Hana Koa Brewing is definitely worth the drive or bike ride because it's not in Waikiki, but the…read moretrip is absolutely worth it if you're looking for something a little different from the traditional beers you can get anywhere. The space has a more upscale feel, with a really nice vibe inside and plenty of tables. They have a great selection beyond their own beer, including cocktails, wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and guest taps. I especially loved that they offered smaller beer pours, which let me try several different beers without committing to a full pour of each. I was there for the beer, and I definitely wasn't disappointed! I was also really impressed by the food menu. They had lunch specials that sounded fantastic, and they even offer a brunch menu with special brunch cocktails. I wasn't hungry enough to try the food this time, but it definitely gives me a reason to come back. Great beer, a beautiful space, and lots of options for everyone. Definitely recommend adding Hana Koa to your Oahu brewery list!

Hana Koa has been my favorite brewery for years. I have countless pieces of merch, always come…read morethrough for new beer releases, and the food is phenomenal. Unfortunately, something has changed recently and you can see it throughout recent reviews here, which tells me this is a taught practice by management and not just one shady server. Mainly, being up charged or sold "extras" without disclosing they're actually add ons. Our table of 4 had 3 different sandwiches, 2 burgers and a chicken sandwich. While ordering the server offered each of us, "would you like fries, onion rings, or salad with that?" There was no disclosure of it being additional, and she never used the words add ons or extras. When the bill was received, all 3 that received the sandwiches and "sides" were shocked to see upcharges (example $5.00 extra for 1/4 cup of greens and 2 slices of cucumber) when we were being offered these with our orders. When I asked the server about the charge, I asked why it wasn't disclosed it was extra, and that we only answered her question of which side we wanted because she offered as if it was included, her responses were baffling. The first was "There's nowhere on island that serves fries with a sandwich", to which I said, "but you didn't say it was extra, you offered them as if they were included", she said "it's written on the menu". To note: fries, onion rings, and side salads are listed on the menu, in their own section, separate from the sandwich sections. So while it is written, they know exactly what they're doing when they offer you sides or sauces, and you can see other recent reviews here making the same complaint. This left an extra bad taste for our table as we had come in to help support them after the recent tropical storm left them without power. We were excited to participate in a local event they were hosting and help support them after losing stock and days being closed from the storm, just to have this shady process of being upsold things we didn't order (on a $350+ bill that also included shirts from their merch store). Scuzzy way of thanking your community for coming in and patronizing your restaurant. Really disappointed after years of Hana Koa being my favorite place.

Their rueben is the best I've had, it's huge! Lots of meat, great fresh and fluffy rye bread, and…read morenot a heaping amount of thousand island. It was perfect. I absolutely love the food, the staff, and the beer! Not to mention, it is quiet and pretty chill. Just a nice place to hang out with friends for a beer.

(Drank/Dined 05/13/23 SA @ 3:00pm and 05/31/23 WE @ 6:00pm): This edge of town was brewing some…read morekiller beer! Kalihi Beer was the next brewery in my exploration of the burgeoning craft brewery industry on the Hawaiian Islands but specifically on O'ahu this time around. I loved beer to no end and made two visits purely by coincidence. Formerly Broken Boundary Brewery, was there enough for a return trip!? PURCHASE Smash Burger w/Chips ($13.50): A beef patty, bacon jam, melted cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, pickle chips, and chipotle aioli between a lightly toasted bun served with a side of potato chips, this was a simple burger but nothing special and pricey https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=G4fUACRXGM51RyDrD3f_Sw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Pop Top Kölsch 5.4% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.00): Fruity, malty, and crisp - an easy drink https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=WKUMNxlR8oEhc4tOnbcaRg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Ginger Ginger Irish Red Ale 4.0% ABV 16floz Draft ($7.00): Ginger, malty, and refreshing - medicinal https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=jIalBAZy97WD8jTUDMLTpg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Everybody's Devil Belgian Tripel 8.8% ABV 16floz Draft ($9.00): Banana, bready, and tropical - a heavy beer https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=cWz26qqHHlFM_t_eo192EQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. None The Wiser Pale Lager 5.2% ABV 16floz Draft ($7.50): Light, malty, and clean - another easy brew https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=BGtSwztPCCDT6Rra_re1Ng&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Hi Fi West Coast IPA 6.9% ABV 16floz Draft ($9.00): Citrus, hoppy, and crisp - it's in the weeds https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=bBVKNlUHJFLjn_6cNL3kDw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. DIY Porter 5.1% ABV 16floz Draft ($7.00): Chocolatey, roasted, toffee - a lovely mouthfeel sensation https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=PEuHfxpje6mjyij0hpgcgg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw! Bread Pudding Dessert 6.8% ABV 4floz Taster ($3.50): Cinnamon, pastry, and sugary sweet - simply too much https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=rQj_1An7EtRblgqSt8VTdA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Steel Blue Zipped Up Hoodie ($59.95): Soft and comfortable, I wished the logo included "Kalihi, Hawaii" has a geographic reference point for those unfamiliar with Hawaii https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Q9FDNr7akJB_fRWYjKiwPw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Bierfurdrinkin Munich Style Hefeweizen 5.9% ABV 16floz Draft ($7.50): Citrusy, malty, and metallic - prost https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fhk029KiJRKzuNIUDea70g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw! Mangolden Hour Fruited Sour 4.6% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.50): Fruity, mango, and sour - you had me at mango https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=pnYSXlUjTUqpX_Gi9VQpLQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw! Ginger Hard Seltzer 4.1% ABV 16floz Draft ($7.00): Light, ginger, and crisp - that tingling feeling https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Gr88pclrQi9Wn-lNKmKSfQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw! Round Logo Stickers ($3.00 x2): I loved stickers and enjoyed placing them at other breweries to spread the love https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Z27MJSvq_s9Yitx0_d24IA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw! SERVICE I easily found a seat at the bar, warmly greeted by a woman then later by young energetic staff members (Sarah!), and the beers came out quick and easy with a smile. All was good - mahalo! PARKING (FREE) No onsite parking, but there are plenty of spots along the main drag of Moowaa St. and the surrounding streets - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE Located in an industrial area inside a large warehouse-type structure, there was plenty of inside seating that utilized both barstools and chairs/tables throughout https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=wfMHyB9biv8cNBcx662M5g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, a section for special events https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=437IamG4bKpajhXpQDF1Sw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, hardly any wall decorations, and a visible beer menu hung up on a wall https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=kJTAxZZzXI-DfxL6PCs52A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. There was one TV while cool indie rock music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=6zpU2FaaOg2_-SzOfw3agg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Kalihi Beer was a hit with me! The patrons were awesome, prices were comparable, service very friendly, beers were tasty but wished they had more variety, and the food options were very limited. This was also a family and pet-friendly (events on certain nights) place. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $145.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS

Great vibe, friendly service, and good beer! I was visiting Waikiki and, of course, needed to stop…read moresomewhere for a brew and some food. I stopped by Waikiki Brewing Company and had a great experience. I grabbed a Loco Moco and an IPA, and both hit the spot. I sat at the bar and received great service, which made the whole lunch even better. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, and it was a great place to take a break and enjoy a beer and a meal. I saw they offered brunch and had some non-beer drinks, which also sounded good. Definitely would recommend Waikiki Brewing Company if you're visiting the area!

Went to this place a couple times and both times I appreciated the atmosphere and attentiveness of…read morethe staff. Everyone was very nice there and the space was a good sports bar to watch the World Cup at. We sat at the bar so we could see the TVs, but there were plenty around the restaurant. The food was mixed reviews. The shrimp fried rice was really good, a bit on the oily side (personally don't mind that) and lacked salt, but that was an easy fix. The special was this pork belly (I think) and honestly it didn't wow me. It was a bit bland and also the amount was so small. The Macaroni salad was good and rice was good. The slaw, to me, was too crunchy and could have marinated longer to soften up. Again, this dish lacked salt. The Pina Coladas, were very tasty and refreshing, but were too sweet so it was hard to get a second one and come close to finishing. I had my partner help me drink it because it was too much. I'd still go again and try other things on the menu and maybe ask for the colada to not be too sweet

We visited four breweries during our time on Oahu. Each were fantastic and got better each time. We…read morestarted at Maui Brewing, moved onto Waikiki Brewing, Beer Lab Hi, and finished at Howzit Brewing. Ratings overall beers only: 1) Beer Lab Hi (omakase, super omakase) 2) Howzit (hyperlocal) 3) Maui (OMG hazy, pineapple mana, pineapple chi chi, coconut hiwa) 4) Waikiki (EEH PAH IPA) Each had something unique to offer and were all great visits!

Was sure I had a review for here, no see it now. I like this location since this is where they brew…read morethe beer and only $5 at time of this writing. They also have great pupus, wine selection, whiskeys and bourbons. Like the beer garden, which gives it nice ambience. Parking can be a bit tough but we make do. This time went for 10th anniversary and they were serving 10 ounce logger for 10 cents... not bad.

I live in San Jose, CA but cover Hawaii as part of my territory. I worked with Mel at Aloha beer…read moreto host a reseller training event in their private room. I booked them sight unseen. Great customer service, preparation and overall customer service. Would gladly host a follow up event next quarter with the Aloha team. Thanks Chris Szarlacki

I'm embarrassed to say I've walked by this place more times than I can count and have never been…read moreinside, mainly because I'm a bit timid to go to a drinking (with food) place on my own, but after tonight, I think I'll be dropping by for a bite & an in-house beverage along with my kindle. I was there with a couple of friends as Della Au Belatti supporters. There was a great spread of food (sliders, Mac & cheese, Caesar salad, and pizza and a huge selection of beers and non-alcoholic beverages. Great turnout, including KITV who was covering the election outcomes. The waitstaff were great and they offered suggestions of what beers to drink, depending on your taste. Got to meet the owner, Michael, who was on available throughout the event. Nice guy and very customer-oriented. The fact that this place is only a block from where I live is no excuse to go back, now that I've had a taste of what they have to offer. Oh yeah, Michael mentioned having seasonal beers when I asked if they could make a Snakebite (Guinness & Cider). Oh boy!!

Randomly walked by craving a fried snack and it was happy hour (weekdays 3-5p) so it was meant to…read morebe! Didn't try drinks but had the loaded tots and the kampachi ceviche. The happy hour food menu has a nice selection, it's about $3 off the main menu pricing. The tots were $17 off the happy hour menu and a large order, definitely for sharing. The pork on it was a little dry but the corn, beans pico and sour cream made up for this, tots were fluffy and crispy. We liked this one overall. The ceviche was $26 (not on the happy hour menu), it was a portion for 1-2 people, the fish itself tasted fresh but I wasnt a huge fan of the ceviche flavor, I wish it was more lime/acid forward and would have liked an herbal element like cilantro to spice it up. The wonton chips were not great, they weren't crispy and tasted almost mealy, they also lacked salt, I imagine if they were freshly fried it would have been tastier. Service was very fast and polite. The vibes and seating options were great too. Would return, the empanadas looked tasty.

The Hawaiian Rancher's Burger with potato wedges were not that good. The beef patty was big and…read morethick, but when you bite into it, it has no taste. So I had to pour their dressing on to the beef patty to add flavor. The burger bun and the 2 slices of bacon were good. But the large potato wedges were not good, it tasted powdery, lack of seasoning, not the right kind potato. We ordered 2 burgers to go. It was fast and the staff were nice.

While on vacation, we visited several local breweries, and what stood out most was how supportive…read morethey were of one another. Every brewery recommended another place for us to try, which made the experience even better. We ended our brewery tour at Howzit Brewing, and the beer was fantastic! We can't wait to return and highly recommend checking them out.

We visited four breweries during our time on Oahu. Each were fantastic and got better each time. We…read morestarted at Maui Brewing, moved onto Waikiki Brewing, Beer Lab Hi, and finished at Howzit Brewing. Ratings overall beers only: 1) Beer Lab Hi (omakase, super omakase) 2) Howzit (hyperlocal) 3) Maui (OMG hazy, pineapple mana, pineapple chi chi, coconut hiwa) 4) Waikiki (EEH PAH IPA) Each had something unique to offer and were all great visits!

Located in Kaimuki on Waialae Avenue, Brew'd is a restaurant/pub spot. There is some parking around…read moreon the street and in a back parking lot. Not sure if it costs money to park in the lot. The place itself has seating inside and outside. We sat outside, and it was a nice evening. The place was not loud and the service was quick. The people working were very sweet! The place felt casual with wood tables and decorations. We decided to order a burger and macaroni. Both came out pretty quickly. The burger and the fries were yummy! The fries were pretty big and were good on their own. The burger was tasty and tasted like it had just the right amount of salt. The macaroni was also very good, with a decent amount in the bowl. We look forward to coming back and trying some other food items!

Chose to sit outside and the weather was amazing to enjoy our flights, goat cheese appetizer, and…read moremushroom/swiss burger.

Beer Lab in Pearlridge is absolutely amazing! The service is always on point, the food is hot and…read morefresh, and there's so much cool energy happening there. Plus, their karaoke nights are a blast -- and there's so much more to enjoy! It's one of my favorite go-to spots for drinks and great food, all thanks to the incredible staff -- they're truly the best people! Once you visit, you'll understand why I love this place and the amazing team behind it. Cheers to good vibes, good food, and great company! #BeerLabPearlridge #GoodVibes #KaraokeNight #GreatService #FavoriteSpot

First of all, this is a great place to gather with friends; lots of seating space. Since it's…read morelocated in the uptown Pearlridge Mall, there are lots of parking. As for the food, it is a hit & miss. Some of our party liked their salad w/fried Char Siu chicken, onion rings and tots were also good appetizer food to munch on. Others had the Kalua Pig burger which was real salty. I had their Loco Moco with their dark gravy, which also was a bit too salty. I also chose to have the burger cooked medium well, which was a bit too tough to chew. I should have chosen medium. (An update to my previous post - I upgraded this review to 4 stars, from previous 3. As we left the place, the nice waitress stopped my friend who had the Kalua burger & gave her a new Kalua as the chef threw out the previous batch & made a new one. She loved it. Now who does that in today's world, listened to the customer & make a new batch & even sought out the person to make it right. This is a place to definitely come back to. Awesome Beer Lab!!!) The drinks were their pluses. And their service was excellent. Our waitress was very nice & very attentive. I did like their ordering system thru Toast where you scan a barcode & order & pay before the food gets to you. You can pay individually or as a group. Keep in mind the group tip is set at 20%, but the waitress deserved it.

Good food, okay service. I stood at the host stand for quite a while with the rest of my party…read morewhile we waited for a host to ever notice us. Finally, got seated and a server eventually came by. The pepperoni rolls are delicious as always. We tried the paniolo burger (excellent) and the It's a Gouda burger (good, but I couldn't really taste the aioli or the Gouda). The mac salad on the side is fairly good although I prefer Zippy's because it's more flavorful. Kona's is a bit on the bland side. I got an itty bitty beer to go with my drink and didn't realize that the 5 ounce pour was basically the size of one of their little taster flight beers, but it's $4.25, where the 10 ounce is $6.25. Kind of wish my server had pointed out the 10 ounce is a better value, but they were extremely casual and seemed pretty distracted the whole time, so I don't think they thought to mention it. The 15% off for kama'aina makes the food a better deal. A nice place for a bite to eat and to try some interesting beers and seltzers on tap.

A Sad Decline of What Used to Be a Hawaii Kai Institution…read more It honestly saddens me to write this review because I have been coming to Kona Brewing Company in Hawaii Kai regularly for years. Kona used to be a place where the community gathered--locals would stop in for a drink, grab some food, catch up with friends, and enjoy the atmosphere. It was a thriving neighborhood restaurant and bar that felt like a true part of the Hawaii Kai community. Unfortunately, over the past couple of years, I have watched a noticeable decline in service, food, atmosphere, and management. On my recent visit, I was struck by how empty the bar was. This used to be a place that was bustling with locals and regular customers. Many of the people I used to see there regularly have simply gone elsewhere. The menu is a fraction of what it used to be, with far fewer choices and portions that seem considerably smaller. For an establishment of this size and reputation, the current menu is disappointing and doesn't offer the variety or value I remember. The service has also suffered. Some longtime bartenders seem less interested in customer satisfaction than they once were. I can't say whether that is a reflection of management, staffing issues, or declining morale, but there certainly seems to be a disconnect between the people working there and the customers they're supposed to be serving. When employees don't feel supported or appreciated by management, unfortunately, the customers often feel the effects. And then there's the ambience. Kona used to have an energy--a feeling that you were walking into a neighborhood gathering place. That feeling has largely disappeared. I don't write this review because I want to see Kona fail. Quite the opposite. I remember when Kona Brewing Company was a thriving part of our community, and I would love nothing more than to see it return to that level of service, quality, and community spirit. There are still good people there, and I believe the establishment has tremendous potential. But something needs to change. Management needs to listen to the longtime customers and the employees, take a hard look at what has changed, and find a way to bring back the Kona that Hawaii Kai used to love. It's genuinely sad to watch the decline of what was once such a fine establishment and an important gathering place for our community