My husband and I went to Kauai last year for the first time. This February we are returning to Kauai and also visiting Oahu. We had the best time last year, except for one thing. Everytime I ordered a drink, I swear there was no alcohol in it. OK, I am not a total lush, but when I pay so much for a drink at a restaurant, I do expect to feel a little something. If this was just one restaurant, ok. But this was everywhere! This time we are taking our 3 girls, ages, 12, 11, and 8. I tell you this, because I REALLY need the drinks this time. Do they purposely put very little alcohol in the drinks, or is it the altitude, or something? Please help! Or at least tell me some nice restaurants that know how to make really good drinks.

lol! You can always order a double, or a shot!

This whole subject is too funny. Are you for real?

I guarantee you it is not the altitude, if you are near or can see the ocean you are at sea level, so altitude=0.

Here's another clue, you are in a huge tourist area and weak drinks is the norm (worldwide). It's all about taking your money in these kind of places. I suggest trying something different like asking for a glass of mixer and ordering a shot on the side if quantity control is what you are seeking. The tropical drinks can be 16+ ounces and the most alcohol they are going to give you is one shot which is an ounce. Another option, ask for it straight up with no mixer at all. It's a rare bartender who will short pour a straight up shot.

A lot of the Foo Foo drinks are premixed into some sort of dispenser machine. The alcohol content can vary.

That is really funny... sounds like you will have your hands full.

I thought the same thing as the mai tais around the pool were going down way too fast. So I got up to order a round. I used to be bartender while going to college so I can tell a decent pour. The servers at our resort (Hyatt-Maui) poured them right.

My only conclusion was that since I normally do not drink mai tais or other tropical drinks, I was simply not used to the sweetness. Also, I was on the water quite a bit, swimming around with my daughter. Therefore, the adrenaline slowed down the effects, I am sure.

Although I did not think that "felt" something, there was no doubt that alcohol was in my system so I paced myself accordingly.

Were you by any chance ordering tropical drinks with plenty of fruit juice, served in cocunuts & umbrellas in them?

If yes, switch to something like a martini or manhattan, vodka rocks, scotch & soda, etc. and they have no choice but to give you the booze!

Another cheap option that is my personal standard in Hawaii... go to the ABC store and buy a small bottle of local Hawaiian rum and a refrigerated box of POG (a popular mixed fruit juice boxed like we see OJ on the mainland), hit the ice machine at your hotel, and make up a big pitcher in your room. Drink it by the pool!

Have a vodka martini -- certainly after 2 or 3 of those you will be feeling something. Unfortunately, it most likely will be the floor against your face.

POG is also great with vodka.

ahhh yes Budman, it is a very versatile mixer indeed!

Is the G for Guava? I can never remember.

Isn't POG papaya-orange-guava?

PassionOrangeGuava....oh for yumO

What the.....? Where did you have those weak drinks? And what were the drinks?

I AM a lush, and I've never had a problem with weak drinks here in Hawaii.

yup that's it - papaya orange guava

I didn't notice lack of alcohol in drinks while we were in Kauai a few months ago, but the best drinks were at Stevenson's Library Bar at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Poipu. Roy's and the Beach House were good too.

A long time ago I learned to make this move when out of town. Tip the bartender after the first drink. Then they'll realize that you are a tipper. If the drinks improve tip again at the end of the session. If they don't get better you've already tipped so pay the bill and move to another place.

The "Travelers Tales Guide to Hawaii" says that Tahiti Nui (on the north coast) makes the best mai tais on Kauai.
They say that The House Without a Key at the Halekulani Hotel at Waikiki makes the best mai tai on Oahu.
I read elsewhere that Buzz's Steakhouse has great and really strong drinks, and people rave about their mai tais. They have 2 locations, one at Waikiki and one in Kailua, so be sure to try that spot for a really good "buzz."
But to avoid the "fuzz," (unlike those two actresses from the TV show "Lost"), you'd better designate a driver.
Have fun!

Solve the problem & order a double shot of alcohol in the one drink.

Are you buying? Then I'll have one of those too.