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  5. Waikoloa
Kuleana Rum Shack, Waikoloa, HI

Kuleana Rum Shack

4.4
4.4
881 Reviews
$31 to $50
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
The Rum Shack offers authentic island cuisine and outstanding, unique cocktails made with Kuleana Rum and other world-class spirits

Make a reservation

2 people

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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Chef de Cusine Jason Criswell

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.
    Rum 101 | Guided Tasting of Kuleana Rum Works Photo
  • 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)
    Kuleana Mai Tai Class Photo

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Kid-friendly

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Innovative

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Good for groups

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Lively

881 Reviews
  1. 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?

  2. 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?

  3. 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?

  4. 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?

  5. 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?

  6. 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!!!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  8. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  9. 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?

  10. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  11. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  12. 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

    Is this helpful?

  13. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  14. 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?

  15. 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

  16. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  17. 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

  18. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  19. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  20. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  21. 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 !!

    Is this helpful?

  22. 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?

  23. 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 .

    Is this helpful?

  24. 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?

  25. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  26. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  27. 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

  28. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  29. 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?

  30. 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

  31. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  32. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  33. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  34. 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!!

    Is this helpful?

  35. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  36. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  37. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  38. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  39. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  40. 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.

    Is this helpful?

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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 20 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Kuleana Rum Shack

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
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