Suggestions from the Crew on the Four Winds II: Top 10 Places to Get a Drink on Maui
1 – Montage at Kapalua Bay’s Ocean View Bar: This casual, poolside bar features stellar views of the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai, Hawaiian fare and creative beverage selections. The bartenders are well-versed on the history of the resort and the island and they LOVE to talk story! Island-inspired cocktails include the Lana’i Lemonade vodka, rosemary-ginger syrup, and fresh lemonade and the Kamuela Fizz Hendrick’s gin, lime, fresh cucumber, mint and soda.
2 – Merriman’s Kapalua: Live music, happy hour specials and pupus daily at the Point Bar, inclusive of stunning ocean views of Kapalua Bay make this a favorite spot for sunset! Try one of the house specialties like the Merriman’s Mai Tai (Old Lahaina Rum + Triple Sec + Honey- Lilikoi Foam + Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice).
3 – Sheraton Maui’s Cliff Dive Grill: Overlooking the iconic “Black Rock” and Ka‘anapali Beach, the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa’s Cliff Dive Grill is an ideal casual spot to enjoy the nightly torch lighting and cliff dive ceremony, a time-honored tradition dating back to the legendary leap of Chief Kahekili. Sip your cocktails while sampling a Maui Asian Fusion menu, complimentary hula lessons, and live music. Cocktail specials include Strawberry Ginger Cooler (organic Maui ocean vodka, ginger liqueur, strawberry puree, lemon and club soda) and (of COURSE) the Cliff Diver (Sauza tequila, peach schnapps, orange juice, mango puree blended and finished with a Chambord float).
4 – pacific’O: This Lahaina beachfront restaurant and bar defines Farm-to-Table cuisine on Maui to a tee! In business for over 20 years, they offer recipes inspired by local ingredients, staff who epitomize “aloha” spirit, an elaborate bar menu and the “best-view-in-town” for your dining or just happy hour! Sample a selection of appetizers and cocktails from the happy hour menu as the sun sets into the sea! A couple of favorites are the Maui Mule (Pau Vodka, Cock-n-Bull Ginger Beer, squeeze of fresh lime juice. fresh Kula strawberry slices, mint, citrus and Ocean Vodka) and the Strawberry and Basil (their very own O’o Farm grown basil, Kula strawberries and Maui Ocean Vodka). Don’t forget the selection of Maui Brewing company beers!
5 – Fleetwood’s on Front Street Lahaina: As if this one of a kind rooftop lounge, unobstructed view of the Pacific and selection of cocktails weren’t enough, a nightly “special presentation” begins with a dazzling display of culture and history that is an experience unlike anything else you’ll be privy to on the island! Fleetwood’s Kahuna Vene & Resident Piper Roger McKinley will astound you with talk-story, song, chant, foot-stomping as they teach everyone “The Fleetwood Way”! The happy hour menu includes scrumptious appetizers, wines by the glass, a great selection of beers and signature cocktails! A must try is the Fleetwood Smash, a refreshing blend of Tanqueray 10 gin, fresh strawberries and lemon juice, basil and demerara.
6 – Three’s Bar & Grill: What began as an idea shared by three surfers has become one of the most popular spots in South Maui! Offering a good selection of “bar foods”, raw bar and sushi, you’re sure to find something to pair with your happy hour beverage! Sample great craft beers, wines by the glass and, yes, inventive spirits galore! The Fresh Hibiscus Gimlet (South Maui grown hibiscus petals and fresh lime, fortified with Bombay Sapphire, balanced with white cane sugar reduction) is always delightful while the “Trashed Tea” (rum, vodka, gin, blue curacao, a splash of house made sweet-n-sour, topped with a can of Red Bull) has become the official drink of the annual Jaws surf competition!
7 – Grand Wailea’s Botero Bar: Named for the stunning sculptures of Fernando Botero, this spot at the Grand Wailea is sure to please! The nightlife here is enhanced by Hawaii’s largest art collection of art and nightly entertainment featuring live Hawaiian music. An impressive selction of craft beers, hard ciders, wines and sweet cocktails are enhanced by the offering of pupus! The Late Check-Out (Maui’s Pau Vodka, Passion Fruit Puree, Coconut Water, House-made Sweet n Sour, Pineapple Juice, Toasted Coconut froth) is a real treat!
9 – No Ka Oi, Monkeypod Kitchen: Offering two happy hour times daily, you can stop for your “pau hana”, late night snack or “just because.” Whether your taste buds are calling for local microbrews, wine or signature cocktails, there’s something for most everyone! For a taste of Maui, try the No Ka Oi (Maui Ocean vodka, thai basil, lime, simple syrup, honey-lilikoi puree).
10 – Bumbye Beach Bar Wailea: One of Wailea’s newest poolside lounges is located at the Andaz hotel. Offering stunning sunsets and a selection of restaurant dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients and influenced by the diverse ethnicities that shape Hawaiian culture in Wailea, this is a wonderful place to enjoy a cocktail! for simply refreshing offerings, try the Wailea Spritz (lillet rose, gin, grapefruit, sparkling wine) or the Pimms Rangoon (pimm’s, gin, ginger, lemon, cucumber, strawberry, mint).