Tequilas Hawaii

Tequilas Hawaii is a casual, sit-down Mexican restaurant and tequila bar in The Shops at Mauna Lani, and that mix is exactly what makes it stand out on the Kohala Coast. It is built for travelers who want an easy dinner with a stronger drinks program: tacos, margaritas, guacamole, tequila tasting, and a setting that fits smoothly into a resort-area evening. The concept is relaxed rather than precious, but it still aims for a more composed night out than a quick counter-service stop.

What it does best

The restaurant’s strongest lane is tequila-forward Mexican dining. The menu centers on regional Mexican dishes with a clear emphasis on cocktails and agave spirits, and that gives the place a more distinctive identity than a generic vacation Mexican spot. Tacos and margaritas are the obvious anchors, but the broader drinks list matters too: classic margarita variations, mezcal options, palomas, mules, mocktails, and coffee drinks all point to a bar program designed for lingering rather than rushing.

That matters for travelers because Tequilas Hawaii works well as both a dinner stop and a drinks-led outing. A tequila tasting adds a little extra occasion to the meal, and the restaurant’s price point sits in a comfortable midrange for a resort area. It is not trying to be the cheapest option nearby, but it also does not read as a high-end splurge.

The feel of the experience

The setting at The Shops at Mauna Lani shapes the whole experience. This is a casual, vacation-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating and reservations, so the tone is more polished than a strip-mall taco joint but still laid-back enough for sandals and a post-beach dinner. The daily dinner window makes it easy to fold into an evening in Waikoloa or Mauna Lani, and happy hour gives it a useful early-evening draw.

There is also a bit of personality in how the place presents itself. The restaurant leans into a vibrant Mexican identity and, by its own account, opened in 2025, which makes it a relatively new arrival rather than a long-established Big Island institution. That newer energy comes through in the concept: tequila selection, tasting options, and a menu meant to hold up for a full sit-down meal.

Caveats and best-fit travelers

The main tradeoff is that Tequilas Hawaii is more resort-adjacent than local-hidden-gem. Travelers looking for a deeply neighborhood-driven eatery, a tiny taco counter, or an especially Hawaiian-leaning menu may want something else. The dining room also appears to be on the smaller side, so busy periods can feel tighter, and the experience may depend a bit on timing and staffing.

That said, it is a strong fit for several kinds of visitors: couples looking for an easy date-night dinner, families who want a casual full-service meal, and groups that care as much about margaritas and tequila as they do about the food itself. It is especially appealing if the goal is a relaxed evening in Waikoloa with enough variety on the menu to satisfy different appetites.