Howzit, Honolulu’s Newest Brewery, Opens in Kaka‘ako
Beer styles popular in the Pacific Northwest and California rule at this taproom and brewery across from Fishcake.
Photo: Alexander Gates
Long in planning, Howzit Brewing recently opened in the heart of Kaka‘ako, the unofficial brewery district of the city. Beer is the focus at this working brewery and taproom—more specifically right now, beer styles popular in the Pacific Northwest and California. Many new beers are coming, including a Schwarzbier this week.
“We can take a risk without having established flagships,” owner Justin Heikkinen says. Head brewer Phil Pesheck, formerly of Burke-Gilman Brewing in Seattle, “has his finger on the pulse of modern brewing science and techniques that aren’t used everywhere. He’s constantly reading and researching new ways to do things, so we aren’t bound by any preconceived methods of production.” Pesheck also brings with him a bundle of competition medals from previous breweries.
Head brewer Phil Pesheck, left, and owner Justin Heikkinen. Photo: Alexander Gates
The 10 taps at Howzit Brewing include two side-pour Lukr faucets for pilsners and a slushy machine for radlers (a popular mixture of light lager and fruit juice enjoyed in Europe during the summer). The first Radler, called Putting the Rad in Radler ($10), is served with slushed lemonade—a great cold treat on a hot Honolulu afternoon. Eventually, every tap will be a unique beer. As is the trend at many new breweries, there are no flights of taster-size beers.
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“We’re not a flagship-driven spot,” Heikkinen says. “We will be constantly iterating on recipes through data, tasting panels, customer feedback, so there will always something new and different to try every visit.”
Currently on offer are Ice Ice Hazy IPA at 6.5% ABV, J.R.E.A.M San Diego style Double IPA at 8.9% ABV, Poppin’ Pilz Pilsner with New Zealand hops at 5.5% ABV and First Ditch Effort Pale Ale at 6.4% ABV. Others are being developed. Each is served in traditional glassware. Full-size pours are $8 a pint, with half-pours at $4.
Howzit’s interior taproom has a high ceiling, a wood-topped bar frocked in AstroTurf and high-top tables—plenty of space to drink with a group of friends or stand and mingle. White walls with aqua accents are decorated with colorful artwork, some by local artists, and favorite skateboards and surfboards. The brewing space is behind the chiller and bar area.
Photo: Alexander Gates
In the future, there will be outdoor seating in the front and food trucks providing on-site snacks. There’s some dedicated parking, and street parking in the area.
Heikkinen and Pesheck are also kegging their beer to be served on draft at Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room, Off the Wall, Grace in Growlers, Deck Waikīkī and spots on the North Shore. Three collaboration beers with their favorite breweries in Washington and Oregon also celebrate Howzit’s opening: Bluedawn IPA with Mirage Brewing and Best Chums IPA with Urban Family Brewing, both in Seattle, and So Pitted Sour with Great Notion in Portland. An in-house canning line is also planned.
Heikkinen, who was born in Hawai‘i, was living in the Pacific Northwest when he got the idea to open a brewery at home. “In an area like Seattle, you can’t really add anything to such an established beer scene,” he says. “Here, we can make our own mark.” Plus, he adds, “It was important it be near recreation opportunities I love, like surfing.”
Finding the right location paired with the challenges of a global pandemic delayed signing the lease until last year. Buildout started in earnest this past February, Howzit Brewing soft-opened just a few weeks ago and fresh beer is ready for thirsty customers now.
Open daily from noon to 10 p.m., 330 Kamani St., @howzitbrewing
