HomeBrew In Paradise

If you are new to home brewing and don’t know what your doing, this is a good to place to start, actually, it’s the only place to start as it is the only game in town. Go in wide-​eyed and ask lots of questions.
If you kind of know what you’re doing you’ll note that the yeast is sometimes old, bugs are in the specialty grains because the lids aren’t always closed, you’re not allowed to adjust the mill to how you like your own grains milled, the owner/​service guy is grouchy and unnecessarily particular, you can’t purchase a large bag of 2-​row malt unless you are in the «club» and order a month in advance, hop prices are ridiculous and the «freshest» hops are kept in the back in bulk until the old supply is sold.
One of the other commenters was right when they wrote, «If this store was in the mainland they’d be out of business.» But, since they are the only home-​brew store on Oahu, they have a monopoly and home brewers are stuck with one sad and paltry choice. Quick, someone else open some competition! I’d be happy to drive anywhere on the island except this place.

Small selection, not a very helpful staff/​owner and frequently out of items. If this store was back on the mainland they would be out of business. Better know what you want to brew when you get here because you will not get much help.

I came in here to buy a present for my boyfriend. Although I like to drink beer, I basically have no knowledge on how to brew it. I asked the guy working there if he could help me pick something out, and he tried to sell me a gift card. However, I knew my boyfriend wouldn’t want to drive all the way there to use it. When I explained this, the owner directed me to a book of recipes categorized by types of beer. After I found one I thought my boyfriend might like, I asked him if I could purchase the items in the recipe. He was extremely helpful and patient with me, which I appreciated. He explained what needed to be sanitized, what needed to be refrigerated. He even told me which yeast he thought would be better (the liquid one).
I can’t wait to try the recipe, and I will update this review after we make it. If you are experienced in home brewing or new to it, this should definitely be one of your stops.

I feel like HBiP and Mike have been making an effort towards a huge improvement. I’ve found Mike to be much more cordial on recent visits. Also, the store has been bringing in a ton of new products as they’ve transitioned into the new space. I’m pleased with the direction things are heading.

Bought from him for over a year. They are very helpful, tell you the process, give recipes. Great for those who want to start a new hobby or continue making your own beer or wine. We save so much money making our own alcohol and its so much fun to do as a couple! It’s really not that hard to do and the outcome is unbelievably great. Thanks guys!