Ocean Vodka Tour, Maui

Hawaii Sea Spirits

Setting out for a day of exploration on Maui, we stumbled upon Ocean Vodka. Our guide at the Surfing Goat Dairy tour informed us that Ocean Vodka Distillery was located next door. Hawaii Sea Spirits has created Ocean Vodka and, more recently, Wave Rum which was introduced in September 2013. The first thing you will notice when pulling into the 80 acre property is the still distillation with columns soaring to 60-feet.

Sugar Cane

The tour starts off as guests take a seat on the picnic tables overlooking the gorgeous grounds while the guide describes the hand processing of the 27 different native Polynesian varietals of sugar cane grown on property. Ocean Vodka is grown in volcanic soil and certified organic, which means the sugar cane is pesticide and herbicide free. Consumers can find Ocean Vodka in 36 states, Washington DC, and Canada.

Next, we walked along side the sugar cane as the guide described how the sugar cane is harvested and the process by which it is added to the vodka. We asked a lot of questions and he was very patient and informative with his answers.

Heading over to the garden area, where an event was taking place later that day, our guide described the distillation process and green manufacturing. The facility opened in 2013 and was designed to support a ten-fold increase in business with opportunity to include whiskies. Notice the solar panels which line the roof of the warehouse. This allows Ocean Vodka to generate 100% of the power that they use and then a little extra for their community.

Warehouse

Take a walk inside the 6,000 square foot solar-powered warehouse and bottling center where you may just spot Master Distiller, Bill Scott, working on production of the spirits.

Sample time!!! Just what we have all been waiting for, sampling of the vodka and rum. What better way to sample than in an outdoor, open air sampling room where the guide explains the art of spirit sampling. We were fascinated by the process in which the vodka is made with deep, ocean mineral water.

Gift Shop

At the end of the tour, wander on over to the air-conditioned gift shop to pick up your complementary shot glass souvenir. You will also find Ocean Vodka logo wear, Vodka, truffles and other fun gifts.

First, sample the water and then move onto the vodka and rum. During your spirit sampling, take small sips to allow the flavors and smoothness to set in. I found the second and third sip to be much less intense than the first. Enjoy!

The family friendly tour is $10 per person. Tour includes a sample of vodka and rum or a truffle for those under 21. Complementary shot glass souvenir. Call 808-807-0009 for more information.

Makana Terrace

Makana Terrace

Outdoor Seating

Step onto the terrace and enjoy the warm evening air, dine by candlelight with a view of Makana Mountain while overlooking Hanalei Bay. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just a night out, Makana Terrace, located at St. Regis Princeville Resort on Kauai, is the perfect way to end your day.

Aloha Mary

The Aloha Mary~

On your way to Makana Terrace, stop by the St. Regis Bar and try the signature Aloha Mary (bloody Mary) made with a blend of Hawaii’s organic Ocean Vodka and clamato (tomato juice, spices, clam broth) juice garnished with Kaua’i guava wood-smoked sea salt. All St. Regis Hotels create a signature Bloody Mary.

Review the wine list to start off your dining experience. I highly recommend a 5:30 or 6 p.m. reservation time to ensure a sunset view while enjoying a glass of wine and an appetizer. I enjoyed a wonderful glass of Pinot Noir, while occasional clouds passed and the sky slowly turned from blue to shades of pink.

The Makana Mountain and sunset view reflect off of the infinity pond located tableside offering a tranquil ambiance.

The menu is a mixture of Asian cultures complemented by the freshest of Hawaiian grown produce. Now for the hard part – choosing a starter. With the recommendation of our waiter, we chose to start off with the Makana Terrace Roll and Pan Seared Scallops.

Makana Terrace Roll

Pan Seared Scallops

Hand-Crafted Sushi~

Choose from an impressive selection of hand-crafted sushi rolls ~

Bread with Mango butter

which include Spicy Tuna, Yellowtail, Smoked Salmon, Ahi, Soft-shell Crab, BBQ Eel, California Roll and more. Sashimi platters include Tuna , Salmon , Yellowtail, Hot Seared Kampachi (Kona Yellowtail), Yuzu (citrus fruit), and Truffle Oil. I highly recommend the Makana Terrace Roll as it is spicy, crunchy and flavorful made with Spicy Tuna , Tempura Shrimp Avocado, and Spicy Mayo!!!!!

Next, the Pan Seared Scallops served on top of a kabocha (golden squash) puree absolutely melt in your mouth. The scallops are prepared with caramelized Maui onion, garden fresh herbs and lemon. The scallops are cooked to perfection, extremely soft and tender, easily cut with a fork.

Sake-Soy Glazed Butterfish

Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi

For the entrée~ choose from Land (Aina) or Sea (Moana). Sea entrées include Opakapaka, Butterfish, Mahi, Ahi or Shutome (Swordfish). Land options consist of Rib Eye, Rack of Lamb, New York Strip, BBQ Pork Ribs, or Filet Mignon. My personal favorite is the Sake-Soy Glazed Butterfish served with Bok Choy, Carrots, and Alii Mushroom in a Kombu Beef Broth. The Butterfish is so moist and flakes apart in the juicy broth. We ordered the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi served with Ginger Garlic Braised Baby Bok Choy, Whipped Molokai Sweet Potatoes, Mango Pineapple Relish, and Curry Sauce. All seafood dishes were beautifully displayed, pleasant aromas, cooked to perfection, and flavorful.

Warm Ginger Cake with Asian Pear

Best for last~

Choose from seven delicious, exotic desserts comprised of Chocolate Chip Macademia Nut Tart, Chocolate Selection, Warm Ginger Cake with Asian Pear, Island Citrus Cheesecake, Warm Maui Mango Kula Strawberry Crisp, Hoemmade Spun Ice Cream, and Crème Brulee. Of course we chose the Warm Ginger Cake with Asian Pear served with candied ginger ice cream!!!!

View from Makana Terrace

Antwon Brinson, Chef de Cuisine

Breakfast: 6:30am – 11:00am Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:00pm (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays for dinner)

Makana Terrace

5wheelsto5star was featured in the March 2014 issue of Destinations Travel Magazine