Explore the whiskey-making process with a distiller and enjoy a guided tasting
45 mins–1 hr
Up to 20 people
Guided tour, Whiskey tasting
Discover the story and craft behind Old Pali Road Whiskey at Ko‘olau Distillery. Join a distiller for a narrated tour from mashing to bottling, then enjoy a guided tasting.
This is an active production facility; wear appropriate clothing. Closed-toed footwear is recommended, and the facility is not air conditioned. Arrive 10–15 minutes early and bring ID.
Refunds are available for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the event; full refund if canceled within this timeframe.
905 Kapaa Quarry Pl Building 50 Unit 5014, Kailua, HI 96734
Discover what we've curated for you
This locally-owned distillery has carved out a solid reputation as a must-visit spot for spirits enthusiasts visiting Oahu. What really stands out in visitor feedback is the passion and knowledge of the staff, particularly guides like Eric, Ian, and Justin, who get mentioned by name for making tours both educational and entertaining. People consistently praise how welcoming and engaging the team is, willing to chat about the entire distilling process and answer questions even from visitors hailing from bourbon country itself. There's even a friendly distillery cat that seems to be part of the experience! The veteran-owned operation wins points for its commitment to quality over speed, refusing to fast-track the aging process and supporting other local businesses while minimizing their environmental footprint. Guests rave about the reserve bourbon, the award-winning pineapple sipping crème, and creative cocktails like a visually stunning ube drink. Whether you opt for the premium tour package (which includes a bottle, shirt, and rocks glass) or just stop in for tastings, the consensus is that it's worth the trip. One heads-up: they do work with discount pass programs, and while one visitor had initial difficulty getting a refund for a missed reservation due to car trouble, the distillery did eventually respond and make things right. Overall, if you're into whiskey, gin, vodka, or bourbon and want to experience a small craft distillery with serious dedication to their craft, this place delivers.
The distillery tour was a blast! Ian, our tour leader and one of the co-founders, was great; the right blend of knowledgeable and accessible. He treated everyone really well and is clearly passionate about his craft, the business, Hawaii, and veterans. It's great to see how Koolau Distillery is giving back to veterans causes. Definitely recommend doing the tour or just stopping by the bar!
Spencer Petersen
March 24, 2026
The distillery tour was a blast! Ian, our tour leader and one of the co-founders, was great; the right blend of knowledgeable and accessible. He treated everyone really well and is clearly passionate about his craft, the business, Hawaii, and veterans. It's great to see how Koolau Distillery is giving back to veterans causes. Definitely recommend doing the tour or just stopping by the bar!
Spencer Petersen
March 24, 2026