After a morning exploring the beauty of the Garden Isle, you probably need a cold and delicious break. And sometimes it helps to hit the good stuff at 2pm instead of waiting until 5pm, especially if there’s an added bonus of a happy hour menu. We’ve collected a list of some of the best places to enjoy happy hour on Kauai. Bottoms up!
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @HawaiiIslander on Instagram to share the love.
Kauai Happy Hour
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler
2100 Hoone Rd., Koloa
(808) 742-7588
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler has both oceanfront views and outdoor seating. It’s just the place to sip on mai tais and snack on fried coconut shrimp. The American-style cuisine has all the basics, plus gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Happy hour is Tuesday to Saturday from 2pm to 5pm. Start with the lilikoi mimosa and finish with the Poipu Kiss martini. Or just go all in and get cocktails by the pitcher—just pick a flavor and your preference of colada, daiquiri or margarita. Open Monday through Friday 11am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 9pm. Happy Hour daily from 3pm to 5pm.
Hanalei Gourmet
For over 30 years, this family-run business has been serving fresh and delicious food to Hanalei. Hanalei Gourmet has booze, burgers, and an open-air setting — everything you need for happy hour. Open Sunday through Thursday 11am to 8pm and Friday 11am to 3 pm. Closed Saturday. Happy Hour Monday through Thursday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.
Jo2 Natural Cuisine
4-971 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaʻa
(808) 212-1627
Chef Jean-Marie Josselin has created a menu that merges the culinary influences of his native France, the clean flavors of Japanese cooking, and Hawaii’s multi-ethnic community. Jo2 focuses on using local organic produce and freshly caught fish. Their happy hour comes in the for of an early bird special, $35 for a three-course prix fixe dinner, that’s available everyday from 5pm to 6pm. Open Tuesday through Saturday 5pm to 9pm.
Kalypso
5-5156 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei
(808) 826-9700
This Hawaiian-themed pub has a bamboo bar and outdoor patio. The local dishes include favorites like huli huli chicken, kalua pork sandwich and their legendary loco moco. Kalypso happy hour is served 3pm to 5:30pm featuring $4 Kona beers and a small selection of pupus (appetizers). On Wednesday, happy hour starts at 3 pm and lasts until closing time. Open Monday and Wednesday 2:30pm to 8:30pm, Thursday and Friday 11am to 8:30pm, Saturday from 10am to 8:30pm and Sunday from 8am to 8pm. Closed Tuesdays.
The Bistro
2484 Keneke St., Kilauea
(808) 828-0480
Since 1999, The Bistro has been serving fresh European and Pacific Rim fusion cuisine made from local ingredients. The open-air, plantation-style restaurant has a goal of keeping a low environmental impact, in addition to cooking up tasty food. There are plenty of gluten-free and vegan options. Open daily from 3pm to 8:30pm with happy hour daily from 3pm to 6pm.
Did we miss your favorite restaurant?
Our always-hungry team of foodies have compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
