If you are looking for a refreshing drink in a relaxing atmosphere and want to be surrounded by cooling ponds, waterfalls and beautiful island plants that will give you an almost rainforest-like feeling, Keoki’s Paradise is the perfect choice. “We
If you are looking for a refreshing drink in a relaxing atmosphere and want to be surrounded by cooling ponds, waterfalls and beautiful island plants that will give you an almost rainforest-like feeling, Keoki’s Paradise is the perfect choice.
“We are a restaurant that happens to have a bar,” Manette DeCosta, bar and marketing manager, humbly described the locale.
Considering the artistic, hand-crafted cocktails I was served, I would say that’s an understatement. Prepared by bartender Kapena Tahero, the Poipu Piña, $13, tasted great and had a phenomenal presentation.
The drink consists of fresh pineapple and mint blended with coconut rum, passion fruit and coconut cream, and is served in a whole, locally grown pineapple.
The second drink I tried was the Koloa Ho‘opio, $10.50. It is made with sweet Thai basil, fresh pineapple, coconut and Koloa Kauai Spice Rum, a local rum made from Koloa grown sugar cane. It’s shaken over ice.
Ho‘opio means refreshing in Hawaiian and the word should be used to describe both drinks. The fresh mint and basil makes them what I call: “A Mojito Kauai style with an unexpected twist.”
The bar has a unique 28 degrees blizzard beer system. Too cold to hold is the only problem you might have with it and Keoki’s is one of three bars on Kauai that has one.
“Locals and tourist alike — it is all about the Aloha spirit, taking care of each other and having a good time together,” said Jesse Anacleto, dining chef.
And I’d have to say that the staff at Keoki’s provides exactly that.
