Best Big Island Happy Hours: Kona Addition
I have been coming to Kona since 2016, when I first visited on my babymoon in Hawaii. Since then, Kona has become one of my favorite places to unwind. My vacation rental Kona Landing sits right on Alii Drive, which means I can walk to most of the best bars and restaurants in town. It is one of the many reasons I fell in love with the area and eventually started sharing my tips on how to launch your own Airbnb.
Happy hour in Kona is more than just discounted drinks. It is the chance to sit oceanfront with a Mai Tai in hand, snack on fresh pupus, and watch the sunset over Kailua Bay. Below are my favorite happy hour spots that I return to trip after trip.
Kona Inn happy hour Kona, Hawaii
Happy hour menu: Kona Inn Restaurant
Kona Inn has been around forever, and while the food overall is not my favorite, their calamari steak is worth ordering. It is enormous, lightly fried, and perfect for sharing. The real star is their World Famous Mai Tai, which is mixed simply with rum and pineapple juice and manages to be strong without being overly sweet. With wide open ocean views and grassy space in front where kids can run around, it is still a classic place to start your Kona happy hour crawl.
Huggos On The Rocks happy hour Kona, Hawaii
Happy hour menu: Huggos On The Rocks
Huggos On The Rocks offers happy hour daily from 3pm to 5pm, and it is one of the most fun places on Alii Drive. Their fish tacos are some of the best in Kona, and I always add an order of waffle fries and their lime dressing side salad, which is a hidden gem.
What makes it extra special for me is how family-friendly it is. The entire outside area has a sandy floor, so I bring Ryder’s bucket and shovel, and he plays happily in the sand while I sip a cocktail. It is one of those rare spots that feels like paradise for both kids and adults. If you are visiting Kona with little ones, this is a kid-friendly spot you need to check out. Their tropical cocktails are tall, colorful, and full of fun garnishes, making them Instagram worthy and as delicious as they look.
Foster’s Kitchen happy hour Kona, Hawaii
Happy hour menu: Foster’s Kitchen
Right next door to Kona Landing, Foster's Kitchen has two happy hours daily from 3 pm to 5 pm and again from 9 pm to 10 pm. I love this place for their cocktails, which are crafted with ingredients like fresh basil and top shelf liquor. It feels more elevated than your average beach bar but still relaxed. Their wings and flatbreads are great to share, and with sunset views over Kailua Bay, it is the perfect spot for a polished but easy night out.
Kona Canoe Club happy hour Kona, Hawaii
Happy hour menu: Kona Canoe Club
Kona Canoe Club is one of the most casual and affordable oceanfront happy hours. Every day from 2 pm to 5 pm you can grab sliders, shrimp buckets, and calamari strips while enjoying a cold margarita or Mai Tai. The views of Kailua Bay are stunning, and the vibe is relaxed enough that you can come in right after a swim without missing a beat.
Magics Beach Grill happy hour Kona, Hawaii
Happy hour menu: Magic's Beach Grill
Magics Beach Grill sits directly above Magic Sands Beach, and their “Magic Sunset Happy Hour” from 2 pm to 5 pm & 8 pm to close is one of my absolute favorites. You get $2 off all Pupus and discounts on drinks, including my favorite, the Magics Margrita. I often bring my own chairs to the beach during the afternoon and then wander up to the bar as the sun sets. The food is consistently excellent, the drinks are strong and flavorful, and for some reason every bartender here always brings the best energy. There is something about bouncing between your beach chair and the bar that feels like the perfect Hawaii evening.
Staying at Kona Landing means all of these happy hour spots are just minutes away. Whether you want sand under your feet, a cocktail garnished with a rainbow of fruit, or a place where the kids can play while you relax, Kona happy hours are the best way to experience island life.
Plan Your Trip to Kona
Before you go, make sure to download the free Hawaii packing list so you're ready for sun, sand, and sipping. And if you’re still looking for the perfect place to stay, book my Kona Landing rental for the ultimate home base right in the heart of all the action.
