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Kailua-Kona on Hawaii's Big Island is the site of Kona Brewing Company's brewery and first restaurant.

The brewery began brewing and packaging beer in February 1995. Since that first year, beer production at the Kona facility has increased every year by a total of 297 percent. Several tanks and other brewing equipment have been added through the years to enable increased production. Today, the brewery consists of a mash tun, brew kettle, whirlpool, nine fermenters and five conditioning tanks. A staff of six pumps out 190,000 gallons of beer each year, filling the 4,000 kegs kept in circulation throughout Hawaii. Brewery tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The brewpub opened in November 1998. Prominently featured ohia wood found throughout the pub came from South Kona. An enormous mahogany log that washed ashore in Kailua Bay was used to adorn the masterpiece koa bar. The rusty corrugated tin that provides a shade roof over part of the outdoor lanai came from an old Holualoa okolehao (liquor distilled from ti root) distillery. These are just a few of the local materials used to create this showcase restaurant.

The 2,000-square-foot outdoor lanai, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and tiki torches, offers seating for 175 patrons. Customers also can enjoy a cool meal or beverage inside the air-conditioned bar area at one of several surrounding tables or at the koa U-shaped bar itself. Inside the bar area is the retail store, stocked with colorful T-shirts, hats, towels, coasters, mugs and much more.

The menu features hand-tossed gourmet pizzas, innovative pupus and sandwiches, salads and desserts made with fresh local ingredients. The brewpub carries all of Kona Brewing Company's ales and lagers, including several specialty beers and pub exclusives such as Black Sand Porter, Castaway IPA, Da Grind Buzz Kona Coffee Stout, Hula Hefeweizen and Old Blowhole Barley Wine.

Hours are Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For information visit www.KonaBrewingCo.com or call 808-334-BREW (2739).

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