Photo by Jessica Sprig

What does honey, guava, and grapes have in common?  They are all ingredients used in the creation of Hawaiian wines. Like all things in Hawaii our wine is not a replica of something you might find in Italy or California, but instead it is unique and holds a flavor that fits perfectly with our culture and traditions.  One of the first and most popular wines was a pineapple sparkling wine first introduced on Maui in the 70s. Today, you’ll find all kinds of varieties from Macadamia Nut Honey Wine to the award-winning Symphony Mele.

In 1948, Dr. Harold Olmo, a viticulturist at UC Davis, started developing a new variety of grape that would later be called Symphony.  Almost thirty years later the cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris varieties was finally completed and the new spicy white grape began being used in the production of wine.  The Symphony grape grows well at higher elevations in volcanic terrain and is one of the few vines that can survive on the islands.  It is often blended with fruit wine, but can also be made as a stand-alone bottle.

Volcano Wine By Alex Avriette

If you are visiting Hawaii, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to go wine tasting at one of the three local vineyards.  Diamond Head Winery is located on Oahu. Tedeschi Vineyards can be found on Maui.  And the Big Island has Volcano Vineyards.  At 4,000 feet above sea level on the summit of the active shield volcano Kīlauea you’ll find 14 acres of Symphony grape vines.  Spend the morning hiking the Kīlauea Iki Trail and settle in for some tasting and a picnic lunch at Volcano Vineyard in the afternoon.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today. You can peruse our vacation rentals online at, www.letsgohawaii.com or get in touch with us for more information at,  MacArthur and Company / Sotheby’s International Realty.