Buzzing with creative energy, Pono Potions transforms everyday drinks into vivid expressions of island flavor with its house-made syrups crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Founded in 2017 by chef and mixologist Peter Hessler and partner Michael Cabagbag, the brand is built on a simple idea: bottle Hawai‘i’s flavors at their most vibrant. All its syrups are free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, allowing the bright flavors of local ingredients to shine through. Standout syrups include the Moloka‘i Hibiscus Grenadine, steeped with dried hibiscus blossoms for a bright, floral-fruit intensity, and the Maika‘i Macadamia Nut Orgeat, a rich blend of roasted macadamia nuts, raw turbinado sugar, and sea salt that adds depth to cocktails and baked goods. At their flagship location, Pō‘ai by Pono Potions, you can sip through their lineup of syrups added to a menu of espresso drinks, tea, and zero-proof cocktails. Seasonal releases, like Pikake Lychee and festive Peppermint, keep the lineup fresh and enticing year-round. At Pono Potions, a visit is not just about the drink in hand; it is about the discovery of unexpected flavor pairings and the reimagining of Hawai‘i’s ingredients.

Pono Potions; 1119 Smith Street, Honolulu; Open Sunday–Monday 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; ponopotions.com