Food, Coffee & Drink

A Guide to the Kona Brewing Co. Tour in Kailua-Kona

Curious about the Kona Brewing Co. tour? We break down the experience at the impressive new brewery, from its sustainable design to the final tasting flight.

August 11, 2026 • 9 min read • by Big Island Tours Editorial

Kona Brewing Co. has become synonymous with island life, its beers enjoyed on lanais and beaches across Hawaiʻi and beyond. For visitors to Kailua-Kona, a visit to the brewery feels like a natural part of the itinerary. With the opening of their massive new brewery, the tour experience has been completely transformed, offering a fascinating look at how craft beer is made at scale with a unique focus on sustainability.

But with so many things to do on the Big Island, is the Kona Brewing Co. tour the best use of your precious vacation time? We took the tour to give you the on-the-ground details, from booking and what to wear to what you'll see, learn, and—most importantly—taste.

Two Konas: The Old Pub vs. The New Brewery

First, a crucial point of clarification that trips up many visitors. Kona Brewing has two distinct locations in Kailua-Kona, and the tours only happen at one of them.

Kona Pub & Brewery (The Original): Located at 74-5612 Pawai Place, this is the original brewpub that started it all in 1994. It’s a beloved local spot with a classic pub atmosphere, a full food menu (excellent pizzas), and a great selection of beers on tap. Tours are NOT held here. This is a great place to go for dinner or a casual pint, but if you show up here for your tour, you'll be in the wrong place.
Kona Brewery & Taproom (The New Facility): Located a short drive away at 75-5629 Kuakini Highway, this is the massive, state-of-the-art production brewery that opened in 2021. This is where all public tours take place. It features a modern, open-air taproom with its own food menu and an expansive view of the brewing operation. All tour bookings and check-ins are at this location.

Always double-check your map and head to the Kuakini Highway address for your tour.

What to Expect on the Kona Brewing Co. Tour

The tour provides a comprehensive, hour-long look into a major brewing operation. It’s a guided experience that balances the science of brewing with the company’s commitment to its island home.

Check-in and Welcome

You'll check in at the host stand in the modern taproom. It's recommended to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. While you wait, you can browse the merchandise or grab a water. Your guide will gather the group, make introductions, and go over the basic safety rules—the most important being that you must be wearing closed-toe shoes to enter the production area.

A Commitment to Sustainability

One of the most impressive parts of the tour is the emphasis on the brewery's sustainable design. This isn't just a talking point; it's built into the facility. Your guide will point out key features, including:

Solar Power: A massive rooftop solar array helps power the brewery, significantly reducing its reliance on the grid.
Water Conservation: The brewery uses a resource recovery system that allows it to reclaim and filter water used in the brewing process. This is particularly important on an island with finite freshwater resources.
CO₂ Recapture: Instead of releasing the carbon dioxide produced during fermentation into the atmosphere, the brewery captures, cleans, and reuses it to carbonate the beer.

Learning about these initiatives provides a meaningful context that sets this tour apart from many others.

The Brewing Process: From Grain to Glass

The heart of the tour is the walk-through of the brewhouse itself. You'll follow the journey of the beer from start to finish.

Milling & Mashing: You'll see the giant grain silos and the mash tuns where crushed malt is mixed with hot water to extract sugars.
The Brew Kettle: Your guide will explain how the sugary liquid, now called wort, is boiled with hops, which add bitterness and aroma.
Fermentation: You’ll walk past rows of enormous fermenting tanks where yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol. The sheer scale of these tanks is impressive.
Packaging: The tour concludes near the canning line, a loud and mesmerizing piece of machinery that fills and seals thousands of cans of beer per hour.

Throughout the tour, guides are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions, whether you're a homebrewing expert or have never thought about how beer is made before.

The Beer: Tasting Notes and Brewery Exclusives

After the walking portion of the tour, you're guided back to a designated area for the tasting. This is, for many, the main event. You'll typically receive a flight of four or five 5-ounce tasters.

The tasting usually includes a mix of beers:

Flagship Beers: Expect to sample the classics that put Kona on the map, like the crisp Longboard Island Lager and the sessionable Big Wave Golden Ale.
Hawaiʻi-Only Beers: The brewery often produces special beers that are only available in Hawaiʻi. This is your chance to try something you can't get on the mainland, like the Lavaman Red Ale or a seasonal specialty.
Brewery Exclusives: Sometimes the flight will include a small-batch beer available only at the taproom. These are often experimental and provide a unique taste of the brewers' creativity.

Your guide will walk you through the tasting notes for each beer, explaining the flavor profiles and ingredients. It’s a relaxed and social end to the tour.

Booking Your Tour: A Practical Guide

Spontaneity is great, but not for this tour. It is extremely popular and frequently sells out days or even weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Book Online: The only way to secure a spot is by booking online through the official Kona Brewing Co. website. Select the Kailua-Kona location to find the tour schedule.
Book in Advance: As soon as you know your travel dates, book your tour. Don't wait until you arrive on the island.
Requirements: All tour participants must wear closed-toe shoes. No sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs are allowed in the production area. You will be turned away without a refund if you are not wearing appropriate footwear. Guests must be 21 or over to sample beer, but the tour is often open to younger guests (check the website for the current age policy).
Cost: Tour prices can change, so check the official website for the most current pricing. The fee includes the guided tour and the beer tasting flight.

After the Tour: The Taproom Experience

Your tour ticket often includes a discount on merchandise, but don't rush off. The taproom is a destination in itself. With its high ceilings, indoor-outdoor feel, and view of the brewery, it's a great place to relax.

Grab a table and order a full pint of your favorite beer from the tasting. The taproom also has a full food menu that's different from the original pub's menu, often featuring salads, sandwiches, and pupus (appetizers) designed to pair with the beer.

If you're planning your day in Kona, scheduling the tour for the late afternoon is a great strategy. You can finish the tour and transition right into a relaxing dinner and drinks. For more ideas on how to structure your visit, check out our Big Island itineraries.

Is the Kona Brewing Co. Tour Worth It? Our Verdict

So, should you book it? For most visitors, the answer is a resounding yes. It's a well-organized, informative, and fun experience that offers great value. The focus on sustainability is genuinely interesting, and the new facility is undeniably impressive.

The tour is a great fit for:

Craft beer enthusiasts.
Anyone interested in manufacturing, engineering, or sustainability.
Visitors looking for a fun, structured afternoon activity in Kona.

You might want to skip it if:

You are on a very tight budget or schedule.
You have no interest in beer or the brewing process.
You're traveling with young children who might get bored (check the age policy first).

Overall, the Kona Brewing Co. tour is more than just a walk through a factory. It's a celebration of a local success story and a fascinating look at the intersection of industry, culture, and environmental stewardship in modern Hawaiʻi. It's a worthy addition to any Kailua-Kona visit.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Kona Brewing Co. tour?

The guided tour lasts approximately one hour. This includes the walk-through of the brewing facility and the guided beer tasting session at the end.

Do I need to book the Kona Brewing tour in advance?

Yes, booking in advance is essential. Tours are very popular and frequently sell out, especially during peak seasons. You should book online through the official Kona Brewing Co. website well before your visit.

Where is the Kona Brewing Co. tour located?

The tour is at the new Kona Brewery & Taproom located at 75-5629 Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona. It is not at the original Kona Pub & Brewery on Pawai Place, which is a common point of confusion.

What should I wear for the brewery tour?

You must wear closed-toe shoes. This is a strict safety requirement for entering the production areas. Guests wearing sandals, flip-flops, or other open-toed shoes will not be allowed on the tour.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Policies on age can vary, so it is best to check the official booking website for the most current information. While you must be 21 or older to participate in the beer tasting, younger guests have sometimes been permitted on the tour itself.

Is food available at the brewery?

Yes, the Kona Brewery & Taproom where the tour takes place has a full food menu. It includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and other items that you can enjoy before or after your tour.

Can I just visit the taproom without taking a tour?

Absolutely. Both the new Taproom on Kuakini Highway and the original Pub on Pawai Place are open to the public for food and drinks without a tour reservation. You can simply walk in and enjoy a meal or a pint of beer.