When you think of products made on Maui, Alcoholic beverages are probably not the first thing to come to your mind. However, Maui has a few distinct beers, wines, and spirits, that have made quite a name for themselves in this unique location. You may try them at a bar, or see them at the grocery store across from your Maui vacation rental, but you also have the opportunity to visit these places and learn about how their product are made. Three prominent Maui alcoholic beverage companies are Maui Wine, Hawaiian Sea Spirits, and Maui Brewing Company. These companies each offer affordable tours which provide you with the ability to learn more about the product and processes, as well as seeing more of our beautiful island!
Maui Wine’s story began in 1974 and to date is Maui’s only winery. It is nestled on the slopes of Haleakala in Ulupalakua on a quaint historic estate with breathtaking views. The site was originally built in the 1870’s and the last king of Hawaii, King Kalakaua, otherwise known as the Merry Monarch, would often visit this estate. When the King stayed, he had his own cottage on property and that cottage stands today and is called the ‘Kings Cottage’. Nowadays, the Kings Cottage is the site of Maui Wine’s tasting room. When you visit Maui Wine, you have the chance to participate in a complimentary wine tasting and an informational tour. You will learn about the history and production process at Maui Wine, which because of location is quite unique. Maui Wine produces more classic wines like the Traditional Methode Sparkling wines but also produces an array of delicious Pineapple wines. After your tour, you’re invited to continue to roam around the beautiful grounds, return to the tasting room, or even play a fun game or two of corn hole on the lawn by the Kings Cottage.
OCEAN Organic Vodka is one of Maui’s most popular spirits. It comes in a unique bottle and has a great flavor which has made it a favorite of many. Their story began with the creation of OCEAN Organic Vodka in 2005 founded on principals of sustainability and eco-consciousness. Their facility, Hawaiian Sea Spirits Organic Farm and Distillery in Kula, oversees the production and manufacturing and you yourself can take a tour to learn more about the process. The tour covers; sustainable farming practices, green manufacturing, spirits production, and a local history of sugar cane farming. There is even a Martini Garden, designed specifically for martini lovers, which highlights different fresh and local ingredients including passion fruit and pineapple. This tour includes a souvenir OCEAN Organic Vodka shot glass as well as a sampling.
For the craft beer enthusiast, Maui Brewing Company is a Maui staple which has been brewing island ales and lagers ‘with Aloha’ since 2005. They practice steadfast local production and a ‘craft-beer-way-of-life’. You are sure to see their flagship beers all around Maui which include Bikini Blonde Lager and Big Swell IPA. For an up close look, visit their Brewery located in Kihei nearby to many of our lovely Kihei vacation rentals. Their tasting room is spacious with a covered lanai and many fun board games including life-size connect 4! They also have a rotating schedule of food trucks that feature local delights during lunch and dinner. If you are interested in learning more about their brewing process book a brewery tour at $15 per person. It is a 45-minute guided tour through their brewhouse, cellar, and packaging line which culminates in a tasting.
These fun and alternative Maui excursions are unforgettable and give you the opportunity to learn about the history behind each of these uniquely Maui made operations and a chance to try their products.
