Aloha Beer and Waikīkī Brewing Trade Places, Honolulu Beerworks Is Moving and More Local Beer News

Aloha Beer Co. & Waikiki Brewing Co.

Two popular Queen Street breweries are undergoing major changes, and we’re here to break it down for you. In a nutshell, Waikīkī Brewing Co. has vacated its Kaka‘ako facility and returned to brewing only at its OG pub at the corner of Kalākaua Avenue and Ala Moana Boulevard. Farther down Kalākaua Avenue, the spot that was formerly Aloha Beer Co.’s al fresco pub is now Waikīkī Brewing’s new beer garden. Aloha Beer, meanwhile, has acquired Waikīkī Brewing’s old production brewery at 831 Queen St.

So what just happened, and what does it mean? For Waikīkī Brewing, the loss of its small brewing facility and taproom in the Lahaina fire last summer was a major hit to production, not to mention all the staff who lost their jobs. The brewery’s OG pub in Waikīkī is now its main production facility, both for core selections and limited batch beers that will be coming more regularly. New head brewer Patrick Feltz says he’s focused on helping the company “transition from a larger production-focused brewery back to its creative brewpub roots. Through the tweaks we’re making in both recipes and processes, I see our beer quality improving batch by batch and the staff and general public are responding exceedingly well.”

Now that all its beer is made in Waikīkī, the company has shifted to a draft-only model. You will not see Waikīkī Brewing’s cans on shelves anymore. You can find its draft selections at its OG pub at 1945 Kalākaua Ave., at Cheeseburger Waikīkī, 808 Craft House in Ko Olina, and its South Side Maui pub. Draft beers are also available at Waikīkī Brewing Co. Kalākaua, the all-outdoor beer garden it just took over from Aloha Beer. Waikīkī Brewing has closed its bar inside Royal Hawaiian Center’s Waikīkī Food Hall.

More news: Waikīkī Brewing and Hana Koa Brewing are co-hosting a beer pairing dinner at 808 Craft House on Nov. 12. The five-course meal will feature beers from both breweries for $90 a person. The menu and tickets are available here.

SEE ALSO: Hawai‘i’s Beer Scene: Who’s Opening, Who’s Closing

So Waikīkī Brewing is now doing business at two addresses on Kalākaua Avenue, while Aloha Beer has two spots on Queen Street. “We’re excited about this transition,” says Candice Ishikawa, Aloha Beer’s head of marketing. “Not only does this increase our brewing capacity, but it also gives us room to grow our beer garden into a true destination for both locals and visitors.” The new facility will house production of Aloha Beer’s high-volume styles, while the current 700 Queen St. location will continue to brew seasonal, experimental and small-batch beers.

“This expansion opens the door for Aloha Beer to pursue additional opportunities,” Ishikawa says, “including contract brewing for smaller breweries and offering support to fellow brewers in the community.” The company has not set an opening date for its new production facility, but Ishikawa says there will be “a small taproom and tasting room, production tours, a streamlined beer-to-go experience and occasional tap parties to recreate the nostalgia of Kakaʻako’s vibrant past, reminiscent of Art & Flea days.”

Waikīkī Brewing Co., 2155 Kalākaua Ave., 1945 Kalākaua Ave., waikikibrewing.com, @waikikibrewco

Aloha Beer Co., 700 Queen St., 831 Queen St. (latter not yet open), alohabeer.com, @alohabeerco

Honolulu Beerworks

Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Beerworks

In early November, this Kakaʻako staple for over decade will close its brewpub on Cooke Street. But don’t fear: Beerworks is opening a much larger facility in the Kapālama area of Kalihi in early 2025 to expand its can and keg distribution success. The new Beerworks will have a taproom with snacks and allow BYOF, and a rotation of food trucks will follow. Join the closing celebration on Saturday, Nov. 2, with signature Italian hoagies, throwback beers on tap, and a limited smoked blonde porter with whiskey pairing. In these last days in Kaka‘ako, look for specials including 50% off draft beers and 50% off merchandise.

328 Cooke St., honolulubeerworks.com, @honolulubeer

Hammerhead Bay Brewing

This all-new microbrewery is coming soon to the T. Yogi Building in Kāne‘ohe. Follow its social media for updates.

@hammerheadbaybrewing

Lēʻahi Brewing Co.

Focused on sustainability, local ingredients and its local Hawai‘i history, this brewery is coming soon to the old Hooters site at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Follow its social media for updates.

@leahibrewingco

Kalihi Beer Co.

Beers from this Kalihi success story formerly known as Broken Boundary Brewery are now in stores, including ABC Stores. The taproom on Mo‘owa‘a Street is changing hours to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, but it’s available weekdays for private event rentals.

740 Mo‘owa‘a St., @kalihibeer

Wherever you like to drink, cheers to supporting local beer in Hawai‘i!