For a true taste of the islands, head to Ko‘olau Distillery in Kailua, where pure Hawaiian water that has been filtered through the lava rock of the Ko‘olau mountain range for decades is paired with a local corn-based mash used to make the brand’s hand-distilled whiskey. The result is blended with aged American whiskey to produce their one-of-a-kind Old Pali Road whiskey. The line’s flavor notes can best be described as “smooth,” with cinnamon, vanilla and caramel flavors and a clean finish.

Eric Dill first became interested in distilling while deployed in Iraq, but it wasn’t until 2018 that he and his wife, Ginger, and fellow U.S. Marine Ian Brooks started Ko‘olau Distillery. Together, they have expanded the brand beyond whiskey to carry the only 100% made-in-Hawai‘i bourbon (Old Pali Road Private Reserve), a hand-crafted small-batch Tradewind Gin, and their Mahealani Moonshine. Visit the brand’s Kailua distillery for a tour, where the company’s knowledgeable staff of distillers are on hand to teach all about the intricate process of making whiskey, followed by a tasting of their spirits. We’ll cheer to that!

Ko‘olau Distillery; 905 Kapaa Quarry Pl, Building 50, Unit 5014, Kailua; (808)261-0685; koolaudistillery.com