Night Life: Kona Edition
The Island of Hawaii might not boast the kind of nightclub scene you’ll find in Honolulu. (Hey, some of us need early bedtimes to make the most of the Big Island’s outdoor adventures!)
But that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to have a good time. When you’re itching for a little nightlife, check out some of my favorite spots in Kona.
Best for Classy Cocktails
Huggo’s - 4 pm to 9 pm daily
Beach Tree Bar and Lounge - 11 am to 10 pm daily
Huggo’s is a Big Island institution for casual elegance. If for some foolish reason you want to skip Huggo’s aloha-style take on fine dining, you can just enjoy cocktails at their hBAR. The open-air lounge features gorgeous oceanfront views. And the menu offers the only true from-scratch Mai Tai on the Big Island.
Situated within Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Beach Tree Bar and Lounge is another oceanfront bar that serves up elegant cocktails against the backdrop of stunning sunsets.
Best for LGBTQ Events
My Bar Kona - hours vary, open until 2 am Fridays & Saturdays
The Mask-Querade Bar - 1 pm to 1 am daily
My Bar Kona offers a welcoming space for the queer community every night of the week. And more often than not, you’ll find this venue hosting fabulous fun events: drag bingo, karaoke, open mics, comedy shows, and RuPaul watch parties. But on the weekend, it’s always time to dance the night away with DJs.
The Mask-Querade Bar is a smaller venue (so small it doesn’t have a website). But it’s a great hole-in-the-wall place for staying up late, playing pool, and having a friendly chat in an inclusive environment. Find them at 75-5660 Kopiko St Ste C5.
Best for Live Music
Gertrude’s Jazz Bar - hours vary, open until 12:30 am Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
Humpy’s Big Island Alehouse - 8 am to 2 am daily
If you love live music then Gertrude’s Jazz Bar is your spot, featuring two shows most nights. But don’t let the name fool you. It’s not just jazz at this downtown Kona venue. Gertrude’s also features rock, reggae, blues, latin, and more. Oh, and panoramic ocean views.
Come for the beer, stay for the music – or vice versa. Humpy's Big Island Alehouse keeps 36 craft beers on draught and frequently features live music by local artists.
It feels biased to give Huggo’s yet another shoutout. But it would be remiss not to mention Huggo's On The Rocks. This casual dining offshoot offers live music every day from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Sleep it off in Style
If toes-in-the-sand is your idea of a great night out, the Big Island is the place for you. I don’t care if you walk those toes to bed shortly after sunset or as the sun rises. Either way, you need a comfy place to sleep off the evening’s festivities.
Why not make that place the lap of luxury? When you’re ready to find your piece of paradise, give me a call.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.