Big Island

If you're the sort of person who doesn't come alive until after dark, you might be a little lonely on the Big Island. Blame it on the sleepy plantation heritage. People did their cane raising in the morning, thus very limited late-night fun.

Still, there are a few lively bars on the island, a handful of great local playhouses, half a dozen or so movie houses (including those that play foreign and independent films), and plenty of musical entertainment to keep you happy.

Also, many resorts have bars and late-night activities and events, and keep pools and gyms open late so there's something to do after dinner.

And let's not forget the luau. These fantastic dance and musical performances are combined with some of the best local food on the island and are plenty of fun for the whole family.

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  • 1. Blue Dragon Tavern and Cosmic Musiquarium

    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.

    61-3616 Kawaihae Rd., Kawaihae, Hawaii, 96743, USA
    808-882–7771
  • 2. Gertrude's Jazz Bar

    You know you're in the right place when you climb the stairs to this little gem and notice that the steps are painted like piano keys. With a location in the heart of town, including a perfect view of Kailua Bay, this open-air club presents an incredible variety of music (jazz, Latin, country, classical) and special events such as dance lessons, wine tastings, and themed dress-up parties. One of the proprietors is a renowned jazz musician and plays with his own group or guest musicians. The menu of crepes is straightforward and a tad overpriced. A small cover charge helps pay the musicians a living wage. Note that Gertrude's is closed Monday and Tuesday. 

    75-5699 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
    808-327–5299
  • 3. Kona Brewing Co. Pub & Brewery

    Bars/Pubs

    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.

    75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
    808-334–2739
  • 4. Korner Pocket

    A favored haunt of the South Kona crowd, Korner Pocket is tucked in 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. 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 down south.

    81-970 Halekii St., Kealakekua, Hawaii, 96750, USA
    808-322--2994
  • 5. Ola Brew Co

    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.

    74-5598 Luhia St., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
    808-339--3599
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  • 6. Cronies Bar and Grill

    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.

    11 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, USA
    808-935–5158
  • 7. Foster's Kitchen

    Bars/Pubs

    With happy hour from 3 to 5 pm and then again from 9 to 10 pm, oceanfront Foster's Kitchen offers every reason to come and kick back and enjoy the sunset and evening Kailua Bay views. Craft beers, well drinks, and house wine are all priced under $4. There's also island-style music seven nights a week.

    75-5805 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
    808-326–1600
  • 8. Huggo's on the Rocks

    Jazz, Island, and classic-rock bands perform here nightly, and outside you may see people dancing in the sand. It's best for a tropical cocktail and an appetizer such as a poke bowl or kalua pork quesadilla. The location, on the waterfront right next to their flagship restaurant, doesn't get any better than this in town. Happy hour is 3 to 5.

    75-5824 Kahakai Rd., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
    808-329–1493
  • 9. Humpy's Big Island Alehouse

    Bars/Pubs

    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.

    75-5815 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
    808-324–2337
  • 10. Kona Tap Room

    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.

    425 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA
    808-886–1234
  • 11. Laverne's Sports Bar

    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.

    75-5819 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
    808-331–2633
  • 12. Luana Lounge

    The contemporary lounge in the Fairmont Orchid has a large terrace and an impressive water view. 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 8 to 10, and live music begins at sunset and continues until 9.

    1 N. Kaniku Dr., Waimea (Hawaii County), Hawaii, 96743, USA
    808-885–2000
  • 13. Oceans Sports Bar and Grill

    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 on Tuesday and Thursday. There's good happy hour pricing and $3 Taco Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    75-5811 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
    808-327–9494
  • 14. The HI Dive Bar

    South Kona's new watering hole brings the area's total bar count to two and was a welcome addition to the community. What it 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: Mike's special chili, a Reuben sandwich, or even a hot dog. Happy hour prices are generous. 

    79-7460 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kealakekua, Hawaii, 96750, USA
    808-498–0993
  • 15. The Mask-Querade Bar

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

    75-5660 Kopiko St., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
    808-329–8558

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