The tropical cocktail has come into its own in Hawaii with tiki fantasies making way for inventive drinks that incorporate local spirits and produce, pay homage to the foodways of the islands, and offer that transporting experience every vacationer (or discerning drinker of any kind) wants out of a cool cocktail on a warm day. These resorts and restaurants are the essential must-visits to taste the best of what a Hawaiian cocktail can be, set against the beautiful backdrop of the islands.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Thomas J. Story
The newest and most spectacular resort on Kauai, 1 Hotel offers stylishly appointed rooms, an open-air lobby that lets in the breezes and stunning views, and a cocktail program with drinks nearly as spectacular as the surroundings.
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Don’t miss the Hanalei Sour, the All Piña no Colada, and the classic 1944 Mai Tai that pays homage to the tropical cocktail traditions. This is one of those resorts that you’ll never want to leave thanks to the just-right tropical fantasy beach, the shaded patios off guest rooms, and the diversity of dining experiences that match the cocktail program in its respect for ingredients and care of execution.
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One of the best dishes we’ve had in Hawaii was a simply grilled piece of perfect Kanpachi served with a squeeze of lemon at 1 Kitchen. Be sure to book an outdoor table at Welina Terrace Lounge at sunset to watch the sun sink into the sea. It’s a moment you’ll want to return to again and again.
Fairmont Kea Lani
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Located in Wailea on Maui, the Fairmont Kea Lani literally puts Hawaiian culture front and center. The open-air lobby houses a cultural center open to the public that offers ukelele lessons, craft making projects, and boasts a library of books on Hawaiian history.
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That throughline continues in the drinks program that incorporates local produce and spirits. Off the lobby Pilina is a craft cocktail temple serving incredible sushi alongside drinks made with local macadamia nuts, hibiscus, pineapple, Waikulu Maui agave spirit, and Hawaiian Soda Co. offerings for those looking for zero-proof drinks.
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The artful Mauka (above) is crafted with gin, lavender, and garnished with Big Island bee pollen.
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Head poolside to Ama Bar and Grill for that quintessential sunny swim-up cocktail experience. Start dinner at modern Hawaiian Ko restaurant with a shiso sour.
Four Seasons Maui
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Yes, the Four Seasons Maui was the resort in The White Lotus season one. With that out of the way, let’s talk about the incredible food and beverage offerings at this rightly celebrated Maui luxury resort.
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Hawaiian ingredients are widely used in drinks such as the Hawaiian Moonshine infused with ube (the purple yam) and made with the Oahu’s Ko’olau distillery Mahealani spirit; and the Italian Greyhound rimmed with black Hawaiian sea salt. These playful and refreshing cocktails are served at spots like the coastal Italian Ferraro’s (pro tip: Book for sunset dinner and drinks; get any of the delightful crudos); poolside; and in the Lobby Lounge (pro tip two: Get the Ali’i Gin and Tonic made with local lavender).
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The resort boasts a Spago, which serves all of the Wolfgang Puck classics in a setting that somehow tops the Beverly Hills location. (Tough to compete with that ocean view!)
Tiffany’s
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For years, Tiffany’s on Maui was a go-to spot for its laid-back atmosphere and comforting island-style fare. When the original owners decided to step away, celebrity chef Sheldon Simeon saw a chance to breathe fresh life into the beloved spot while preserving its deep connection to the community.
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“It’s where people go before a football game, or after a concert or a hike. You’ll have 20 people celebrating grandpa’s 90th birthday,” says Simeon. With its reimagined menu, Tiffany’s serves the old timers, albeit with new culinary flair. There’s still a burger on the menu, but also dishes made with custom noodles from legendary ramen manufacturer Sun Noodles. “You can get a shot and a beer, but also get a perfect old fashioned.”
Thomas J. Story
To jumpstart your top-shelf culinary and cocktail experience, start with the OG Lychee, the quintessential vacation cocktail.
The Birdcage at Maui’s Hotel Wailea
Courtesy of Travis Rowan
Inspired by the hotel’s soaring lobby and the native lovebirds that visit, The Birdcage is an open-air lounge and Japanese Grill with 180° views of the Pacific Ocean, the ultimate golden-hour island experience. The menu ranges from sizzling yakitori skewers to delicate nigiri, alongside a selection of Japan-inspired cocktails as well as eye-catching tiki creations.
Courtesy of John Troxell
Highlights range from a Calamansi Highball and Lemon Yuzu Sour to the Lovebird’s Potion No 9: Monkey 47 gin, raspberry “super” syrup, and butterfly pea tea; as well as the bright + juicy Im-Peckable Daiquiri with Kuleana Nanea Hotel Wailea Blend Rum, Smith & Cross Rum, KoHana Kea Agricole Rum, acid-adjusted pineapple juice, and local cane syrup.
Courtesy of John Troxell
The chic perch above the sea—where lovebirds just happen to nest along the original Japanese hardwood ceiling—features a handsome bar by Maui Custom Woodworks, jewel-toned textiles, and bold prints alongside eclectic furnishings—where luxury meets tropical for a timeless yet alluring space.
Kona Village Resort
Courtesy of Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort
Could there be a more romantic spot than the Shipwreck Bar at Kona Village, one of our favorite resorts in the world. Once the schooner of the resort’s original owner Johnno Jackson, the bar was destroyed twice: first when Jackson sank the boat decades ago. Then again in the tsunami of 2011. Now restored and prettier than ever, Shipwreck offers tropical cocktails that draw upon the abundance of Hawaiian produce and the island’s relaxed ethos.
Courtesy of Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Cocktails inspired by beloved “characters” at Shipwreck Bar are served alongside a selection of refreshed tiki drinks created by tiki pioneer Trader Vic. Highlights include Conrad’s Mai Tai, named after a beloved bartender from the old village, known for having a peg leg; and Mick, the Jungle Bird, another legacy-inspired offering named after Mick Jagger, Conrad’s pet bird. Other classics like the Guava Flow and Banana Colada feature local ingredients. Locally inflected cocktails show up on the menu at the resort’s other restaurants: Be sure to book a table at Moana, the elegant yet relaxed modern Hawaiian restaurant, and paniolo-inspired Kahuwai Cookhouse.
