Craving some live music while visiting Kona? Here are a few of our favorite venues for live music and dancing in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. From classy jazz joints to Hawaiian, CONTEMPORARY, and open mics, Kona has some good stuff to offer music lovers…you just need to know where to look!
Gertrude’s Jazz Bar
75-5699 Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Overlooking the pier with a beautiful sunset view, Gertrude’s Jazz Bar is a favorite among locals and visitors who enjoy good music, food, and drink. Their website has a full calendar of special and nightly events. They have a full bar and serve small bites too. Gertrudes has the look and feel of a city jazz club, which makes it one of a kind in Kona. Follow them on Facebook.
BONUS SIDE NOTE - A great general resource for finding information on live music and special events is the Kona Town Today and Tonight Facebook Group, which has thousands of members.
Huggos on the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai Road Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Located right on the water with tables and chairs in the sand, this quirky little bar and restaurant - complete with a thatched roof - offers nightly live music and hula. It’s a good place to catch Hawaiian style music while sipping a classic tiki cocktail. Rock bands and other musical styles play here too, just check the entertainment schedule on their website. They have a daily happy hour from 3 - 5 pm and serve lunch and dinner with a mixture of local style and American food. Try the Kalua Pork Nachos.
Lavernes Sports Bar
75-5819 Ali’i Dr Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Your friendly neighborhood sports bar, Lavernes is a go-to spot for visiting bands. DJs crank out some decent sets for dancing on the weekends, too. Charmingly tacky decor, pool tables, big TVs and beefy security guards are all part of the ambiance. It’s popular with locals for a drink after work, to catch a game, or to dance your butt off into the wee hours. They do offer a full menu of standard bar fare, serving breakfast lunch and dinner. Follow them on Facebook for more information on upcoming events, shows, and DJs.
Kona Brew Pub
74-5612 Pawai Place Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Kona’s own brewery hosts bands every week usually over the weekend. You can find this month’s line up on the bottom of their ‘visit us’ page, scroll down and click the link at the bottom for events, it’s a bit hidden. A rotating selection of yummy beers are on tap, brewed right on site and go great with their pizzas. Their outdoor patio has room for a little dancing. They offer ‘stoked hour’ specials on beers and slices Monday - Friday, 3 - 5pm.
Umekes
74-5599 Pawai Place Kailua Kona, HI 96740
This spot has great Hawaiian eats, a full bar, and live music Wednesday - Saturday nights, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Typically a mix of Hawaiian and contemporary music. Check their website for the most up to date events information.
Willies Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai Place Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Fried chicken and live music. Is there a better combo? Check their website for the most up to date events information. They’ve usually got something going on weekend evenings.
HICO Hawaiian Coffee
This hip coffee shop has live music every Sunday from 11 - 1 pm. Come listen to local musicians play their original music while enjoying some of the cafe specialties. Ube sweet cream cold brew or the spicy crab musubi anyone? In the mood for something a little stronger? They also have beer, wine, and craft cocktails.
Ola Brew
This brewery located in Kona’s old industrial area hosts some great concerts and events! They have a Hilo location too. The best way to find out what’s going on is to visit their Facebook Page.
Poi Dog Deli
75-1022 Henry St. Ste.3 Kailua Kona, HI 96740
This little sandwich and craft beer spot hosts regular open mic nights every second Saturday of the month from 4 - 6 pm. They also host other special live music performances on occasion. Check their website for the latest information! Seating is limited and communal style.
Kona My Bar
74-5606 Luhia St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Located in Kona’s Old Industrial area, Kona My Bar is LGBT friendly and tucked away from touristy Ali’i Drive. They have a variety of different DJs, fun events and performances, and karaoke. Check their website and Facebook page for the most up to date information. The have pool tables too!
If karaoke is your thing check out Sam’s Hideaway, at 75-5729 Ali’i Dr. Sam’s has a low key, mellow vibe and feels a bit like a time capsule, in a good way. Regulars with some serious pipes will surprise you. Another spot for karaoke and some good eats - including fresh oysters on the half shell - is Sunflower Bar and Grill at 75-5626 Kuakini Hwy in the King Kam Mall.
Sunset Terrace
78-6842 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
This tucked away poolside bar located in the Kona Coast Resort in Keauhou has some good live music. They usually have something going down on weekend evenings. They are a bit informal and don’t have a website, but their Facebook page is updated regularly. Music generally gets started around sunset time, hence the name. They are big on local brews, offering beers and ciders from Kona Brewing Co, Maui Brewing Co, Big Island Brewhaus, and Ola Brew. They also serve up some interesting tropical cocktails like Dr. Frankenstein’s Vacation, made with coconut rum, pineapple, coconut mint, and passion fruit - basically the deliciously fruity love child of a mojito and a piña colada.
Finally, check out Big Island Music Academy. A music school for kids ages 10 and up, they have concerts several times a year at various locations. The students put on an amazing show. Classical music nerds, check out the Chamber Orchestra of Kona and the Kamuela Philharmonic.
Have a favorite spot for live music in Kona we missed? We’d love to hear from you.