Merriman's Poipu has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike since it made a home in a new shopping center in sunny Poipu. Combining gourmet food with sustainability, the restaurants serves up amazing steaks, seafood and other dishes made with 90 percent local ingredients. They purchase produce daily, and used locally grown beer and locally caught seafood. Adjacent to it is Merriman's Downstairs Cafe, offers a casual lunch alternative to the slightly more formal dinner spot. Both are centrally located in Poipu, just a short drive from all of the gorgeous white sand beaches in the area. Great for a date night.
Recommended for Late Night because: Merriman's combines spectacular food with late night fun, offering a venue for group meals with cocktails.
Jade's expert tip: Try one of their signature cocktails.
Although this casual restaurant serves food all day, it's also known for its nightlife scene. The venue holds court in a former schoolhouse, and it almost seems like sacrilege to enjoy loud music in the space. Still, patrons kick back at the bar and rock to live music, which is played several nights a week. The repertoire varies, so you may encounter jazz, island folk, or even rock when you come. Enjoy what's available, and if the munchies hit, take advantage of burgers, appetizers, fresh fish, and other light fare. There's always a pretty even blend of local regulars and visitors in here.
Recommended for Late Night because: Part restaurant, part late night bar, Hanalei always offers a good time.
Jade's expert tip: Happy hour runs from 3:30 to 5:30.
This relaxed neighborhood hangout is open late and offers plenty of late-night fun. Dancing, pool, darts, video games, TVs, and a rousing night or two of karaoke can all be found. Of course, sitting back with a cold one or a cocktail and taking it all in is permitted too. Friendly and laid-back, regulars make you feel right at home. Centrally located near the beach in Lihu`e, the tavern is located near many hotels, providing and easily accessible place to unwind. Kauai's gay community has made the first Saturday of each month their own with plenty of karaoke and drink specials.
Recommended for Late Night because: This is Kauai's answer to the neighborhood bar where everyone knows each others names and good times are had.
Jade's expert tip: Fun option for a pool table and karaoke.
Illuminated by tiki torches and surrounded by trickling streams and tropical vegetation, this lively, open-air establishment proves irresistible to patrons. The welcoming ambiance complements the menu, which boasts a wealth of fresh fish and steaks. Plus, Keoki's bar is a fantastic hangout for those who want to drink, socialize, and munch on appetizers and light fare. On weekends (usually Thursday to Sunday evenings), you'll catch live bands playing terrific Hawaiian tunes and folks dancing to the catchy rhythms. Keoki's is known for their fun environment and beautiful atmosphere with fish ponds and a mystical banyan tree. One of the busier late night spots on the south side.
Recommended for Late Night because: Known for an exotic atmosphere and fun live music, Keoki's is the perfect spot for late night fun.
Jade's expert tip: Live bands play Thursday through Sunday.
This colorful, relaxed place provides a healthy dose of local style and an authentic taste of traditional Kauai. The comfortable hangout welcomes folks craving home style sustenance, as well as those who come to enjoy a tropical drink and great entertainment. The menu offers American dishes like steaks and hamburgers, along with such geographically appropriate fare as shrimp sauteed in coconut-curry sauce, baked scallops, and the fresh catch of the day. Enjoy whatever catches your eye, and make sure to stick around for the night's entertainment, which could be live music, dancing, or karaoke. You'll find a solid local crowd on any giving night.
Recommended for Late Night because: Tahiti Nui is the busiest late night place on the North Shore.
Jade's expert tip: Check for various live music throughout the week.
In tribute to Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii's renowned swimmer, surfer, and Olympic athlete, this casual restaurant offers patrons a bit of island culture. An indoor waterfall, live Hawaiian music, and fresh local seafood are among the attractions that have folks returning again and again. Lunchtime brings quesadillas, burgers, pizza, and sandwiches, while dinner offers steaks and an abundance of just-caught fish, prepared to your specifications. An incredible salad bar also pulls in patrons, and the hula pie, a house special, is not-to-be-missed. Lunch here is amazing, but if you're looking for nightlife this is a great spot too, live music and dancing after dark.
Recommended for Late Night because: Duke's is a staple throughout the islands, and is known for late night fun and festive dinners.
Jade's expert tip: Sit outside for a great view of the ocean.
The Kaua'i Island Brewing Co. is a microbrewery and brewpub that incorporates nightlife with great food and beer. Featuring 10 house beers on tap plus several rotating guest beers both on tap and in bottles, the brewery pours some of the best beers on the island. Pub-fare menu includes a choice of pupus, salads, burgers as well as a variety of fresh fish and mouth-watering entrees. A keiki menu for the little ones is also offered. The full bar serves wine, mixed drinks, and cocktails. There are five 55" flat screen HDTVs throughout the pub to watch all the games. Brewery tours are available upon request. You can also pick up a growler of beer to go or rent kegs for parties.
Recommended for Late Night because: As the only brewery on Kauai, this pub is a great place to find local flavor mixed with late night fun.
Jade's expert tip: Happy hour is daily from 3:30 to 5:30.
Hip, gleaming Bar Acuda is a chef-run business that has taken the island by storm. Intent on creating stylish atmosphere and scrumptious food, the North Shore place is a great destination for dinner and drinks with friends or with a romantic interest. Diligently searching out top ingredients, chef Jim Moffat crafts them into dishes like lobster-stuffed squid with romesco sauce, roast chicken panzanella, slow-braised beef short ribs, and grilled pancetta-wrapped sea scallops. A carefully chosen wine list highlights vintages from western Europe and the western US, and a fantastic social scene is part and parcel of the goings-on. Reservations are a good idea here.
Recommended for Late Night because: Bar Acuda is the island's hottest spot for late night drinks and tapas.
Jade's expert tip: They're only open for dinner and are closed Mondays.