THE FIVE BEST BIG ISLAND BARS FOR TROPICAL DRINKS

The Big Island lifestyle is all about finding work-life balance. Whether you’re here on vacation trying to enjoy a respite from your everyday routine or you live here full-time and need a place to unwind, one of the best ways to relax and reboot is by enjoying a frosty drink at one of the many wonderful local establishments here on the island. With so many to restaurants and bars to choose from, you could spend a lifetime taste-testing. But we have a few suggestions that we think you will enjoy. Here is our list of the five best big island bars:

On the Rocks

Hands down one of our favorite places to sip a tropical drink while watching the sunset. On the Rocks in Kailua-Kona Bay is a casual, toes-in-the-sand kind of bar that showcases talented, local musicians and serves up an array of fruity beverages that are sure to please. It’s the perfect place to kick-back, relax, and wait for the green flash. Local’s tip: if you peek over the side of the lava rock wall, you might just see a couple of Moray eels feeding in the shallows.

Kona Brewing Company

You won’t find your typical umbrella drinks at this bar. What you will find is an array of award winning beers that are sure to please even the pickiest connoisseur. Their small-batch brews are made onsite and each one is specially crafted to reflect the spirit of the islands. We highly recommend the Big Wave Golden Ale. It’s the perfect drink to cool off after a day of sun and surf.  Don’t forget to take a quick brewery tour and learn about the father-son team behind the internationally-recognized recipes.

Four Season’s Beach Tree Bar and Lounge

If you’re looking for something a little swankier or maybe just a place to relax sans kiddos, head over to the Four Seasons in Hualalai. The Beach Tree Bar and Lounge features a beautiful, ocean-facing patio area that is only steps away from the beach. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail followed by a sunset stroll.

Lava Lava Beach Club

Want to sit on the shore in your bathing suit with a beverage in hand? The Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikoloa is a shoes-and-shirt-optional, bathing suits encouraged kind of establishment. Brought to you by the same fun-loving folks who own Huggos, the Beach Club has a jam-packed event calendar so no matter what night you attend, you’re sure to be entertained. Also, don’t miss their  Bloody Mary Beach Brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s!

Don the Beach Comber’s Mai Tai Bar

A list of the best Big Island Bars wouldn’t be complete without Don the Beach Comber and Don’s Mai Tai Bar. The restaurant features 180 degree views of the Pacific so no matter where you are, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The Mai Tai Bar is the largest open-air bar in Kailua-Kona and barkeeps expertly mix 10 different kinds of Mai Tai’s for you to enjoy. But if you ask us, try one Mai Tai and then taste one of their rum-based cocktails. They use Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum distilled locally by Sammy Hagar (yes that Sammy Hagar) and they are truly delicious.

Do you know and love a Big Island bar that we didn’t mention? Add it to the comments section below! If you are able to check out any of the bars on this list, let us know what you thought! Send us a tweet to @AlohaAnnette. If you are interested in checking out real estate on the Big Island while you’re here or if you simply want to ask a few questions, we can help! Send us an email  or call us at 808-217-8500.