Aloha is more than a greeting. It’s a way of life in Hawaii and exudes from the best bars in Waikiki. To embrace the spirit of aloha is to live in harmony and welcome all with open arms, whether you’re a tourist or a local.
At each bar, you’ll be met with warm smiles, a stellar drink, and an invitation to appreciate some of Hawaii's most beautiful settings at your leisure. Between exploring all the things to do in Honolulu, stop by these bars for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Beachfront Bars
There's nothing like feeling the warm sand under your feet while holding a freshly prepared drink in your hand. You’ll feel rested and recharged after a trip to these beachfront bars.
1. Duke’s Waikiki Barefoot Bar
Duke’s Waikiki Barefoot Bar combines the beauty of the beachfront with divine cocktails, crafting the perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Between tall palm trees swaying in the salty breeze, thatched umbrellas shade patio tables and invite alfresco drinking and dining for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Indulge in the breakfast buffet, and wash it all down with a tropical smoothie, coffee, or flight of mimosas. Later in the day, enjoy local favorites, such as panko-crusted calamari and coconut shrimp.
2. Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian
Since 1927, the Royal Hawaiian resort has been a luxurious destination for tourists in Oahu. It combines the culture of the Hawaiian islands with modern amenities to create an immersive experience, including its Mai Tai Bar.
With stunning panoramic views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the city’s skyline, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise. That first sip of a sweet, rich mai tai helps you embrace the finer side of your tropical vacation. Live music adds to the ambiance at dinnertime as you dive into poke bowls, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts.
3. RumFire
Fresh cuisine, unforgettable views, and delicious cocktails await at RumFire in Waikiki, a Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort restaurant. The food and drinks combine Hawaiian traditions with contemporary twists. Over 70 rums, including some of Hawaii’s finest vintage options, support an extensive cocktail menu.
From late morning until well into the night, RumFire embodies the spirit of aloha. As the sun sets, fiery torches illuminate the dining area. On Friday and Saturday nights, the patio area becomes the only oceanfront nightclub in Waikiki. DJs share their expert beats and keep the energy high.
4. The Beach Bar at Moana Surfrider
The mellow tones of strummed ukuleles set the tone at The Beach Bar at Moana Surfrider. It’s the perfect place to unwind as you relax under the historic banyan tree and enjoy idyllic views of Waikiki Beach. The drink menu here is unmatched. We love the Moana Sunset Mai Tai, featuring Kula Rum, hibiscus, and passionfruit.
Tropical drinks like daiquiris and piña coladas join an eclectic menu of signature drinks, beers, and wines. Dine on pupus, poke, or fresh seafood as you kick back and enjoy the live entertainment. The Hawaiian flavors of the food enhance the drinks and bring the experience to the next level.
Tiki Bars
With their lively, memorable decor and even better drink menus, these tiki bars in Waikiki invite a night of excitement.
5. Arnold’s Beach Bar
For the quintessential tiki bar experience, look no further than Arnold’s Beach Bar. Sitting under the thatched awnings and sipping icy cocktails will revitalize you after a day of venturing through Oahu’s wilderness.
It's a bit of a hidden gem, so you have to head off the beaten track to get here. The venue is nestled in the heart of Hilton Hawaii Village, marked by a sign saying “Bar and Grill” in an otherwise unassuming building. Inside, a world of tropical paradise explodes.
Here, the simpler things in life reign supreme. Great drinks in a casual atmosphere with live music set a charming scene. We recommend the Li Hing Margarita. The sweet-and-sour tang of li hing mui complements the citrusy flavor of this classic drink.
6. Skull & Crown Trading Co.
Head to Honolulu’s Chinatown for a unique tiki bar experience at Skull & Crown Trading Co. Its traditional tiki bar elements combined with modern special effects have made it a local staple. Don’t come expecting a simple bar. Here, you're transported to a world of sheer artistry that rivals our performances.
This location is brought to you by the people behind the Haunted Plantation, one of the best Halloween events in Oahu. Their passion for over-the-top performance shines through in the bar. Thunder rumbles in the background as you enter a shipwreck-themed building.
Old fishing nets dangle from the ceiling, filled with skulls and shrunken heads. If the high humidity is too much to overcome indoors, step out onto the back patio, fully decked with bamboo and firepits, for a brief reprieve.
Among the bar’s menu, which features creative and classic cocktails, one choice stands out as the champion. The Skull & Crown serves two and comes in a ceramic skull filled with delectable rums and mixers. What makes it so unique? It’s set on fire before it's delivered to your table.
Cocktail Bars
Settle in for an evening of creative cocktails elevated by the innovation of Hawaii’s best mixologists.
7. Pint + Jigger
Step into Pint + Jigger and marvel at the massive wall of whiskeys and other spirits behind the bar. Here, high-quality foods and drinks go hand in hand. Expect creative cocktails, such as the luxurious Mesquite-Smoked Manhattan, featuring a blend of delicately smoked bourbon and bitters.
On the sweeter side, Mixed Emotions combines three fruit brandies with pineapple juice and sparkling wine for a delectable drink you’ll want to savor to the last drop. An extensive tap menu brings plenty of local brews and familiar favorites.
This bar has a sportier vibe than other venues on this list. Communal seating and major league sports events playing on strategically placed TVs invite conversation among strangers as people root for their favorite teams.
8. Bar Leather Apron
When you blend Hawaiian hospitality with luxury, you get Bar Leather Apron. Cofounders Tom and Justin Park have been serving impressive cocktails since 2015. The warm, polished wood sets the ambiance, and the scent of wood smoke fills the air.
Justin's signature E Ho’O Pau Mai Tai combines raisin-infused rum with coconut water syrup, vanilla ohia blossom honey, and wood smoke. His concoctions have earned international accolades. Other unique drinks, such as the matcha-infused old-fashioned, gently weave in worldwide touches in playful ways.
9. L’Aperitif at La Mer
Awaken a sophisticated palate at L’Aperitif at La Mer in Honolulu. Located at one of the best restaurants in Waikiki, this bar serves drinks that capture and elevate French spirits to complement the restaurant’s luxurious food menu.
Such an elegant destination comes with a dress code, so dress in your best evening attire. We love the Ail, Ail, Ail (the word for garlic in French) which combines chili garlic oil, fat-washed rum, and pickle brine. The garlic pickle on top is the pièce de résistance. C’est bon.
Spectacular Shows Nearby!
Elevate your Honolulu experience with breathtaking Cirque du Soleil performances.
Bars That Focus on Experience
Drinks aren’t the only reason to visit these bars in Waikiki. The experiences are just as appealing as the menus.
10. Suzie Wong’s Hideaway
You'll find a true hidden gem if you venture down the right alley in Waikiki. Suzie Wong’s Hideaway sits just off of Kalākaua Avenue. With a casual approach to bartending, it’s a welcoming environment for anyone looking for quick libations.
Mouthwatering cocktails, local brews, and wines await at prices your wallet will appreciate. The location doubles as TY’s BBQ and Grill, where casual bar favorites, such as burgers, steak and cheese sandwiches, and tacos, can be paired with your drinks for a full dining experience.
11. Edge of Waikiki
Experience Hawaii’s fantastic food and cocktail scene at Edge of Waikiki. This pool bar at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort has been recognized as one of the world’s best. When hunger strikes after a soak in the Infinity Edge Pool, step over to the beachside bar for a whole lot of flavor.
Pupus, like spicy ahi poke and French fries, are perfect for snacking. We recommend the mahi mahi sandwiches and wagyu beef cheeseburgers if you want a full meal. While you can’t go wrong with a classic mai tai or Hawaiian beer, the mixologists here know how to make a mean drink.
The Sand & Sea drink features blue and yellow layers, evoking imagery of the beach. This divine drink combines Bacardi with the tropical flavors of passion fruit and pineapple. It's topped off with blue Curaçao for a fruity finish and stunning presentation.
12. Kona Brewing Pub
Kona Brewing Co. is known for its great Hawaiian beer. While you can buy a bottle in the United States, there's no better way to enjoy it than straight from the source. At Kona Brewing Pub, you can enjoy a house brew in a traditional Hawaiian canoe house setting.
The venue sits on the docks of Koko Marina, perfectly poised for phenomenal views of the sea and lush valley surrounding it. Monday through Friday, special events and offers draw in crowds. On Thursday nights, visitors test their knowledge with pub trivia for an evening of friendly competition.
Bars With Live Music
Drinks taste even better when paired with live music. Get your drink on and enjoy some sweet tunes at these bars.
13. Tiki’s Grill & Bar
At Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, there is a party every night. The hotel’s oceanside Tiki’s Grill & Bar keeps the fun running long after sunset with its live music and inviting presence. Inside, statues featuring tiki masks overlook the crowd. Step onto its lanai for breathtaking ocean views.
Cuisine rich in Pacific Rim influence elevates the experience, especially when accompanied by a mai tai or one of the restaurant’s signature drinks. The I Lava You cocktail serves two and comes in a massive ceramic mug to take home as a souvenir.
Filled with local rum, coconut rum, Curaçao, and juices, it’s an impressive drink that packs a strong punch.
14. Kani Ka Pila Grille
Kani Ka Pila Grille is the self-proclaimed home of Hawaiian music. Here, the tradition of kanikapila, which translates to “let’s play music,” is the heart of the experience. It's also reflected in the bar's name. This tradition embraces impromptu music at a beach or family gatherings, and that’s precisely what you get here.
Local artists, such as Kawika Kahiapo, grace its stage with the sound of guitars each night on a weekly rotating schedule. Enjoy poolside entertainment with some of the locals’ favorite dishes, such as huli huli chicken and pineapple crème brûlée.
This venue is known for serving handcrafted cocktails in a fresh, hollowed-out pineapple for a tropical and sustainable twist.
15. Island Vintage Wine Bar
Within the Royal Hawaiian Center, Island Vintage Wine Bar accompanies you on a journey through wines and cocktails with delectable meals. Large portions feature fresh, local ingredients. The burrata served with prosciutto and seasonal fruits is a local favorite. Whether you enjoy your wine with charcuterie or a full meal, you’ll get it here.
The wine menu rotates frequently, swapping out globally sourced varieties to pair with local creations. From Hawaiian mead featuring tropical flavors to Spanish or French reds, your taste buds will sing with every sip.
Savor the Sunset and Nightlife With Waikiki’s Best Bars
Whether your perfect drink is a fresh brew, cocktail, or glass of wine, you’ll find it at Waikiki’s best bars. We like to embrace the breathtaking environments in this island paradise with a different sort of flair. Inspired by Hawaii's ethereal sights and sounds, we weave tales that captivate the audience with daring feats.
With every jump, flip, and conformity-defying twist that pushes human limits to the extreme, we revel in the cheers we earn. Prepare to be moved, wowed, and left on the edge of your seat at our shows in Honolulu.