Nightlife at a breezy pace

Tropical drinks, extra umbrellas? Straight no chaser? Corona with a lime?

No problem. Coming right up.

Hilo’s nightlife keeps a relatively low profile — this being a daytime town — but there’s always a watering hole nearby.

Many tourists stay in to enjoy their hotel’s cocktail bar, often a wise choice for meeting and greeting fellow travelers.

But frequent visitors would argue that the best times await those who venture out, sharing the buzz with the town’s usual mix of college kids, tourists and good-timing locals.

Hilo has an active music scene, with traditional Hawaiian acts, rappers, electronica DJs and rock bands all working the bar scene. Don’t like karaoke? Better stay in, after all.

Favorite bars, lounges and clubs in Hilo:

Shooters Bar & Grill: A club that gets its grove on near the midnight hour. DJ, sports on TV, pool tables, darts. Blues jams. Mingle with the locals … but watch your step come closing time. 121 Banyan Drive. (808) 969-7069

Pahoa Lounge: Features live music, usually young Hawaiian music acts. Popular with locals. (808) 933-2667

Palms by the Bay: Karaoke, sushi, pupus, dancing in the aisles. Who could resist. 80 Pauahi St. (808) 961-6461

Cronies: Sports bar and grill with a lively mix of college kids and younger tourists. Order up some regional beer. Decent menu with burgers, sashimi and ribs. Pool tables, karaoke, games. 11 Waianuenue Ave. (808) 935-5158

The Emerald Orchid: Local and craftsman beers. Some dancing and scattered entertainment. A couple of Irish dishes keep the bar’s name honest, but mostly it’s fried bar-stuff and pupus. 168A Keawe St. (808) 961-5400

Bamboo Garden: Locals say this is the place for piles of exceptional pupus, free with the alcohol orders. Sports reign on multiple TVs. Karaoke. 718 Kinoole St. (808) 935-8952

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