These Iconic Beverages In Hawaii Will Make Your Mouth Water

Discover iconic Hawaiian drinks and where to enjoy them, from Kona coffee to Mai Tais.

As the most isolated population center on earth, the Hawaiian Islands are unique: from our culture and weather to beverages we consume. From mai tais to Kona coffee and everything in between, these beverages are sure to make your mouth water. While a few of these iconic drinks find their origins in other countries, or have made their way to the mainland, here are some famous Hawaii drinks -- and where to order them.

1. Sip authentic Kona Coffee at Greenwell Farms.

Only grown in a small section of fertile volcanic soil on Hawaii Island’s Kona coast, Kona coffee is definitely a cut above any coffee you can find, well, pretty much anywhere – and nowhere will you find a better cup of authentic Kona coffee than at the famous Greenwell Farms. Established in 1850, visitors can drink coffee while they learn about each stage of production of Kona Coffee on this historic farm. Anyone can stop by the farm to take a personal walking tour through the coffee fields and the processing facilities.

2. Enjoy a guava or pineapple mimosa at Restaurant 604.

With stunning views of Pearl Harbor and amazing breakfast food, there's no better spot for an epic weekend brunch than Restaurant 604. Be sure to grab a flight of mimosas to go with your guava pancakes or kalua pork hash. The flight comes with three scrumptious mimosas: the traditional orange juice, as well as guava and pineapple varieties… yum! They also serve up a mean Bloody Mary!

3. There’s little more iconic than a Mai Tai from Monkeypod Kitchen…

Ah, the mai tai: the classic tropical alcoholic beverage that instantly comes to mind when someone mentions drinking on the beach in Hawaii. While there are countless restaurants and bars with mai tais on the menu, the best ones come from Monkeypod Kitchen and are served with a delicious lilikoi foam floating on top.

4. ...except maybe a Blue Hawaii served from the place it was first created, of course!

The legendary Henry Yee, a bartender at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, created this iconic Hawaiian drink when Elvis was filming the 1961 classic, "Blue Hawaii," at the hotel. With a signature blue color, pineapple wedge, and cocktail umbrella, Yee’s variation of the drink is slightly different than the one that’s popular today. With rum, pineapple juice, Curacao, sweet and sour mix - and sometimes vodka, this is one of the most iconic beverages you’ll find in Hawaii.

5. Don’t forget about lava flows made by Duke’s.

With several locations across the Hawaiian Islands - and in California - Duke’s is easily one of the most well-known tourist hangouts in the state - and for good reason! Named after the famous Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, a Hawaiian legend, this iconic restaurant is known for their decadent hula pie, awesome food, and yes, the lava flows. Made with strawberries, banana, rum, and coconut creme, this classic Hawaiian drink is sure to satisfy your craving for a pina colada - with a twist, of course. We're partial to the Duke's at Waikiki Beach, however. Found just steps from this beach's sublime sandy shores, Duke’s Waikiki is not only a true Hawaiian landmark but a well-known tourist hangout as well. And who can blame them? With the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head as a backdrop, this casual Hawaiian eatery serves up mouthwatering food.

6. The Li Hing Mui Margarita at Cholo’s is to-die-for.

This one’s a personal recommendation. Located on Oahu’s north shore in the sleepy surfing town of Haleiwa is Cholo’s Homestyle Mexican Restaurant, a hole in the wall eatery known for burritos and tacos - as well as their massive margaritas. While I’ve loved every margarita I’ve tried at Cholo’s, there’s nothing better than their delicious li hing margarita, a magnificent drink that combines the Mexican margarita with a classic Hawaiian flavor.

7. Enjoy an Island Latte from Island Vintage Coffee.

With six Oahu locations and one on Maui, Island Vintage Coffee is known for their Kona coffee, but we are personally obsessed with their Island Latte, a unique espresso drink with hints of coconut and macadamia nut - the perfect Hawaiian drink to enjoy - perhaps the morning after you’ve indulged in too many mai tais or lava flows?

8. Quench your thirst with pineapple juice from the Dole Plantation.

If there’s one food that represents the Hawaiian Islands, it is the pineapple. And nowhere will you find better pineapple - and fresh pineapple juice - than the historic Dole Plantation. James Dole, who purchased the 61-acre land parcel in 1900, was the first person to truly understand the pineapple’s potential, and became known across the United States as the Pineapple King. The plantation offers activities for the whole family in addition to their mouthwatering pineapple juice and Dole Whip – take a ride on the Pineapple express for young children, make your way through the world’s largest (pineapple) maze or go on a tour of the garden.

9. You won’t want to miss out on the Hawaiian Punch served at Pineapple’s Island Fresh Cuisine.

Pineapple’s Island Fresh Cuisine is a happening New American restaurant serving up island-inspired fresh cuisine, including local line caught fish, Hawaiian specialties, salads,. burgers, steaks, pasta, desserts, and farm fresh fruits. The drinks here, however, kind of steal the show, as with the Hawaiian Punch and pineapple-spiked cocktails (served, of course, *in* a pineapple).

How many of these famous drinks in Hawaii have you enjoyed? What are your favorite only-in-Hawaii foods? Share all your foodie favorites with us in the comments below!

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