Wailua Wave

A Refreshing Cocktail That Blends Tropical Fruit With White Rum

There is something almost otherworldly about Wailua Falls on Kauaʻi. Twin ribbons of water spill down volcanic cliffs into a misty pool below, where rainbows shimmer in the spray and the sound of rushing water seems to hush everything around it. If you have ever stood there, you know the feeling. It is both powerful and peaceful, dramatic and calming, wild and serene all at once.

That spirit is what inspired the Wailua Wave. This cocktail is not the heavy, creamy kind of tropical drink you may be used to. Instead it is light, bright, and refreshing, carrying the same balance of strength and serenity as the falls themselves. Every sip feels like cool mist on a warm day, with flavors that dance between citrus, pineapple, and the gentle sweetness of coconut.

At the heart of it is Kōloa White Rum, a rum made right here on Kauaʻi. Smooth, clean, and layered with subtle character, it is the current that carries the drink forward. It gives the cocktail structure without weighing it down, brightness without sharpness, and just enough body to let the tropical fruits shine.

This is the kind of drink that transports you. A glass that feels as connected to place as it does to the moment you are in, whether that is unwinding on your lanai, toasting friends at a gathering, or daydreaming about your next escape to the islands.

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Why Kōloa White Rum Works

Kōloa White Rum is crafted from crystallized cane sugar and rainwater collected on Mount Waiʻaleʻale, one of the wettest spots on Earth. Distilled twice in a vintage copper pot still and never charcoal-filtered, it keeps its natural brightness and clarity.

Tasting notes

• A soft touch of cotton candy sweetness

• Delicate citrus reminiscent of Meyer lemon

• A clean, gentle finish that supports fruit flavors without overpowering

Because it is distilled from cane sugar instead of molasses, this rum is naturally smooth and free from bitterness. It allows pineapple, coconut, and lime to take center stage while adding balance and quiet depth.