Hawaiʻi may be renowned for its mai tais and lava flows, but those classic tiki drinks are being reimagined for a new kind of bar guest. Whether you’re participating in Dry January or joining the growing number of people ditching alcohol altogether, Maui is a place to explore zero-proof tropical creations.
I scoured bars across the island to find the most creative mocktails. These aren’t just virgin renditions of familiar favorites—they’re thoughtfully crafted, visually striking drinks. And they prove that passing on booze doesn’t have to mean passing on a fun night or a delicious beverage.
Aumakua Kava Lounge
For a truly alcohol-free night out, Aumakua Kava Lounge offers a bar-style setting with a menu built entirely around kava. Deeply rooted in Pacific island cultures, kava—or ‘awa in Hawaiian—is an earthy drink made from powdered kava root and prized for its calming, grounding effects. Sip it the traditional way from a coconut shell or try it in a tiki-inspired mocktail. You’ll notice the physical sensation when you feel a gentle tingle on your tongue. Stop by during happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for 15% off select drinks or plan your visit around one of the lounge’s regular events, from art shows and open mic nights to DJ sets and costume parties.
Must-Try Mocktail: Lychee Fishbowl with housemade lilikoʻi and lychee syrup, grapefruit, lime juice, bitters, kava and kava extract.
149 Hāna Highway, Pāʻia, 808-793-3232, aumakuakava.com
Pilina
Photo: Courtesy of Fairmont Kea Lani
Celebrating its first anniversary following a resortwide renovation at Fairmont Kea Lani, Pilina has reinterpreted the lobby lounge concept: Now it’s a dining destination in its own right. The name pilina means relationship or connection in Hawaiian, reflecting a mission to bring people together over ʻāina (land)-driven fare. The bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with happy hour from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. To kick off the year, the drink menu features Mindful January specials using Lyre’s nonalcoholic spirits, alongside year-round offerings that include three zero-proof mocktails as well as low-ABV (alcohol by volume) highballs for those cutting back but not giving up alcohol entirely.
Must-Try Mocktail: Mango Thieves with li hing mui pickled mango shrub, agave, Hawaiian chili pepper water, Tajín, black Hawaiian lava salt and lime.
4100 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, 808-875-4100, pilinamaui.com
Tikehau Lounge
Photo: Courtesy of Tikehau Lounge/Susie Oszustowics
Although guests must be 21 or older to enter, this award-winning cocktail bar offers far more than just alcohol. Polynesian-inspired drinks are served in an eclectic space, and the No Buzz menu caters to those looking to enjoy a fun night without booze. Four tropical mocktails highlight local flavors like pineapple, starfruit and liliko‘i, with all juices squeezed in-house. Visit during daily happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m. for zero-proof sips alongside snacks priced at $12 or less.
Must-Try Mocktail: Surf’s Up with grapefruit, ginger, pineapple, lime, blue spirulina and jasmine sea bubbles.
116 Wailea Ike Drive, Wailea, 808-214-6500, tikehaulounge.com
Tiffany’s
Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany’s
This local hot spot serves award-winning Asian fusion cuisine that reflects Hawaiʻi’s melting pot of cultures. Helmed by celebrity chef Sheldon Simeon of “Top Chef” fame, the food and drinks are consistently top-notch. An expansive beverage menu includes five mocktails, such as the Poni Colada with pineapple, coconut, lychee purée, butterfly pea flower tea, and lime. There are also four zero-proof options—which may contain up to 0.5% ABV—including the Hafa Zero made with nonalcoholic gin, tomato water, chile-vinegar finadene, and lemon oil. Take advantage of early bird deals from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. on weekends, plus daily late-night happy hour from 8 p.m. to closing.
Must-Try Mocktail: Palamig with coconut jellies, ice-cold coconut water, pandan and banana essence.
1424 Lower Main Street, Wailuku, 808-249-0052, tiffanysmaui.com
Lahaina Noon
Photo: Courtesy of Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
An oceanfront respite with a retro vibe, Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows’ on-property restaurant Lahaina Noon and its sister spot, the poolside bar Pineapple Moon, are pouring gorgeous drinks—two of which can be made without alcohol. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Lahaina Noon offers booze-less beverages virtually any time of day, while Pineapple Moon caters to late risers with hours from 12:30 to 7 p.m. Order the Spirit of Aloha with a nonalcoholic substitute for coconut rum, or opt for the Lokelani Rose sans vodka and mixed instead with Seedlip Grove 42, a citrus-forward nonalcoholic distilled spirit made from botanicals.
Must-Try Mocktail: Spirit of Aloha made nonalcoholic with CleanCo spiced rum alternative, ube, pineapple-toasted coconut and lime.
2780 Kekaʻa Drive, Lahaina, 808-270-9744, royallahaina.com/lahaina-noon
Aurum Maui
The newest restaurant in The Shops at Wailea serves seasonal island flavors in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Bar manager Ryan Dunton has crafted a thoughtful beverage program with four zero-proof concoctions—none of which skimp on flavor or flare. Classic cocktails are reimagined without alcohol, including the Pimms’less Cup, the Nada G&T, and a Chili Paloma that incorporates traditional ingredients like grapefruit and lime with Hawaiian chili pepper water for the heat normally provided by tequila. Priced at $12, these mocktails are easy add-ons during daily happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m., when small plates are available for $15 or less.
Must-Try Mocktail: Faux Spritz with Giffard nonalcoholic aperitif, jasmine tea, white grape, white cranberry and carbonation.
3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, 808-793-0054, aurummaui.com
READ MORE: Wailea’s Newest Restaurant Marries Elegance with Local Roots
Honorable Mentions
Kō Restaurant
Must-Try Mocktail: Hallabong Paloma with Lyre’s nonalcoholic agave spirit, Jeju Island mandarin and green tangerine, wildflower honey, ginger-gochugaru salt and Fever-Tree grapefruit soda.
4100 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, 808-875-2210, korestaurant.com
Star Noodle
Must-Try Mocktail: Mount Fuji with Fuji apple cordial and cold-brewed oolong tea.
1287 Front Street, Lahaina, 808-667-5400, starnoodle.com
Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa
Must-Try Mocktail: Golden Shore with Mionetto Aperitivo alcohol-free spritz mixer, Mionetto alcohol-removed sparkling wine and orange.
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, 808-875-1234, humumaui.com
Ashley Probst is a contributor to HAWAIʻI Magazine.
