Big Wave
Big Wave is the flagship of the mainland line, first brewed in 1994 as Pacific Golden Ale and named for the surf at Makaha on Oahu. Caramel malt gives it a clear gold colour and a soft base of bread, biscuit and a touch of honey. The hops bring a bright tropical nose of mango, guava and pineapple with a faint grassy edge. The body is lean and smooth, the bitterness gentle, and the finish crisp and clean.
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for Big Wave
Serve at 7–10°C. Light and refreshing — serve cold to keep the delicate hop and malt balance intact.
The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.
About Golden Ale
Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives
What is a Golden Ale?
Golden Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.
Finding a similar Golden Ale
hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same tropical, caramel, crisp character as Big Wave will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.


