Ride the Wailua Wave
A refreshing, island-inspired cocktail that blends the clean elegance of Kōloa White Rum with bright tropical fruit—perfect for sipping under the Hawaiian sun (or channeling it from home).
There’s something magical about Kauai’s Wailua Falls—the twin waterfalls that cascade down lush volcanic cliffs, stirring the mist and echo of ancient chants. That same magic inspired the Wailua Wave, a cocktail created to reflect the balance of strength and serenity that defines the island’s landscape.
This drink isn’t heavy like a piña colada. It’s lighter, brighter, and smoother—thanks in large part to Kōloa White Rum, a pure cane spirit distilled right here on Kaua‘i. With just a few tropical ingredients and the right technique, you’ll be riding the wave in no time.
The Rum That Makes It Work
Kōloa White Rum is made with crystallized cane sugar and mountain rainwater from Mount Waiʻaleʻale. It's distilled twice in a vintage copper pot still and never charcoal-filtered, preserving its elegant character.
Tasting notes include:
Subtle cotton candy sweetness
Delicate citrus like Meyer lemon pith
A soft, clean finish that supports—rather than dominates—fruit-forward cocktails
Its clarity and floral brightness make it ideal for mixed drinks that need body without heaviness.
Unlike molasses-based rums, this cane sugar–distilled white rum is naturally smooth and lacks bitterness, allowing the pineapple and coconut to shine.
Wailua Wave Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
2 oz Kōloa White Rum
3 oz pineapple juice
1 oz coconut cream
½ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz simple syrup (optional – adjust to taste based on the sweetness of your juice)
Instructions
Shake: Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. The coconut cream and juice will naturally emulsify for a frothy finish.
Strain & Serve: Strain into a chilled glass or serve over fresh ice.
Garnish: Add a pineapple wedge, lime wheel, or even a sprig of mint or edible flower.
Optional Technique: For a foamier texture, dry shake (without ice) for 10 seconds first, then shake with ice. You can also blend with crushed ice for a frozen variation.
Why It Works
The Wailua Wave is a study in tropical balance:
Pineapple juice adds brightness and body
Coconut cream provides richness and texture without heaviness
Lime juice cuts through with needed acidity
Kōloa White Rum binds it all together with delicate sweetness and subtle depth
Unlike traditional creamy cocktails, this one stays light and refreshing—something you can sip slowly or pair with a meal.
Best Served With
Coconut shrimp or crab rangoon
Fresh fruit skewers or a tropical poke bowl
Light desserts like mango sorbet or coconut macaroons
Want to share your take or see how others are using it?
Join the conversation in the Community Chat—it’s where flavor, ideas, and island inspiration come together.
The Meaning Behind the Name
Wailua Falls isn’t just a postcard-worthy landmark—it’s a sacred place once reserved for ali‘i (Hawaiian royalty) who used its pools for ceremonial bathing. The energy of this place—lush, flowing, invigorating—was the inspiration for the Wailua Wave: a drink that feels cleansing, vibrant, and completely connected to the island.
Follow Along
I created this recipe to share how local Hawaiian rum can elevate even the simplest tropical drink. For more recipes and culinary tips using Kōloa Rum, subscribe for FREE or become a PAID subscriber to get future recipes delivered right to your inbox.