




Dolphin Spit Saloon
About
A Kona Coast Local Secret
If you find yourself wandering the sun-drenched streets of Kailua-Kona, Dolphin Spit Saloon is where the local heartbeat is strongest. This isn't a place for fancy cocktails or white-tablecloth service; it’s an unpretentious watering hole that captures the salt-crusted essence of the Big Island. Tucked away from the polished resort corridors, the saloon hums with the clinking of glasses and the occasional roar of laughter from regulars who have been pulling up stools here for years.
Liquid Aloha and Island Spirit
The interior is defined by its no-frills, open-air layout, where the Pacific breeze does the air conditioning's job. Expect cold, reliable beers and straightforward pours that go down easy after a long day of snorkeling or surfing. The soundscape is dominated by classic rock and local island rhythms, creating a backdrop that feels like a backyard hangout with your closest friends.
Know Before You Go
While the atmosphere is quintessentially laid back, keep in mind that space is tight. During peak evening hours, finding a spot at the bar can feel like a competitive sport. It is the perfect venue for solo travelers looking to strike up a conversation with someone who actually lives on the island, or groups who prefer grit over glamour. Come for the authenticity, stay for the cold brews, and don't be surprised if you end up staying two hours longer than you originally planned just to soak in the unfiltered Kailua-Kona night.
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Location
75-5629 Kuakini Hwy Suite F, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740-1664
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 27 community reviewsDean nagasakoGoogle Maps
Recently
NAHONE IS THE PREMIER BARTENDRESS IN THE UNIVERSE EVER!!!!!!!! NAHONE IS THE KINDEST PERSON EVER!!!!!!!! WHEN NAHONE IS WORKING, DOLPHIN 🐬 SPIT BAR IS FILLED TO THE BRIM!!!!!! DEAN NAGASAKO WISHES NAHONE WORKED ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!
Ben WainwrightGoogle Maps
Recently
Awesome spot, great locals/tourists, lots of sport on TV and very attentive bar staff.
kathy taplettGoogle Maps
Recently
Great vibe for a little dive bar! I love these kinds of places and this is one of the most laid back, chill places I've been!
David weatherallGoogle Maps
Recently
We watched several white customers be served before myself and my wife and we at the establishment first. We were not acknowledged and were ignored by the female bartender. We are visiting from Houston and the service was disrespectful and unacceptable. IF YOU'RE AFRICAN AMERICAN, DON'T GO HERE, BECAUSE YOUR BUSINESS WON'T BE APPRECIATED. WE WALKED OUT.
Felicia WeatherallGoogle Maps
Recently
My husband and I visited Dolphin Spit Saloon while vacationing in Hawaii prior to a scheduled dinner cruise. We sat at the bar and waited to be served. During that time, the bartender actively served multiple patrons around us. We were never acknowledged. No greeting. No eye contact sustained. No “I’ll be right with you.” Nothing. We watched others arrive after us and receive service while we remained completely ignored. After waiting and observing this pattern, we left without being served. When two guests are consistently bypassed while others are attended to, it is impossible not to question why. The experience was humiliating and deeply unsettling. Hospitality requires more than pouring drinks — it requires basic acknowledgment and equal treatment of all guests. What happened was a complete failure of both. Management should take this seriously. No customer should ever leave feeling invisible.
David AdamsGoogle Maps
Recently
Sitting here at the Bar my Girlfriend asked the Young lady what they had for reds or darks. The girl just shrugged said maybe Guinness and walked away. Girl had a crappy attitude. Maybe a cool dive bar for locals but not welcoming to others. To each there own I guess. Get better bar staff that know what they are doing.
Georgia MedinaGoogle Maps
Recently
This place was a super fun indoor/outdoor bar! It felt like a dive bar and a sports bar love child. The drinks were really good and reasonably priced for being in Hawaii. The service was also great!
Tanaia ThomasGoogle Maps
Recently
I love this place. It’s definitely a local dive… But not all ‘Hawaiian local’, more haole resident type. That’s totally ok, go where you wanna go. It’s sorta ‘Cheers’ vibe with ups and downs. Tonight, along with many others, I had a really good time. Just came off boat shift, was starving but needed a drink too. Evan, my mostly usual bar tender(usual means I see him like once or twice every couple weeks) took total care of me. Small favor but fed me his last crab wonton… I know that sounds like a who cares…. But it saved me from my poor choices and physically passing out from poor nutrition…I don’t mean I was drunk….i just worked two jobs super hard and didn’t have anywhere to eat in between….cuz Hawaii…not a lot options. Point is, he gave a small care and I didn’t die. In this world we live, the bar is in hell and I’ll take his sharing is caring offer 100 X’s over!
Peter Joseph KuhnGoogle Maps
Recently
Can’t really say much else? I came for a quick one when I was doing my laundry. I just mainly post as memories and journaling. The only thing I can say is that there really isn’t any happy hour but at 5pm the place was bumping… the discounted drink was a 355ml longboard Kona for 5 bucks…still kind of a rip off, but it is what it is? You’re still better off going to Safeway for the 2 for 8 bucks craft beer.
Mat IrvineGoogle Maps
Recently
Fun little watering hole. Bartender makes good drinks. Outdoor seating and a smoking area.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dolphin Spit Saloon
Common questions from diners about Dolphin Spit Saloon in Kailua-Kona.
