Solid state lighting (“SSL”) devices with improved contacts and associated methods of manufacturing are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an SSL device includes a first semiconductor material, a second semiconductor material spaced apart from the first semiconductor material, and an active region between the first and second semiconductor materials. The SSL device also includes an insulative material on the first semiconductor material, the insulative material including a plurality of openings having a size of about 1 nm to about 20 μm, and a conductive material having discrete portions in the individual openings.