Today's topic we're going to cover something that might prove to be quite helpful during your trip to Hawaii. Vacationers all find different ways to relax; whether with a good book, spa time and massages, laying in the sun, or one of my personal favorites, enjoying a refreshing tropical cocktail. Hawaii has some of the most unique and exclusive cocktail concoctions in the US, and we know many folks who can't wait to wind down with one of the islands’ most popular drinks. Today we're going to talk about these tropical blends, where to find the best in town, and how to bring a little of it back home with you. And since we're a family-friendly type of talk show, we're also going to cover the drinking age (and how those under 21 can still have some fun), restrictions, and what you should know about drinking in public in Hawaii. Cheers!

Some of the most popular drinks in Hawaii are marked by their distinctive, Hawaii-style names. Here's a few of our favorites: Mai Tai, Lava Flow, Chi Chi, Blue Hawaii (or Blue Hawaiian), li hing mui rimmed martinis, and anything with lilikoi (passion fruit) in it. Mai Tais are mixed with three different types of rum: dark, light, and 151. It's a blend of the alcohol with pineapple and orange juices, plus an array of other twists that are left up to the bartender's discretion. Mai Tais are a classic cocktail of Hawaii; just make sure you go easy with all that rum! The sun is known to have a powerful effect on people when they're drinking heavy amounts of liquor.

Lava Flows I like to call the “dessert cocktail” because it's like having a tropical (and alcoholic) ice cream shake. They are fruity, delicious, and lighter on the alcohol than Mai Tais, which is ideal for the occasional drinker. Lava Flows get their name from their coloring, and are a mixture of light rum, coconut rum, strawberries, bananas, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. They are served in attractive glasses, usually with a fruit garnish and umbrella. Lava Flows just scream, “I'm on vacation and loving Hawaii.”

Chi Chis are very similar to a Lava Flow, only they don't contain the rum and they are white in color. Also a little lighter than a Lava Flow, they go down a bit easier and are fun to order, simply for announcing their name in public (especially when you've got a good lookin’ waitress or bartender to order from!). Recently made famous in South Park's “Going Native” episode about Kauai “locals”, the Chi Chi is a signature Hawaii cocktail that is refreshing on a warm beach day.

Bring on more rum with the Blue Hawaii cocktail! Light rum, vodka, blue Curacao, pineapple juice, and sweet & sour make this drink light, refreshing, and colorfully blue. The Blue Hawaii drink was invented by a bartender named Harry Yee who worked at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in 1957. A Bols Liqueurs representative asked Harry to create a new cocktail that included Bols’ newest liqueur, Blue Curacao, and thus Blue Hawaii was created. There's nothing like sipping on an ocean blue cocktail to remind you of where you made it to for you're your vacation!

Li hing mui- you either love it or you hate it. It's a dried Chinese plum that has a salty, sweet & sour taste, and is reddish orange in color. It offers a flavor kick in any cocktail, and is used as a salty rim for an array of specialty drinks. Many people will order a drink specifically for its Li hing mui rim, or will ask to add it to their drink of choice. If you've never tried it, make sure you taste its unique flavors at least once while you're visiting the islands! It's a local favorite, and can also be found in a variety of different forms (like candy and rubs).

Lilikoi is an incredibly delicious flavor that comes from the yellow ball fruit of the lilikoi vine. Also known as passion fruit, lilikoi usually blooms year round in Hawaii, and is offered in many tropical cocktails. Its sweet/tart flavor gives a fruity taste to any drink, and is served in a variety of ways.