Lanikai Brewing has been crafting Island-inspired beers on Oahu since 2014, and now they have brought that same spirit to the Big Island. In 2025, they opened a taphouse and restaurant in Volcano Village, taking over the space where the Ohelo Cafe once operated. For guests staying at our Big Island bed-and-breakfast, a well-made local beer and a plate of Hawaiian pupus are now just a 6-minute walk (about 0.3 miles) from your cottage or bungalow.
If you want to understand what makes Lanikai Brewing worth a visit, it helps to start with the story behind it.
A Brewery with Real Big Island Roots
Before Steve Haumschild opened Lanikai Brewing on Oahu, he spent 20 years living on the Big Island, including time as a ranger at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. That history runs through everything the brewery does. The beers are rooted in the islands, the ingredients are local, and the decision to open a second location in Volcano Village makes a lot of sense when you know where Haumschild came from. For him, the Volcano taphouse was not an expansion into new territory. It was familiar ground.
Every Lanikai beer uses at least one local ingredient. That commitment has been part of the brewery from the beginning and carries through to the Volcano location. The beers taste like Hawaii because they are made with Hawaii in mind, and that comes through whether you are drinking their flagship Pillbox Porter or something from their rotating small-batch lineup.
What to Drink: Hawaiian Beer Highlights at the Volcano Taphouse
The Volcano location offers exclusive small-batch brews alongside Lanikai’s well-known lineup. If you are not sure where to start, you can build your own flight of four four-ounce pours, or let the brewer choose for you. The brewer’s choice option is a good way to try what is fresh and interesting without having to make too many decisions after a long day at the park.
The Pillbox Porter is a reliable choice for cooler evenings, which is most evenings in Volcano. It has roasted notes and a smooth finish that works well in a rainforest setting. For something with more intensity, the Lanikai Moku Imperial IPA is a local favorite worth ordering. It is bold without being harsh, and the local ingredients give it a character that is hard to find in mainland craft beers.
Beyond beer, the taphouse also serves shaved ice seltzers, signature cocktails, and mocktails. If you are traveling with someone who does not drink beer or prefers a nonalcoholic option, there are offerings that still feel connected to the island.
Food at Lanikai Brewery in Volcano
The food menu at the Volcano Taphouse is also built around locally sourced ingredients and includes collaborations with local farmers, artists, and chefs. Lunch focuses on brick oven pizzas made with high-quality flour, with gluten-free options available, plus sandwiches and salads. It is a good stop after a morning hike before heading back to rest at the property.
Dinner expands into more authentic Hawaiian territory. The pupus are a highlight, with options like musubi bites, poke, and ulu tacos. Heartier plates include Volcano Ramen and beef short rib adobo. The menu reads like someone thought carefully about what people actually want to eat after spending time outdoors in cool, damp air.
The pizza and pupu options also make this a good spot for families. If you are staying in one of our larger accommodations, like the Dillingham House, and want a relaxed dinner out with kids, Lanikai Brewing is a natural choice.
Sustainability and Community in Volcano Village
Lanikai Brewing takes sustainability seriously. They use compostable packaging across their entire beer lineup, designed to break down safely without harming ocean wildlife. Their goal is to become the most sustainable brewery in the world, and the compostable packaging is one concrete step in that direction.
The Volcano location is also positioning itself as a gathering space for the local community. Events tied to Volcano Village’s arts and culture scene, including the Artists Hui and the Experience Volcano festival, are expected to find a home at the brewery. If your stay overlaps with one of these events, it is worth checking what is happening while you are in town. Our events page is a great place to start.
Planning a Visit from Volcano Village Estates
Lanikai Brewing has built something worth visiting in Volcano Village, and for guests staying nearby, it is one of the easier decisions you will make during your trip. Great local beer, a food menu that takes the island seriously, and a room full of people who chose to be in this corner of Hawaii all adds up to a night out that feels right.
Ready to plan your stay near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park? Check availability at Volcano Village Estates and reserve your rainforest retreat.