The Booch Bar: Big Island’s Premier Kombucha Lounge & Live Music Hideout

First Impression

Big Island scene

Walk in and the first thing you catch is the scent—bright ginger, a whisper of lilikoi, maybe hibiscus. Warm lights spill across wood tables. Slack-key and island soul drift from the corner stage while glasses clink and friends lean in. It feels like Hilo: relaxed, creative, and a little bit magic.

The Story

Locals will tell you The Booch Bar grew from a simple love of ʻono, feel-good drinks and a space where community could breathe. It’s the kind of spot built by folks who know your name and your favorite pour. Over time, it’s become a downtown Hilo anchor—part living room, part listening room—where touring artists share the mic with kamaʻāina talent and the ʻohana keeps growing.

What Happens Here

This place hums. Intimate live music events with singer-songwriters, slack-key sets, and acoustic jams. Tasting flights that turn kombucha into a conversation—bright, tart, and farm-to-glass. Pop-up pairings, chill DJ nights, and the occasional community talk-story that runs late in the best way. If you’re into food & drink events, this is your playground: mocktails, seasonal flavors, and a rotating menu that usually has something for veg-heads and gluten-free friends.

And with 15 upcoming happenings on deck, you can pretty much pick a night and find a vibe.

Upcoming Events

Curious what’s next? Expect cozy weeknights with local talent, weekend sets that get the room swaying, and special tastings when new flavors drop. The calendar updates often, so peek at what’s pouring and playing before you head down.

Visitor’s Guide

• ●Where: 110 Keawe St, in the heart of downtown Hilo
• ●Parking: Street parking along Keawe and nearby municipal lots. Weekends fill fast—roll in a bit early.
• ●When to go: Pau hana for a mellow glow; weekend evenings if you want that shoulder-to-shoulder energy.
• ●What to bring: Light jacket for Hilo mist, valid ID, and your curiosity. Keiki welcome earlier in the evening with ʻohana.
• ●What to expect: Kombucha flights, crafty mocktails, and often a small, rotating food menu. You’ll usually find low-ABV or NA options, plus occasional local beer or wine.
• ●Accessibility: Street-level entry and open floor plan feel friendly; for specific needs, give the crew a heads up—they’re helpful.

Local Tips

• ●Best seats: Snag a front table if you want to feel every note; bar stools if you love a chat with the tenders. Window spots catch the trades.
• ●Flavor pro move: Ask for a half-sweet or blend two flavors—ginger-lilikoi and hibiscus-lemon is a winner.
• ●Rainy-night magic: Hilo rain on the windows, guitar in the corner, warm glasses in hand. It hits different.
• ●Arrive hungry: When there’s a pop-up or pairing night, menus can be limited—order early.
• ●Kamaʻāina perks: Sometimes there are kamaʻāina specials—no shame in asking kindly.

Hawaii Island atmosphere

Why We Love It

It’s the feeling. You come for a pour that tastes like the garden after rain and stay for the music that feels like home. Whether you’re cruising solo or rolling deep with your ʻohana, The Booch Bar makes you part of the story.

Hope to see you there—see all events at The Booch Bar →

FAQ

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  What kind of music is typical? Think intimate island sets—singer-songwriters, slack-key, mellow indie, and acoustic grooves that fit the room.

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  Do they serve alcohol? The focus is kombucha and mocktails, with low-ABV options. You’ll sometimes see local beer or wine—menus rotate.

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  Is it family-friendly? Earlier hours skew ʻohana-friendly. Later shows can be more adult in vibe—check the event details.

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  What’s the dress code? Island casual. Sandals, aloha shirts, sundresses. Bring a light layer for Hilo’s evening breeze.

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  Can I get food? Often, yes. Expect small bites or pop-up offerings. If a pairing night is happening, arrive early.

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  Where do I park? Street parking on Keawe St and nearby public lots. Give yourself a few extra minutes on weekend nights.