Celebrate Good Times!

Toast to Pau Hana

WORDS KRYSTAL KAKIMOTO

Pau hana is the time at the end of the day meant to be celebrated with delicious püpü (appetizers) and drinks to cheers the beauty of this palm tree paradise while enjoying the lingering remnants of daylight till the sun sets and paints the sky with gorgeous pastels. Here, we share some of our favorite spots to chillax with a drink in our hand.

BEACH TREE BAR & LOUNGE AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALĀLAI

Steps away from the sand with panoramic ocean views, you can’t help but relax and relish the special mana (divine power) that seems tangible as soon as you take your seat at Beach Tree. This is the kind of place that becomes your go-to where you can expect friendly staff, great service and food each and every time—plus, the scenery is truly beautiful. You will want to have a drink in your hand to toast the surreal sunsets. Beach Tree has a nice selection of wines and local beers as well as chef-inspired cocktails. Choose from an array of bespoke libations with housemade mixers made with the freshest ingredients.

The Nahi Wai begins with a base of Hawaiian chili pepper infused Casamigos Tequila to which housemade ginger sour is added and finished with a splash of fresh watermelon juice that balances the heat in this drink. And for something light and fizzy to cheers the day with, their Paradise Spritz is a perfect pick. It begins with a blend of Prosecco and Pinot Grigio creating the foundation for Campari and lilikoÿi (passion fruit) syrup, which is blended before garnishing with a candied hibiscus flower.

When it comes to ordering food, you can’t go wrong with their Mahi Tacos, featuring a mango salsa sprinkled with cheddar cheese and finely shredded green cabbage that adds a refreshing crunch. For those with a sizable hunger, the Grass-Fed ‘BI’ Burger hits the spot with melted aged cheddar and perfectly cooked local beef served atop a brioche bun complemented with your choice of really good onion rings or french fries. And if you are in the mood for lighter fare, the Tsunami Poke Bowl with delectable crab, fresh daily catch, avocado, cucumber, sriracha, furikake, mayo and lime hits the spot. No matter what you choose to order, you will enjoy your time at this exceptional spot.

Beach Tree Bar & Lounge is located at Four Seasons Resort Hualālai at historic Ka‘ūpūlehu. Complimentary valet parking for diners. Open daily from 11am to 10pm. Call (808) 325-8000 or visit www.fourseasons.com/hualalai for more information.

SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL

The fun tiki atmosphere at Seafood Bar & Grill beckons guests to wind down while enjoying their favorite foods with local flair. With one of the best happy hour specials on the island, this tucked away gem in Kawaihae has been a longtime favorite among residents with most being regulars since their opening way back when. Chef Aaron Barfield and his well-trained kitchen staff consistently serve up good food no matter what time of day you decide to cruise in. Seafood Bar is famous for their Tuesday night kiawe-smoked prime rib, daily specials and fresh catch.

During happy hour you can enjoy regular-sized portions of popular appetizers at reduced prices like their Pupu Calamari steak, which is deep-fried and crusted in furikake (Japanese seaweed seasoning) and served with housemade wasabi aioli. Other popular püpü options are Seafood Quesadilla with fresh ‘ahi (yellowfin tuna) and shrimp served alongside a scoop of freshly made guacamole, classic Spicy Chicken Wings and Coconut Shrimp fried to a golden crisp served alongside a yummy li hing mui (salty dried plum) piña colada dipping sauce.

When you’re ready for a brew, their newly installed, state-of-the-art draft beer system offers a selection of 10 local beers all served ice cold. Happy Hour drink specials are also offered including $5 glass wines, $4 well drinks, and $6 Mai Tais, which are known to be some of the best on the island. The Seafood Bar also offers their Aloha Dinner Hour from 5pm to 6:30pm when guests can enjoy a choice of fresh fish served with Chef Aaron’s sauce of the day and a side of Kohala mixed greens salad for only $21.95.

With its welcoming vibe where no one is a stranger, don’t be surprised if you linger a little longer than you intended. Once you experience this Kawaihae institution, you will want to become a regular, too.

Seafood Bar & Grill is located at 61-3642 Kawaihae Road. Open daily from 11am to 10pm; Happy Hour daily from 3pm to 6pm; and 9:30pm to closing. Aloha Hour from 5pm to 6:30pm. Call (808) 880-9393 or visit www. seafoodbarandgrill.com.

COPPER BAR AT MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL

A combination of dazzling views and an eclectic menu makes Copper Bar one of the coolest places on the island to spend an evening. From their Copper Fries, which are tossed in truffle oil and sprinkled with parmesan cheese, to their selection of made-to-order sushi that features the freshest seafood caught daily, the chefs at Copper Bar can keep palates entertained while mixologists blend handcrafted drinks all night long. As is Mauna Kea’s longstanding tradition, there is nightly music with hula from 5:30pm to 8:30pm to further enhance your experience.

For guests looking for something more substantial to share, their brick oven flatbreads always impress like their Hämäkua Mushroom pizza that begins with truffle oil, a three cheese blend, and white sauce spread atop their housemade dough before being topped generously with locally grown Hāmākua mushrooms or go for the Roasted Pineapple with housemade sausage.

For drinks, the Mauna Kea Barrel Bonfire is a definite must-try beginning with their Mauna Kea single barrel selection of Knob Creek Rye bourbon to which fresh pineapple juice and locally sourced honey is added and rounded out with a smoky finish. For those opting for a non-alcoholic drink, the Strawberry Basil Mule is the perfect refresher after a hot day. This mocktail begins with spicy housemade ginger beer finished with fresh strawberries picked from their garden and torn pieces of aromatic basil. Pau Maui Vodka is added for a delightful alcoholic version.

Copper Bar is located at the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast. Cocktails served from 11am to 11pm; lunch from 11:30am to 5pm, dinner from 5pm to 9:30pm (reservations recommended). Complimentary valet parking for diners. Call (808) 882-5707 or visit www.maunakeabeachhotel.com.

TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT & BAR

Epitomizing the island lifestyle, Tommy Bahama is the ideal bar and restaurant for delicious food and memorable cocktails. You can’t help but feel like you are living the beach lover’s dream with tropical breezes in the open space, nearby swaying palms and the undeniable relaxed vibe. Any time is a good time at Tommy Bahama’s, but the best time is during their Island Time Happy Hour, which is from 4pm to 6pm, when select beers, wine, libations, and small plates are offered at a special price.

The Dark & Stormy, a combination of dark rum and spicy ginger beer, is a favorite to enjoy that provides just the right amount of fizz to offset the spicy rum while others might enjoy a classic Scratch Lemon Drop martini for just the right amount of sweet at the end of a day. The pūpū menu will tempt you to order one of everything especially at the discounted price including their Macadamia Crusted Goat Cheese served with mango salsa, sweet soy sauce, and flatbread as well as their World Famous Coconut Shrimp with a side of housemade papaya-coconut chutney.

Toast the lovely Hawaiian sunsets with one of their signature cocktails like Bahia Sangria made with brandy, red wine, pomegranate, green apples and citrus or go for something that screams vacation in a glass like the yummy Coconut Cloud or Key Lime Martini.

Whether unwinding after a day at work or capping off time spent at the beach, channel your inner Tommy Bahama and celebrate life in paradise with good food and drink completely chillaxed.

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar is located at The Shops at Mauna Lani. Open daily from 11:30am to 9pm with Island Time Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm. Call (808) 881-8686 for reservations or visit www. tommybahama.com.

RAYS ON THE BAY AT SHERATON KONA RESORT & SPA AT KEAUHOU BAY

Unlike most restaurants here, Rays on the Bay offers a late-night happy hour that runs from 9pm to 10pm and coincides with the best time of day to view the manta rays which, when the surf isn’t large, convene naturally in the area. Guests wanting to relax with a post-dinner drink (or two) can enjoy discounted draft beers or glasses of wine. And for libation enthusiasts, Island Thyme is just the right balance of flavor and fizz that pleases the palate with each sip. Beginning with aromatic gin, their lime and thyme syrup is added before being topped off with soda water and garnished with cucumber slices.

Late-night snacks such as the Poke Stack is a favorite dish to share. Freshly caught ‘ahi is cubed before being tossed with smashed avocado and wasabi and served on crispy won ton chips. Vegetarian dishes are also available like their Grilled Veggie Kabobs that are finished with a drizzle of balsamic oil and their housemade basil infused oil.

With unobstructed ocean views, you will want to get here early enough to catch the sun setting in the cerulean Pacific. If you are lucky enough, you may see the elusive green flash before you see the manta rays swimming gracefully making it a magical night to remember.

Rays on the Bay is located at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Dinner nightly from 5:30pm to 9pm; bar service from 5:30pm to 10:30pm; happy hour & late night menu from 9pm to 10pm. Complimentary valet parking for diners. Call (808) 930-4900 or visit www. raysonthebaykona.com.

HALE KAI RESTAURANT AT THE FAIRMONT ORCHID

With postcard-perfect views, Hale Kai is a poolside restaurant where you can kick off your shoes and put your toes in the sand. Different than most happy hour offerings, Hale Kai includes the entire family with their special Ohana Hour from 4pm to 5pm daily. Guests enjoy 25% off appetizers and $5 smoothies, $5 Kona Brewing Co. draft beers, and $10 Mai Tais.

Keiki (children) enjoy additional perks of free meals off the Keiki Menu for children 5 years and under while children 6 to 12 years of age get 50% off their Keiki Menu meal with accompanying adult order. Choose from an enticing array of püpü ranging from their ÿAhi Avocado Poke served with fresh sweet potato chips and a sriracha aioli or their gently fried Crab Cake that begins with huge lumps of tender crab meat and served garnished with a Waimea tomato relish, garlic aioli, and tobiko (flying fish roe) to chicken wings with kimchee and sticky sesame garlic glaze.

Cocktails are also a special attraction at Hale Kai where mixologists offer local twists on classic cocktails like their Lilikoÿi Margarita that begins with Sauza Blue Silver tequila and freshly squeezed lime juice. Passion fruit purée is added and the tangy concoction is poured into a glass rimmed with li hing mui powder.

Add some fun games and plenty of opportunities to see the beloved honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) sunning nearby means a good time is all but guaranteed for the whole family.

Hale Kai Restaurant is located at The Fairmont Orchid in Mauna Lani Resort. Open daily from 10am to 10pm, Ohana Hour from 4pm to 5pm. Call (808) 885-2000 or visit www.fairmont.com/orchid-hawaii.