In Hawaiʻi, the expression “pau hana” is often interchanged with the phrase “happy hour,” and translates to “work is finished.” It refers to a conscious decision to leave any worries behind and enjoy free time. The essence of “pau hana” encourages visitors to put down their phone and relax in the company of others over drinks and pupus (appetizers). Here are some of the top spots to find the best happy hour in Wailea.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
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Feature Image: Luana
Wailea Village, 116 Wailea Ike Dr, Ste 2104
This adults-only craft cocktail bar and lounge in Wailea Village has won accolades for its poke and well its beverages and bar service. It’s not a tiki bar (“tikehau” means “peaceful landing”), but it does have a cheery atmosphere and an enticing food menu with gourmet takes on poke, kalua pork, seared ahi and more.
Certain aspects of hospitality can upgrade a decent experience to a “can’t-miss” experience — for instance, complimentary valet parking, live music and of course, special prices. The Four Seasons Lobby Lounge has all of those perks, plus legendary service.
Offering a menu of fresh local fish and produce, 5 Palms boasts breathtaking coastline views as well as a Bloody Mary that’s like a meal and a drink in one.
Certain aspects of hospitality can upgrade a decent experience to a “can’t-miss” experience — for instance, complimentary valet parking, live music and of course, special prices. The Four Seasons Lobby Lounge has all of those perks, plus legendary service.
An abundance of beers on tap — served at the optimal temperature — and a menu that serves everything from hand-tossed pizzas cooked in a kiawe wood-burning oven to fresh local fish make this spot a happy hour heaven. The sunsets are also astounding.
Sure, the Craigslist casual encounter section has closed down, but its spirit is alive and well at Morimoto Maui. Peruse the drink specials while scoping out someone special for yourself. The epic sunsets create quite the vibe.
There’s a certain mystique to locals-only spots. A forbidden lure, if you will. The Pint and Cork is a rare example of a local favorite that doesn’t ice out visitors. Expect an upscale gastropub vibe here. Order the Shishito peppers, an old-fashioned and kick back.
It’s a sad but true part of life — good service often comes at a cost. Here, however, you can have high quality drinks and pupus at a great value AND great service. Rum drinks like the Crazy Cuban and Painkiller are known crowd pleasers.
Described as the perfect mix of luxury and comfort, this lounge has it all—great views, knowledgeable and attentive staff, fantastic drinks and even games to pass the time. Ask the bartender for advice when ordering, but even blind guesses from the menu won’t disappoint.
A favorite of locals and visitors alike, the original brewery burned to the ground in the Lahaina Fires in August, 2023. By partnering with Kona Brewing Hawaii they were able to continue producing their beer within the state. In their flagship taproom and eatery, you’ll find live music and on weekdays, a “hoppy hour.” Their menu has deliciously local flair with enough variety to keep everyone in your group happy.
You’ll find a relaxed and comfortable ambiance in this hidden gem along with wine from around the world. They offer a mix of small bites, salads, and beautiful boards to accompany your wine selection. Stop in for a quiet conversation and get a break from the relentless sunshine on the South side.
Wailea Golf Club, 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr, Wailea
Formerly Gannon’s, this eclectic restaurant occupies an enviable perch at the Wailea Gold and Emerald Golf Courses, with sweeping ocean, sunset views and plenty of green lawns for weddings and other private events. You don’t need a formal invitation to enjoy island-flavored dishes such as sweet potato hummus, pork ribs in a Maui pineapple barbecue sauce or furikake-crusted ahi.
The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea
The first branch of the Aurum Food and Wine casual-elegant restaurant concept outside of Colorado naturally features seafood, but also reflects the connections its Maui-born chef-partner Taylor Ponte and his wife, general manager Natasha Ponte, have made with local farmers and ranchers. The shared lunch and dinner menu brims with island-style gourmet comfort food, including lobster toast, island okonomiyaki, pan-seared kampachi and a paniolo smash burger, but Mediterranean palates will also appreciate the hand-rolled gnocchi, black garlic hummus or meatballs with tzatziki.
