Kepe, Moses and Kimo are the most instructive and supportive teacher you can have. Take their basic course and you will find yourself ready and fully equipped for any bar, anywhere. Take their Flair course and take it to totally different level. You will be taught by, not only the best but the friendliest group of guys. Though friendly they will make sure you know everything, down to every detail to make sure you are ready for a great career in bartending. Mahalo!! Flair Workshop! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ0MSZSqKLE&feature=share read more

I was very hesitant to post this review, but I feel I need to share my experience because I left extremely disappointed. All the reviews online are five stars, and the website looked very promising, but the actual training fell far below my expectations. The academy recently changed its class packages to one $200 two-day course. On the first day, the instructor spent nearly the entire first hour talking about his history, who he knows, where he has worked, and how he worked his way up in the industry. While some background is understandable, we were sitting in front of a fully equipped bar, and I expected the course to be much more hands-on. He could have shared those stories while demonstrating techniques or allowing us to practice. During the second hour, we finally learned how to pour shots properly, but that was essentially the only hands-on training we received. We did not touch any alcohol, make a cocktail, or practice preparing drinks. I arrived on the second day hopeful and prepared with a list of questions. From the beginning, I specifically asked if I could learn how to make five of the most commonly ordered cocktails. I understood that he could not teach us every recipe, but I at least wanted to leave knowing the top five. Unfortunately, I did not make a single drink. The instructor continued talking for most of the class while the other student and I repeatedly looked toward the bar, hoping it would encourage him to begin the practical portion. Out of the entire two-hour class, we spent only about 15 minutes behind the bar. I understand that unlimited follow-up training is offered once students obtain a position, but I am a mother with very limited availability, and I live on the other side of the island. I cannot continuously drive into town to receive training that I expected to be included during the two scheduled class days. I came prepared to learn how to pour accurately, make common cocktails, determine the correct order for preparing multiple drinks when the bar is busy, use a point-of-sale system, and understand the basic workflow of bartending. Instead, the course felt more like a lengthy talk session than professional, hands-on job preparation. The most discouraging part is that I have been applying for bartending positions, and when I explain that I completed a bartending course but received very little practical training, people laugh and tell me I would have been better off simply working my way up. I enrolled because I believed this program would help prepare me to obtain and perform a bartending job, but it did not. I am sharing this so other prospective students understand what my experience was before spending their time and money. If you are expecting to make drinks and receive substantial hands-on practice during the advertised two-day course, I would ask very specific questions about exactly how much practical training is included before enrolling. read more

if you want a no-bullshit class that'll teach you everything you need to know, this is where you want to be. Moses and Kimo are excellent teachers that are bartenders themselves, and they also flair bartend (imagine the circus behind the bar). they compete in competitions and hold sessions regularly for people that want to learn how to perform. my friend had already taken bartending classes elsewhere and she admitted that everything that was being discussed in class was news to her ears. We also learned how to do a flair trick within an hour. Sure, I busted my finger... but at least I got to come home with a fancy trick up my sleeve. read more

Bartending Academy - Bartending Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The Bartending Academy is the best way to get a GREAT CAREER started! I'm a 25 year Food and Beverage Veteran. Moses knows how to give you the tools to be a prosperous bartender. His knowledge of all the ins and outs, not to mention Flair-Bartending, will help you be confident at your FIRST Bartending interview! Moses is one I can trust for a fresh new aspiring recommendation for my next bartender. (Of course you'll probably start as a barback first) We all did! read more

Moses is awesome! I entered the class with some experience "bartending" at Gen and learned so much more about cocktail mixing. The stuff you're taught by Moses not only prepares you to mix drinks but also applies across all food and beverage industries and even sales. Even after you've completed the course he is down to open the office for you or a group to come in to practice and often encourages friendly speed competitions. You also can gain connections to potential jobs in the industry by being a part of the academy. Thank you very much Moses. It was so much fun and I learned a hella lot. read more

Thank you to Bartending Academy Hawaii for helping get me 3 days of Bruno Mars at $20 an hour plus tips! These guys are Awesome and not only teach you what you need to get started but help get you cool gigs too. My 3 days at this event made me more than tuition with money to spare! Moses did this for me! Thanx! read more

Probably one of the best schools on the island. Very friendly teachers and informative. The academy is there for you and will help you obtain jobs and gigs. For example, they allowed me to bartend the Bruno Mars concert. You won't regret taking this course even if you already know how to bartend. read more

THANK YOU MOSES!!! Honestly the best learning experience I've ever had. I love the fact that Bartending Academy offers weekend classes. I'm a super busy work-aholic and work all week so it was refreshing and extremely convenient that they offer weekend classes. If you're looking for an amazing teacher that will get you bar ready Moses is definitely the one. He's even offered to teach me to flair at no extra cost. (Usually that's a separate charge) We have so much fun learning that I forget that I'm even going to school. Lol. It's such a laid back environment but you learn so much. BEST SCHOOL EVER!! If you're looking for a great place to learn and also have fun this is definitely the place! Worth every second of my time. I'd recommend this school to any and everyone! #flairislife read more

My employer promoted me to bartending from serving and sent me to Moses at Bartending Academy Hawaii for training before I could start. The class is great, and Moses is an even better teacher! He's really patient with his students, while still relaxing and keeping the class fun. I would definitely recommend the class, even to current bartenders looking to improve their skills! read more

Loved the class, learned a lot in a two week span. Helped me out by getting me a job working an event within a week of completing the class. Really friendly environment. I've recommended this class to friends. read more

Fun class, lots of hands on learning. This is a great class for anyone who wants to try out Bartending or strengthen their skills as one. Call in and speak to Moses. read more

The class is so fun !!! Loved it!!! Moses taught us so much:) thanks again for the experience!!!!!

I'm a graduate from Bartending Academy Hawaii. I started from scratch and came out with lots of knowledge and skills. With my certificate I had the confidence to work at a bar and I found a job less than a month later . Moses is a very skilled teacher and the nicest guy . After you complete class you're a student for life and will be able to practice anytime . I'm thinking about joining the flair class as well ! read more

If you want to learn some new skills and quality attributes to Bartending as well as serving then this is the place to be. Moses is an expert in his craft and has an endless supply of knowledge to pass on to his students. He has taught many of the local bartenders in town and has a huge network of managers at clubs and bars to help with later employment after graduation. The school is set up with six free-pour bar areas and liquor bottles filled with water. Learn how to cut, pour, create drinks and even flair. read more

The guest bartenders were nice and professional. The owner teaches well too; however, he was not very friendly. He didn't seem to have much patience with slow learners. read more

I took the course here a few months ago and it was very good. I'm very familiar with all drinks and liquor but never bartender in my life. I learned a lot of great stuff about the industry and quick tips to help me stand out from the competition. Both these guys were great teachers but especially Moses- gave me some great advice several weeks after my class when I landed a Bartending gig. Highly recommend this course for hands on experience! read more