Ola Distillery

5.0 (5 reviews)

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Open • 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

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Ola Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Sara L.

Elite 18

128

4 months ago

What an incredibly special experience. Being guided through the first distillery tour by owners, Naeha and Brett, made it even more memorable. As an avid bourbon fan, I can confidently say Ola Brew's ʻōkolehao is one of the best spirits I've had. Their koili, aged ʻōkolehao, is exceptional--smooth, floral, and complex. I couldn't leave without a full sized bottle and a few small ones to share as makana. What stood out just as much was the story. Learning about the history of ʻōkolehao alongside Naeha's family legacy in the industry added real depth to the experience. The distillery itself is housed in a reclaimed sugar mill from the plantation era, the industry that once suppressed ʻōkolehao. Seeing it repurposed to revive Hawaiʻi's original spirit was so powerful. The interior is beautiful, a balance of history and modern technology, wooden surfaces and state of the art distilling equipment all share space looking out to Hilo bay. Their mission to support local kī farmers and reshape Hawaiʻi's export economy was my favorite part and made it clear that this is a meaningful movement to be part of. Highly recommend for anyone interested in spirits, history, or Hawaiʻi's economic revival. Looking forward to the opening of their speakeasy to spend more time with this incredible team! read more

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Marcus Q.

10 days ago

Must do. Amazing history and facility. Beautiful property... glad to see it be given a new breath of life. Awesome owners and community... read more

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Randy S.

20 days ago

Lovely, accommodating staff, great views of Hilo bay and cool old facilities make this place unique. Worth a stop.

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Kaili K.

277

2 months ago

Great tour of the new okolehao distillery at the old Wainaku Executive Center. We had Dorin (hopefully that's how to spell his name) & he was awesome. We learned about the History of okolehao, their distillation process, and history of the location. It's really exciting to hear all of their plans for supporting local agriculture, making a truly Hawaiian spirit, and curating a unique experience at that beautiful location! read more

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Stan W.

26 days ago

This was a fantastic tour. We would classify this as a " must-do" when you are visiting Hilo. The grounds are studding, the distillery is beautiful and the staff is good at explaining the process. Doran lead our tour and explained the history of the Okolehao Spirit, the revival of the spirit and the mission of the distillery to include helping local farmers participate and benefit. Nice Job Ola Distillery. We will see you again. read more

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More info about Ola Distillery

26-238 Hawaii Belt Rd
Hilo, HI 96720
Directions
(808) 646-5908
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.thespiritofhawaii.com

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Hours

What time does Ola Distillery open?

Ola Distillery opens at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Ola Distillery close?

Ola Distillery is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Sunday.Ola Distillery closes at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Tue, Sun ClosedWed-Sat 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Outdoor Amenities

Does Ola Distillery have parking?

Yes, Ola Distillery has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does Ola Distillery have free WiFi?

Yes, Ola Distillery has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Set at the water's edge of historic Wainaku in Hilo, Ola’s oceanfront distillery is a place where Hawaiʻi’s past and future meet. Once the legendary Hilo Sugar Mill, this stunning shoreline property is the new home of Hawaiʻi’s first ocean-front distillery, overlooking Hilo Bay with sweeping views, salty air, and a close connection to 'āina and wai that shapes our moku. Here, we distill ʻŌkolehao, the Spirit of Hawaiʻi, through a blend of traditional and modern craft made with intention to honor the legacied agricultural roots that make this spirit unlike anything else in the world.

Ask the Community - Ola Distillery

Does visiting the speakeasy require a tour booking?

Aloha Adrian! Mahalo for reaching out. Our speakeasy doesn't open until Mid-Summer but when it…

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12th Hawaii Distiller

4.7

(43 reviews)

59.4 mi

The owner was very friendly and took the time to share his story. He has a small menu of drinks and…read more$5 tastings. Had I not had to drive across the island, I would have tried the espresso martini with the Kona coffee liqueur they make. I tasted the vodka - it was strong but you cannot really taste any notes of the purple sweet potato and Hawaiian honey. He said the honey notes (kiawe, macadamia nut etc) gets lost when distilled. There's a bar with about 5 seats and there were two small groups doing a tasting and drinks when we walked in. Otherwise, the owner said it was slow. We ended up purchasing two Reserves and one Honeyshine for a friend. He even has bottle "bags" that are for traveling.

Don't miss out on this hidden gem! Aside from the amazing drinks and atmosphere, the customer…read moreservice is exceptional and something which is hard to come by these days! Sam took excellent care of us and we even got to meet Dave the distiller!

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Tasting Flight

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Kuleana Rum

4.8

(4 reviews)

52.8 mi

Great Rum Flight and then there was the Panama 15! The last 15 (or so) of 214 bottles left at this…read moreawesome place. Worth every dollar to get this.

This little gem is a bit hard to find but worth it! You'll drive by several auto body shops, but…read moreturn into the white warehouse and go around back. Look for the door in my photo. They are very welcoming once you arrive! They distill a product of their own which was our favorite. They also offer several blends. They will let you taste everything but they can't sell direct but there is a place called the "Rum Shack" 20 minutes away where you can buy it.

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Their blends

The street view. It's hard to find but keep looking. They are very welcoming.

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The only sign on the little red door

Kailani Tours Hawaii

4.8

(343 reviews)

60.1 mi

We booked the 6 1/2 hour volcano tour and it was fantastic! We got to see most of the island. It…read morewas super scenic and just breathtaking! We got to visit the volcano national Park, see the steam vents, see the volcano, went to the volcano house, and drove through Hilo. Our guide, Chris was amazing and gave us such great information about the island and all the facts! He was very friendly, fun, and professional! It was just an enjoyable drive! Even my six-year-old ,who I did not know how he was going to do because this was his first tour and being in the car for so long , he did Fantastic.! We also made a special stop and got some delicious treats and picked up lunch for later, which was really good! He also provided us with water, juice, soda, snacks, and a cold towel. Also very accommodating for dietary restrictions like myself who is gluten-free. The booking process was super easy and they confirmed details the evening before your reservation date. They will call you and then send you a text. Pick up was on time so be ready! The shuttle is super comfortable ride with AC. I highly recommend booking this tour if you're visiting the big island.

Our tour guide Thia was fantastic. Super knowledgeable of the island and very genuine. Highly…read morerecommended this tour for anyone who would like to learn about the island and have a fun experience.

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WSW Steakhouse

Navigating through nostalgia. Dining at a place since childhood, a place that's woven into my life…read morestory. This location has been serving generations of local families like mine for decades. Formerly Queen's Court Restaurant at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, a local gem reinvented five years ago. To WSW Steakhouse. The hotel and restaurant are now officially part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham, still owned and managed by Castle Resorts & Hotels Hawai'i. A fresh new dining concept replacing WSW will happen soon, before winter 2026. Complete with interior renovations, a refreshed menu, new wraparound bar and name. Here's an authentic snapshot, capturing my dining experiences at WSW before this transformation happens. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Tired of waiting for a breakfast table, want the convenience of making a reservation? Don't like your family placed on separate tables? Do you seek comfort and air conditioning in the morning? A venue that offers an upscale breakfast ambiance with ocean views? This is the place. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ À la carte breakfast at WSW is underrated and deserves promoting. The locals, I feel, need to know about this place. Served Mon-Fri with reservations available via the OpenTable app. Recently, I did a two-night stay at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. I decided to dine at WSW for all meals and it introduced me to their breakfast and dinner à la carte experiences. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Savory comfort, genuine hospitality, breathtaking morning views. Hungry? "I'm Starving", the portions and price point sure surprised me. 3 eggs, 2 breakfast meats, choice of starch and a short stack had me content beyond reason. These pancakes aren't premade for quick serving or, so large in size the quality of taste and texture diminishes. They're fluffy, sweet, pillowy with an airy interior, caramelized exterior. Enjoy an order of their hearty + comforting Housemade Corned Beef Hash, where each component melds perfectly together. The eggs are opulent in color and served with your choice of starch. This is my favorite. Their Belgium Waffle is light and delicate, deep subtly butteriness and balanced sweetness. Garnished with blueberries and whipped butter. Simple yet prepared with care. On Saturdays and Sundays, a $25 breakfast buffet with an omelet station is offered. For a $35 upcharge after 8am enjoy steamed snow crab, carved Prime Rib and bottomless mimosas. A champagne brunch experience I've done many times. As WSW turns into a new dining concept, I hope breakfast remains unchanged. Food, service, ambiance, value, convenience. I currently rate it as the best breakfast spot in East Hawai'i. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Dinner. "Sizzling 16oz Ribeye", juicy and tender. Intense sizzle, the flavors were so on-point, the side sauce I ordered wasn't necessary. The quick sear rendered a perfect medium and the caramelized onions were so delicious, I ate them as a no-onion person. Served with garlic mashed potatoes, request a a baked potato upgrade. The Misoyaki Butterfish, moist with a caramelized glaze and rich umami flavor. I would recommend checking the texture of your rice though. Tinono appetizer, amazing flavor and texture profile. A must along with the creamy Lobster Mac 'n Cheese. This is the only restaurant on the East Side that offers a salad bar with dinner. For $10 with any entrée, four offerings plus two outstanding soup selections. The most hearty and delicious Clam Chowder I've had in a while, it deserves a spot on their new menu. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Weekend dinner, holiday and brunch buffets, this is what this location is known for since I was a kid. Even though the lavish offerings and prices have changed over time, the same charm of dining here still remains. I usually only come for two items, the rest is secondary. Snow Crab and Prime Rib. If both are prepared well, I'm satisfied. But there's times the prime rib is inconsistent in-flavor and texture. Yet, I always leave satisfied since everything else usually balances things out. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I feel a sense of belonging, the guest service at WSW makes me feel valued. From entry at the host stand, to the front team, to the managers. I don't feel like I'm just another transaction, but appreciated as a local resident and return customer. Live action stations (omelet/carving), the kitchen team has moments where their level of service isn't consistent with those in the front. It should add to the overall dining experience, be a part of the "show". There's a select few, seniors of the front team who create a meaningful connection each time. My dining experience becomes personalized with genuine empathy and emotional awareness. Thank you. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Let's celebrate their evolution, a brand refresh and dining concept change. I'm excited with anticipation and looking forward to supporting your new vision. Thank you for continually elevating the dining experience and welcoming myself + the community back for decades. As a new chapter unfolds, "Congratulations".

The Friday Hawaiian buffet is amazing! Nice view of Hilo Bay, but bring a fat wallet. The poke is…read moretop notch, a wonderful selection of salads, and the prime rib and crab legs are excellent. $10 discount if you're staying at the hotel.

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WSW Steakhouse, reservations via OpenTable. Air conditioned comfort, upscale ambiance, breathtaking views.

Tinono Appetizer, dinner à la carte menu.

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"I'm Starving", breakfast à la carte menu.

Aunty Sally Kaleohano's Luau Hale

4.7

(3 reviews)

2.1 mi

Yelp 365 Challenge 2015 #72/365…read more Aunty Sally's Luau House is a great place to have big parties. They have tons of tables and chairs, and a lot of space, as well as lots of free parking. They have everything that a party space needs: a kitchen, bathrooms, and bar areas. One thing about this place is that all the labor and setting up & clean up is the responsibility of the renter. However, if you're with family and friends living in Hawaii, those parts will be a breeze with everyone helping out. Their air conditioning is really good in this place, because even though it can be packed, it'll still be cold inside. I don't know how it is in the women's bathroom, but for the single stall in the men's bathroom, there's no lock, so I wouldn't recommend doing your business in there. As far as types of tables and chairs, they have plastic & wooden tables, along with metal chairs and wooden benches. In my opinion, the wooden benches are much more comfortable than the metal chairs are. I've been to many parties at Aunty Sally's, and the venue is always a good choice.

Sweet community hall. Great location for zumba. The bathrooms were clean, the space too.read more

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Sangha Hall

4.5

(4 reviews)

1.3 mi

Came here during the 50th Merrie Monarch Festival after one of our friends told us that Sangha Hall…read moreis the best Hawaiian arts & crafts fairs next to the one at the Merrie Monarch itself. Venue is clean, spacious, and in good condition. Food vendors (Vietnamese, laulau, Kau coffee, plate lunch, hot dogs/drinks) were all set up outside while the clothing, koa crafts, photo/artwork, and other vendors were inside. For this event, $2 admission got you a handstamp for entry/exit all day.

We always happened to drop by here during the Merrie Monarch Festival…read more(http://www.yelp.com/biz/merrie-monarch-festival-hilo-2). This is because one of the larger craft fairs is held here every year. It's a nice spacious new gymnasium. The parking usually isn't too bad as well around craft fair time.

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Ashley G.

4 months ago

A MUST DO! We highly recommend Ola Distillery. This venue is truly something special--not only for its breathtaking setting overlooking Hilo Bay, but for the deep historical and cultural significance it holds within Hawai'i and its land. There is a powerful sense of place here that is both grounding and inspiring. The experience was unlike anything else we have found on the islands--rich with authenticity, education, and an energy that feels both intentional and deeply rooted in tradition. The property itself is stunning, but what makes it exceptional is how thoughtfully the history and spirit of the land are honored and shared. The tour was immersive and meaningful, offering insight that goes beyond a typical tasting. The 'okolehao was smooth, vibrant, and truly one of a kind--an experience in itself. The staff's depth of knowledge and genuine passion, paired with the venue's refined, high-end touches, elevated the entire experience--bringing the history, culture, and craft to life in a truly exceptional way. An unforgettable visit that is both beautiful and deeply enriching. read more

Lida B.

3 months ago

By reviving the legacy of Okolehao, this distillery is breathing new life into a unique chapter of Hawaiian history. Not only are they crafting award-winning spirits, but their vision also fuels the local economy across multiple levels. Our guide, Naehalani, perfectly captured this mission; her deep knowledge and passion truly embody the surrounding beauty and the authentic spirit of Aloha. read more

Doug C.

3 months ago

Oh my! Our group had the opportunity to tour the Ola Distillery April 1 of 2026. What an amazing experience of history, architecture, culture and spirit(s)! Do not hesitate to share this experience with those you love because opportunities like this are rare. We can't wait to come back to Hilo and taste Ola Okolehao spirit again! Thank goodness for Ki Root and Ola!! read more

Dana A.

3 months ago

We had a great tour of the Ola distillery and tried their spirit. We learned the history of Hawaiian distillery and the sugar factory. We had an amazing time and the team onsite was super friendly and knowledgeable. We grabbed a bottle of their Koili Ocean Aged Spirit and are excited to bring it back home and make some cocktails. The location is stunning. read more

Deborah B.

2 months ago

This was an outstanding tour. The property, facilities and tour guide was exceptional. Naehalani was informative, passionate, and very knowledgable about the distillery process and the culmination of the recreation of Okolehau. I highly recommend this tour as a top destination when visiting the Big Island. Book in advance since the tours fill up quickly. read more

Sarah N.

3 months ago

Stunning! This is the best distillery tour we've been on. Every detail was intentional, thoughtful, and generous. Rooted in the true spirit of aloha, sharing history, processes, and a mission focused on outreach & community. We left feeling happy and with our very own bottle of Okolehau. We can't wait to bring our friends and ohana. Mahalo nui loa! read more

D C.

3 months ago

We toured this amazing new distillery this week. While the space isn't 100% complete, it's open for tours with tasting of the products! Okolehao is the Hawaii spirit and so good! Our tour guide was knowledgeable and led us through the process from harvesting Ti root to "Ocean Aging" in barrels in a historic train tunnel. read more

Brett J.

4 months ago

Best distillery tour I've ever done and I've done a lot over the years. Also the historic property in itself is worth the visit, not to mention getting to taste the award winning spirit of Hawaii. If you want to taste some authentically rooted in Hawaii's history and agriculture this is a must visit. read more

Genesis G.

3 months ago

If you've never tried ʻōkolehao before, this is the place to learn about it and truly appreciate its roots. The history alone is fascinating--how it ties into old Hawaiʻi and traditional practices made the whole experience feel meaningful, not just like a typical tasting. Naeha was incredible. read more

Mahealani P.

3 months ago

At Ola Distillery, the ambiance, service & Ki is not only exquisite; It is soo unique and made me feel like I had time traveled to the 1800's to my culture & community before my generation. If you are looking for a humbling yet time traveling experience At Ola Distillery this is for you. read more

Chloe F.

2 months ago

By far my favorite tour. We were so lucky to have the owners give us a tour and the energy and information shared was beyond compare. To learn all about the property and history of Okolehao. so excited to see this business grow! read more

Rachel M.

2 months ago

Amazing tour with amazing staff. The 'Ōkolehao tasting was delicious and learning about the history was very informative. 10/10 recommend for locals and tourists alike. Also loved the local chocolate (shout out Lavaloha) read more

Ash F.

3 months ago

Epic views, stunning building, love learning about the Hawai'i sugar cane history and supporting local.... Oh and the most amazing tasting distill Ever! Ola has changed the game- AGAIN. Thank you for having us! Xx read more

Luke B.

1 month ago

incredible- very well detailed tour with a rich historical overview of distilling in Hawaii. if you're visiting the big island or a local a must do! read more

Alanna M.

3 months ago

It was an awesome tour and tasting, I highly recommend this tour! It is a must see of Hilo and a one of a kind experience of the big island.

Mariah D.

3 months ago

Amazing ambiance and awesome history of the beginnings of okolehau! Impeccable friendly service! The okolehau was superb

Alexandra T.

3 months ago

Amazing history, experience, and aloha shared. Highly recommend. Mahalo nui for sharing your aloha with us!

B C.

19 days ago

Excellent tour. Learned the history of spirits on Hawaii. Tastings were awesome! Thank you!

Ola Distillery - distilleries - Updated July 2026

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