Headin’ North!

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With summer in full swing, long, lazy days on the North Shore are a given, right? Right! But instead of cutting your day trip short to make it back to town for happy hour, stop by one of these top spots along Kamehameha Highway for a refreshing cocktail and some pupus to watch the sun go down.

1. Haleiwa Beach House (62-540 Kamehameha Hwy.): New to the North Shore scene, Haleiwa Beach House offers a full selection of signature cocktails, craft beer on tap and bottles of your favorites. Cocktail-wise, my recommendation is the Aloalo Fizz (pictured), a delicious blend of Absolut Hibiskus Vodka, lychee purée, a house-made sweet and sour mix, ruby red grapefruit juice and a splash of club soda. Then there’s an edible candied hibiscus — a nice “icing on the cake.”

2. The Point Sunset & Pool Bar at Turtle Bay (57-091 Kamehameha Hwy.): Sipping a beverage and watching the waves roll in never gets old. It’s even better when someone else is making the drinks and bringing them to me with a picturesque view of the sunset, which is exactly what you get at this trendy pool bar. I love that The Point serves Ace’s Pineapple Cider on draft, but my favorite is the Monkey’s Lunch, a blended cocktail made with Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream and fresh bananas. After more than one, I would recommend booking a room!

3. Cholo’s Homestyle Mexican Restaurant (66-250 Kamehameha Hwy.): If you’re a margarita lover, Cholo’s is a can’t-miss after a long day in the sun. The menu is stocked with several variations of the drink, including the Peach Berry-Rita, made with Sauza Gold Tequila, peaches, strawberries and raspberries, which is as refreshing as it is strong (don’t let the fruit fool you!).