Sam’s Hideaway

When searching for a bar, the words «dive bar» will always grab my attention. This is how my visit to Sam’s Hideaway came about. We walked in on a Monday afternoon– the day before leaving the island and from first glance, it’s not much… but that’s what I dig about dive bars… the whole neighborhood bar kind of feel, the regulars sitting in their usual spots, friendly down to earth bartenders, and cheap drinks = heaven.
Sammy, our bartender immediately greeted us, asked us what we wanted and of course I had no clue. Looked on the wall for the daily special and quickly blurted out two Pink Lemonades! Though not the greatest drink, it was a steal for $ 4.00 bucks. Once we finished that, we then made a bee line towards the bar after a few people left– and I’m so glad we did. We asked Sammy if she knew how to make a Mai Tai since my wife and I have never had one. Sammy’s eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning– she told us she makes a pretty mean Mai Tai… and sure enough, she does! She rocks the hell out of that Mai Tai… just saying.
Next, we asked if there is any other drink she makes equally good… and it just so happened to be a Bloody Mary! It was music to my ears! I’m a self proclaimed Bloody Mary fanatic/​snob– especially when it’s made right! Sammy told us she makes her own mix– that right there is an A+ in my book, just in case you didn’t know… oh and these crazy pickled asparagus stalks instead of celery?! I don’t even like asparagus!!! Apparently I do now– well, only pickled asparagus in my Bloody Mary’s at Sam’s Hideaway!
If you ever have a chance– take my advice and head over to Sam’s Hideaway, the bestest dive bar on the big island.

No one will take better care of your needs than Kimberly and her crew. It was the best on the of my life patronizing this legendary establishment. .A hui ho

I was not. I repeat NOT the crazy tourist who decided to start singing «Dream On» by Aerosmith. I’m also NOT the same one who decided it was brilliant to start singing «Drop it Like it’s Hot» either. Nope… not me.
Okay, it might have been me.
Whatever.
Aunty at the bar was incredible. She made drinks, paid out, all while singing. She’s got a beautiful voice that one does! Forgot her name, but she’s great! And she knows how to pour a good drink. I was on a HUGE Mai tai roll while there, so naturally that’s what I had (multiples of). Very good.
Anyway, this place is HELLA hard to find. Don’t be surprised if you have to circle around once or twice before you find it. Once you do, you’ll remember forever. Or not… depends on how much you drink.
Speaking of drinks, cheap. Yes. Cheap. Like, back home neighborhood dive bar cheap. Yes, it’s THAT cheap. It’s a good place to end the night, or start, depends how you roll. The feel IS your typical dive bar too, just with that Hawaiian air flowing by mixed with cigarette smoke.
I loved coming here, you will too, as long as you’re not a snob.

Great piña colada ever and the bartender (Sam) was so nice and sweet to us. Best bar in Kona

Our favorite escape in Kailua Kona. Bartenders are lovely … in person and spirit. Had the great opportunity to pull up a chair next to Sam himself. .what a nice man. GREAT bar… very friendly, nice clientele. All day is happy hour there… price and attitude! !!!

This place is a bit hard to find which is why I suspect the locals like it. It is a small place off the street behind the businesses off Ali’i. Next to a Donut shop that I never knew was there either.
They only had Bud on tap and I was not in the mood for mixed drinks, so it was not a good fit at the time. But the staff was extremely friendly and would definitely be someplace I would hit again when in a mixed drink mood.

Norma Jean Hartman singing tonight made this easily a 5 star review. !!!
Bar tender was great and popcorn delicious

Had so much fun at Sam’s! Although we couldn’t find it on our first try, I called and spoke to the incredibly friendly/​bubbly bartender who happily explained how to get there.
When we arrived she greeted us warmly and thanked us for coming in. The cocktails were strong and cheap, the characters — although they appeared rough around the edges — were friendly and welcoming. After a few drinks and some encouragement by the locals, a few in our group started singing. Everyone was cheered for and we learned that you sing along with everyone as they go. Such a warm/​friendly/​inviting atmosphere. No one is judging here. It truly felt like a place you could go back to and they would know your name and your favorite tune.
The most amazing was when the bartender herself took the mic and sang a beautiful Hawaiian song all while making drinks, taking change and saying hi to everyone that stumbled in. Great dive bar!

This is a true friendly dive bar. We loved it as everyone was friendly and welcoming.