Ah, Hawaii—the land where volcanic soils birth unexpected vintages, pineapple plays sommelier, and every sip comes with a side of ocean breeze. While the Aloha State’s wine scene might not rival Napa’s grandeur, it’s a quirky paradise of tropical blends, honey meads, and grape surprises that thrive in paradise’s unique terroir. As we cruise into the tail end of summer 2025, August and September offer a more intimate vibe for wine lovers. The blockbuster festivals like Kapalua Wine & Food (June-July) and Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (October-November) bookend these months, leaving room for laid-back tastings, winery tours, and foodie gatherings that sneak in wine pairings. Think of it as Hawaii’s way of saying, “No rush, brah—savor the moment.” Whether you’re chasing volcanic reds on the Big Island or fruity fusions on Maui, here’s your guide to the wine happenings (or should we say, “wine-ings”) worth toasting this season. We’ll spotlight what makes each special, pour on the details like admission fees, and uncork amenities for a seamless sip.
Sipping Through the Islands: Key Wine Spots and Events
Hawaii’s wine calendar in August and September leans heavily on ongoing tastings at its handful of wineries, where the focus is on small-batch creativity rather than massive crowds. With only a few estates producing wine—thanks to challenging climates and innovative spirit—these months are perfect for personal explorations. We’ve also included crossover food events where wine often makes a cameo, blending local flavors with pours that highlight Hawaii’s farm-to-glass ethos. Let’s island-hop chronologically, starting with August’s offerings.
August: Tropical Tastings and Festival Flair
Kick off the month with the islands’ signature low-key charm. While no mega wine fests dominate, daily tastings provide a steady flow of discovery, and a major local products showcase offers wine-adjacent delights.
- Volcano Winery Tastings and Tours (Big Island – Ongoing Daily in August and September)
Nestled near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the slopes of Mauna Loa, Volcano Winery is Hawaii’s OG estate (established 1986), specializing in exotic blends like macadamia nut honey wine and guava-grape fusions that capture the island’s fiery essence. What makes it special? The volcanic soil imparts a mineral zing you won’t find elsewhere—think smoky notes in their Symphony Dry white or tropical punch in the Hawaiian Guava-Grape rosé. It’s a geek-out for geology-loving oenophiles, with vines thriving amid lava fields.
Admission and Fees: Standard tasting is $20 for seven 1-oz pours (dry to sweet varieties); no reservations needed, walk-ins from noon to 5 p.m. (last call at 5 p.m.). Upgrade to guided tours: Ali’i Vineyard Tour ($40/person, 12:15 p.m., ~1 hour, includes seven wines and two estate teas); Wine Maker’s Tour ($75/person, 1 p.m. weekdays, ~1 hour, with vintner’s choice pours, dessert pairings, and tea); Kilauea Ki Tea Presentation ($60/person, 12:45 p.m. select days, ~1 hour, tea-focused with one wine). Kids under 12 free on tours (no wine for under-21s); kama’aina (local) discounts available.
Amenities: Free parking in a lot adjacent to the tasting room—plenty of spots, even for RVs. Restrooms are clean and accessible inside the facility. The site is mostly wheelchair-friendly, but tours involve a short (~5-minute) walk on uneven volcanic terrain (rain or shine), so wear sturdy shoes. House-made cheese platters, Ka’u coffee, and refreshments available for purchase; picnic areas overlook the vines for that post-tasting chill. Pro tip: Pair your pour with views of Kilauea—nature’s own fireworks show if it’s active. - MauiWine Tastings and Tours (Maui – Ongoing Daily in August and September)
Perched on Haleakala’s slopes in Ulupalakua, MauiWine (formerly Tedeschi Vineyards, founded 1974) is famed for its pineapple wines—yes, you read that right—crafted from Maui Gold pineapples for a sweet-tart twist that’s pure island escapism. Special here? Their “Hula o Maui” sparkling pineapple wine feels like a luau in a glass, while grape options like the Upcountry Red nod to traditional varietals grown at 2,000 feet elevation. It’s a slice of history, too—the ranch dates to 1884, with King Kalakaua once planting vines nearby. No massive events this season, but the daily vibe is all about relaxed exploration.
Admission and Fees: Tastings are $15-$25 for flights of 4-6 wines (pineapple-focused or grape blends), noon to 5 p.m. daily; walk-ins welcome. Tours (~45 minutes) run multiple times daily for $20-$30, covering the historic ranch, vineyard walks, and production insights. Combo tasting-tour packages around $40. Free for under-21s (non-alcoholic options available).
Amenities: Ample free parking in a scenic lot with ocean views—easy access from the winding Pi’ilani Highway. Modern restrooms on-site, including ADA-compliant facilities. The tasting room and grounds are mostly accessible, though vineyard paths can be hilly; staff assist as needed. Grab charcuterie boards or local snacks; outdoor seating under monkeypod trees makes for idyllic picnics. Bonus: Live music on weekends adds a mellow soundtrack. - Made in Hawaii Festival (Oahu – August 15-17, 2025)
While not exclusively wine-focused, this massive showcase at the Hawaii Convention Center spotlights over 700 local vendors, including Hawaiian wineries and beverage artisans peddling tropical wines, meads, and pairings. What sets it apart? It’s a treasure trove of “only-in-Hawaii” sips—like lilikoi (passionfruit) blends or coffee-infused vintages—amid crafts, foods, and demos. Perfect for discovering small producers you won’t find stateside.
Admission and Fees: $10 general admission (free for kids under 6 and military with ID); hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri/Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Tastings vary by vendor ($5-$15/flight).
Amenities: Paid parking at the convention center ($10/day, validation possible); ample spots, including EV charging. Multiple clean restrooms throughout, with family and accessible options. The venue is fully ADA-compliant, air-conditioned, and stroller-friendly. Food courts and seating areas abound for breaks between sips.
September: Harvest Vibes and Cultural Crossovers
As summer fades, September keeps the wine flow steady with winery staples, plus festivals where wine complements Hawaiian heritage.
- Volcano Winery and MauiWine (Continued from August)
The same stellar setups roll into September—volcanic magic on the Big Island and pineapple prowess on Maui. With potentially cooler upcountry temps, it’s prime time for extended tours. See August details above for fees and amenities; no seasonal changes noted, but call ahead for any pop-up pairings. - Okinawan Festival (Oahu – August 30-September 1, 2025)
Spilling into September, this cultural bash at the Hawaii Convention Center celebrates Okinawan heritage with food stalls often featuring wine pairings alongside andagi (doughnuts) and champuru stir-fries. Unique twist: Sips of awamori (Okinawan rice spirit) blend with local wines for a fusion that’s both exotic and approachable.
Admission and Fees: Free entry; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Wine tastings $5-$10 via vendors.
Amenities: Same as Made in Hawaii—convenient parking ($10), plentiful restrooms, and accessible layout. Cultural performances add free entertainment. - Aloha Festivals (Statewide – Throughout September 2025)
Hawaii’s largest cultural celebration spans islands with parades, ho’olaule’a (block parties), and food/wine elements. On Oahu, the Waikiki Ho’olaule’a (September 20) often includes wine tents amid local eats. Special? It’s royalty-themed, evoking Hawaii’s monarchical past with pours that honor native ingredients.
Admission and Fees: Mostly free; some tastings $10-$20.
Amenities: Street parking (limited, arrive early) or paid lots; public restrooms nearby. Events are outdoor, family-friendly, with accessibility varying by venue—check gohawaii.com for specifics. - Empty Bowl Hawaii (Oahu – September 27, 2025)
This charity event at a Honolulu venue (TBD, often community centers) fights hunger with soup tastings, but wine flights from local producers steal the show. What makes it shine? Artisanal bowls you keep, paired with cause-driven sips—proceeds support food banks.
Admission and Fees: $50-$100 tickets (includes tastings); 6 p.m. start.
Amenities: Free parking at most sites; indoor restrooms. Intimate setup ensures easy navigation.
A Final Toast to Island Indulgences
As August’s sunsets give way to September’s gentle trades, Hawaii’s wine scene in 2025 proves that sometimes the best vintages are the unhurried ones. From Volcano Winery’s lava-kissed elixirs to MauiWine’s pineapple pops of joy, and festival cameos that weave wine into cultural tapestries, these months invite you to slow down, swirl, and savor the aloha spirit in every glass. Sure, the big bashes wait in the wings, but isn’t that the beauty of paradise—no vintage is ever rushed? Grab your lei, book a tour, and let Hawaii’s wines whisper their tropical tales. Mahalo for the memories—now go forth and pour responsibly. If you’re winery-hopping, remember: Designated drivers get the best karma (and free mocktails). Cheers to your Hawaiian wine adventure!
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