

These beers are made with gluten-free alternatives to barley, such as millet, rice, sorghum, buckwheat, and corn.

In addition to gluten-free beer, Maui also offers a plethora of celiac-friendly restaurants. Here are some of the top spots to enjoy a gluten-free meal on the island:

Miss Arepa

Miss Arepa is a dedicated gluten-free restaurant located in Lahaina, away from the resorts. It offers a wide range of gluten-free options, including arepas, yuca fries, and passion fruit juice. The restaurant is highly rated by celiac customers, who appreciate the early dinner hours and the opportunity to explore Lahaina before their meal.

Mama's Fish House Restaurant

Mama's Fish House in Paia is a celiac-friendly seafood restaurant. Their staff is commended for being knowledgeable about gluten-free items and cross-contamination concerns. The restaurant offers a variety of gluten-free options, including cocktails, crème brûlée, curry, and gelato.

Coconut's Fish Cafe

With multiple locations in Kauai and Maui, Coconut's Fish Cafe is a convenient option for celiac-friendly seafood. They offer gluten-free fish tacos, poke, and other tacos. Be sure to inform the staff about your celiac disease when ordering, and they will guide you through the menu.

Maui Pizza Truck

For gluten-free pizza, the Maui Pizza Truck is a popular choice. They offer a dedicated gluten-free menu with options such as arepas, bread, buns, desserts, and empanadas. The restaurant receives high praise from celiac customers, who feel confident in the staff's knowledge and handling of gluten-free items.

Cinnamon Roll Place

Cinnamon Roll Place in Kihei offers a dedicated gluten-free menu with a variety of options, including bagels, banana bread, bread, buns, and breakfast sandwiches. Their gluten-free cinnamon rolls are a favourite among customers and are packaged separately from the regular cinnamon rolls to avoid cross-contamination.

Duo Steak & Seafood

Duo Steak & Seafood in Wailea offers gluten-free options and is well-versed in accommodating customers with celiac disease. They provide gluten-reduced beer, along with gluten-free bread, buns, desserts, fries, and more. The staff is knowledgeable and ensures that all food served is safe for customers with celiac disease.

Choice Health Bar

Choice Health Bar in Lahaina is a health food restaurant with almost entirely gluten-free options. They are knowledgeable about celiac disease and offer gluten-free desserts and acai bowls. It is a perfect spot for a quick, healthy lunch.

KAPA Bar & Grill

KAPA Bar & Grill in Wailea offers a dedicated gluten-free menu with burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and more. The restaurant caters to customers with celiac disease, offering gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free options.

Nutcharee's Authentic Thai Food

Nutcharee's Authentic Thai Food has both a food truck in Hana and a sit-down restaurant in Kihei. They offer several gluten-free options, including Pad Thai, curry, and salad. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring that gluten-free orders are handled properly.

Maui Thai Bistro

Maui Thai Bistro in Kihei offers gluten-free Thai cuisine, including curry, fried rice, and Pad Thai. The restaurant is a popular choice for families, as it caters to those with celiac disease while still offering a variety of options to please everyone.

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice is a dedicated gluten-free dessert option in Kihei. The staff understands celiac disease and is willing to check ingredients if needed. They offer a variety of gluten-free flavours and are known for their kindness and accommodating service.

Monkeypod Kitchen

While Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu, they are knowledgeable about gluten allergies and cross-contamination concerns. They offer gluten-free options such as fish tacos, salad, and wings.

Maui offers a diverse range of dining options for those with celiac disease, ensuring that you can enjoy your vacation without compromising your health. Be sure to call ahead and express your dietary restrictions, and always double-check with the staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.

Estrella Damm Daura

If you're looking for gluten-free beer options in Hawaii, one beer that stands out is Estrella Damm Daura. This award-winning beer is the result of a collaboration between Damm and the CSIC (National Scientific Research Council) gluten unit, using advanced technology to create a gluten-free option. Estrella Damm Daura is a pale lager-style beer with a slight hoppiness and an ABV of 5.4%. It is best paired with barbecue and Italian foods, especially fish or pork, and it complements earthy cheeses like Camembert and Fontina.

What sets Estrella Damm Daura apart is its unique brewing process. It is brewed with barley, just like the popular Spanish Lager, Estrella Damm. However, a special enzyme is used during the brewing process that removes gluten proteins to a level below 6ppm, which is far below the international standard of 20ppm for gluten-free certification. This means that those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can safely enjoy this beer without worrying about gluten consumption.

You can find Estrella Damm Daura at various retailers in Hawaii, although specific locations may vary. It is recommended to check with local specialty beer stores or larger retailers to see if they have it in stock. Online options are also available for purchasing gluten-free beer, and some websites provide information on the availability of gluten-free beers in Hawaii.

When purchasing gluten-free beer, it is always important to read the labels and ensure that the product meets your dietary needs. While Estrella Damm Daura is an excellent option, there are also other gluten-free beers available in Hawaii, such as Omission, Green's, RedBridge, and Bard's, each with its unique style and flavour profile.

Omission beers

Omission Beer is a popular Portland-based beer created by Widmer Brothers Brewing in Portland, Oregon. They offer a nice variety of beer, including a golden pale ale, an IPA, a traditional lager-style beer, and reduced-calorie versions. They also offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Omission Beer is brewed with traditional beer ingredients, including barley. They then use a proprietary enzyme process that breaks the bonds of gluten protein chains. The beer is then bottled in a sanitary and isolated environment to eliminate the chances of cross-contamination.

Omission Beer has received the Celiac Spruce Association recognition seal and consistently tests below 20ppm, the international standard for gluten-free certification. Their lager is bright and crisp with a noticeable hop presence, while their IPA has a strong piney bitterness and enough malt backbone to balance things out.

Omission Beer is widely available and can be purchased at any grocery store, convenience store, or liquor store (where state laws allow it). You can also buy Omission Balanced Brews directly from their partners.

However, it is important to note that Omission Beer is not completely gluten-free. It is brewed with gluten-containing ingredients and then the gluten is removed in a separate process. This means that there may still be trace amounts of gluten in the beer, which could be harmful to those with Celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance. If you have any concerns about gluten, it is recommended to opt for a beer that is brewed without gluten, such as those made with gluten-free grains like sorghum.

Frequently asked questions