Best Nightlife in Big Island

As a family owned and operated restaurant in downtown Hilo, Pineapples brings fresh, local ingredients to a menu of Pacific Rim cuisine. Located in Hilo's historic Pineapple Building, the restaurant take advantage of an open air, corner location with a full view of the hip neighborhood. A full bar pours exotic tropical cocktails such as the Coconut Dream and the Kohala Cooler. The menu features a combination of Pacific Rim, Mediterranean and Asian inspired dishes. Whether you're in the mood for olive tapenade, vegetable tempura, a curry, or steak or fish plate, you'll find a varied selection of dishes to choose from. Pineapples embraces its community featuring artwork in the restaurant by local artists from One Gallery, located across the street. Live music is features Tuesdays through Sundays, with an array of local musicians.

At the bottom of Big Island's Kalapana Highway outside of Pahoa lies Uncle Robert's Awa Club, the district's newest foray into socializing, food, shopping and nightlife. In fact, it's the only place to shop for miles around until returning back to Pahoa. Named after the patriarch of the Keli`iho`omalu family that's lived on the four-acre compounds for decades, Uncle Robert's has taken off and turned into a hot spot for locals. Each Wednesday evening the outdoor market takes place and draws a wide array of local farmers, artists, craftsman, and entertainers. Among the shopping and food, live music jams all night long and people dance and drink beer from the "donation bar." This is an ideal place to experience the local culture. It's fast become a gathering place for people not only to eat and shop, but to socialize, share and expand their connections.

Oceans Sports Bar & Grill is a sports bar, restaurant, and after dark hot spot all in one. Located across from the ocean in Kailua-Kona, "Oceans," as it's been dubbed by the locals, is great for couples or family meals during the day but turns into a late night place to hang out for the 21 and over crowd. Friday and Saturday nights are best for those looking for a party, and on these nights guests will usually find live music, a DJ, and themed nights. Several pool tables can be found here, which can be utilized at any time of day. Multiple large flat screen TVs deliver sports games and happy hours has drinks and food.

Blue Dragon Coastal Cuisine & Musiquarium is known for giving guests a really good time. Always crowded with locals and visitors alike dancing away the evening and taking breaks for bites of delicious food. The menu is locally based and presents local fish, meats and produce. The menu also notes which items are vegetarian, vegan and/or gluten free. The live music is a big draw here, and often times the place turns into a club like atmosphere. Children are welcome and there's a keiki menu, but it's best to bring them earlier on in the night before the party scene gets going.

The younger, wilder sibling of the famous seafood eatery next door called Huggo's, this spirited joint is a terrific place to wind down the day and usher in the evening. Indeed, Huggo's on the Rocks is a popular outdoor bar and dance club under a thatched roof whose specialty drinks and beautiful clientele always ensure a great time. A light bar menu features fajitas, salads, sandwiches, and tasty appetizers and offers a cure for the late night munchies. Watch the sunset, and whales jump in season. Located in the heart of Kailua, you can easily walk to other bars and clubs and explore the town. (808-329-1493)

The pub at the Big Island's most famous brewery (choices are slim, but fame is fame, right?) is a terrific place to wind down after shopping. Brewery tours are quick and personal — an added bonus is that visitors over 21 get to sample the products. Kona's on-premises brewpub serves cold mugs of the brewery's top sellers, including Fire Rock Pale, Pacific Golden Ale, and Longboard Lager, and the cozy setting easily pulls you in, making it difficult to leave. Great Hawaiian influenced pub grub — pizzas, salads, and sandwiches — is also available. Check out the seasonal brews and take advantage of them before their gone.

Around 6 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, the First Fridays Hilo Art Walk takes place in the downtown Bayfront area of Hilo on Big Island. The somewhat sleepy town comes alive as locals and visitors alike come out to celebrate everything local and creative. From vendor booths on the streets selling handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings and clothing, to bars and art galleries opening up for live music and poetry readings, Hilo Art Walk is an awesome addition to the Hilo nightlife. Each First Friday, the crowds are larger than the last, the vendors are more abundant and more people arrive for open mic performances. Live music happens on the street and in many a bar and restaurant.

The Hilo Town Tavern is Hilo's answer to the classic dive bar. The full bar with local beers on tap can make just about anything a guest could want, but don't expect anything too fancy or gourmet. There's always an equal blend in here of college students, locals, regulars and visitors. Open mic happens every Tuesday night with no cover charge. A porch area provides space and fresh air, while a pool table and game room a big draw for a lot of people. The menu has standard bar food offerings but with a local twist. Live music happens most nights of the week, with official concerts - booked popular bands - taking place also. Look around town for flyers or call to find out about those. A dance floor happens most nights of the week, and patrons can feel free to let loose on it.

"For beer lovers, by beer lovers" is the slogan at Humpy's Alehouse where a huge array of beers on tap and really good bar food make for happy days and fun filled nightlife. Humpy's is the new spot in Kailua Kona for live music and nighttime entertainment. DJs and live bands both grace the stage. Located on Kailua's main and front street along the ocean, the pub is centrally located to be enjoyed while shopping, at the beach, or eating elsewhere along the strip. It's a popular hangout with both locals and visitors alike so you'll get the best of both worlds.