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The best happy hours in Kauai
Kauai may not be known for nightlife, but if afternoonlife is more of your thing (I made up that word), this is for you. Here are the best happy hours in Kauai.
This blog post was written in 2021 and reflects many of the restaurant closures that Kauai experienced last year. Sadly, many restaurants closed their doors permanently.
Some of the happy hour lists you’ll find out there are outdated, so this list is the best Kauai happy hours for 2022.
Best Kauai Happy Hours
Before we start the list of the best happy hours in Kauai, let’s talk about the different parts of the island.
The best way to see all of Kauai is to take a Kauai helicopter tour, so make sure to check that out after you read about happy hour.
Kauai is a small island, but only about 10% of accessible by car. There is a main road that goes around most of the island. Notice I said most, not all!
So if you’re staying in Hanalei, it’s a looooong drive over to Koke’e State Park, even though you’re technically not that far away. When you are planning your Kauai Happy Hours, keep this in mind.
The main tourist parts of Kauai are the North Shore (Princeville, Hanalei,) the East Side (Kapa’a,) and the South Shore (Poipu, Koloa.)
In this map of Kauai, you can see how the main road does not go around the entire island.
Do I need a rental car in Kauai?
Speaking of cars, you’ll definitely need a rental car in Kauai. There isn’t much for public transportation, and you’ll need a car to see the sights anyway.
If you’re looking for the best way to rent a car in Hawaii, I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental.
You’ll find the best deals on any of the Hawaiian Islands, and you don’t have to pay anything until you pick up the car.
Now that you have a car, you can drive around the island to check out all of the happy hour specials!
Kauai East Side Happy Hours:
Here are Happy Hours in Kauai in or near Kapa’a.
Oasis On The Beach
Oasis On The Beach is temporarily closed. It does not look like the closure is permanent. I will update this list if and when they re-open. Formerly, happy hour was from 4-6 PM daily.
The Bullshed
The Bullshed is located at one of the best boutique hotels in Hawaii, The ISO. I have an entire blog post written with an ISO Review, but suffice to say, it’s one of the best inexpensive places to stay in Kauai.
Happy Hour at the Bullshed takes place nightly from 4:30-5:30 PM. The ISO/Bullshed is a great place to watch the sunset.
You can check out The Bullshed Happy Hour menu here.
Lava Lava Beach Club
Sadly, Lava Lava Beach Club is currently closed. It was one of my favorite happy hours, and I will update when and if it re-opens.
Sam’s Ocean View
Sam’s Ocean View is an oceanfront open-air restaurant in Kapa’a. They say they have the best ocean view in Kapa’a, but you’ll have to check it out to see if you agree!
Sam’s sources many local ingredients and has happy hour specials from 4-6 PM daily.
North Shore Kauai Happy Hours:
Hanalei Gourmet
Hanalei Gourmet has a motto of “Eat. Drink. Relax.” It’s a great place to do all 3! The restaurant is currently open for dine-in or takeaway, and Happy Hour is daily from 3:30-5:30.
Happy Talk Lounge
The Happy Talk Lounge is temporarily closed. It does not look like this is a permanent closure, and I will keep this blog post updated.
Their former happy hour was 3-5 PM.
Duke’s Canoe Club
Duke’s Kauai is located at Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club. This popular restaurant does take reservations, so make sure to make one if you’re visiting during a busy time.
The Bistro Hawaii
The Bistro Restaurant and Bar has been serving the North Shore of Kauai great food and live entertainment in an open-air Hawaiian plantation garden setting since 1999.
From 4-6 PM, you can enjoy half-price mai tais, John Dailys, draft beer, and wine by the glass. Check out the rest of the Happy Hour menu here.
Kauai South Shore Happy Hours:
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler is an oceanfront restaurant with some of the best views in Poipu Beach.
There are several gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options at Brennecke’s. You can check out more vegan in Hawaii options here.
Check out Brennecke’s Beach Broiler menu here. Happy hour is from 3-5 PM, and 8:30-close.
Kalapaki Joe’s
Kalapaki Joe’s has two locations, one in Poipu and one in Kukui Grove. This restaurant has the distinction of being the westernmost sports bar in the United States!
Happy about from Kalapaki Joe’s is from 3-6 PM.
Photo is property of Kalapaki Joe’s.
Kiawe Roots
Sadly, Kiawe Roots was another casualty of the very long closing of Kauai. Kiawe Roots’ website says they may reopen at some point for pop-ups or catering, so I am leaving this up here in hopes that it will return.
The Lanai
The Lanai Kauai is currently closed. Their Google listing says it is temporary. Happy Hour was formerly from 3-5 PM.
Keoki’s Paradise
Keoki’s Paradise is open 7 days a week. You can make reservations on their website. Happy hour is from 3-5 PM.
Tortilla Republic Grill and Margarita Bar
Sadly, Tortilla Republic Grill and Margarita Bar is temporarily closed. I will update when and if they reopen.
The best Happy Hours in Kauai
If you have any favorite Kauai Happy Hours that I didn’t mention, make sure to let me know in the comments.
If any of the Happy hours in Kauai reopen, make sure to let me know about that too! I am hoping that with Kauai being fully reopened, many of the temporarily closed restaurants will be able to open again.
Even if you get a great deal, make sure to tip your server appropriately! Discounted drinks and food should not mean a discounted tip.
Make sure also to check out 20 fun facts about Hawaii and 20 things to know before going to Hawaii.
Kauai Vacation Ideas
Check out the following posts to check out some of my favorite things to do around Kauai.
- Maui vs. Kauai
- The best waterfalls in Kauai
- 4-day Kauai Itinerary
- 10 best adventure activities on Kauai
- Best Hikes on Kauai
- 25 things to do on Kauai
- The 10 best beaches in Kauai
Although I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, I only take on a few clients per month. You can contact me to inquire about availability.
I also share tons of free information on this blog, so make sure to use the search bar to find Hawaii FAQ, the best time to go to Hawaii, how to survive the flight to Hawaii, and more!
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I believe the Lava Lava Club in Kapaa has re-opened.
Thank you! I need to get this updated 🙂
I loved reading about your experience in Kauai. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!
Thanks!!