Tahiti Nui

For a funky, homegrown look into the Hawaii of yesteryear, the Tahiti Nui in the beachside hamlet of Hanalei is the real thing. The unpretentious bar-restaurant caters to the locals, and it was the first watering hole to open up on Kauai’s north shore a half-century ago. Local Hawaiian bands belt it out, hula dancers do impromptu shows at the drop of a hat, and the porch has great views. Go for the lethal mai tais. The crowd is local, fun, and friendly.