rum tasting tour kauai

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK WITH DEPARTURES AT 11:00AM, 1:30PM, & 4:00PM (MUST BE 21+ TO ATTEND)

KAUAI SAFARIS

Rum safari tour, kauai, hi, with kauai safaris,, time flies when you’re having rum….

Enjoy an open air immersive experience unlike anything else. On the Kauai Rum Safari, you’ll be taken around our lush plantation where we’ll show you exotic plants, our fruit and vegetable orchards, and many more beautiful sites. You’ll learn about the history of Rum in Hawai’i and why Koloa Rum is so good, all before your first rum tasting. Book your Kauai rum safari today!

KAUAI RUM SAFARI TOUR

Join us for a two-hour guided Kauai Rum Safari Tour of the beautiful 105-acre Kilohana Plantation! Here you will sip on Koloa Rum, enjoy our signature Mai Tais, meet and interact with our farm animals, and have a fresh cocktail made with fruits and herbs grown right here on the plantation. Book your rum tour online!

• Users Ages 21+
• Hour Glass 2 hours

LET’S HAVE RUM

Let's have rum, safari style, safari style, rum-spiked paradise, in the jungle bungalow.

You’ve experienced the abundant land of our Kilohana Plantation. The next part of the Kauai rum safari tour is where we head to the jungle bungalow to have the first rum tasting. You’ll learn what makes our Mai Tais the very best (hint — it’s premium local rum). Interact and get to know other guests on the tour and ask your guides any questions about rum and mixology, all while being surrounded by one of the serene tropical forests of Kauai. Join us on this rum safari in Kauai!

RUM SAFARI IS A KAUAI MUST-DO!

★★★★★ Add the Rum Safari NOW to your Kauai to-do list — especially if you love cocktails! Our hosts Tiny & Rex were hands-down two of the best tour guides of any adventure we have ever had. They were hilarious, welcoming, and so knowledgeable. Our family participated in the Rum Safari. We loved cruising through the plantation in a jeep-like truck with multiple rows (it was covered to shade from the sun), meeting the farm animals, learning about the history of hawaii & the plants, and of course, tasting Koloa rum and sipping hand-crafted farm-to-glass cocktails they whipped up in front of us using fruits from the plantation itself. We were taken to a beautiful jungle setting and also a gazebo on the plantation to sample, sip, and enjoy ourselves. We went with our adult family of 7. Buy tickets in advance in order to reserve the day & time you want. A MUST-DO!!! - Avery J. | Tripadvisor

KAUAI RUM TOUR!!

★★★★★ This tour was a great way not only to experience the plantation, but taste some incredible rum and have two cocktails to boot! This was a fun thing to do with our adult kids. The guides were funny and great at putting together great drinks. The two stops were beautiful places to sample rum and look around at the gorgeous area.. We loved seeing the pigs running towards us when they saw the tortillas coming at them, and the goats were so cute too. I think we will end up doing this tour again. It was a ton of fun! - Marla J. | Tripadvisor

RUM SAFARI - A HIGHLIGHT OF OUR TRIP

★★★★★ This was incredibly fun! It was really cool to get to see all the plants and animals (especially the pigs) at Kilohana Plantation, and I was impressed by how knowledgeable our guides, Tiny and Courtney, were (and also how friendly and hilarious). The farm-to-table cocktails were the best we had on the island, thanks to the super fresh ingredients and the Koloa Rum, which was really good. This ended up being the sleeper hit of activities we did on Kauai and definitely one of our favorite experiences for our whole HI trip. I highly recommend it! - Rebecca | Tripadvisor

AMAZING TIME AT KAUAI SAFARIS RUM TOUR

★★★★★ Had an amazing time on the Kauai Safaris Rum tour! Our tour was led by Fletchre and Tiny - they were super engaging, informative, and just made the tour an overall blast. We experienced a tour through a beautiful plantation and learned all about the crops being grown and interacted with farm animals as well. The best part of course was trying different rums, and our guides concocted what could have been the best cocktail I've ever had! This was one of our favorite tours throughout our entire stay in Hawaii and I highly recommend it as a must-do. Thank you Fletcher and Tiny!!! - Glen K. | Tripadvisor

KAUAI ISLAND'S ONLY

Rum safari tour.

We’ll continue the adventure by visiting new sites of the 105 acre plantation. Kilohana is home to over 70 wild pigs who you’ll be able to feed and interact with on the way to the next tasting. At the reflective pond, we’ll head into our Loi Lanai with a luscious backdrop to enjoy the next cocktail. For this tasting, we use local fruits and herbs directly from the plantation to mix a delicious farm to glass cocktail. Before we head back to the starting point, enjoy time with new friends over some of the freshest cocktails on the island with a rum safari in Kauai!

Kauai Rum Safari Tour

• March 14, 2023
• Maryia Vviadzenskaya

Are you looking for an interesting and unique adventure on your next trip to Kauai ? We got you covered! DanielsHawaii team has recently taken a Kauai trip and visited Rum Safari . This tour was such a fun and amazing experience where we learned about the history of rum in Hawaii and saw the process of rum-making first-hand. Moreover, Kauai Rum Safari Tour took us around lush plantations where we saw exotic plants, fruit and vegetable orchards, and farm animals. 

Tour’s Overview

On this tour, you will get to explore the abundant land of Kilohana Plantation which stretches for 105 acres. This tour is not only educational but fun and entertaining as well. You’ll learn what makes their Mai Tais very best and maybe get a little bit boozed by having a fresh cocktail made with fruits and herbs grown right on the plantation! 

As we passed through Elmer’s farm , we got a first-hand look at the papayas and assortment of veggies growing in the fields before they are sold at the local farmer’s market!

The amazing thing is that we learned a lot of new information from our friendly guide about rum and mixology! We interacted with other guests and even made new friends!

Quick facts about the tour

The Kauai Rum Safari is an experience unlike any other. You will learn about the history, culture , and flavor of Kauai’s rum industry with the Kauai Rum Safari. Here is some important information for you.

• Duration: two hours
• Includes: farm animal feeding and signature Mai Tai tasting
• Cost: from $75
• Phone: 808-652-4707
• Adreess: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy. Lihue, HI 96766
• Book here : https://www.kauaisafaris.com/

What to Bring

Make sure to bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Wear light clothing, as the heat and humidity can be extreme. Likewise, bring a few bottles of water to stay hydrated. And don’t forget to bring your camera – you’ll want to capture all of the stunning scenery and unique sights that you’ll encounter during your tour.

Today, Kauai’s rum production is an important part of the community, creating jobs and boosting the economy. The Kauai Rum Safari perfectly combines the past, present, and future of rum in Hawai’i and gives you the opportunity to witness it first-hand.

Book your Kauai Rum Safari Tour today and get ready for a one-of-a-kind tropical taste adventure!

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KAUAI RUM SAFARI | KAUAI SAFARIS

Quick Details

• Tags Category: Land
• Map Marker Island: Kauai
• Hour Glass Duration: 2.5 Hours
• Tag Adventure Type: ATV/Offroad , Sightseeing
• Tag Tour Operator: Kauai Safaris

Join Kauai Safari for a 2-hour guided Rum Safari of the beautiful 105 acre Kilohana Plantation. Enjoy a Kauai signature Mai Tai, feed the plantation farm animals, and have a fresh cocktail made with fruits and herbs grown right here on the plantation.

• Tour Kilohana Plantation And A Boardwalk Stroll Through Tropical Forest
• Farm Animal Feeding
• Rum Tasting, Farm to Glass Cocktail

Kauaʻi Rum Safari Tour Description

Join them for a 2-hour guided Rum Safari of the beautiful 105 acer Kilohana Plantation. Here you will sip on Koloa Rum, enjoy their signature Mai Tai, meet and interact with their farm animals, and have a fresh cocktail made with fruits and herbs grown right here on the plantation. Step into their one of a kind open air Safari truck and head out back into the beautiful fruit orchards where you will see exotic fruits like lychee, longan, cashew, and mango growing on the trees.

Later in the tour you might even taste some of these fruits in your farm to glass cocktail. As you pass through Elmer’s farm you will get a first-hand look at the papaya and assortment of veggies growing in the fields before they are sold at the local farmer’s market. Hold on tight as you descend down into Kahuna Nui Valley. Here you will disembark the truck for a stroll on a boardwalk through a tropical rainforest to your private oasis to taste the award-winning Koloa Rum. After tasting some rum, you will also enjoy their signature Mai Tai. Relax and enjoy your Mai Tai as you hear the river flowing past our Jungle Bungalow.

Now it’s time for a little safari. Your guide will take you to meet our heard of wild pigs, goats, and sheep. For those feeling adventurous, your guide will give you some feed to interact with the friendly animals. Take a minute to look around and enjoy the scenery. Your knowledgeable guide will fill you in on the past and present history of agriculture here on Kauai. I mean, they wouldn’t have Rum without sugarcane!

One of the longest cultivated crops grown in Hawaii is Taro. This was the main staple of the Hawaiian people. At their Loi Lanai, your mixologist will whip up a farm to glass cocktail that will knock your socks off. You are talking about a drink made entirely from fruits and herbs that are grown right on the plantation. It doesn’t get any fresher than that. This stop is defiantly a kodak moment! Take pictures, meet new friends and set your worries behind. They will leave you with their recipes so that you can go home and impress all your friends.

When the safari is over, take a minute to shop at Koloa Rum’s Company store and browse through the 16,000 square foot Kilohana Manor House that is home to 7 unique shops and galleries. If shopping’s not your thing, stop by for lunch or Dinner at The Plantation House Restaurant by Gaylords. They look forward to having you out on safari soon!!!

What to Bring

BRING YOUR ID!!! Guests should dress comfortable. Bring your hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, camera and reusable bottled water. No outside liquor permitted on tour.

• Chevron down Tour Policies, Restrictions and Recommendations
• Minimum age to participate is 21 years old.
• Age restrictions can be adjusted when buying out a full truck.
• This tour is an adventure tour and is not accessible with walkers or wheelchairs.
• Guests should be able to walk 200 yards without issue.
• Chevron down Food & Beverages

Rum Tasting consisting of four .25 oz. tastings, one Mai Tai, one Farm to Glass Cocktail, and Maui Onion Chips. Additional food and drinks can be added at an additional cost.

• Chevron down Cancellation Policy

PLEASE NOTIFY HAWAII ADVENTURE CENTER IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE AN ACTIVITY.

You can do so by calling (888) 207-0722 or  contact us online .

• No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of activity
• For groups of 6+ there are no refunds for cancellations within 72 hours of activity
• We will gladly reschedule your activity at no extra cost if changes are made prior to the 48 or 72 hour cancellation period
• Cancellations from date of booking to 48 hours before activity or for larger groups 72 hours before activity are subject to a 10% service charge
• If for some reason we are unable to confirm your reservation with the activity operator due to oversold seats or other unforeseen reasons, a full refund will be provided and you will be notified immediately to discuss alternative dates and activities

If a tour operator cancels any trip due to weather, mechanical failure, unsafe conditions, or insufficient reservations, a full refund will be provided.

*Subject to seasonal pricing.

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KOLOA RUM COMPANY

STORE HOURS

Tasting room.

KAUAI RUM JUNGLE SAFARI

• Information

Time Flies When You’re Having Rum! Enjoy an open air immersive experience

Enjoy an open air immersive experience unlike anything else. On the Kauai Rum Safari you’ll be taken around a lush plantation with exotic plants, fruit and vegetable orchards, and many more beautiful sites. You’ll learn about the history of Rum in Hawai’i and why Koloa Rum is so good.

You’ve now experienced the abundant land of Kilohana Plantation. In the next part of the safari you’ll head to the jungle bungalow to have your first rum tasting, where you’ll learn what makes the Rum Safari’s Mai Tai’s the very best (hint- it’s premium local rum). 

You will then continue on visiting many new sites of the 105 acre plantation. Kilohana is home to wild pigs who you’ll be able to feed and interact with on the way to the next tasting.  At your next stop, the reflective pond, you’ll head into the Loi Lanai (open air lounge) with a luscious backdrop to enjoy more cocktails.  This tasting includes local fruits and herbs directly from the plantation which makes for a delicious farm to glass cocktail.

• $75 per person (21+yrs)

Requirements:

• Must be 21+

Cancellation policy: 72 hours

4.7% Hawaii State sales tax applies to tour rates

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Koloa Rum Company

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Koloa Rum Company

Top ways to experience Koloa Rum Company and nearby attractions

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Koloa Rum Company - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

• (10.14 km) Fern Grotto Inn
• (5.35 km) Marriott's Kauai Lagoons - Kalanipu'u
• (11.07 km) 17 Palms Kauai
• (5.01 km) Timbers Kauai - Ocean Club & Residences
• (11.08 km) Kauai Shores Hotel
• (0.09 km) Gaylord's Restaurant
• (0.11 km) Mahiko Lounge
• (0.07 km) Kauai Sweet Shoppe
• (0.62 km) Verde Restaurant
• (1.23 km) Mark's Place

• 1-800-247-5599
• E-Letter Sign Up
• Koloa Rum Tasting

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Situated at Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, Kauaʻi, the Kōloa Rum Company Store evokes the charm of the old plantation days, showcasing premium Hawaiian rums, cocktails, and unique gifts.

Rum Tasting

The adjacent Tasting Room offers hourly tastings of award-winning rums, hosting nearly 1 million visitors since 2009. With a commitment to unity and sharing the Hawaiian lifestyle, the Kōloa Rum Tasting Room & Company Store invites guests to create memories and embrace the aloha spirit.

Contact our  Concierge Service  to book an activity or learn more about activities in the area to ensure your Hawaiian vacation is perfect in every way!

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This Unique Adults-Only Kauai Rum Safari includes Cocktails in a Jungle Bungalow!

Hop in an open-air truck for a farm tour meets happy hour experience..

Last updated Sep 15, 2023

If you have already read through a few posts on this blog, you know I have a knack for finding unique outdoor activities. While we often focus on waterfall hikes and opportunities to see wildlife , I am also always on the lookout for a unique outdoor dining or sipping experience. That’s why there was no way I was missing out on the fantastic Kauai Rum Safari tour while we were visiting Lihue, Hawaii, on a day trip from Oahu.

Had I known how much of the delicious Hawaiian-made Koloa Rum we’d be drinking during the two-hour tour, I probably wouldn’t have planned it right after our exhausting half-day adventure to Secret Falls . I was definitely ready for a nap by the end, but it was such a wonderful and lively tour that I was able to stay fully engaged despite my sleepy, tipsy state.

Table of Contents

About the Kauai Rum Safari: Hawaii Farm Tour Meets Cocktail Class

The Kauai Rum Safari takes place on the 105-acre Kilohana Plantation. It is conveniently located in Lihue, just a short drive from the airport and other top attractions. The plantation property is also home to a great little sweet shop, a pottery studio (with classes also available), an all-ages train tour, a bar, and Gaylord’s Restaurant. Read more about the Kilohana Plantation and its various offerings.

When signing up for the Kauai Rum Safari Tour, you’ll have a variety of options for times depending on availability. Right now it looks like the tour time options are 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. The cost (in 2023) is $75 or $55 for Hawaii residents with an ID to show upon arrival. I’d book a week or more ahead of time for weekends and busy seasons.

Plan for about two hours at the tour and expect to be a little buzzed (depending on your tolerance) by the end of it. If you partake in the multiple Koloa Rum samples and the two cocktails, they estimate it is about three cocktails worth of liquor. I was pretty tipsy, but I’m a lightweight who spent five hours paddling and hiking to a waterfall earlier that day!

Luckily, with the restaurant, sweet shop, and other stores on the property, you’ll have plenty of options to keep you busy while you sober up. If you particularly like any of the Koloa Rums used in the drinks, there is a wide variety available in the dedicated store on-site. The chocolate-flavored one was our fave – so unique!

8 Things We Loved Most About the Rum Safari on Kauai

There is a lot to rave about on this well-crafted farm tour. Even if they hadn’t made amazing boozy drinks for us at each stop, the fun guides made this activity a great experience! Here are a few reasons we were especially impressed:

1. You Ride Around in a Cozy Covered Safari Truck

In the great little intro video on the Kaui Rum Safari website , it shows an open-air truck with no top. We lathered up with sunscreen for our mid-day tour thinking we’d get pretty toasted, but luckily they have upgraded to covered Safari Trucks since! This made the already comfortable ride even better due to having a refuge from the hot hot Hawaii sun. The open-air ride was lovely also.

2. Jungle. Bungalow. Bar.

I knew I’d love this tour when I saw the photos of the great little bar nestled in the rainforest. I’m such a sucker for a great vibe. And that jungle bungalow bar is a GREAT vibe. After an entertaining ride over (including laughing at getting roughed up by a few low-hanging banana tree leaves), we took a short walk along a lovely boardwalk trail to this divine location for a cocktail.

The other stop for our second cocktail was beautiful also and took place over a reflective pond. But, that first stop in the jungle just really couldn’t be beat and was the absolute highlight for me. So happy they offered to take a photo of each group there!

3. The Kauai Rum Safari is for 21+ Only

Okay, I’ll just say it: sometimes it is nice to have adults-only time. We are child-free by choice (DINKS, I think they are calling us these days haha). And, although we love the kiddos in our life, it’s nice to go to places where we can take off the mental filter that makes all our conversations PG. I know our parent friends feel the same way.

Plus, I’m one of those over-thinkers who would totally get worried and overly aware if a parent was getting tipsy and had a small child with them. I mean … we were on a semi-bumpy route in an open-air vehicle with a bunch of tipsy adults. Although they’d certainly love some aspects of the tour, it’s just safer that kids aren’t allowed on this one.

Wondering how to share this beautiful farm with your little ones? Don’t worry, the train tour is perfect for them!

4. It’s a GREAT Date Day Activity (Or Girl’s Day Out!)

Kid-free cocktails in a jungle paradise sounds like a pretty awesome date idea to me. Whether you are planning a Hawaii vacation or live locally, I’d highly recommend booking a tour! For those who like to dress up a bit for dates, I just wouldn’t recommend heels since you have to get in and out of the safari truck and walk on a variety of areas.

5. Local Ingredients in the Farm-to-Glass Cocktails

As we drove around Kilohana Plantation, our guides pointed out the wide variety of plants grown and used on the tour and at the on-site restaurant. From the well-known mango to the more exotic longan, we were impressed by the wide variety. At our two stops for cocktails, we watched our guides/bartenders cut up fresh citrus and pour juice made that morning into the cups.

I love knowing I’m not consuming a bunch of processed overly sweet syrups. Fresh and natural ingredients always taste best, in my opinion. And if you aren’t convinced, wait until you try their creations! Plus, there was plenty of rum added, too – no light pours on this tour!

6. Meeting the Resident Piggies

At one point in the tour, you get to go through an enclosure that is home to a whole bunch of little adorable wild pigs that have a home at the plantation. Our guide chucked tortillas out to them and we laughed as we watched one pig grab it and run off to greedily try to eat it alone. There were also itty bitty babies we all gushed over. So cute!

Note: They do use some of the pig population as a food source. This may be upsetting for vegans, vegetarians, and others opposed to eating animal meat.

7. The $20 Off Kama’aina Discount

Not only are our Hawaii IDs pretty (think McLovin’s in SuperBad ) they also get us some nice discounts at local tours and other activities. Usually, we see about 10-20% off, but the Kauai Rum Safari Kama’aina Discount takes more than 25% off their normal rate ($75 as of September 2023). Just select that option when booking online and have your ID ready upon check-in.

8. Funny Guides Who Kept Us Smiling

I must admit, the goofy jokes and antics did seem to get funnier after our first stop for cocktails. However, the kind, knowledgeable, and funny guides (Tanji & Fletcher) kept us entertained and smiling for the entire two hours. Plus, they are damn good mixologists! You can follow along with some of their creations on Instagram here . We really appreciated the tips they gave for making the cocktails at home as well. And they even kept the driving portion interesting!

Final Thoughts on this Unique Kauai Farm Tour with Cocktails

All in all, I can’t fault this tour. Honestly, I didn’t plan to write an entire blog post about it. We were just going to include it in a Kauai overview article, but it was just too good not to share a detailed recap about it!

The Kauai Rum Safari definitely exceeded expectations and we’ll be taking some friends along next time we have visitors. With drinks being around $15 for cocktails in most popular places in Hawaii, this could very well replace happy hour when we are on Kauai. What a genius idea for a tour!

Plus, there is just so much to do in Kauai , we’re eager to plan a lot more time there! A hui ho, Rum Safari friends!

About the Author: Brooke Baum

Brooke is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager for various blog sites. After five years of full-time travel with her husband Buddy, they made the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, their permanent home base. However, they still travel regularly and are always planning their next trip.

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Rum tasting on Kauai

Jul 23, 2019 | Attractions

The Caribbean islands may claim to be the home of rum, but the people of the Hawaiian islands have been producing rum for over 180 years. So, they know a thing or two about this magical liquid. A visit to the island’s leading distillery during your vacation, The Koloa Rum Company , is a great way to taste Hawaiian rum at its best.

Whether you drink it over ice, with soda, or in one of our many delicious cocktails, rum continues to play an important role in Hawaii’s economy and culture.

Sugarcane first came to Hawaii with ancient Polynesian voyagers as they migrated to the islands from the South Pacific. Commercial sugar production operations in Hawaii were first established in the town of Kōloa in 1835. The initial harvest in 1837 produced two tons of raw sugar, and rum production began around this time as well.

Today, The Koloa Rum Company is a single-batch craft distiller and bottler of premium Hawaiian rums. The first licensed distillery on Kauai, the first batch of Koloa Rum, was distilled and bottled in 2009. Using the best authentic, local ingredients, including pure Hawaiian tall cane sugarcane and rainwater from Mount Waiʻaleʻale, they create superior Hawaiian rums and ready-to-drink cocktails.

Importantly, the company provides meaningful employment opportunities for the people of Kauai while diversifying the local economy, preserving agricultural land and promoting sustainable and traditional sugarcane production.

How is rum produced in Kauai?

The Koloa Rum Company starts with rainwater from nearby mountain peaks and rainforests, which is filtered through volcanic strata into vast underground aquifers. Only tall sugarcane is used. The rums are twice-distilled, blended, bottled, and shipped directly from the distillery in Kalaheo, on the south side of the island.

Rums are distilled in single batches using a vintage (circa 1947) 1,210-gallon copper pot still with a copper column and condenser. During the second distillation, the distillate is collected in three sections – heads, heart, and tails. Kōloa Rum uses only the heart of the batch.

The unique distillation process and quality ingredients combine to provide the smooth, clean and polished flavor and aroma characteristics that distinguishes Kōloa Rum from most others.

What does the Koloa Rum Company make?

The company produces unique and delicious premium rums, including:

• Kauaʻi White
• Reserve 12 Barrel Select Aged Hawaiian

They also produce ready-to-drink Mai Tai, Rum Punch and Pineapple Passion Cocktail products.

How do I taste Koloa Company rum?

If you are staying at Ali’i Kai Resort’s premium condos , then head to the company’s Tasting Room and Company Store, centrally located in Lihue at the Kilohana Plantation. Their rumtenders offer fun and informative tastings every half-hour beginning at 10 a.m., seven days a week.

The unique flavors change daily and may include a taste of one of our ready-to-drink cocktails and a sip of three of our unique award-winning rums.

Once you’ve completed your tasting, head to the Company Store for the best souvenirs on the island featuring authentic, single-batch Hawaiian premium white, gold, dark, spice, coconut and coffee Koloa Rum and mai tai, rum punch and pineapple passion rum ready-to-drink cocktails.

You can also purchase deliciously famous rum cake that you will sample at your tasting, rum fudge sauce, and baked goods. Tastings are for guests 21 and over (a valid ID is required) and are limited to 16 people on a first-come, first-serve basis.

How do I make a classic rum cocktail?

This recipe for a classic Koloa Tai:

Ingredients

• .75 oz 
Kōloa White
• .75 oz
 Kōloa Gold
• .75 oz
 Kōloa Dark
• .5 oz 
Clement Creole Shrubb Liqueur d’Orange, Grand Marnier or Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao
• 1 oz 
Lime Juice
• .25 oz
 Pineapple Juice
• .25 oz
 Orange Juice
• .75 oz
 Orgeat

Instructions

Add Kōloa White & Kōloa Gold Rum, Clemente Creole Shrubb, juices, orgeat and ice. Shake and strain over ice in a Tiki mug/glass and top with a Kōloa Dark Rum float. Garnish – Umbrella, lime wheel, pineapple slice, sugarcane stick and/or orchid.

Alternative instructions

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker except for the Kōloa Dark and crushed ice. Shake until the shaker is frosty and strain over cubed ice. Float the Kōloa Dark and garnish with an orchid, lime wedge, pineapple and/or fresh sugarcane stir stick.

A Trick of the Trade

Squeeze the fruit and boil the orgeat! Using freshly squeezed juice (orange and lime) brings added life and spunk to this classic tiki cocktail. This extra step makes homemade orgeat (or-zha) the ideal finishing touch to elevate your Mai Tai to new heights. This cocktail is sure to be a hit!

Homemade Orgeat (or-zha) – Combine equal parts of almond milk and sugar in a pot on the stovetop and bring it to a boil. Let cool. Then stir in a dash of rose or orange blossom water and almond extract.

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman / @hbgoodie

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Our Free Rum Tasting On Kauai, Hawaii

During our visit to Lydgate Farms to taste some Hawaiian chocolate , we learned that they provided cocoa beans to a local distillery to make chocolate rum and then used the rum-soaked beans to make rum-chocolate bars (Note from Sharon: “Two great tastes that taste great together…” Anyone? Anyone?) .

We tried the chocolate during our tour and it was wonderful. That led us to wanting to sample the rum that came from those beans. The only way to try the rum was to visit the Kōloa Rum tasting room.

Fortunately, the tasting room was located just off the main road and a visit to the tasting room was free. All we had to do was sign up in the gift shop a few minutes before the tour. Here are the current guidelines for tours from the website.

*TASTINGS ARE EVERY 60 MINUTES.  Complimentary Rum tastings. First Tasting at 10:15am and then every 1 hour, on the hour until 4pm. We do not take Reservations. Same day sign up. Must be present and have a valid photo ID. No infants or children allowed in the Tasting Room. Award-Winning Samples of Dark, Spice, Coconut, Coffee Rum & our NEW Cacao Rum We ask that you arrive and be checked in 10 mins prior to your tasting.   If not, your reservation may be given to the next person in line.   Thank you for your understanding!

I can tell you that if you’re able to visit a rum tasting, and if you like rum, this is a wonderful 1-hour event.

The Kōloa Rum tasting room serves samples of several varieties that are available at the gift shop. For a tasting room, the Kōloa Rum factory gives samples of a wide variety of flavored rums and some of the award-winning aged rums which are only available for purchase from the factory.

Our host led us through the rum selections from the aged rums, and spiced and flavored varieties.

She learned where everyone was from and knew the stores where the rums were sold around the US (including Spec’s in Texas and Total Wine in Florida). The one rum that you can’t find anywhere outside of Kauai is, of course, the Cocoa Rum. After trying the chocolate made from the beans after being soaked in rum, we needed to taste the rum made with the chocolate extract. This isn’t a flavored rum, as you need to mix it because the cocoa settles at the bottom of the bottle.

It was so good that we purchased two bottles of the Chocolate flavored rum to bring home. It’s the only variety not exported outside of Hawaii.

Being accustomed to tastings on the mainland, it’s difficult to find one that doesn’t charge. In one hour, we tried free samples of 6 different rums. Wheeeee! 😉

The Kōloa Rum Company tasting room is located on the Kilohana Plantation in Lihue. If you’re interested, there’s also a train that goes around the plantation and a luau on select evenings.

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The Koloa Dark is one of my absolute favorite distilled spirits. it is one of the most perfect dark rums. A little smoother and more complex for sipping than Goslings or Meyer’s IMO. Its just perfect. Its been something like 6 years now since I have been able to travel or take a vacation and I still have my bottle of Koloa Dark I brought back from my beloved Moku o Keawe. In the last two weeks I even set face upon my island home, a double shot of Koloa Dark “neat” with a few ice cubes on the side as I watched the sun set over the South Kohala Coast at The Beach Bar at The Prince were some of the greatest and most peaceful moments of my life. Somehow I knew I would never see home again I think. That said, I’ve been nursing that bottle with a few other bottles of “really good stuff” on my bar. (Im sure I could get it shipped on line, but its not quite the same is it?). That said, I hope one day for my wishes to be honored and have some of my ashes placed in that very bottle and brought back to that beach. Eventually I suppose.

Next time you guys are on Oahu, do consider giving Ko Hana Rum a try. Their Agricole-style rum is quite different from what Koloa produces and is my preferred Hawaiian rum. They too make a cacao-infused rum called Kokoleka and partners with Manoa Chocolate to craft a bar made with the rum-infused beans. Both bars and bottles are available from Manoa Chocolate and Ko Hana’s websites, respectively.

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Home » The Original Kōloa Kauaʻi Spice Rum

The Original Kōloa Kauaʻi Spice Rum

Distilled, blended and bottled by Kōloa Rum Company Kalaheo, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, 44% ABV/88 Proof.

Kōloa Spice Rum is made from pure cane sugar, distilled in an impressive vintage 1,210 gallon, steam-powered copper pot still and cut with filtered water from the ancient Mount Waiʻaleʻale.

The rum is distilled 2 times at 160 – 180 ABV.

This spice rum is a majestic tawny color with hues of golden rich heather, much lighter in the cloying viscosity than the other expressions of Kōloa Rums, due to the higher ABV at 44%. The legs are thin and evenly expressed around the glass.

Pleasantly balanced light cola, muted cinnamon and cacao notes with subtle scents of baked baklava, honey and freshly chopped walnuts.

Taste and Finish

This spice rum is dry and crisp on the palate, with upfront spices showing exactly like the nose, the additional flavor of deeply cooked caramel and a light finish of sarsaparilla.

Additional Tasting Notes

Kōloa Kauai Spice Rum is an adult’s version to the classic, overly sweetened spice rums typically found in this market. We recommend trying it in a classic rum swizzle or enjoy this in your everyday spice rum and coke.

SIMILAR COCKTAILS

Fancy Sipper

Rummy Whipped Coffee

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