Hawaii’s hidden gems – wineries and distilleries

Hawaii offers visitors a plethora of iconic attractions. Many of these attractions, including Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, Waimea Canyon on Kauai, Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii Island, and Haleakala Crater on Maui, are well-known and admired by tourists from all over the world. All of these have been discussed on these pages on the HAT Blog over the years. However, we're talking about "Hawaii's hidden gems" here, which are pleasant surprises that most people wouldn't expect to find in a tropical paradise.

Wines and whiskies from Hawaii are hidden gems

Hawaii used to have to import almost all of its wines and spirits. Every Mai Tai, Blue Hawaii, and Zombie back then were made using foreign rum. Of course, sugar ruled for well over a century in this region, and the Hawaiians produced and sold their own booze under the name "Okolehao," which is loosely translated as "iron bottom." However, there was never enough produced to meet the demand of the expanding tourism sector.

This has changed recently, and there are now a few small-scale distilleries producing vodka, rum and whisky of the highest calibre. You may now "buy local" and enjoy a tropical vacation in Hawaii. There are two organic farms and distilleries on Maui: Ocean Vodka and Sea Spirits. Kohana Distillery produces rum, and Ko'olau Road Distillery produces whisky. Rum lovers frequently visit Koloa Rum Distillery on Kauai, Kuleana Rum Works, and the 12th Hawaii Distiller on Hawaii Island.

Other distilleries can be found in Hawaii, and the professionals at Hawaiian beach Rentals  are happy to assist you in finding and visiting them.

Hawaii Island and upcountry Maui are...wine country? Yep.

It's safe to say that Hawaii is not renowned for its winemaking. No, that honour belongs to upscale wineries in California, Australia, New Zealand, and South America as well as historic vineyards in Europe. or somewhere else. But if you're looking for more than just a photo of your toes in the sand or a glass in your hand for an epic sunset meme, then excellent winemaking in Hawaii is something you should check out.

Grapes grow well in volcanic soil. Likewise, cold temperatures. Both can be found on the Maui island of Haleakala Crater and the slopes of Mauna Kea.

Although we've visited snobby vineyards in California and France, Maui Wine only grows a small number of varietal grapes on Haleakala's southern slope, producing great reds and whites (we guess because we honestly don't really know good wine). They began back in the '70s. The idea is that the Valley Isle is where premium wines are grown and refined. Honey and pineapple are also used to make wine at Maui . additionally, such as organic tea.

The grapes for the genuinely excellent wine produced by Volcano Winery on Hawaii Island were grown in the fertile soil of the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Guavas and other exotic fruits are used to make wine. Oh, and they also cultivate their own organic tea.

Here at the HAT Blog, we've never hidden the fact that we don't actually have any credentials as food or wine critics. However, we are aware of trustworthy businesses and goods that adhere to the idea of doing what is right for the environment and the community. Winemakers and distillers from Hawaii are undoubtedly among them. We'll aid you in getting there.