This Lava Flow recipe is a popular Hawaiian drink made with flavors of pineapple, strawberries, banana and coconut mixed with rum. It’s a fresh and fun eruption of tropical flavors in a creamy cocktail.
Sit back and relax…. you’re going to love this Lava Flow drink!

I am often inspired to try any tropical drink that makes me feel like I’m on an island vacation! And this Lava Flow Hawaii drink does just that.
If you’ve traveled to Hawaii, you probably noticed almost every bar – from hotel bars to beach bars – includes the Lava Flow drink on their menu. It’s almost as popular as this authentic Mai Tai drink.
The popularity of the Lava Flow drink in Hawaii put it on the map in restaurants and bars on the mainland. You no longer need to travel to Duke’s Waikiki to drink a Lava Flow, today you can order one from popular establishments such as Bubba Gump’s and TGI Fridays.
Of course, you can make the best Lava Flow drink right at home!
What is a Lava Flow Drink?
The Lava Flow Hawaii drink recipe is similar to the most popular tropical drink, the Pina Colada (another awesomely creamy recipe – check it out for this easy big pitcher recipe). Adding two fresh fruits and a special pouring procedure is what punches up the Pina Colada into the Lava Flow recipe.
The three common ingredients between these two tropical drinks are rum, pineapple juice and cream of coconut. The Lava Flow recipe adds fresh strawberries and a banana capturing all the popular tropical flavors.
The reason it’s a Hawaiian cocktail is all in how it looks.
The strawberry puree is added to the bottom of the glass first. When the creamy banana, pineapple and coconut blend is poured on top, the red strawberry mix slides up the sides of the glass creating the resemblance of flowing lava.
Lava Flow Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Light Rum
- 2 oz. Pineapple Juice (chilled)
- 2 oz. Cream of Coconut (chilled)
- 5-6 Fresh Strawberries
- 5-6 Pineapple chunks (optional)
- 1 Small Banana
The reason to chill your ingredients is to avoid using ice in the drink, keeping this Lava Flow drink extra creamy.

How to make a Lava Flow Drink
Get your blender ready!
The key is to make two separate concoctions. The first concoction is blended strawberries and rum and the second is everything else.
Make sure to rinse your blender after making the strawberry mix so it doesn’t tint the second concoction.
Mixing Directions:
- Blend Strawberries and rum together and pour the mixture into your glass.
- Rinse out your blender.
- Blend the banana, pineapple juice and cream of coconut.
- Pour into your glass (on top of the strawberry and rum mixture).
Watch the strawberry concoction creep up the sides of your glass creating the signature “lava flow” look of the drink!
Variations and Tips:
- If you’re a fan of coconut rum, replace one ounce of Light Rum with Coconut Rum.
- If you like a little more pineapple taste to your drink, add 4-5 fresh chunks of pineapple and blend it with the second mixture.
- I have forgotten to pour the two concoctions in the right order. If this happens to you, simply pour the strawberry rum mixture into the glass aiming for the middle of the pineapple, banana, cream of coconut mixture. Take a knife and give it a few swirls. This also creates the lava flow drink look.
- Chill your ingredients! If your pineapple juice and coconut cream are cold, then there is no need to use ice, keeping this Lava Flow recipe super creamy. If your ingredients aren’t chilled, you can add crushed ice into the second mixture and blend until smooth.
- As always, we’re never going to fault a dark rum floater on top! Not a traditional Lava Flow drink ingredient, but certainly nothing wrong with it.

Lava Flow Recipe - Tasty Hawaiian Drink
This Lava Flow recipe is a popular Hawaiian cocktail made with flavors of pineapple, strawberries, banana and coconut mixed with rum. It’s a fresh and fun eruption of tropical flavors in a creamy cocktail.
The Lava Flow recipe is similar to a Pina Colada with a few extra touches to add flavors. Primarily, we’re adding fresh fruits to the mix. One banana, a couple strawberries and (optional) fresh pineapple.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Light Rum
- 2 oz. Pineapple Juice (chilled)
- 2 oz. Cream of Coconut (chilled)
- 5-6 Fresh Strawberries
- 1 Small Banana
- 5-6 Fresh Pineapple chunks (optional)
- Slice of pineapple for garnish
Instructions
- Blend Strawberries and rum together and pour the mixture into your glass.
- Rinse out your blender.
- Blend the following: banana, pineapple juice and cream of coconut (optional: include 4-5 pineapple chunks)
- Pour into your glass (on top of the strawberry and rum mixture).
- Watch the strawberry concoction creep up the sides of your glass creating the signature Lava Flow drink look!
Notes
If you’re a fan of coconut rum, replace one ounce of Light Rum with Coconut Rum.
If you like a little more pineapple taste to your drink, add 4-5 fresh chunks of pineapple and blend it with the second mixture.
Chill your ingredients! If your pineapple juice and coconut cream are cold, then there is no need to use ice, keeping this Lava Flow drink super creamy. If your ingredients aren’t chilled, add crushed ice into the second mixture and blend until smooth.
I have forgotten to pour the two concoctions in the right order. If this happens to you, simply pour the strawberry rum mixture into the glass aiming for the middle of the pineapple, banana, cream of coconut mixture. Take a knife and give it a few swirls. This also creates the “lava flow” look.
As always, I'll never fault a dark rum floater on top! Not a traditional Lava Flow recipe ingredient, but certainly nothing wrong with adding one.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Like it? Save it for latter and Pin it!