These Iconic Beverages In Hawaii Will Make Your Mouth Water
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.
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.
81-6581 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750, USA
2. Enjoy a guava or pineapple mimosa at Restaurant 604.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
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!
57 Arizona Memorial Dr, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA
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.
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman - Wailea, Maui, 10 Wailea Gateway Pl B-201, Kihei, HI 96753, USA
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.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, 2005 K?lia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
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.
2335 Kal?kaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
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.
Cholo's Homestyle Mexican, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
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?
Island Vintage Coffee Waikiki, 2301 Kal?kaua Ave #C215, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
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.
Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA
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).
Pineapple’s Island Fresh Cuisine.
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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The OIYS Visitor Center
Famous Drinks In Hawaii
August 06, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some popular restaurants in Hawaii?
If you're looking to enjoy one of the above famous Hawaii drinks while also drinking in some spectacular scenery, you'd be hard-pressed to find better views than those offered at these amazing restaurants. Some of our favorite scenic restaurants in Hawaii include: Merriman's Kapalua and Kimo's, two restaurants in Lahaina; Honolulu's Azure Restaurant, Hula Grill, and House Without A Key; and Oasis on the Beach, a restaurant that, true to its name, truly is an oasis on the beach in Kapaa.
What are some famous foods in Hawaii?
Whether you're a self-described foodie, gourmand, or someone who just appreciates a good plate of food, Hawaii is a state with some truly amazing cuisine sure to satisfy your every craving. Some famous foods found in Hawaii include delicacies like Spam (and Spam musubi), sushi and sashimi, shave ice, Kalua Pork, açaí bowls, mochi ice cream, and poke. In terms of *where* to get these Hawaiian delicacies, check out this list of Hawaii restaurants that serve some of the most iconic Hawaiian dishes *and* are highly regarded among critics and diners alike!
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
