The Hawaii Drinker's Handbook

So you enjoy consuming alcohol while in paradise... and why not kick back and indulge a little? After all, the whole point of going to Hawaii is to relax and unwind all of that bundled up stress from work and home, right? If incorporating a little booze can enhance and optimize this very important goal for all of us, then sign me up! Okay, maybe I'm trying to rationalize my habits just a little bit... but who's asking anyway??

Alright let's get started but before I do I want to make it clear that this isn't just a list of ways to be a cheapo that avoids spending any money on drinks, but rather on how to spend it optimally so that you can get the best bang for the buck while boozing in Aloha nation!

1. Explore the Dive Bar Scene

This is an absolute must. Hawaii has some of the best casual bars that locals frequent, but rarely do I see the typical tourist types taking advantage of these slices of heaven- which is another good thing! Super affordable wells drinks in the $5 range plus/minus, or even better during happy hours. And the best part... amazing kimchee fried rice with gooey sunny side up fried eggs, fried chicken, loco moco, and other small plate bar food you will never be able to enjoy at your favorite watering hole back at home! A couple spots I usually check out while in Oahu include Rob's Good Times Grill, and A&G Bar and Grill!

2. Bring a Hydro Flask

I know it's a little bulky and heavy for luggage, but in my opinion well worth it. Fill it with some ice and your spirit of choice and you are pretty much set for the entire day at the beach. If you're staying for a week, purchasing 2-3 drinks per day can easily rack up a hefty bill. Do yourself a favor and guarantee yourself an ice cold supply of whatever hits the spot in that hot sun!

3. Find a Good BYOB Restaurant

As soon as you get out of the super crowded and touristy areas like beachfront Waikiki, you'll be able to find some amazing restaurants that actually encourage you to bring your own wine or beer! They'll usually even bring out an ice bucket that you can put your favorite bottle of Chardonnay or cold sake to enjoy your dinner with. Beats spending $100+ on mediocre wine under normal circumstances!

4. Invest in a Collapsible Beer/Beverage Cooler

These are another great way to enjoy ice cold drinks all day on the beach or wherever you are. Be sure to find the kind that collapses so that it doesn't take up too much space in your luggage. Because hey, a Coor's Light is a Coor's Light, right? Save that money and splurge on something else...

5. Royal Hawaiian's Mai Tai Bar

Some of these places are pretty darn expensive. BUT, the good news is with all these money saving tips you'll have more than enough to take your hot date (AKA wife or husband) to the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. At $15-20 a pop these drinks are not cheap, but they're made with delicious local fruits and are worth every penny! This place has live music and is right on the beach, so you can really soak in the paradise vibe.

6. Ocean Organic Vodka

Did you ever notice those cool blue potion-like bottles they sell at the ABC Mart convenience stores? Better yet, pick up a bottle at Costco if you can swing it. These beauties are distilled from organic sugar cane. I'm probably biased or maybe I'm just imagining this but I swear I've never had a hangover or even general grogginess the next day after drinking this stuff. Plus your kids can pretend to be mad chemists and play with the bottle after you're done. What a great dad or mom you are!

Alright, that's it for now. All this talk about booze is making me thirsty, so I need to conclude here and check in with you guys next time. Thanks for reading and I hope to be seeing some of you next time drinking the right way in paradise! Mahalo~