In this article, we embark on a journey through some of the best rum bars and distilleries in Hawaii, where every sip carries the magic of the islands. We’ll indulge in the craftsmanship of crafting premium rums, learn about the dedication to preserving Hawaiian traditions, and explore the unique blends that transport us to a tropical paradise.

Kuleana Rum

Kuleana Rum Works is a prominent distillery founded on the Island of Hawaii in 2013, with a clear vision: to create and share exquisite rum that celebrates the richness and authenticity of Hawaiian culture. Their commitment to excellence and quality is reflected in every bottle they produce. Their name, “Kuleana,” represents a powerful Hawaiian concept symbolizing the combination of rights and privileges one gains by taking responsibility for something significant.

What sets this distillery apart is their focus on using the finest ingredients on Earth and avoiding the use of added sweeteners, flavors, or coloring. They cultivate around 40 varieties of authentic Hawaiian kō sugarcane on their farm in Kohala, and they craft world-class rum from the fresh juice of the cane. This process is extremely rare, as only about 3% of the world’s rum is produced from fresh juice, and Kuleana is one of only two companies doing it with Hawaiian sugarcane.

In addition to their commitment to excellence in rum production, Kuleana Rum Works also stands out for their dedication to sustainability. Nothing on their farm goes to waste: crushed sugarcane is repurposed as mulch, compost, and cattle feed. They use drip irrigation from their own solar-powered well and benefit from trade winds and the fresh air provided by the nearby ocean. As a result, their rum stands out for its purity and authentic flavor, without the need for artificial additives.

With a passion for preserving Hawaii’s history and sharing its culture with the world, Kuleana Rum Works has become a true representative of the aloha spirit of the islands. Through the re-propagation of ancient cane varieties and their commitment to the local community, the distillery has created a unique and delicious rum that honors Hawaiian tradition and ensures its legacy endures for generations to come.

Website: https://kuleanarum.com/ 

Instagram: @kuleanarumworks

Location: 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr. Waikoloa, HI 96738-5810

Rum Fire Waikiki Beach Restaurant

Located at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, RumFire is the epitome of tropical luxury. With a wide selection of rums from around the world and stunning ocean views, this place will transport you to a paradise of flavors and relaxation. RumFire is the perfect destination for rum lovers looking for a luxurious and tropical experience. 

With panoramic views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, restaurant guests can enjoy refreshing artisanal cocktails and exquisite Pacific-inspired cuisine while watching the sun go down in the Pacific. With live local entertainment every night and an island-inspired menu, RumFire Waikiki is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy your time in Waikiki.

With a selection of creative Pacific-inspired cocktails and a menu that celebrates the fresh and authentic flavors of the region, every culinary experience at RumFire is a celebration of Hawaiian flavors. Whether you choose to share dishes with friends or indulge in Pacific cuisine delicacies on your own, the restaurant offers you a unique opportunity to savor Hawaiian culinary delights in a truly enchanting setting.

With local music and artists offering a vibrant mix of Hawaiian and contemporary sounds, you’ll immerse yourself in the aloha culture and spirit that make Hawaii a magical place.

Visit their website at https://www.rumfirewaikiki.com/

Location: Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Honolulu.

Instagram: @rumfirewaikiki

Skull & Crown Trading

They have an impressive selection of rums from different parts of the world, from classic brands to handcrafted distillates that will surprise you. Its expert bartenders are dedicated to creating innovative and tasty cocktails, which perfectly combine the essence of rum with tropical and exotic ingredients.

The atmosphere of the Skull & Crown Trading Co. is meticulously decorated to create the feeling of being on a real pirate ship, with details such as skulls, antique maps and flashing sails. In addition, the staff dresses in a themed way to make the experience even more unforgettable.

Website; https://www.skullandcrowntrading.com/

Location: 62 N. Hotel Street, Honolulu, HI 96817

Instagram: @skullandcrowntradingco

Kōloa Rum Distillery

The Kōloa Rum Distillery is a true Hawaiian treasure, and since they bottled their first batch of rum in September 2009, they’ve been bringing “The Spirit of Aloha” to the world.

The process to produce Kōloa rum begins with pristine rainwater collected from Mount Waiʻaleʻale and the nearby mountain peaks and rainforests. This water seeps through volcanic strata to vast underground aquifers. To make their rums, they only use pure tall cane sugar cane, locally sourced coffee, chocolate and other local ingredients that allow them to develop authentic flavors in the drinks they produce.

Using these unique and authentic ingredients, their premium Hawaiian rums are distilled twice, blended, bottled and shipped directly from the distillery in Kalaheo, located on the south side of the beautiful Garden Island of Kauaʻi. The Kōloa Rum distillery team is proud to produce and ship rum across the continental United States, Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Japan and western Canada. For distillation, they use their 1,210-gallon copper still (circa 1947), with a copper column and condenser. During the second distillation, the distillate is collected in three sections: heads, heart and tails. However, Kōloa Rum uses only the heart of distillation, where the finest and highest quality flavors are found.

The unique distillation process and the quality of the ingredients used combine to deliver the smooth, clean and polished flavor and aroma characteristics that distinguish Kōloa rum from most others.

The Kōloa Rum Distillery is a truly special place for rum lovers who want to experience the authentic flavors of Hawaii. Through their commitment to excellence and the use of high-quality local ingredients, they have managed to capture the very essence of Garden Island in every bottle. There is no doubt that a visit to this distillery will offer visitors a unique and enriching experience.

For more information you can visit their website at https://koloarum.com

Instagram @koloarum
Location; 3-2087 Kaumualii Highway Lihue, HI 96766

Kō Hana Distillers

Kō Hana Distillers is a unique distillery in Hawaii dedicated to making Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum. Their focus is on highlighting the authentic characteristics of each ancestral sugarcane variety they carefully grow. They use artisanal methods, from manual harvesting to meticulous distillation, to produce one of the finest pure cane rums in the world.

Unlike most rums, which are made from molasses, Kō Hana prides itself on using pure sugar cane, known as “Kō”. These reeds have unique stories and flavor profiles, and the distillery strives to honor and celebrate each of them.

A distinctive aspect of Kō Hana is its agricultural style, which allows to elevate and highlight the genuine flavors of each cane, bringing visitors closer to the authentic heart of Hawaii. To achieve this, a part of its rum rests in oak barrels, subjected to a demanding and prolonged sensory process to further reveal the essence of the cane.

Kō Hana Distillers is a boutique distillery, and they only bottle rums they love, without compromising on quality. With a history dating back to the ancient Polynesians and their significant uses of Kō, this distillery strives to maintain and share the authentic Hawaiian essence through its exceptional agricultural rums.

For those looking for a unique and enriching experience exploring the flavors of Hawaii, Kō Hana Distillers is a must-see. From cane cultivation to distillation and bottling, their meticulous approach and respect for tradition are reflected in every sip of Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum.

Their website; https://www.kohanarum.com/

Instagram: @kohanarum

Location: 92 – 1770 Kunia Rd #227 Kunia, HI 96759

Art Distillery: Ocean Distillery

Ocean Distillery is a distillery passionate about creating the best liquor tasting experiences. With decades of experience in innovation and production in the spirits industry, they have been recognized with numerous international awards of the highest category.

But their mission goes beyond just distilling exceptional spirits. Ocean Distillery understands the vital importance of the ocean and its role in the sustainability of all life on the planet. They recognize that what we put in the air and on land ultimately impacts the ocean. Therefore, they have partnered with the Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), an organization whose mission is to protect the ocean through science and advocacy, while inspiring environmental awareness.

The collaboration with the Pacific Whale Foundation gives them a better understanding of delicate marine ecosystems and wildlife, as well as the measures needed to protect them. Ocean Distillery and PWF share the goal of becoming stronger environmental advocates to ensure a healthier future for the ocean and its inhabitants.

Ocean Distillery not only distills exquisite rums, but also demonstrates its commitment to ocean conservation and environmental protection. By visiting this distillery, rum lovers will not only enjoy an exceptional tasting experience, but will also be contributing to the preservation of the oceans and marine life.

Website: https://oceandistillery.com/

Location:4051 Omaopio Rd, Kula, HI 96790

Hali ‘imaile Distillery

Hali ‘imaile Distilling Company is a distillery dedicated to making authentic Hawaiian brand spirits, carefully crafted with local ingredients. Located in the heart of Maui’s pineapple region of Makawao, their mission is to create “Hawai’i in a bottle.”

What makes Hali ‘imaile Distilling Company special is its focus on using local ingredients and distilling into small batches, using unique stills that allow them to create authentic Hawaiian spirits. Every step of your distillation process is designed in-house, ensuring a truly distinctive result. Once distilled, its spirits are mixed with the crystalline Hawaiian spring water, ensuring the purity and authenticity of each bottle.

Maui’s Upcountry isn’t just a place, it’s a lifestyle rooted in agriculture and community. Hali ‘imaile Distilling Company is located in the historic city of Makawao, known for its rich history of Paniolo, the Hawaiian cowboys, and its growing scene of restaurants, shops and galleries. With a pristine environment that gives them access to clean air, pure water and exquisite agriculture, Hali ‘imaile Distilling Company is uniquely positioned to produce Hawaiian spirits of the highest quality.

The awards they have received speak to Hali ‘imaile Distilling Company’s commitment to excellence in every bottle they produce. From awards for their exceptional packaging to tasting awards, these awards are a testament to the care and passion they put into every distillate they create.

But beyond its dedication to the distillation of exceptional spirits, Hali ‘imaile Distilling Company also demonstrates a deep commitment to the environment. They have partnered with the Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) to protect the ocean and promote environmental awareness. Through research, education and conservation programs, they work to understand and preserve fragile marine ecosystems and wildlife.

As a distillery that embraces Hawaiian authenticity in every aspect, Hali ‘imaile Distilling Company is a must-see for rum lovers seeking a genuine and sustainable experience. Their dedication to excellence, the use of local ingredients and their commitment to environmental conservation make this distillery a true representative of the Hawaiian spirit in every bottle they produce.

Website:https://haliimailedistilling.com/
Instagram: @haliimailedistillingco

Location; 883 Haliimaile Rd, Makawao Hawaii, 96768

These distilleries and rum bars in Hawaii offer an unparalleled experience, where rum is combined with the magic of the islands. Whether you’re looking to indulge in exotic cocktails, premium rums or just relax in a tropical setting, these places will bring you unforgettable moments.