One of the earliest known establishments was located in Kailua-Kona, which had such a bustling seafront that attracted sailors, traders, merchants and visitors. The “Kona Inn,” built in 1928, was among the first of the ‘luxury hotels’ on the island. It included a bar and restaurant that catered to affluent travelers. Before such establishments like smaller, more rustic bars and eateries served the needs of whalers and traders in the area the most. These places often offered rum, fish, poi, rice, providing a taste of Hawaiian cuisine to outsiders while fostering cultural exchange and intrigue.
On the east side of the island, in Hilo, a similar pattern unfolded. Early establishments were tied to the needs of seafarers and the small but growing population of foreign settlers. By the mid-1800s, Hilo had several small taverns and eateries, often frequented by the crews of ships anchored in Hilo Bay. These places were not just for eating and drinking; they served as community hubs where news was exchanged, deals were made, and relationships were built. As sugar plantations began to grow on the island, these establishments also started to cater to the plantation workers and owners, adding to the diversity of the clientele.
The early 20th century saw the rise of more formalized restaurants and bars as Hawaii’s tourism industry began to take shape. As commercial air travel started in 1935 with Pan American Airways while ocean travel via steam engines ships had already begun in 1883. With more visitors coming to the island, there was a growing demand for more sophisticated dining and drinking establishments. This period saw the construction of several landmark hotels on the Big Island, each with its own restaurant and bar. These places began to blend traditional Hawaiian hospitality with Western culinary influences, offering guests a unique experience that combined local flavors with more familiar dishes.
Overall, the first bars and restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii played a crucial role in the island’s social and economic development. They were more than just places to eat and drink; they were vital centers of community life, cross-cultural interaction, and the emerging hospitality industry that would eventually become a cornerstone of Hawaii’s economy. Today, while many of the original establishments are long gone, their legacy lives on in the vibrant food and drink culture that the Big Island continues to offer visitors from around the world.
Do you know what the first establishment served alcohol on the Big Island? Let us know in the comments below!
