Kuleana Rum Shack

Name: Kuleana Rum Shack
Address: 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI, United States, 96738
Telephone: (808) 238-0786
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

881 Reviews

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Top Tags:

The Rum Shack offers authentic island cuisine and outstanding, unique cocktails made with Kuleana Rum and other world-class spirits

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 24, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 20 times today

Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Hours of operation
Daily 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(808) 238-0786
Website
http://www.kuleanarum.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Chef de Cusine Jason Criswell

Location
69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI 96738
Neighborhood
Waikoloa
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Wine

Experiences

Rum 101 | Guided Tasting of Kuleana Rum Works
$20.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Here at Kuleana Rum Works we are farmers, distillers and blenders. Our signature rum, Hawaiian Rum Agricole has been named a "Top 100 Spirit" by Wine Enthusiasts, and is made from the freash juice of estate-grown Hawaiian heirloom sugarcane on our 44-acre farm on the Kohala Coast. We also blend rums from around the world- carefully choosen for their purity and rich taste. Join us for a guided tasting and immerse yourself in the Kuleana story, our distillation process and our blending program. Guided tasting includes .5oz pour of each rum, Huihui, Hawaiian Rum Agricole, Nanea and Hokulei.
Kuleana Mai Tai Class
$45.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Learn to craft the Award Winning Kuleana Mai Tai in a hands-on "talk story" bar lab. Allow our passionate rum ambassadors to brighten your spirit with the historic tale of this awesome and iconic cocktail. The experience will begin with a guided tasting of three of our award winning rums; our Hawaiian Rum Agricole, Huihui, Nanea & Hōkūlei. Following the tasting you will be walked through the process of building a craft Mai Tai using our rum. You will measure and pour your ingredients, shake your Mai Tai and enjoy! Please note seating will be assigned and arranged family style. (Experience includes .5oz pour of each rum and ingredients to create one Mai Tai per person)

Popular dishes

What 881 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.4Service
4.3Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Hawaii / Big Island
Kid-friendly
Hawaii / Big Island
Innovative
Hawaii / Big Island
Good for groups
Hawaii / Big Island
Lively

881 Reviews

T
Tony
San Diego
76 reviews
vip
5.0
76 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great educational experience and Loya of fun. Very knowledgeable staff made the experience very enjoyable.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded today
Mahalo Tony!
Is this helpful?
CB
ChrisB
Portland
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was a super chill laid back place. We went for rum tasting/mai tai making and stayed for happy hour. Loved it! Staff was awesome. Food good and came out quick and hot!! Cocktails were on point as well. We hoping to return in June for another dinner event.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded today
Mahalo Chris! We'll see you in June!! Aloha.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience3
The food was good but they were out of a some of their more popular items which was disappointing.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded today
Mahalo for your feedback. Suppliers have continued to let us down . We will have a menu change asap. Hope to see you soon.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, drinks and experience! Will definitely be back again.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded today
Mahalo!
Is this helpful?
BH
BetsyH
Dallas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My sesame Ahi tuna was delicious. Portion was great and the rum tasting was was just plain fun. The Panama rum was smooth and flavorful. It was a lovely time. Would absolutely go back if we’re in the area
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded today
Mahalo!
Is this helpful?
SS
SteveS
San Francisco
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Ahi/drinks/malasadas and great service as always.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded today
Mahalo for your review Steve!!!!
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EV
EVacay
Hawaii
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience3
The atmosphere was fine as long as you aren't sitting in the direct sun. The Ahi was ok, but don't think it was Sushi grade as advertised. The duck was tough. Would have asked for a steak knife but were never checked on. Our server was nice and handled it professionally. The rum tasting was a better experience than the meal. If you order the Old Fashioned I would recommend no smoke. It hides the character of the rum.
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M
Monika
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was an amazing experience. The guide told us about the distillery and the history of it. The rums taste very good and he gave us explanations about every rum.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on September 12, 2023
Mahalo Monika! We appreciate you taking the time to write about your experience, see you soon!
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D
Demonie
San Francisco
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was fresh, staff nice, super chilled and casual and you are not rushed out kd there. Good vibe and good happy hour!
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on August 29, 2023
Thank you for your review. Aloha!
Is this helpful?
CR
ChrisR
Houston
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
The Run Shack is a great place to visit for some great cocktails, a rum flight and some tasty food. Definitely worth a visit!
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LC
LarryC
Hawaii
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
Didn't keep my reservation. Didn't know it was for rum tasting only, no food would be served. Will try again some other time.
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RD
RhondaD
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Mochiko chicken is the best!! We had the wedge salad, Nachos, Lumpia, Garlic mash and Mushrooms. Everything was good BUT the chicken is out of this world. We went back so we could have it one more time before we went home. The service was great. We appreciate how they are also gathering funds to support Maui in their disaster. Everything was wonderful!
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on August 26, 2023
Mahalo for your feedback Rhonda! Aloha
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c
cuteamyv
Portland
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
We tried all the pupus and they were great. The chicken, lumpia and nachos were our favorites.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience3
Ok good, very expensive and rude host at front counter too busy to acknowledge people as they walk in.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience4
Food was delicious but service not acceptable. We ordered our entrees with a second glass of wine and 1 cocktail and the food (steak. Duck dish, ahi) came out before the round of drinks. When I mentioned to the food runner who brought us our food “ wow the food beat the drinks “ she said, let me find out about that and our server an older gentleman was more interested in his 12 top party then our four top bringing us our drinks. My husband finished his entire meal before our cocktails And glass of wine arrived. All the server said was “oh the bar had a lot of cocktails to make “ which that was ridiculous. The table behind us the same thing happened. They were getting their to go containers and their round of drinks showed up and they said they didn’t want them anymore and had to get them taken off by the manager. There was no apology. There was no offer of a dessert or to take anything off of the bill so it was poor customer service for a nice dinner that cost us $290.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on August 7, 2023
We appreciate your feed back and will be taking the steps to improve . I am sorry there was no apology , we will do better. Mahalo.
1 person found this helpful
D
Disappointed
Portland
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Headline is wrong! No disappointment hete. Quite the opposite. Fun. The smoked Old Fashioned made with rum was exceptional. Food and service terrific.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on August 1, 2023
Thank you for letting us know, Aloha!
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J
Jennifer
San Francisco
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Mai Tai experience is highly recommended. We learned so much and the rum tasting/Mai Tai making was fun. Awesome cocktails and delicious food
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on July 26, 2023
Mahalo for letting us know! Much appreciated.
1 person found this helpful
C
Chris
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 19, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
We only did the rum tasting before the restaurant opened. The host was knowledgable and friendly. However, the rum wasn't exceptional - especially for the price.
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RH
ReneeH
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great atmosphere - open air seating so nice! A little loud. Food was excellent!
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on July 20, 2023
Mahalo nui Loa!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Cleveland
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience3
Slow service even though it was not crowded. Medium rare steak came well done. Redo came rare and inedible.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on July 20, 2023
We have noticed a repeating issue, and will be addressing the opportunity asap! Mahalo for your feedback and patience, hope to see you soon.
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AH
AlfredoH
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience3
The food was not as good as reviews on line..we had the snapper.. The cocktails were not good at all.. The Rum was OK not a fan.. The desert donuts was yum..good !!
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DA
DannyA
Hawaii
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great time here! Great food, drinks, service, and atmosphere!
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on July 19, 2023
Mahalo Danny!
Is this helpful?
N
Naomi
Hawaii
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
I visited here four times on our two weeks vacation. Every time I enjoyed foods and drinks. "Marasada" was very nice dessert. I'll come back .
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food! Good service. One of our favorites in Hawaii
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on July 19, 2023
Mahalo nui Loa!
Is this helpful?
KB
KelleyB
Omaha
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The rum tour was so fun! Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about the product and he made it ver fun!
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on July 20, 2023
Mahalo, for letting us know how much you enjoyed. Makes our day!
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SK
SaskiaK
Orange County
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Loved the mai tai class. Our guide was so knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the various rums made by Kuleana.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on July 20, 2023
Glad you enjoyed! The guide classes are so much fun, there is a daiquiri class as well! Mahalo!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience5
The Kuleana Rum Shack is one of my favorite restaurants of all time. The food there was incredible as well as full of flavor, not one dull bite. The menu has a good amount of variety but not too much, so you know that whatever they make, they are good at. We got the nachos and fried chicken as appetizers. When I tell you they were the most delicious thing I have ever tasted in my life is an understatement, and I would sell my soul to try them for the first time again. All of the drinks are amazing with alcohol or not. But the meals themselves exceeded my expectations. The fish was fresh, the pork chops delicious, and the burger simply to die for. I have tasted many good burgers in my lifetime, but this one has beaten them all by far. Once again bringing my point to how flavorful all the food was, this burger gave a blast of flavor with every bite. But the restaurant itself and overall ambiance made the food all the more better. It had a modern yet cozy feeling to it. It was somewhat full but still had a moderate volume not too quiet and not too loud. Since we had ordered so much food there was still plenty on our plates and yet our server didn't see it. He came over and started taking the plates though we wanted boxes to put our food in. After he came around the table wanting to take mine I stopped him. My half eaten burger was saved and I wasn't going to let him take it. I asked for a box instead and it was brought but I will never forget the crime he tried to commit. Taking my burger.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on July 10, 2023
Thank you so much for taking time to write such a wonderful review. Reviews like yours really make my day. I hope you come back and visit us soon! Mahalo nui loa.
1 person found this helpful
L
Lindacious
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Food was good. Rum was excellent. But portions did not match the pricing. I definitely left broke and hungry. We came over from the other side of the island for a change of scenery and was looking forward to some nice food and expected to pay a higher price point. But my entree did not feel like an entree. I had the duck. The mochiko chicken pupu was more filling than the duck entree.
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M
Maria
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a great environment! I loved the openness of it and how everything was just very relaxed. Good good too!
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on July 10, 2023
Mahalo Maria!
Is this helpful?
N
Naomi
Hawaii
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything served quickly and all dishes were delicious. Staffs were friendly. We'll come back soon.
1 person found this helpful
LL
LauraL
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and drinks are always tasty and pretty. Our waiter Richard was awesome and attentive. Thank you!! We love it here!
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on July 3, 2023
Mahalo for the feedback! I'll be sure to let Richard know. Aloha!
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EW
EricW
Palm Springs
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on June 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and great staff… highly recommend this place
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on July 3, 2023
MAHALO!
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CE
CathiE
Hawaii
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Food wasn't consistent. We had two orders of the same dish but they came out tasting very different. One was perfect and the other was overcooked. However, the staff and customer service was amazing. They were very friendly and very attentive.
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M
Melissas
Las Vegas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We didn’t actually eat. We did the Rum tasting and it was fabulous!!
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l
local
Washington DC
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
I don’t often write reviews, but had to highly recommend this place for both drinks and dinner. The Drinks at Rum Shack were exceptional. We tried 4 different drinks, and they were all amazing and exactly as described. I love bourbon, and they had a rum that tasted similar to bourbon. They also have one similar to vodka. If you like trying new drinks (but nothing too far from your known staples) this place is for you. And if you like to try completely new things, I think this place is also for you! You can definitely get out of your comfort zone if wanted. The food was also very good. We had the duck, the cheeseburger and the veggie coconut curry and my meat eating family couldn’t get enough of the curry (or the duck). Hamburger also good and French fries also were delicious and perfectly cooked. All food arrived quickly and very hot. Service was great. I HIGHLY recommend that you check out this place if you are in the area.
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OB
O2BNKV
Portland
70 reviews
vip
4.0
70 reviews
Dined on June 20, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
The Caesar salad and the duck were very good - I added grilled shrimp to the salad, which was a great combination. The malasadas with the three sauces for dessert are a must have. The only miss was the chicken thighs for an appetizer- good sauce but the chicken was tough and tasted like it had been sitting under a heat lamp for a while.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on June 21, 2023
Oh no! usually the Mochiko is solid win. Mahalo for your feedback!
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H
Homecook100
Los Angeles
135 reviews
vip
4.0
135 reviews
Dined on June 19, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Food and service were good. Bar was OK, but nothing special.
Kuleana Rum ShackResponded on June 21, 2023
Mahalo!
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S
Susanmcg
New York Area
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience! Excellent drinks, service and food! Poke nachos!
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MB
MelissaB
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bailey was excellent! Our food arrived quickly and she was attentive to my onion allergy. The malasadas were so delicious and we look forward to them each time we come back.
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N
Nick
Sacramento
35 reviews
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place. We visited happy hour twice. Friendly service, good food, nice drinks. Would definitely return when on Waikoloa.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Kuleana Rum Shack is rated 4.4 stars by 881 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 24, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 20 times today

Experiences are available.

69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI 96738

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Waikoloa
Hours of operation
Daily 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef de Cusine Jason Criswell
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Wine

Website
http://www.kuleanarum.com/
Phone number
(808) 238-0786

Kuleana Rum Shack

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Experiences

Rum 101 | Guided Tasting of Kuleana Rum Works

Kuleana Mai Tai Class

Popular dishes

Mochiko Chicken

Pipikaula Lumpia

Kuleana Nachos

Menu

What 881 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is Kuleana Rum Shack restaurant rated?

Is Kuleana Rum Shack currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information