It’s a sunny, bright day in Hawaii Nei. Of course, morning dips in the glistening blue Pacific waters are the best way to begin vacation mode! Come midday, it’s time to kick back, relax, and indulge. Here, you’ll find no shortage of the popular tiki cocktails, but how about one of the most classic adult beverages around? Margaritas! They really do hit the spot as a cool and refreshing drink. Allow us to help with your hunt for the best cocktail!
The Best Margaritas in the Hawaiian Islands
Maybe it’s the tequila? Maybe it’s the freshly squeezed juice combinations? Maybe it’s the bartender’s special touch? Whatever it is, margaritas are a perfect vacation cocktail. Traditionally, margaritas are just three simple ingredients: fresh squeezed lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila. Nowadays there are all kinds of creative twists, Mezcal for a smoky flavor, jalapeno-infused tequila for a spicy twist, li hing mui rims, and fresh juices like lilikoi, dragon fruit, or calamansi. Whether you’re into it on the rocks or fruity and frozen, here’s our list of places serving up some of the best margaritas in the islands. We hope you try a few and let us know what’s your favorite. Aloha!
Our Favorite Margaritas on the Big Island
64-1066 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea/Kamuela, (808) 887-1717
If you find yourself in upcountry Big Island, we recommend you go looking for Big Island Brewhaus. The menu boasts of all locally sourced ingredients. Their craft beers are arguably some of the best in the islands, as are their margaritas. Grab and go freshly made cocktails and beers, how much better does it get?! Their margaritas are like 3 in 1 and we like that kind of generosity!
Offering beer, food, and margaritas every day from 11 am to 9 pm.
You really can’t beat the location here, it’s in downtown Kona, and it’s right on the water. The service is top-notch and the drinks happen to be really good as well. Liquid happy hour is daily from 4 pm to 5 pm but stay for sunset. There are few better places to enjoy as you watch the sun go down over that Pacific horizon line with a delicious and refreshing margarita in hand.
Open daily 5 pm to 9 pm. Liquid happy hour every day from 4 pm to 5 pm.
11 Silva St, Hilo, (808) 961-3290
If you’re looking for the recipe for a good time, it involves mixing good drinks at low prices alongside live music and good company. If you’re hanging out in downtown Hilo, you’ll need to look no further than Margarita Village. As the name implies, this place is known for … margaritas! There are daily specials and live music, and on Sunday they Karaoke.
Open daily 6 pm to 2 am.
The Best Maragaritas on Kauai
1941 Poipu Rd, Koloa, (808) 742-6366
This spot is calling dibs for the Western most sports bar in the United States of America. Kalapaki Joe’s is a great place to kick back, watch a game, and guzzle down their tasty Mango Margarita. After a long day of beachgoing, they’ll hit the spot. It’s a cool and refreshing drink that packs a bit of punch. If you’re around on a Tuesday, they serve $1 steak tacos to help you sop up all the liquid goodness. Enjoy!
Open Friday to Tuesday from 7 am to 9 pm and Wednesday and Thursday from 2 pm to 9 pm. Happy Hour is daily from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Kiahuna Golf Course, 2545 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Poipu, (808) 431-4949
With four locations on Kauai and one on O’ahu, there are plenty of chances for you to sit down and enjoy something refreshing from Paco’s Tacos. They have some killer specials like Monday Margaritas and Taco Tuesday as well as daily happy hour from 3 pm to 5 pm. The food menu is elaborate, and the margarita menu will keep you busy for a while. We’ve got our eyes on the Make Me Crazy Margarita because that sounds like the good kind of trouble.
The Poipu location is open daily from 8 am to 9 pm.
Where’s the Best Margaritas on O’ahu
66-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Haliewa, (808) 637-3059
Cholos has been a popular tourist destination on the North Shore of O’ahu for over 20 years. This Mexican restaurant is blending up specialty margaritas all day, every day. The drinks here are worth the stop if you’re in Haleiwa. Try The Tropical-Rita, it’s blended with lilikoi, mango, and pineapple. These refreshing adult beverages are served in a big ol’ glass, it’s so fruity and tasty, that you won’t even notice the alcohol until it hits.
Open daily from 10:30 am to 9 pm.
Monkeypod is bringing local ingredients to Ko Olina. It’s one of Peter Merriman’s joints with a casual vibe and live music daily. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and a beautiful large bar area. The menu features kiawe wood-fired pizzas, locally sourced meats, and tasty vegetarian options. The drinks are some of the best on the island, and the margaritas are no exception to that rule. There’s a full bar, so you can have it however you’d like it. We’re eyeing their margarita twist When Doves Cry featuring mezcal, lime, and grapefruit. One here, please!
Monkeypod is open every day from 11 am to 10 pm, and happy hour from 3:30 pm to 5 pm.
The ocean view here might outshine the food, but just barely. If you are looking for an experience as much as a delicious margarita, take a seat here, and order the Hula-Rita. Their signature house Hula-Rita features Kapena li hing mui infused tequila, fresh sweet & sour, and lilikoi juice, it’s the perfect twist to a traditional margarita.
Open daily from 7 am to 10:30 pm.
The Best Margaritas on Maui
Hotel Wailea, 555 Kaukahi St, Wailea, (808) 879-2224
This open-air lounge has amazing ocean views. Located in the gorgeous Hotel Wailea, you’ll find a great little bar making some seriously good cocktails. It’s just the spot to enjoy your margarita as you like it.
Open daily from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
3 Baldwin Ave, Paia (808) 578-8755
Established in 2002, this family-run restaurant has been serving up what’s been voted Maui’s best margarita. The drink list is hefty and the margarita section will make you salivate. Milagro’s cares about the environment so you’ll find paper and compostable to-go containers here. So you can sip on your margarita and feel good while you do it. Start with The El Jefe and finish the Coco-rita!
Open daily 11 am to 9 pm.
No matter where you find yourself if you’ve got a freshly made margarita in hand, things are already looking good. It’s always a good idea to sample a few different styles to find your favorite. Happy sipping!
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