Hawaii offers some unique culinary flavors that you won’t find anywhere else, including plenty of cocktails that locals and visitors alike love. Order some of the following special drinks for a sip of paradise.

5 Delicious Hawaiian Cocktails

1. Blue Hawaii

If you’ve seen people sipping bright blue drinks topped with umbrellas, they may have been enjoying the blue Hawaii. This boozy beverage includes Curaçao liqueur with light rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and crushed ice, finished with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. Drink it slowly to savor the flavors and avoid a brain freeze.

2. Mai Tai 

This local favorite is named for the Tahitian word “Maita‘i,” which means good. This concoction contains lime juice, orgeat syrup, and Curaçao liqueur with rum. Mai Tais are often served with pineapple wedges, sprigs of mint, and Maraschino cherries.

3. Lava Lava

Those looking to enjoy a liqueured coffee should try a lava lava. It features Kahlua coffee liqueur plus vanilla ice cream, half a banana, and vodka. The bartender tops off this tasty treat with some whipped cream and grenadine to add a fruity drizzle. 

4. Haupia

If you like the texture of a smoothie, order the haupia. Haupia is a Hawaiian dessert that resembles coconut jello. The cocktail contains haupia blended with white creme de cacao, Coco Lopez syrup, smoothie mix, and Malibu rum.

5. Tropical Itch

The Tropical Itch was invented in Waikiki at the Hilton Hawaiian Gardens in 1957. There, skilled bartender Harry Yee mixed bourbon with passion fruit juice, triple sec, and 151 rum to create a tall, ombre beverage with a fruity punch. The tropical itch originally came with a bamboo back scratcher sticking out of the ice, but not all bars carry this extravagant garnish today.

When you’re ready to try Hawaiian cocktails, head to Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand. The Waikiki watering hole has been in business for over 42 years. Locals and visitors get to enjoy tasty drinks and delicious foods with a stunning view of Diamond Head and the beach. Call (808) 923-0669 or visit the website for information on their happy hour specials and dishes like tropical nachos and kalua pork sliders.