Big Island Nightlife
Video compliments of the Travel Channel
BIG ISLAND
Video compliments of the Travel Channel
Nightlife
The Big Island is known for its nightlife like the Big Apple is known for
its surfing: There may be some, but you have to go in search of it. Big Islanders
are largely an early-to-bed and early-to-rise bunch (that way they can catch
the best early-morning-hour surf, of course), and most places close around
10 p.m.
© Four Seasons Hualalai
Sunset cocktails are mostly what pass for nightlife in the Big Island,
followed by dinner and maybe a moonlit stroll. An excellent choice for doing
just that is Huggo's on the Rocks (75-5828 Kahakai Road, Kailua-Kona, 808-329-1493;
www.huggos.com/all/ rocksdefault.htm),
a casual joint right on the water where you're encouraged to kick off your
flip-flops and walk barefoot on the sand as you sip a Kona Mac (macadamia
nut liqueur and Kahlúa blended with ice cream). Footwear is required at
the Lava Lounge, on the upper level of Pahu i'a in the Four Seasons (72-100
Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, 808-325-8000; www.fourseasons.com/hualalai),
but not at the resort's Beach Tree Bar, which is right on the sand.
Instead of drinking it in on the oceanfront, Captain Beans' Polynesian
Cruise (866-898-2519) gets you tipsy out on the water. The booze cruise plies
you with unlimited cocktails and mediocre food. There's also a super-campy
adults-only show that nobody would stand for on land. But being on a boat
and drinking add appeal to almost anything.
© Hawaii Tourism Authority/Kirk Lee Aeder
After loosening up with some drinks, you may want to bust a move. So head
to Lulu's (808-331-2633; www.lulushawaii.com).
Aside from its inviting open-air deck, Lulu's is Kona's top club, with DJs
spinning dance tracks until 1:30 a.m. or beyond; downstairs in the same building
is Durty Jake's (808-329-7366), the dive bar you go to when you tire of yelling
above the pulsing techno beat or just need a sports score.
But if you're looking to party Hawaiian-style, don your tropical-print
best and go to a luau. The premier luau on the Big Island is held Wednesday
and Friday nights at Kona Village Resort (Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, Kailua-Kona,
808-325-5555, 800-367-5290; www.konavillage.com),
complete with a succulent kalua pig slow-roasted in a traditional underground
Hawaiian oven. The food is uniformly excellent, as is the service, and the
show is well-narrated and culturally authentic enough. Reserve in advance;
this show sells out. It's the hottest slice of nightlife in town.
Featured Videos
|
Hawaii Beaches: Punalu Beach
The volcanoes of Hawaii are expanding some of the islands through the eruption of molten rock. Check out this Travel Channel to learn more about the famous black sand beach.
|
|
Hawaii Beaches: Golf in Paradise
Take a look at this Travel Channel video to learn about Hawaii's best golf course, located within sight of the coast.
|
|
Hawaii Beaches: Honaunau Bay
Learn more about Honaunau Bay's refuge, an ideal dive spot. Watch this Travel Channel clip to learn more about the bay's popularity with divers.
|
|
Hawaii Beaches: Kauna'oa Beach
Check out this Travel Channel clip to learn more about Kauna'oa beach.
|
