Pau Hana Punch

Golden-Hour Captured In A Glass

The Happiest Hour in Hawaii

You don’t have to be from Hawaii to fall in love with lilikoi after the very first taste. Known elsewhere as passion fruit, this little round fruit hides its magic beneath a tough skin, holding golden pulp dotted with tiny black seeds. The flavor is bold yet delicate, tart, floral and sweet all at once, like a tropical orchard captured in a single spoonful.

Here on the islands, lilikoi vines climb fences, spill over trellises, and thrive under the warm sun and gentle rains. By late summer, the fruit ripens and drops to the ground, ready to be gathered for juice, jams, syrups, and of course, to inspire recipes like this one. While it’s part of everyday life here, it still feels like a hidden treasure to many outside Hawai‘i. That’s what makes sharing it so special, it’s a taste that’s both familiar and brand new, depending on where you’re standing.

The name Pau Hana means “after work” in Hawaiian, but it’s more than just words, it’s a feeling. It’s that shift in energy when the day winds down, when work is set aside and the pace becomes easy, unhurried. It’s friends gathering, conversations flowing, and a sense of lightness in the air. That spirit is what inspired this recipe. Pau Hana Punch was created to capture that moment in a glass, a little reminder to slow down, connect, and enjoy.

This cocktail is golden hour poured into a glass, bright, sparkling and refreshing. It brings together the tang of lilikoi with fresh citrus, a gentle fizz of soda water, and the smooth, clean backdrop of rum. Even if you can’t scoop lilikoi from your own backyard, the ingredients are easy to source, so the recipe feels approachable no matter where you are.