Location:
Wailea Craft Kitchen – 110 Wailea Ike Dr, Kihei, HI 96753 (AKA Koholā Brewery)
Upcountry Taproom – 30 Kupaoa St #101, Makawao, HI 96768 (Formerly Mahalo Aleworks)
First Visited: December 2025
About the Brewery
Locally brewed in Hawaii on the island of Maui, Lāhainā Brewing Co. has two locations you can visit. I made it to both of them while there for an early Christmas vacation in December of 2025.
It was founded in Lāhainā, as Koholā Brewery, but was destroyed by the devastating wildfires in August of 2023. This led to a temporary contract-brewing agreement with Kona Brewing Co. before they reopened a taproom in Wailea and acquired Upcountry’s Mahalo Aleworks to resume independent brewing. The company officially rebranded to Lāhainā Brewing Company in September of 2025.
Wailea Craft Kitchen
The Wailea location, known as Lāhainā Brewing Co. – Wailea Craft Kitchen, keeps the original recipes alive through their Koholā Series of beers, in addition to small batch brews from their upcountry location. The venue is an open-air concept bar with a patio in a nice area near Wailea Blue Golf Course and The Shops at Wailea.
I, of course, had to get the Koholā Series flight. There was not a flight board to contain the 5 oz. taster glasses for it, but it came with a detailed flight menu describing the flavor profile and hop varietals used for each brew. I also enjoyed a nice, tall pint of the Upcountry Coffee Kolsch, made with Upcountry “Freedive” roasted whole beans, because I love a good coffee-flavored beer, and it’s unique to find one that not a stout or porter.
Upcountry Taproom
My visit to the Upcountry Taproom was immediately following a snorkeling adventure out at Molokini Crater. It was the final day of the trip and since my flight did not depart until evening, I was going to squeeze in everything last thing I could, and that location happened to be along the way to the airport.
After changing into dry clothes, I enjoyed some delicious beers, like the Tropical Whip and Jacaranda, and even struck up conversation with some local regulars. I absolutely loved the flip board display for the menu, and got to witness grains beings transported over our heads to the production area in the back.
Beers Tasted
| Beer Name | Style | ABV |
| Upcountry Coffee Kolsch | Kolsch | 4.7% |
| Jacaranda | New England/Hazy IPA | 6.3% |
| Lokahi Pilsner | Pilsner | 5.5% |
| Talk Story Pale Ale | Pale Ale | 5.1% |
| The Waterman IPA | IPA | 6.8% |
| Lahaina Haze | New England/Hazy IPA | 6.3% |
| Red Sand Amber | Amber Ale | 5.5% |
| Tropical Whip | Sour | 5.8% |
| The Foggernaut | Hazy IPA | 6.7% |
Beers with a View
The quaint taproom was located in a small business district, right off of Kula Hwy 37 near Pukalani. It sits atop a hill, and from the second floor patio, you could look out and see the West Maui Mountains and the ocean on either side of the land connecting West Maui. It may not be a beachside view, but I was absolutely delighted to savor my beer while looking out over the Hawaiian landscape.
Both locations have their own unique vibe, but feature quality brews with an island flare. If you’re ever in Maui, it is worth the drive to visit one or both of these locally owned and operated taprooms.
Cheers!
