Have You Visited The Caribbean Islands in the Beach Boys song: Kokomo?

“Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take you to
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego, baby why don’t we go
Oh I want to take you down to Kokomo, 

we’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we want to go, way down in Kokomo”

Kokomo – The Beach Boys 

Kokomo is the 1988 smash hit of a song by the legendary Beach Boys. Still as popular now as it was way back in the 80s and 90s, Kokomo shot to unimaginable fame after being featured in Cocktail, a blockbuster film starring Tom Cruise.

A genuinely memorable song, the lyrics of Kokomo are about love, romance, and spending time amongst the beauty of a tropical paradise. Surprisingly, though, while there are a few Caribbean islands mentioned in Kokomo, its titular island is fictional. Well, there is a Kokomo in Indiana, but it’s certainly not the place the Beach Boys had in mind when writing the song. 

So, while you cannot visit Kokomo, the song with the highly hummable tune and easy-to-remember verses does mention idyllic islands in the Caribbean that make for a truly unforgettable vacation. 

Aruba

Aruba lies in the southern Caribbean Sea and is part of the ABC islands group. Its location away from the hurricane belt makes it an unmatched all-year tourist destination.

An island without a river, Aruba’s natural beauty, on land and under the surrounding waters, is its biggest attraction. Having diving options aplenty, the island is also a haven for beach lovers who come here from across the globe to lounge on the iconic Palm Beach.

Aruba’s authentic charm, though, lies in its less-touristic treasures that many miss out on during their first trip to the island. Among these hidden gems is Diana’s Pancakes, a traditional windmill, and restaurant that serves the most delectable savory and sweet Dutch pancakes.

For sunbathers looking to find a secluded spot in Aruba, nothing beats the magic of Blackstone Beach, a gorgeous shoreline reachable only on an ATV vehicle. But if it’s a family day in Aruba you want, hop over to the Donkey Sanctuary and spend time feeding and petting loveable rescued donkeys.            

Jamaica

A diverse topography featuring beaches, mountains, and rainforests allows Jamaica to stand out amongst the Caribbean islands mentioned in Kokomo. Moreover, the island is a distinct holiday destination for its many other unique features. Visitors in Jamaica, for instance, have the chance to indulge in luxury living at some of the world’s best all-inclusive resorts. Additionally, travelers can partake in fun escapades throughout the island like scuba diving, zip-lining, and snorkeling. 

First occupied by the Spanish and then the British, Jamaica is brimming with exclusivities. It is famous for being the birthplace of Reggae music and home to the legendary Bob Marley. A visit to the singer’s house, now a museum, is a must for every music enthusiast. 

However, adventure seekers need to climb up Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, a step-waterfall that rises to up to 180 feet and features plunge pools and mini cascades.

Of course, no trip to Jamaica is complete without savoring its biggest culinary export, jerk chicken. Meat, marinated in all-spice and cooked over charcoal, it’s mouthwateringly delicious.

Bermuda

Bermuda is a bit of a curveball on our list. Often associated with Caribbean islands, it is not truly one of them. In reality, Bermuda is a self-governing British overseas territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean. 

Nevertheless, it displays all the attributes that we love about the islands in the Caribbean. While in Bermuda, you’re spoilt with choices when it comes to stunning beaches. The must-visit of them all is the world-famous pink sandy strip of Horseshoe Bay. 

As for tourists who like to learn about a region’s history, the Royal Naval Dockyard, Fort St. Catherine, and the National Museum of Bermuda are the best places to visit in Bermuda.      

Bahamas

Taking its name from the Spanish “baha mar”, meaning shallow water, the Bahamas are a collection of over 700 islands near the Florida Keys. A quintessential tropical destination, its inclusion among Caribbean islands mentioned in Kokomo comes as no surprise. 

A versatile holiday option, the Bahamas delivers an array of attractions for various ages, especially at the renowned Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. A behemoth construction, this hotel in the Bahamas has a 62-hectare aquapark featuring an underwater slide that takes you through a shark-infested pool.

The real charm of the Bahamas is that no matter your preference, it has an island just for you. Nassau, the capital, is a bustling city with vibrant nightlife and plenty of restaurants. On the other hand, Eleuthera is a crowd-free islet with a serene vibe and pink sand beaches.       

Montego

Of all the Caribbean islands mentioned in Kokomo, Jamaica is the only place that gets two references. Montego, you see, is not a separate island.

When the Beach Boys ask, “Key Largo, Montego, baby why don’t we go,” they are singing about Montego Bay, a city in the northwest of Jamaica.

Some might wonder why the Beach Boys decided to include Jamaica twice in their song. It’s probably because the name sounded right in the song. Or maybe it’s because most of Cocktail’s island shoot took place in Jamaica, and that’s why it deserves a second mention.  

Montserrat

A relatively small island, Montserrat is only 16km long and 11km wide, with a coastline measuring roughly 40km. Once a lively isle, it sadly suffered mass destruction during a volcanic eruption in 1995. The natural disaster destroyed the island’s capital Plymouth and made its southern regions unsafe for living or visiting.

However, the island is now going through a revival. Having a population of 5000, tourists can visit the north-western areas of this mountainous land. 

Not many are aware that Montserrat shares a special bond with Ireland, a reason why it is famously known as the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean.” In the 1600s, several Irish laborers came to work on the island. Their descendants are now an indispensable part of the local community. 

Most Caribbean islands mentioned in Kokomo promise you access to stunning beaches. That is not the case with Montserrat. Nevertheless, it offers stunningly scenic hikes like the 2km long Oriole Walkway. A paradise for nature lovers, Montserrat is also home to over 100 species of birds.  

Martinique

Martinique shares a few similarities with Montserrat. Both are volcanic, often underrated, and lost among the popularity of the more renowned Caribbean islands. 

Furthermore, Martinique’s history also includes a major volcanic eruption. Mount Pelée erupted in 1902. While its devastation stayed within limits, it completely engulfed the former capital city of Saint-Pierre, now known as the “Pompeii of Martinique.” 

Nowadays, Martinique is a hidden gem of a holiday escape. Tourists visit the island for its miles of golden sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Grande Anse des Salines is the most popular beach in Martinique, whereas Anse Noire is the island’s exclusive black sand beach. 

As an overseas region of France, food is an integral part of life in Martinique. However, local dishes take inspiration from French, Indian, African, and Caribbean cuisines. A must-try delicacy in Martinique for gourmands is Boudin Creole – a local sausage made using pig blood.