Nestled on the grounds of historic Kilohana Plantation, adjacent to the English Tudor style mansion built by sugar magnate Gaylord Parke Wilcox in 1936, is the home of Koloa  Rum Company’s destination Tasting Room and Company Store. Truly, History in the Making!

Koloa Rum is skillfully handcrafted by its team of experienced fermentation and distillation specialists on the Garden Island creating small batch Premium Hawaiian Rum. Distilling began in 2009 with Koloa  Rum Company producing what have since become award winning Kauai  White, Gold and Dark Rums. Using only the best island ingredients available, most notably raw sugar and pure rain water squeezed from the clouds enveloping Mt. Wai’ale’ale, it all comes together in every bottle of Hawaii’s finest premium rum.

Rum and sugar are inextricably bound together in Hawaii’s history. In 1778, Kauai  was the first Hawaiian landfall of Captain Cook whose ship carried barrels of rum for his sailor’s daily ration of grog. The first sugar mill was later established in Koloa  in the 1830s and sugar cane quickly became the most important agricultural crop in the islands. And it all happened on Kauai!

Koloa Rum Company purchased Hawaiian Fruit Specialties, producer since 1931 of Kukui Brand jellies, jams, syrups and sauces. Included was an aging warehouse facility with a roof caving-in, having been severely damaged by Hurricane Iniki, but the 6-acre property and facilities was exactly what was needed to accommodate a distillery. Koloa  Rum’s plan was to continue producing the famous jellies and jams according to original recipes, so they took on what became a herculean task of renovating the facility and setting-up their primary distillery. At full capacity, Koloa  Rum Company is able to meet consumer demand in Hawaii and beyond.

Koloa Rum Company’s destination Tasting Room and Company Store is both functional and elegant. Interior furnishings were custom designed by local Kauai  artist, Brigitte D’Annibale. D’Annibale then took her designs to Bali, where each piece was handcrafted from solid teak, with some pieces up to 8 inches thick. Situated between the Tasting Room and the Company Store is an area housing their 50 gallon custom-made copper pot demonstration still, encased entirely in glass, allowing visitors a unique look into a key process used in making rum. This smaller still is similar in design and function to the Company’s primary still located in Kalaheo.

The 1800 square foot Company Store offers their rum, logo wear and related products for sale, along with Kukui brand jellies, jams, syrups, sauces and drink mixes and other specialty food items.

Up and rumming daily at 10:30am, the Tasting Room and Company Store is located immediately adjacent to the Kilohana Plantation Railway, near the entrance to Luau Kalamaku and within 75 yards of the historic Wilcox Residence. The setting is ideal, as Kilohana Plantation truly is the premier visitor destination on Kauai . It remains as one of the finest examples of plantation era architecture in Hawaii. Now restored to its original furnishings and decor, you’ll be fascinated by this “window into the past”.

Within the historic 16,000 square foot mansion, you’ll find award winning Gaylord’s Restaurant with its menu featuring many ingredients that were actually grown on the plantation grounds, including tropical fruits, vegetables and special herbs. Gaylord’s is especially known for its lamb, seafood, venison and fabulous desserts.

As you explore the mansion you will discover a number of fine boutiques offering an eclectic array of beautiful, mostly hand-crafted treasures, including jewelry and nautical gifts. Be sure to venture through the entire property including the surrounding grounds and plantation cottages, gardens and walking paths.

A tour around the plantation on the authentic narrow gauge Kilohana Plantation Railway is truly a must. The 40 minute tour will provide you with an opportunity to view more than 50 varieties of Hawaii’s exotic plants, flowers, fruits and local livestock. The 3 1/2 hour tour includes a leisurely walk through a rainforest, a peak into a hidden valley, an opportunity to pick local fresh fruit, and culminates with a sumptuous lunch. At the depot, the Railway Shop offers fresh produce, grown at Kilohana, and unusual gifts, many of which are made by local Kauai artisans.

Each Tuesday and Friday, Kilohana Plantation hosts Luau Kalamaku, Kauai ‘ s only theatrical luau experience. Great luau food provided by Gaylord’s, Hula dancers, fire poi ball twirlers, traditional Polynesian fire knife dancing and a vivid story all make for an unforgettable evening. For more information on Koloa  Rum call 808-332-9333, email info@koloarum.com or visit www.koloarum.com

Kilohana Plantation is located in Puhi, next to Kauai  Community College on Highway 50, just west of Lihue. For tours, luau, dinner information or reservations, call Kilohana Plantation 808-245-7245 or 808-245-5608..