Celebrate the Turtles With This Special Cocktail at Alaia

Dine

If you thought you would find turtles near our hotel—you guessed right! Turtle Bay is one of the prime locations to see honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtles, on O’ahu.

Honu are the only indigenous reptile found in Hawaii and, for natives, are a guardian spirit and the ultimate symbol of good luck. Hawaiian legend says these peaceful creatures represent the eternal link between land, sea, and humankind. ⁠

In celebration of Turtle Bay’s namesake, our flagship restaurant Alaia created a special cocktail called Don’t Touch the Turtles, served in a stunning copper vessel by Absolut Elyx, to help spread the word of wildlife preservation on O’ahu’s North Shore. If you’re only having one drink at dinner at Alaia, this one is a must!

Don’t Touch the Turtles

1.5 oz Absolut Elyx Vodka
0.75 oz Lilikoi puree
0.5 oz Simple syrup
Splash of prosecco
2 half wheel orange slices
6 mint leaves

Method: Combine mint, orange slices, and simple syrup in a shaker and muddle. Add Absolut Elyx, lilikoi puree and ice and shake. Strain over fresh ice into the copper tortoise vessel, then top with a splash of prosecco.

If you can’t make it to Alaia anytime soon and want to create your own refreshing cocktail at home, our friends at Absolut Elyx created another cocktail, the Live Slow, just for you.

Live Slow

3.5 oz Absolut Elyx Vodka
6.5 oz Lillet rose
1.5 oz Lemon juice
1.5 oz Honey
10 oz Hibiscus tea

Method: Add ingredients to an Absolut Elyx copper vessel or punch bowl filled with cubed ice. Stir gently to combine. Add straws and serve.

Don’t Touch the Turtles isn’t just a cocktail name—it’s an unspoken rule in Hawaii. Learn more about what to do when you encounter a sea turtle (and where to spot them on our shores) in our Ultimate Guide to Sea Turtles in Hawaii.