9 Best Bars in Kauai, Hawaii

You can sip an umbrella cocktail while you gaze at the original "Bali Hai" from this lounge, open on two sides and offering breezy views across Hanalei Bay to plush emerald mountains. If you think the scene looks familiar, maybe you’ve seen the classic movie South Pacific, filmed here. "Bali Hai" is actually Kauai’s Mt. Makana. Order a tropical cocktail and pupu and enjoy a truly enchanted evening as the sun sets over the sparkling waters. Local musicians entertain guests Thursday through Monday. Nearby Tunnels Beach (aka Haena Beach and Makua) is often called Nurses' Beach, where Mitzi Gaynor sang about washing that man right outta her hair; Hanalei Bay is where Bloody Mary sang “Bali Hai.”

Trade winds waft through Wally's Lobby Bar, a modest little open-air bar situated in Hukilau Lanai that looks out onto a coconut grove. Sit at the cozy bar or recline in big comfortable chairs while listening to Hawaiian slack-key guitar. Live music plays from Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Poolside happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm. Try one of the freshly infused tropical martinis or Kauai-made mead, or choose from a good selection of wines and sake by the glass.

One of the liveliest bars on Kauai is this beachside bar and restaurant at Kalapaki Beach. Contemporary Hawaiian music is performed daily 3:30--5:30 pm and 6--8 pm, and from 9:30 to 11:30 am during Sunday brunch.

The sleepy North Shore stays awake—until 10:30, that is—each evening in this small convivial deli and bar inside Hanalei's restored old schoolhouse. There's local live Hawaiian, jazz, rock, and folk music on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings.

A younger crowd makes this a lively spot on Friday and Saturday evenings, when live music can go until 9 pm. When the dining room clears out, there's a bit of a scene in the tropical lounge. Themed happy hours include Taco Tuesday and Burger & Beer Wednesday, when vegetarians can swap local grass-fed beef for a Kauai-made taro patty. Try the Poipu Piña to sip from a pineapple.

Let loose at this popular restaurant and sports bar, which has live music Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Thursday is trivia night, and sports are broadcast all weekend and Monday nights. It offers local microbrews and a full menu of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and other pub fare.

A 24-foot koa-wood bar anchors this sophisticated nightspot with a spectacular ocean view. Sushi, sashimi, spirits, and live music make for a memorable date night or celebration with friends (get a sitter for the kids). It's known for craft cocktails, an extensive wine and sake list, tasting flights, sustainable seafood, and "tiramisushi"—the familiar Italian mocha dessert served sushi style. Put on your smart resort attire when you go.

This venerable and funky institution in sleepy Hanalei still offers its famous luau at 5 on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, although the bar is the big attraction. The spirits of locals and visitors alike are always high at this popular hangout, which features live music nightly from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Nestled in a bamboo forest draped in bougainvillea and flowering vines and hidden from view off the Kuhio Highway is a charming little venue where local musicians perform most evenings. Previously known as Caffé Coco, it now offers vegan fare, including pupu (appetizers), entrées, and desserts. It may not have a liquor license, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the entertainment in a pleasant outdoor setting; just bring your own wine or beer. It's open Tuesday through Saturday until 9.