HONOLULU (HI Now) - After a decade of building its mission to support Hawaii’s agricultural and cultural economy, Ola Brew is opening a new chapter — and a new door. The Hamakua Coast-based company has officially opened its distillery for public tours and tastings, bringing Hawaii’s heritage spirit, okolehao, back to the forefront of the state’s craft beverage industry.
Naehalani Breeland, president and co-founder of Ola Brew, shares the story behind the company’s decade-long journey from concept to completion. Breeland traces the history of okolehao — a traditional Hawaiian spirit with deep roots in the Hamakua Coast and ties to King Kalākaua — and explains how Ola Distillery is working to revive and protect that legacy for generations to come.
The newly opened distillery features a fermentation hall, an upstairs speakeasy, a train tunnel used for barrel aging and expansive grounds suited for weddings, corporate gatherings and private events. Beyond its doors, Ola Brew is also working through legislation to formally protect the okolehao category as a recognized industry standard.
Community ownership has been central to Ola Brew’s identity since its founding, and the company continues to explore investment opportunities that keep the brand rooted in the people of Hawaii. The segment also coincides with “E Ola Pono,” a thought leadership panel focused on building businesses that last.
For more information, visit thespiritofhawaii.com or olabrewco.com.
Copyright 2026 KHNL. All rights reserved.