Hawaii AVAs
Hawaii is an offshore US state based around an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, at latitude 20°N. A tiny amount of grape wine is produced here, though spirits are the best known alcoholic drinks produced here.
At present the islands, which cover nearly 11,000 square miles, have only a few wineries producing wine from grapes. Other forms of wine are made from pineapples, guava and even macadamia nut honey.
Most of Hawaii's wine is produced on Maui, the second largest of the islands. The lone wine subregion, and established AVA is Ulupalakua, located in the south of the island. Across the islands, the finer vineyard sites are to be found at increased elevations on the volcanic slopes.
Symphony is the key grape variety currently used to make Hawaiian wine. It is a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris – both of which are at home in hot climates such as southern France and the eastern Mediterranean. The Hawaii wines made from Symphony are typically slightly sweet and very fruit-driven, with marked floral notes.
The consumer base for Hawaii's wine is almost entirely domestic, with distribution limited both by geography and trading restrictions. However, reciprocal trading agreements with other US states are now in force.
Ulupalakua AVA
Established on 30 June 2021, Ulupalakua AVA is located on the second-largest Hawaiian island, Maui, on the western foothills of the dormant Haleakala volcano. The area within the Ulupalakua AVA contains a series of four distinct, southwest-facing areas of gently sloping benchlands. In contrast, the area surrounding the new AVA consists of steeper slopes, ravines, and exposed volcanic rock. The elevation of the vineyards in the AVA ranges from 1,560 feet (in the western portions) to 1,850 feet (in the east).
The climate within the Ulupalakua AVA reflects its tropical location and rarely drops below 50°F or goes above 85°F. The region receives quite a bit of rain—an average of 30.7 inches of rainfall a year. However, it is noted that less than two inches per month tend to fall in July and August. While humidity can certainly be seen as an issue, this period of low summer rainfall reduces the risk of mildew and rot in the days leading up to the harvest, and the mild summertime temperatures protect again sunburn and heat stress.
The Ulupalakua AVA is located on the western slopes of Mount Haleakala—a massive shield volcano that covers more than 75% of the island of Maui. The soils of the area are predominantly composed of volcanic ash and the weathered remains of igneous volcanic rock. About 20% of the soil contains silt, loam, and clay. It is believed that the combination of soils creates an area that is fertile enough to support healthy vines, but not so fertile as to promote excessive foliage.
While Symphony was once a key grape variety used to make Hawaiian wine here, plantings now include the Rhône staples of Grenache and Syrah, as well as Malbec and Chenin Blanc.
The consumer base for Ulupalakua AVA wine is almost entirely tourist-based or domestic, limited both by geography and trade restrictions, although reciprocal trading agreements with other states are now in force.
Nearest Large Cities
Honolulu
Nearest Airports
HNL
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Oahu)
OGG
Kahului Airport (Maui)