Can you fill your own travel mug and sit by the pool? Or do you have to buy from their bar?

I've never seen anyone checking to see what is in your mug. They would really like you to spend $ and buy their stuff but that can be expensive. I generally put soda in my own cup or bring an insulated bag down to the pool with me for snacks - the pool bar can really add up quickly. I've seen people bring in McDonals soda and burgers. Don't bring glass to the pool - that is a no-no...Aloha

Even if they have a policy against it, I can't imagine how they'd enforce it. You should treat yourself to one of the pool-side bar's mai-tais, though. Might be the best on the island.

I used to buy all of my mai-tais at the Hilton pool bars, but now that the mai-tai prices are $12 each, I make my own and take them to the pool in an insulated mug. No hotel employee has ever checked my mug.

And if they did check your mug, what would they do, taste it to see if it was alcoholic? I'm sure they don't like it, but I don't see a real problem in doing it. (FWIW, we stayed at the Marriott Ko Olina last week -- it's a timeshare resort, but operated like a hotel, meaning they have a beach bar and pool service. People brought down all kinds of things - beverages, lunch, snacks, no problem. There's plenty of people who are willing to pay $12 for mai tai, so I don't think they'll care all that much).

anyone have a good recipe for mai-tais we can make in our room?