Hawaiʻi's First Ocean Front Distillery

A World-Class Distillery Experience

Set at the water's edge of historic Wainaku in Hilo, Ola’s oceanfront distillery is a place where Hawaiʻi’s past and future meet. Once the legendary Hilo Sugar Mill, this stunning shoreline property is the new home of Hawaiʻi’s first ocean-front distillery, overlooking Hilo Bay with sweeping views, salty air, and a close connection to the land and water that shaped the island.

Here, we distill ʻŌkolehao—The Spirit of Hawaiʻi—through a blend of traditional and modern craft—made with intention to honor the legacied agricultural roots that make this spirit unlike anything else in the world.

A Historic Site Brought to Life

Much of the original Sugar Mill History is still visible across the grounds. The iconic seawall (built in 1920) and the defining concrete train tunnel (now home to our ocean-barrel aging program) are both State Historic Preservation sites. We are honored to steward these structures today and give them renewed purpose.

Guests walking the property will see relics of the mill era still woven into the landscape. From old foundations and weathered concrete, to views that once defined daily life for generations of plantation workers. This site has seen the rise of Hawaiʻi’s sugar industry, its withdrwal, and now—a new chapter built around local agriculture and award winning Hawaiʻi-made spirits.

Tastings, Tours, and the Speakeasy

Soon, visitors will be able to tour the oceanfront distillery, experience the historic tunnel, explore the story of kī, and taste the ʻŌkolehao crafted onsite. Finish your visit with a drink at our intimate ocean-view speakeasy—a cozy space tucked above the distillery, just steps from the sea.

From the sound of the waves to the scent of kī spirits in the making, the entire property is designed to immerse guests in the elements that shape The Spirit of Hawaiʻi.

Book Your Experience

We are now taking bookings for guided tours, educational tastings, and special events at the new distillery. Register below to sign up for an immersive distillery tour, and experience ʻŌkolehao, The Spirit of Hawaiʻi, first hand at our world-class location in Hilo, Hawaiʻi .