Ko’olau Distillery is Oahu’s first and only whiskey distillery, a veteran-owned operation tucked into a Kailua industrial park in the foothills of Hawaii‘s Koʻolau Mountains.
This guide was updated in August 2026. You can book your distillery tour in advance through Viator.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 905 Kapaa Quarry Pl, Building 50, Unit 14, Kailua, HI 96734 |
| Hours (Mon–Thu) | 12pm–7pm |
| Hours (Fri–Sat) | 12pm–9pm |
| Hours (Sun) | 12pm–7pm |
| Tour price (adult, as of recent pricing) | $25 |
| Age requirement | 21+ |
| Nearest transport | Free on-site parking; a car is recommended |
| Typical visit duration | About 1 hour, longer with the tasting room |
Why book Ko’olau Distillery tickets?
- 🏛️ Oahu’s first whiskey distillery: Veteran-owned and founded by retired Marines.
- 🎟️ Confirm the price before you book: Tour pricing has risen from around $20 to $25 in recent years.
- 🌿 Pure Koʻolau Mountain water: Filtered for generations through volcanic rock before it becomes part of every spirit.
- 📜 More than just whiskey: The distillery also makes Tradewind Gin, Māhealani Moonshine, and Ka Lā Vodka.
- 💰 Discounted tickets available: For kamaʻāina, military dependents, active duty, veterans, and retired military.
Ko’olau Distillery opening hours
The distillery and tasting room are open Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 7pm, Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 9pm, and Sunday, 12pm to 7pm. Guided tours typically run once during weekday afternoons and twice on weekends, though it’s worth checking the current schedule when you book.
Ko’olau Distillery ticket prices
Pricing has increased over recent years, so treat the figures below as a guide rather than a guarantee, and confirm the current rate at booking.
| Ticket type | Price (as of recent pricing) |
|---|---|
| Adult | $25.00 |
| Kamaʻāina / military dependents | $20.00 |
| Active duty, veterans, and retired military | $15.00 |
A Premium Package upgrade is also available, adding a bottle of Old Pali Road Whiskey, a souvenir T-shirt, and a collectible glass to the standard tour. Book in advance through Viator to secure your spot.
How to get to Ko’olau Distillery
The distillery sits at 905 Kapaa Quarry Place, Building 50, tucked into a Windward Oahu industrial park in Kailua. A car is the most practical way to reach it.
Parking at Ko’olau Distillery
Free parking is available on-site.
How long to spend at Ko’olau Distillery
The guided tour itself runs about one hour. Many visitors stay longer afterward in the tasting room and bar, especially during weekly events.
Accessibility at Ko’olau Distillery
The facility is wheelchair accessible. Note that it is not air-conditioned, and the tour involves standing and walking throughout, which is worth factoring in on a hot day.
What to see at Ko’olau Distillery
The guided tour walks visitors through the full distilling process, from mashing and fermenting to distilling, aging, and bottling, led by a knowledgeable distiller or whiskey aficionado. Some tours include the chance to bottle a whiskey yourself as a hands-on souvenir.
The tour concludes with a guided tasting of the distillery’s spirits, including its flagship Old Pali Road Whiskey, Tradewind American Dry Gin, Barrel-Aged Tradewind Gin, Māhealani Moonshine, and Ka Lā Vodka.
The on-site Tasting Room and Bar stays open beyond tour hours, serving signature craft cocktails, local beer, and a curated wine selection, alongside weekly events including Thursday trivia night, live music Friday and Saturday, and food trucks through the weekend.
Visitors can also get bottles custom-engraved on-site through the distillery’s Etched Aloha service, making for an easy personalized souvenir.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bring valid ID | The tour is intended for guests 21 and older, since it centers on alcohol tasting. |
| Book ahead | Tours typically run once on weekdays and twice on weekends, and can fill up. |
| Dress for the heat | The facility isn’t air-conditioned, and the tour involves standing and walking. |
| Bring military or kamaʻāina ID for a discount | Active duty, veterans, and residents all pay less than standard admission. |
| Stay for the scene | Thursday trivia, weekend live music, and food trucks turn a quick tour into a full evening. |
Ko’olau Distillery FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the opening hours? | Monday–Thursday 12pm–7pm, Friday–Saturday 12pm–9pm, Sunday 12pm–7pm. |
| How much does the tour cost? | Around $25 for adults as of recent pricing, with discounts for kamaʻāina, military dependents, and active/veteran military; confirm the current rate when booking. |
| Is there an age limit? | Yes, the tour is intended for guests 21 and older, since it centers on alcohol tasting. |
| Is parking free? | Yes, free parking is available on-site. |
| How long does the tour take? | About one hour, longer if you stay in the tasting room afterward. |
Things to do near Ko’olau Distillery
Kailua Beach Park, a short drive away, is regularly ranked among Hawaii’s best beaches for its calm, turquoise water.
Lanikai Beach, just past Kailua Beach, offers a smaller, quieter stretch of sand with views of the Mokulua Islands.
Downtown Kailua, close by, has a walkable strip of local restaurants, boutiques, and cafes.
Kaneohe Bay, a short drive north, offers boat tours and sandbar excursions in one of Oahu’s largest bays.
The Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, a scenic drive away, offers sweeping windward coast views from a historic mountain pass.
What to visit tomorrow
The Kō Hana Rum Distillery, in Kunia on Oahu’s central plain, about 45 minutes to an hour away, is the island’s dedicated rum distillery, with its own farm growing native Hawaiian sugarcane varieties and a guided tour ending in a rum tasting.
