Cruising in Kakaako a few months back, we landed at Waikiki Brewing Company. Famished, Chrissy had the Kiawe Smoked Baby Back Ribs and I ordered the Kona Coffee Rubbed Beef Brisket along with a flight of beer each.
My flight had Aloha Spirit Blonde Ale, 808 Pale Ale, Hana Hou Hefe, and English Brown Ale. Between the carnivoris meal and swigging 16 ounces of beer, we were satiated and on the verge of leaving when, Joe Lorenzen, the Brewmaster, offered to show us the brewery – aka “where the magic happens”.
Joe lead us on an impromptu tour. Walking and talking he took us through the steps from grain to can. Thus my new disclaimer: I don’t know a lot about beer. I thought I did… but I don’t.
His zeal for the craft was evident and this near obsessive attention to detail spells success. And the best way to enjoy success – is to share it!
Beer aficionado’s already hangout here but even non- beer enthusiasts come to Waikiki Brewing Company because it’s a pleaser. So “to beer” or “not to beer” is a question that can be decided later because it’s a kinda perfect place to chill out, grab a bite, loosen up and go with the flow. But… have the beer… for goodness sake.
831 Queen Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808.591.0387
1945 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808.946.6590
For a change of pace, us city dwellers take a road trip to the North Shore. Rolling out early is easy because the dress code is simple – pony tail (pigtails for Chrissy), bathing suit, shorts, and slippahs.
While the dawn light is still pastel pink and lavender, we cruise towards the H2. With each passing mile, we slip from concrete towers to fields striped in red terra and jade spiky pineapple plants. Our deep exhales are quickly followed by hunger and the desire for caffeine.
Just after exiting H2, “country” begins in Wahiawa and time accordingly slows down. Parking the car in the unpaved lot and swinging our legs out of the car – we stretch and follow the aroma of roasted coffee beans to Green World Coffee Farm.
We roll with the easy vibe, scan the walls to find our favorite posters, and share our amusement over the most clever of slogans. On the grassy area adorable keiki scoot around while their mamas huddle over a mug of coffee.
Up today – a mango matcha smoothie, an ice coffee and a freshly picked blossom from this cutie.
Next – off to Hale‘iwa for whatever waits for us there!
71-101 Kamehameha Hwy
Wahiawa, HI 96786