5 Best Bars in Big Island, Hawaii

Five nights a week, you can dance under the stars and swaying coconut trees at West Hawaii's premier nightlife spot. Recently renovated and reimagined, the open-air Musiquarium is now a sustainable initiative by a local 1HeartHub, which unites businesses with social purpose. By supporting local farmers, artists, and musicians, they also help sustain the broader community. Live music includes jazz, R&B, soft rock, and classic Hawaiian and island-style tunes. Tavern-style pub fare and drinks are on tap if you need a break from dancing.

Across from the harbor in Kawaihae, you can dine and dance to live music under the stars and palms at this wildly popular tavern, with central uncovered atrium (offering a clue about how often it rains here—nearly never). The fare is of the burger, fish-and-chips, and fish taco variety and is decent in both price and quality. The grog offerings are super fun, with inventive cocktails such as the Dancing Dragon, an elixir with house-made sangria infused with peach and raspberry liqueurs and tropical juices. Sometimes the bands are great and sometimes not, but it's so much fun to come here you really won't mind.

Nothing says "Kona casual" like this toes-in-the-sand establishment right on the water, next door to their famous flagship restaurant. Jazz, island, and classic-rock bands perform here nightly, and it's tradition to dance in the sand at least once before leaving the island. Try a signature tropical cocktail such as the Big Bamboocha Mai Tai crafted with Kuleana Hui Hui, Kuleana Nanea, and Lemon Hart 151 rums, plus appetizers such as poke bowls, kalua (earth oven--baked) pork nachos, or Kona fish tacos. Happy hour is one of the best in town as is the location. All beers—draft or bottles—are $5. Fish tacos and sliders are only $6.

There's an enticing and creative array of beers, ales, ciders, and hard seltzers at this employee-owned brewing company. Ola Brew is committed to community investment and support of local farmers and merchants. Take a barstool at a picture window facing the main brewing operation and enjoy a fresh on-tap draft and an appetizer. There's plenty of outdoor seating as well. The taproom menu features reasonably priced tacos, salads, flatbreads, and poke bowls. Ask about their brewery tours. Popular local bands entertain on a regular basis.

The only genuine brewpub in Kona, this spot is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Good pizzas and salads, excellent locally brewed beer (go for the sampler and try four of them), and an outdoor patio with live music on Sunday night means this place can get crowded, especially on weekends. The location isn't at all scenic, but that's not the draw of the brewpub. The main entrance is at the end of Pawai Street, in the Old Industrial area.