12th Hawaii Distiller sits in an industrial complex in Kailua-Kona, making it one of the few craft distilleries on the Big Island. Founded by locals who wanted to create spirits that capture Hawaii’s unique terroir, they opened their doors in 2018 after navigating the complex world of federal and state licensing. The operation runs out of a modest warehouse space where you can see their copper still and fermentation tanks up close. They focus on rum and vodka, using local ingredients when possible including Hawaiian sugarcane and volcanic water. The husband-and-wife team behind it came from completely different backgrounds – one worked in hospitality while the other had a corporate career – but they shared a vision of creating something authentically Hawaiian that wasn’t just tourist kitsch. The space feels more like a working distillery than a polished tasting room, which some visitors love for its authentic, behind-the-scenes vibe. You’re not going to find tour buses here, but you will find passionate distillers who’ll talk your ear off about their process if you’re genuinely interested.