Three Peaks Brewing will reopen in Waikiki after almost three years of delays. The brewery received its liquor license on June 6 for its new location at 1778 Ala Moana Boulevard.
The brewery first operated in Kailua, where it became known for its locally made beers and ciders, as reported by Three Peaks Brewing. The original owners, Steve and Keiko, were forced to close the Kuulei Road location in summer 2022 due to personal health reasons, leaving regular customers disappointed.
Patrick, a Marine at Marine Corps Base Hawaii-Kaneohe Bay, had spent time at the original brewery and worked to reopen it. As detailed by Three Peaks Brewing, Patrick and his partner Julia reached out to the original owners to explore the possibility of reviving the brand. What they didn't anticipate was the nearly two-year regulatory journey that would follow their decision to move forward.
Hawaii Bucks National Brewing Trends
The timing of Three Peaks' resurrection comes as Hawaii's craft beer scene defies troubling national patterns. According to Brewers Association, 2024 marked the first year since 2005 that brewery closures outpaced openings nationwide, with 529 breweries closing while only 430 new ones opened.
However, Honolulu Magazine notes that Hawaii's brewing scene is actually expanding, with new breweries and taprooms appearing across all major islands. The craft beer industry faces difficulties, with the Brewers Association saying, "Brewers are experiencing critical challenges at the crossroads of a high-cost environment paired with slowing growth," making Hawaii's growth in the industry notable.
Waikiki Focus and Technical Innovation
The new Three Peaks operation will occupy a different niche than its Kailua predecessor. As detailed by Three Peaks Brewing, the Waikiki location aims to "be the bridge between the world of Hawaii tourism and the beverages, snacks, and gifts of the rest of the island." The brewery is targeting an August 30 opening date and has launched a Mug Club with personalized mugs, discounts, and birthday benefits, as per Honolulu Magazine.
Three Peaks plans to differentiate itself through technical brewing innovations, including a direct-draw dispensing system that reduces line length from keg to tap and Anti-Microbial Oxygen Barrier Tubing to prevent contamination. As outlined by Three Peaks Brewing, these systems combined with counter-pressure filling techniques are designed to ensure customers receive "the freshest product possible exactly how the brewer intended it."
Regulatory Hurdles Reflect Industry Challenges
Three Peaks' opening was delayed by a long licensing process. The brewery thanked the community for support during almost two years of work before getting approval. Brewing Review notes that Hawaii's licensing and health regulations can be difficult for smaller breweries.
The reopening represents what Three Peaks Brewing calls an opportunity to welcome back "locals, visitors, beer nerds, and curious newcomers alike." For Hawaii's craft beer community, it offers a success story of persistence paying off in an increasingly challenging regulatory and economic environment.
