Copper Bar
About
An Elevated Kona Coast Hangout
Perched within the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Copper Bar serves as the social heartbeat of the Kohala Coast. As the sun begins its descent, the space transforms into a golden-hour sanctuary. You will hear the gentle, rhythmic clinking of glassware competing with the distant, crashing surf, creating an acoustic backdrop that feels distinctly Hawaiian.
The Art of the Island Pour
The menu leans heavily into local provenance. Their signature Copper Mule is a staple, delivered in the requisite frosted mug with a sharp, spicy ginger snap that cuts through the tropical humidity. For those visiting after a day of beach hopping, the menu offers elevated pub fare, such as the Mauna Kea burger, which remains a local favorite for its consistent quality. While the open-air design ensures a constant, cooling breeze, be aware that the breeze can occasionally send napkins fluttering during particularly gusty evenings.
Why Visit?
This is the spot for travelers who want a polished, sophisticated experience without the stuffiness of formal dining. It attracts an eclectic mix of resort guests and residents from Waimea looking for an unwind session. The decor highlights mid-century architectural roots, emphasizing clean lines that don't distract from the primary feature: the panoramic view of the Pacific horizon. Whether you are looking for a pre-dinner cocktail or a late-night bite, the service here is practiced and efficient, mirroring the seamless flow of the tide just a short distance away.
Amenities & Features
Location
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Waimea, Hawaii, 96743-9706
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Reviews
Showing 9 of 275 community reviewsAli ZGoogle Maps
Recently
Had the most amazing meal at cooper bar! Our server Tony is Michelin Star level of attentiveness and service. The manager Jaslynn came by to check on us a few times. Those two individuals really the experience unforgettable, we will be back to Mauna Kea just because of them. The food was also amazing, we tasted some of everything. The calamari was cooked to perfection. The flatbread pizza was like I was back in Europe. The seafood was fresh and the flavors danced in tango. The drinks although spends were delicious and not shy on spirit, worth every penny. If your ever on the island of Hawaii, you must must must! Make a reservation here!
DaveGoogle Maps
Recently
We specifically and excitedly reserved an outdoor table with a view. Upon arrival, however, we were seated at a table next to the kitchen, and the furthest possible location from the view we had reserved. When I asked why we hadn’t been informed in advance that our requested seating would not be available, the staff became oddly argumentative. We were told that the view tables were reserved (despite the fact that we also had a reservation) and were further informed that our table qualified as an “outdoor table.” It did not. In reality, it was next to the kitchen, thoroughfare for all the bussing, and nowhere near the experience that had been advertised or reserved. What made the experience particularly disappointing was how completely out of step it felt with every other interaction we had on the island. Everywhere else, we encountered the warmth, hospitality, and aloha spirit Hawaii is known for. This was the exact opposite—defensive, dismissive, and surprisingly poor customer service. Given the prices, the experience might have been salvageable if the food had been exceptional. Unfortunately, it was merely average. There are too many excellent restaurants on the Big Island to spend your time and (a lot of) money here. I would strongly recommend choosing one of them instead.
Andrew RamosGoogle Maps
Recently
Underrated experience all around, in my opinion. This fit the vibe of my wife and I better than The Manta did during our stay at the Mauna Kea. It's relaxed but still polished with great atmosphere. The octopus pictured was great and also a much larger portion than expected. Copper Bar also served me the best burger I've had in Hawaii with local beef (not pictured). Great cocktails too. I was into the Tahitian limeade.
Hua Feng KuanGoogle Maps
Recently
It’s incredibly hard to find places to eat as a tourist, so we decided to dine at the Copper Bar with incredible views and sunset if you book the right time. We ordered the sashimi platter twice and both times it was fresh! We skipped the burger and tried their brick oven cochon and mushroom pizza. I would highly recommend the Mushroom one and brick oven just taste better. As for the salad, the romaine salad was phenomenal! Who knew that romaine lettuce could taste so fresh and sweet, like farm to table quality. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for quality, atmosphere (live music), and the view.
유슬기Google Maps
Recently
The atmosphere was beautiful and the food was decent, so I really wanted to like this place. However, It felt like the staff member not very welcoming toward us as Asian guests. It wasn’t a language issue — we do speak English — but the restaurant was quite noisy, and we simply couldn’t hear what he said, he seemed irritated and walked away to call another staff member, which felt uncomfortable and unnecessary. We came mainly to see manta rays, but unfortunately none appeared that day.
Marie PGoogle Maps
Recently
Had a wonderful dinner at Copper Bar tonight! The service was truly impeccable. Both our male and female servers were so attentive and kept checking in to make sure everything was great, I just wish I had gotten their names. The host was also fantastic and made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we walked in. As i’ve mentioned in my past reviews, I really value great service even more than the food. That said, both the food and service were excellent. We’ll definitely be back!
Blake NelsonGoogle Maps
Recently
Beautiful sunset, beach and ocean views at Manua Kea resort with good food, service and local live music. Fresh seafood dishes along with vegan and land dishes, especially love the KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower), which has incredibly light breading. Visit every time we are in the area. The wine list is good, but corkage is also available, currently $45.
Tara KonyaGoogle Maps
Recently
This was our favorite spot during our stay at the Westin Hapuna, located just 'next door' at the historic Mauna Kea Hotel! When we couldn’t get a reservation at Manta, our concierge recommended Copper Bar, and we’re so glad they did. Thanks to the convenient shuttle service between properties, getting there was easy, and from the moment we arrived, it felt like a magical experience. Breathtaking views, warm service, and incredible food. Everything about this place just hits right. The newly remodeled space offers a beautiful atmosphere, complete with live music and hula dancing, which makes for a truly memorable evening. The food? Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The Caesar salad was crisp and refreshing, a perfect start to the meal. Pro tip: they’ll happily split it if you're sharing. The daily catch was cooked to perfection, and the steak was rich and tender, on top of thick, savory mushrooms. After dinner, be sure to take a stroll down to the dock to catch a glimpse of the manta rays gliding through the water. It’s an unforgettable bonus of dining at the Mauna Kea. Copper Bar is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and take in the best of Hawai'i. We’ll definitely be back.
KristenGoogle Maps
Recently
The views, food, and live music were amazing! Their flatbread was delicious as well as their fresh catch of the day. Calamari was so fresh and crispy. I would skip the beet and arugula salad, nothing to write home about. Other than that, we had a perfect evening at the copper bar!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Copper Bar
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