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 @LocalGetaways on Instagram to share the love.
For more suggestions on best restaurants in Kauai, the best things to do in Kauai, and the best places to stay in Kauai, click here.
Happy Hour on Kauai's North Shore
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.
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.
Happy Hour in Central Kauai
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.
Kalapaki Joe's
1941 Poipu Rd, Koloa and 3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue
808.742.6366 and 808.245.6366
Kalapaki Joe’s, hailed as the “Westernmost Sports Bar in the US,” is also home to the largest selection of beers on the island with over 50 different brews. Stop by one of its two locations in Poipu Beach and Kukui Grove to watch the game on one of their large-screen TVs or enjoy a plate of their Nobu Poke Nachos. Grab a jumbo cocktail — truly huge, many are originals, such as their Banana Virus and Pakala Pear Cooler. Happy Hour is 3pm to 6pm daily, featuring $5 select cocktails, $1 shrimp tempura, $1 steak street tacos on Tuesdays, and more. Poipu Beach location open 2pm to 9pm Monday through Friday, and 7am – 9pm weekends. Kukui Grove location open 11am – 9pm daily.
Sam's Ocean View
4-1546 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa
808.822.7887
“Eat, drink, fun” is the motto at Sam’s Ocean View, where high-quality food and drinks, a stunning ocean view, and a casual atmosphere combine. Their commitment to freshness carries through to their hand-mixed cocktails locally-sourced ingredients and never a soda gun. Try their guava, lilikoi jalapeño, or blood orange margaritas or browse their extensive beer, wine, and cider menus while you enjoy global twists on American dishes. Happy Hour drink specials are available 4pm to 6pm, Monday, Thursday, and Friday. Open 4pm to 9pm, Thursday through Monday.
Hualani's
Nowhere is the Garden Isle better celebrated than at Hualani’s, located at the Timbers Ocean Club & Residences. Their farm-to-table menu features fruits and vegetables grown at Timbers’ Farm at Hōkūala, which the bar complements with its selection of specialty cocktails, beer, and wine. Happy Hour is 3pm to 5pm — their Pau Hana “time after work” menu offers $5 beer, $8 wine, and bites like coconut shrimp, ahi dip with banana chips, and even “pupu-style” ribeye. Open for dinner 5pm to 8:30 pm Monday through Saturday. Bar open 11am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and 11am to 5pm Sunday.
Happy Hour on Kauai's South Shore
Lava's on Poipu Beach
2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa
808.742.1661
Situated within the Sheraton just steps away from Poipu Beach, Lava’s is the perfect place for a late-afternoon pick-me-up. Happy hour is a daily affair from 3pm to 5pm, where you can enjoy $3 off specialty cocktails, $4 16oz beer, and other discounts. Sip on signature cocktails like the Lava Flow and frozen Lava’s Mud Slide while you snack on evening pupus like coconut shrimp and ceviche. For Sheraton guests, they’ll bring your drinks to you — enjoy them by the pool or in a poolside bungalow. Open 7am – 9pm daily.
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.
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.
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