15 Best Bars in Big Island, Hawaii

Five nights a week, you can dance under the stars and swaying coconut trees at West Hawaii's premier nightlife spot. Recently renovated and reimagined, the open-air Musiquarium is now a sustainable initiative by a local 1HeartHub, which unites businesses with social purpose. By supporting local farmers, artists, and musicians, they also help sustain the broader community. Live music includes jazz, R&B, soft rock, and classic Hawaiian and island-style tunes. Tavern-style pub fare and drinks are on tap if you need a break from dancing.

Across from the harbor in Kawaihae, you can dine and dance to live music under the stars and palms at this wildly popular tavern, with central uncovered atrium (offering a clue about how often it rains here—nearly never). The fare is of the burger, fish-and-chips, and fish taco variety and is decent in both price and quality. The grog offerings are super fun, with inventive cocktails such as the Dancing Dragon, an elixir with house-made sangria infused with peach and raspberry liqueurs and tropical juices. Sometimes the bands are great and sometimes not, but it's so much fun to come here you really won't mind.

Nothing says "Kona casual" like this toes-in-the-sand establishment right on the water, next door to their famous flagship restaurant. Jazz, island, and classic-rock bands perform here nightly, and it's tradition to dance in the sand at least once before leaving the island. Try a signature tropical cocktail such as the Big Bamboocha Mai Tai crafted with Kuleana Hui Hui, Kuleana Nanea, and Lemon Hart 151 rums, plus appetizers such as poke bowls, kalua (earth oven--baked) pork nachos, or Kona fish tacos. Happy hour is one of the best in town as is the location. All beers—draft or bottles—are $5. Fish tacos and sliders are only $6.

The only genuine brewpub in Kona, this spot is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Good pizzas and salads, excellent locally brewed beer (go for the sampler and try four of them), and an outdoor patio with live music on Sunday night means this place can get crowded, especially on weekends. The location isn't at all scenic, but that's not the draw of the brewpub. The main entrance is at the end of Pawai Street, in the Old Industrial area.

There's an enticing and creative array of beers, ales, ciders, and hard seltzers at this employee-owned brewing company. Ola Brew is committed to community investment and support of local farmers and merchants. Take a barstool at a picture window facing the main brewing operation and enjoy a fresh on-tap draft and an appetizer. There's plenty of outdoor seating as well. The taproom menu features reasonably priced tacos, salads, flatbreads, and poke bowls. Ask about their brewery tours. Popular local bands entertain on a regular basis.

A sports bar by night and a good hamburger joint by day, Cronies is a local favorite. When the lights go down, the bar gets packed.

Beer lovers appreciate the 36 craft brews on tap at this oceanfront restaurant, with dining downstairs and another bar upstairs that features live music and dancing. It's always busy with young local revelers. Humpy's food can be hit or miss, but it's great for late-hour grill items. Happy-hour specials are available weekdays 3 to 6, and the bar stays open until 2 am.

A favorite after-work spot for employees from the surrounding hotels, this sports bar lounge in the Hilton Waikoloa Village offers friendly bartenders, free Wi-Fi, and pool tables. Enjoy tropical cocktails, craft beers, light fare, and live music from 8 to 10 nightly.

A favored haunt of the South Kona crowd, Korner Pocket is tucked into the back of an office plaza and looks like a dive at first glance. But don't let appearances fool you. They serve fantastic, affordable food, ranging from scrumptious burgers to a killer prime rib. The fish taco is a reliable bet. Popular local bands frequently perform, with no cover, and everyone gets up to dance. You can also play pool. It's one of the only places open late in South Kona.

They call themselves Kona's "dive" bar, but we're not sure we agree. It's fun and kitschy, and locals know this is the best place to dance and drink in Kailua-Kona. With 32 TVs, there's not a sports event you will miss, either. Sometimes Hawaiian and island music headliners perform here, such as local recording artists Anuhea or Rebel Souljahz. Local musicians with followings also draw their "groupies." After 10, DJs spin tunes on the ocean-breeze-cooled dance floor, located upstairs with killer views of the water. The food is decent and includes full meals, such as cheeseburgers or fish-and-chips. They also serve breakfast. 

The contemporary lounge in the Fairmont Orchid has a large terrace and an impressive water view. Serving signature sushi and classic rolls, the Luana is a favorite of locals too. Bartenders are skilled at mixology, and service is impeccable. The crowd is mellow, so it's a nice place for an early evening cocktail or after-dinner liqueur. Happy hour is from 4 to 5 with all drinks discounted; live music begins at sunset and continues until 9.

A popular gathering place, this sports bar in the back of the Coconut Grove Marketplace has a pool table and an outdoor patio, along with dozens of TVs screening the big game (whatever it happens to be that day). It really gets hopping on the weekends and for karaoke. There's good happy hour pricing and taco specials three days a week. 

What this watering hole lacks in decor, it makes up for in friendliness. Knock one or two back with a fun pupu menu, including street tacos or pork sliders. There's also more for the hungrier bar patron, like Mike's special chili, Reuben sandwiches, or hot dogs. They also offer comedy and open mic nights. Happy hour prices and portions are generous. 

Hidden away in an unassuming strip mall, this friendly establishment is one of the Big Island's most venerable gay bars. Drag shows, darts, hot DJs, live music, karaoke, drink specials, fiestas, and Sunday barbecues are included in the roster of weekly events.