Ko'olau Distillery image

Ko'olau Distillery

Bar Tourist attraction Cocktail bar Distillery Alcohol manufacturer

One of the Top rated Bars in East Honolulu


Address

905 Kapaa Quarry Pl Building 50 Unit 5014, Kailua, HI 96734, United States

Website

www.koolaudistillery.com

Contact

+1 808-261-0685

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (136 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 12 to 7 pm
  • Monday: (Martin Luther King Jr
  • Tuesday: 12 to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 12 to 7 pm
  • Thursday: 12 to 9 pm
  • Friday: 12 to 9 pm
  • Saturday: 12 to 9 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: whiskey (32) tour (27) great (22) distillery (16) bottle (11) tasting (10) Great (10) recommend (9) Whiskey (8) experience (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Giselle 2 years ago on Google
    AMAZING PLACE 👏 YUMMY WHISKEY, this new Hawaiian Whiskey, Veteran owned, distillery was so cool to stop by. We didn't do a tour, however, we were still able to do a tasting (free) and ask the staff plenty of questions. $1 off if you follow them on IG.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Guy P. 10 months ago on Google
    Didn't do the tour. Just stopped in ad hoc. Cool place in a small industrial area. They had just finished distilling a new lavender gin and we were the first to taste it!! They have a happy hour with some featured cocktails. Perfect. Highly recommended!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonah C. 2 years ago on Google
    Best Distillery, amazing patriots, and Olivia that did the tour was gorgeous, amazing, hilarious, and know Barrels pretty good. Would go everyday if that was a thing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heesung Park (. 1 year ago on Google
    Tour: Friendly/funny/knowledgeable staffs and unique experience that you can 'bottle' your own bottle and purchase it. Old Pali Road Whiskey: It was light-colored, simple, and straightforward. Tasting note was white sugar and theater popcorn with a subtle hint of nut at the end. It would be a good drink to mix than to sip, but price tag of $70 is questionable amount. Regardless, tour was exceptional and highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris 4 years ago on Google
    I had a great experience here. They are a tiny operation but truly passionate about what they're doing. It is definitely a passion project. Eric have a great, and very informative tour of the single room space. He explained what is unique about their whiskey and their plans for the future. As for the whiskey, it is amazingly smooth. This group of great folks is going to do something amazing with their passion. Stop here, give it a try, you'll be glad that you did.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chantal R. 2 years ago on Google
    Great tour very informative. The whisky is very smooth and you can tell that they take great care in their products. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this small distillery.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M. F. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent distillery. It's tucked away, but worth finding. It's nice to see a veteran-owned business doing well. They offer tours, and the whiskey is sublime. Bring a designated driver.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt B. 4 months ago on Google
    What a killer spot in the middle of nowhere. This little area is blowing up and this distillery is at the heart of it. The vodka here is house-made and unreal. I’m a big Tito’s guy and it puts Tito’s to shame. The environment is super chill, they have comfortable seating with a few TVs for sports as well. The employees were very helpful and great with the kiddos. I’m a big fan of any place that supports our military. Not only does that show with their decorations but I was told both owners were prior military as well. Y’all nailed this spot!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 3 n. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Although it was a small brewery, I was able to explain the whiskey manufacturing process and taste it. I was allowed to sample the product in addition, but the sweet type. I bought it on the spot because it was delicious. It seemed that it was still ready for this term, and there was a special feeling because we put in the young serial number and the signature and message of the person who made it! It is said that they are also sold over-the-counter at shops on Oahu, but those who can go to the site are recommended to purchase on the spot. (Original) 小さな醸造所ではありましが、ウイスキー製造工程を説明していただき、試飲もできました。追加で製品も試飲させてくださったのですが、甘みのあるタイプ。美味しかったので、思わずその場で購入してしまいました。 今期はまだ出来たてだったようで、若いシリアルナンバーと製造された方のサインやメッセージを入れてくださったので特別感がありました! オアフ島内の各ショップで店頭販売もされているということですが、現地に行ける方はその場での購入をオススメします。
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carolyn B. 4 years ago on Google
    We had a tour today that was so informative, and the owners/staff are so passionate about what they do. The whiskey was so super smooth too! We got a bottle for our kiddo who was born here to open on his 21st birthday. Highly recommend a stop at this veteran owned and operated distillery!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alison B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great tour and they just opened an awesome tasting room! Tour includes lots of great info, tasting, and the opportunity to bottle your own whiskey.

  • 5/5 Jacquob L. 1 year ago on Google
    Very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Whiskey is smooth and tastes great. Love that it's a veteran owned company that hires other vets. Can't recommend enough, well worth the stop.

  • 5/5 Jashua B. 1 year ago on Google
    I was pleasantly surprised by this distillery! They're whiskey is smooth and flavorful. Also, they're gin is remarkable! FYI: I'm a bourbon drinker and usually HATE gin. I can't wait for the distillery to start shipping to the mainland.

  • 5/5 Ariel M. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow! What an awesome experience. I've been to many large Whiskey Distilleries and not received half of the enthusiasm and information as Olivia provided today. Everyone was inviting and you can tell they are passionate about all things spirits. I'm excited to enjoy more as this company continues to grow!!

  • 5/5 Johnathan K. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome tour and great whiskey. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and personable, and was around after to talk more and answer more questions. We got to bottle and cork our own whiskey after going through the whole distillation process, then we got a tasting. Great time, very neat distillery run by great people. Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Sierra B. 1 year ago on Google
    This distillery and the tour were amazing! Everyone that works there (even the owners) were super personable and friendly. They made us feel right at home and taught us about their distillation and how the nature of Hawaii plays into the process. 10/10 recommend. The whiskey is great too 😎

  • 5/5 Lawrence H. 1 year ago on Google
    Touring the distillery and tasting whiskey was fun before the changes, but the upgrade of the tasting room into a full lounge and bar takes things to a whole other level! Oh yeah...the whiskeys and gins are phenomenal too! Eric, Ian and the team continue to provide a great product and be great partners with the community. Whether you live here on Oahu or are visiting, don't pass up an opportunity to take a tour or just drop in. It's worth it!

  • 5/5 Chris J. 1 year ago on Google
    Small craft and very personal distillery that keeps getting better. Check out their new space and of course fill and label your own bottle of unique whiskey. Vet owned and operated. You’ll find some products nowhere else.

  • 5/5 Chrissy L. 7 months ago on Google
    We had a great tour and the distiller was very knowledgeable. We learned so much about whiskey and how it’s made and how to drink it. 10/10 recommend this tour and specifically this whiskey!

  • 5/5 Matthew O. 2 months ago on Google New
    Nice destination. Great drinks and great staff. If you can make your way here you should. Smooth drinks and great whiskey.

  • 5/5 Kerrin M. 4 months ago on Google
    Ko'olau Distillery has become our go-to venue, known not only for its exceptional whiskey and libations but also for its fantastic events and unique experiences held right at the Distillery itself. We had the privilege of hosting our Welcome Gathering for our wedding at this remarkable venue, offering our guests an unforgettable, and delicious, experience. Ian, Eric, and the entire crew are not only masterful in their craft but also exceptionally generous and wonderful people. They collaborated with us to create personalized etched whiskey bottles and glasses, adding a special touch to our wedding. Jane, the Events Manager, handled all the details flawlessly, and her support was truly remarkable. We wholeheartedly recommend Ko'olau Distillery at the highest level, whether you're seeking top-notch libations or planning an exceptional event.

  • 5/5 Melody W. 5 months ago on Google
    Great place to stop and grab a craft cocktail ! Don’t be fooled when you drive back . The inside is cozy and fun ! Mia makes a killer bees knees. Try the aged gin and barrel aged whiskey.

  • 5/5 Emilia N. 6 months ago on Google
    We traveled from Australia and did the distillery tour. It was absolutely great, our guide was amazing and was so passionate about what he did. Such a wonderful experience and it was so nice to be able to support a local business that is also giving back to the community. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Oahu!

  • 5/5 Michael H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great crew and shout out to Olivia, the master distiller that conducts the tour. She takes you through the history of the company and then the distillation process. You get the opportunity to label, fill, cork and seal your own bottle. Bottles even get signed. Well worth the drive and time

  • 5/5 AL K. 3 years ago on Google
    Eric gave us a great introduction to his business. I will definitely give them my future business. Can’t wait to book a tour.

  • 5/5 Tobey 0. 1 year ago on Google
    Small distillery. Very helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable staff. Try the moonshine, you'll be pleasantly surprised! Get GoPass- their full tour and tasting is included. Reservations required.

  • 5/5 Matthew F. 1 year ago on Google
    My only other experience with a distillery tour was the Jack Daniel's. I was not disappointed here at all! In fact I learned some new things AND I got o interact with a real life distiller! Our tour guide was the distiller! Got to touch the equipment and even had the chance to mark your own bottle for purchase. And it wasn't an arm and a leg. Excellent experience I recommend it even if you're not a whiskey drinker Plus the drive if you're coming from the tourist mctouristy section of the island is well worth it! Thanks for a great tour and tasting!

  • 5/5 Jay I. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent tour! We really enjoyed it. The whiskey is very good. Got to bottle my own bottle. Very informative. If you're in the area and like whiskey it is a must do.

  • 5/5 Kristen N. 5 years ago on Google
    Ian and Heather were amazing to meet! Ian went through the whole process with us and his excitement was radiating from him! When we got to taste the Whiskey we were blown away by how smooth and delicious it was!!! Ian even signed our Bottle! What amazing and gracious people making Incredible whiskey! 💕🙏🏻🥃 CREERS!

  • 5/5 Larry S. 4 years ago on Google
    Locally made and veteran owned, hand crafted Whiskey. Book a tour and learn about the wonderful work they do. Get a bottle and have a great time with smooth tasting whiskey.

  • 5/5 Joshua S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great little distillery in Hawaii.

  • 5/5 Josh B. 3 years ago on Google
    Good Tour and Great Whiskey! Highly recommended for both whiskey newcomers and enthusiasts

  • 5/5 Anthony A. 4 years ago on Google
    My wife took me here for a distillery tour. It was awesome. It's a microdistillery, so don't expect anything too big. The tour fee included a tasting of their whiskey & "new make" which I absolutely loved. Our tour guide was Ian, who was literally distilling and guiding us at the same time. Friendly staff, delicious whiskey. If you love whiskey or are interested in learning about the process of making whiskey, this is the place to go. 👍🤙

  • 5/5 Michael D. 3 years ago on Google
    What a great Whiskey! So smooth.

  • 5/5 Larry C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great experience! I enjoyed talking to Eric, one of the partners about their whiskey and the production process!

  • 5/5 John K. 3 years ago on Google
    Great tour, great whiskey. The spirit of aloha is strong here. If you are only after their whiskey you can buy it at costco. However, a costco employee signature on the bottle doest mean quite the same thing.

  • 5/5 margot t. 3 years ago on Google
    Eric was so kind and informative and treated us very well on our visit. The whiskey is pretty good too! But great customer service is a big deal and this place has it. They do tours too (once restrictions are allow). I will be back soon. Than you Eric

  • 5/5 Dustin W. 3 years ago on Google
    Went with my marines and it was an awesome tour and very informative. Thanks guys.


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