12 Best bars in Waikiki Beach-views, beachfront, live music exotic drinks (updated 2023)
With so many spectacular views, beachfront bars and other entertainment venues all around the city to enjoy your time here in Waikiki, we have fantastic choices for you to check out below.
You’ll find that there will be a lot of cool and fun spots to hang out in Waikiki and Honolulu area, listen to local music and maybe even hula segments that may spontaneously happen at some of these establishments on a whim.
Bookmark this post so you will know where to go for a special drink or hang out spot in Waikiki that will make your visit even more special.
Quick Plan your Honolulu Itinerary
Are you in a rush on a last-minute trip to Honolulu? Well then, try our jump start guide to book the best tours and hotels
below.
Pro Tip – Since you are planning to visit Diamond Head and Waikiki tour here to enjoy with great views and tour of Waikiki Beach.
Top Tours to Try in Honolulu
Complete Pearl Harbor Experience – Day Trip Tour
Grand Circle Island Tour – Top Rated
Sunset Cocktail Cruise – Easy tour with pick up
Where to Stay in Honolulu
Ilima Hotel – Budget Option , Personally tried
Holiday Inn Express Waikiki – mid range
Halepuna Waikiki – Honolulu luxury hotel or resort
What to drink here in Hawaii as your first drink
As you might guess the Mais Tais is the first thing that does come to mind when visiting the islands and wanting something iconic to toast to or you may want to try some of the more exotic combinations that have been created at each of these establishments and made to order only here.
How about trying a classic Mai Tais or Blue Hawaii or maybe something more exotic like Hawaii Time or Endless summer cocktail when you hit some of these cool bars?
You’ll enjoy these bars and restaurant combos for the different vibe, service, live music and even views to die for all around the Waikiki district.
12 Best places to drink in Waikiki
Sky Waikiki
Looking for a rooftop bar in Waikiki? Then, check out Sky Waikiki Raw & Bar. Located in the heart of the city, Sky Waikiki is an open-air lounge 19-floors up with stunning views of Waikiki and the ocean. The sun can get a little intense, so try to sit under one of the awnings or bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the rays.
Sky Waikiki offers a daily happy hour from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM which includes food and drink specials. The highlight of happy hour is the $2 select oysters and $4 Japanese style oysters. Grab a mixed dozen, and enjoy a glass of $9 prosecco while you’re at it. Outside of the happy hour menu, the poke nachos are a must!
Reservations are available, and highly recommended. Especially if you want a spot during happy hour, or during the bar’s popular brunch service offered Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Sky Waikiki is located on Kalākaua Ave within the Waikiki Business Plaza. The entrance isn’t very obvious and easily missed, but it’s next door to an H&M. When you walk in it looks like an office building, but head to the elevators towards the back and you’ll see signage for the bar.
Timpani, Like the Drum
Address: 2270 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu
The Hideout at Laylow Hotel
Hideout is a bar, restaurant and cafe located within The Laylow Hotel off Kuhio Ave. Hideout features a beautiful, open-air terrace with a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious cocktail while enjoying views of Waikiki. Hideout is open from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Sunday-Thursday and 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM Friday and Saturday. There’s also a daily happy hour from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, and live entertainment every night.
As for drinks, Hideout offers wine, canned and draft beer, and craft cocktails. The bar is stocked with premium spirits and the bartenders are skilled and knowledgeable. If you enjoy tequila, try the Bird is the Word, a delicious mix of Los Sundays Coconut Tequila, Aperol, Thai chili pineapple shrub, pineapple, lime, and simple syrup. Gin your spirit of choice? The Dew You Love Me, a combination of honeydew, guajillo chili syrup, and citrus, might be for you.
If you enjoy eating while drinking, Hideout serves food from 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM daily. The Kailua pork egg rolls, sweet chili crab dumplings, and Mo bettah burger are a couple of standout options.
In the morning, Hideout also serves as a great place to grab coffee in Waikiki.
To reach Hideout, take the escalator off Kuhio Ave below the Laylow sign. Once you step off the escalator, Hideout is on the right-hand side.
Address; 2299 Kuhio Ave Fl 2 Honolulu
Timpani, Like the Drum
Dukes in Waikiki
Can you think of a more iconic place right on the beach to have a cocktail and enjoy the beach scenes than Dukes? Very casual and friendly Dukes is the popular favorite beach bar for locals and visitors to Waikiki. Order some of the signature drinks here like the Hawaiian Time, Endless summer or a classic Mai Tai and some yummy pupu appetizers and your set to enjoy the views and maybe sunset into the night here at Dukes.
Outside of their yummy drinks, the menu is expansive and affordable for Waikiki standards of American fare like chicken wings, Cajun fish tacos, burgers, pizza and other typical bistro bar food done well.
Address: 2335 Kalakaua Ave Ste 116 Honolulu
The Edge Sheraton
Located at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel by their pool area, The Edge is relaxed and casual with spectacular views of Waikiki Beach. You’ll find some classic cocktails and delicious food while you enjoy a perfect sunset In Waikiki.
Specialty drinks to try here includes: Pina Colada, Lava Flow, Mai Tai, lilikoi Margarita, Tropical Island mojito and Blue Hawaii and host of other specialty drinks on the menu.
The food served is American bistro and hearty but you typically come here for the amazing views and a delicious cocktail to order and enjoy the end of day or even a nice lunch here.
Address: Sheraton Waikiki
Honolulu Beerworks
A colorful and fun brew pub around Kaka’oko district and you are greeted with friendly servers with your pick of indoor our outdoor venues. There are craft brews made just in the back or your choice of a full bar and restaurant on location. Popular times to come are during happy hour, weekend brunch and when they have live music and performances set during the week and cool gatherings like afterwork geek night which coincides with Happy Hour so everyone shows up from the neighborhood.
A full range of craft beers and specialty beers made during the season or you can try a tasting sampler that you can choose from on the menu.
Address: 328 Cooke St, Honolulu
Tikis Grill and Bar
Close to Kuhio Beach and overlooking Waikiki Beach locally owned and operated Tikis Grill and Bar is a popular local favorite restaurant and bar with a full menu of American style and Pan Pacific food with a complement of tropical drinks and other island favorites.
Casual and fun, the seating area is both indoor and outdoors with nice views looking down to Waikiki beach.
Fun or funky drinks on the menu to try includes: Tokyo Blue, Strawberry Pina Colada, 1944 Pina Colada, Lychee Martini or the sexy Sex on the Beach.
Address; 2570 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu, HI 96815
Mai Tai Bar
Located beach front at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel all dressed in pink, the Mai Tai Bar is both indoors and outdoors fronting Waikiki Beach.
You can try their signature Royal Mai Tai cocktail and it is delicious or another version called Vics 44 or with white wash on top which is even more spectacular as a finish. Other fun drinks to try in house includes: Vic’s Manhattan, Farmers Market Mule, Honolulu Smash, What the Melon and Hawaii 78 – they are all winners here.
The menu covers delicious pupus appetizers or other local favorites like Mahi Mahi, Garlic shrimp, Turkey club sandwich or a cobb salad to go with your favorite cocktail drink and a gorgeous beach view.
Address: 2259 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu
Kani ka pila Grill
Located at the Outrigger Hotel by their poolside and bar area, the Kani ka pila is one the best places to enjoy live Hawaiian music and some hula from the crowds daily when the sun sets. Kanikapila means “Let’s play music” mostly in a group and the audience gets on the floor and dances hula for everyone to enjoy. This could be Hawaiian Slack Key, singing or any combination.
The food and drinks here are American style food with classic drink favorites like their Go with the Flow Mai Tai, Waikiki Jam, Water’s Edge, 1955 Old Fashion or how about 85 and sunny at the reef. With all these cool named drinks, you’ll have a great time and maybe do some of your own freestyle hula dancing on stage.
Address: Outrigger Waikiki Hotel
Island Vintage Wine Bar
In 2019 the famous Honolulu coffee shop, Island Vintage Coffee, opened up a wine bar right in the heart of Waikiki, the Island Vintage Wine Bar. You’ll find it in the Royal Hawaiian Center, an outdoor mall right off of Kalakaua Ave. The whole mall is a fun area to hangout during the day or at night filled with unique shops and delicious restaurants. They offer a rotation of live music, hula performances, ukulele classes and more! With so many things to do on Oahu, this spot needs to be on your list.
The Island Vintage Wine Bar is the perfect spot for anyone who loves wine (or beer!) and is looking for a more unique bar experience in town. The extensive wine list features over 150 bottles ranging from US vineyards to a variety of international selections as well. While you’re here, you must try the Mānoa ‘Ginger Honey Hopper’, made in Hawaii! In addition to all that wine, they offer a selection of local Hawaiian craft beers.
A unique draw to this wine bar is the wall of wines on tap. They offer a selection of 24 different wines by the glass or half glass. You can build a flight of your own, or select from their pre-set wine flights!
While you might visit Island Vintage Wine Bar just for the wine, you’ll stay for the food. As expected at a wine bar, they offer cheese and charcuterie selections, but with a fun Hawaiian twist. Some feature pineapples and other local Hawaiian ingredients on the board. The rest of the menu offers a unique blend between Hawaiian and Italian inspired dishes with something for everyone.
Tori with Tori Pines Travel.com
Address: 2301 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Suzie Wong’s Hideaway
A local and fun dive bar with tiki appeal, Suzie Wong’s is a cool place to hang out amid the kitschy collectibles and funny celebrity pics. Great selection of local beers and simple cocktails that are strong and reasonable price. It’s a good chill dive bar and there is a food truck right outside for more cheap food.
Address: 1913 Dudiot Ln Honolulu, HI 96815
Workplay
A fun cigar and bar lounge in Honolulu at Kaka’ako. Live music performances add to the fun vibe and modern appeal of this lively space. The hip space has lots of cool little hang out spots for dinner or just drinks. Delicious craft cocktails to try includes EDM, Penicillin, Lilikoi Margarita and signature Mai tais. Popular foods to order include chicken or shrimp tacos, quesadillas, loaded nachos
Address: 814 Ilaniwai St Fl 1 Honolulu, HI 96813
Tommy Bahama Rooftop Bar
Indulge in breathtaking city skyline vistas at this elegant rooftop bar nestled in the heart of Waikiki.
Tommy Bahama Bar stands as a favored hotspot, drawing both tourists and locals alike for a memorable time.
If you’re seeking great vibes along with your preferred cocktail or a taste of local craft beer, this bar is a must-visit.
Before immersing yourself in the drinks, consider savoring a meal at the Tommy Bahama Restaurant conveniently located just below the rooftop bar.
Address: 255 Beach Walk Honolulu, HI 96815 United States
Weather and best time to visit Honolulu, Oahu
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is a popular destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and pleasant climate. The best time to visit Honolulu depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels. Here’s an overview of Honolulu’s weather and the ideal times to plan your visit:
Weather Overview:
- Year-Round Tropical Climate: Honolulu enjoys a tropical climate, making it a popular year-round destination. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with temperatures varying slightly throughout the year.
- Summer (June to August): Honolulu’s summer months are warm and dry, with temperatures typically ranging from 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C). This is the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. It’s an excellent time for beach activities and water sports.
- Fall (September to November): Fall in Honolulu is also warm, with temperatures between 73°F and 88°F (23°C to 31°C). Rainfall begins to increase slightly, but it’s still a great time to visit with fewer tourists compared to summer.
- Winter (December to February): Honolulu’s winter is mild, with temperatures averaging between 68°F and 80°F (20°C to 27°C). These months are the rainy season, especially on the windward (eastern) side of the island. While you might encounter some rain, you can still enjoy the city’s attractions, and you’ll find fewer tourists during this time.
- Spring (March to May): Spring is similar to fall, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 69°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C). Rainfall decreases, and the landscape becomes lush and green. Spring is an excellent time for outdoor activities and exploring Honolulu with smaller crowds.
Best Times to Visit Honolulu:
- Late Spring (April to June) and Early Fall (September to November): These shoulder seasons offer the best balance between good weather and fewer crowds. You’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures and more affordable accommodations.
- Summer (June to August): If you don’t mind the larger crowds and higher prices, visiting during the summer can still be enjoyable, especially if you plan well in advance. The warm, dry weather is perfect for beachgoers.
- Winter (December to February): Winter is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds, but be prepared for occasional rain. It’s also a popular time for whale watching as humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters.
Considerations:
- Honolulu hosts various cultural events, festivals, and parades throughout the year, so check the event calendar to see if any align with your travel dates.
- If you plan to hike in the mountains or visit Pearl Harbor, be sure to check the weather conditions and make reservations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Booking accommodations well in advance is recommended, especially during the high season, to secure the best rates and availability.
In conclusion, Honolulu is a fantastic destination year-round due to its pleasant tropical climate. The best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather and crowd levels, but late spring and early fall are generally considered the optimal times for a visit to this beautiful Hawaiian city.
Check out these other fantastic places to visit around Oahu
Things to do in Waikiki at night time
Visit to Iolani Palace in Honolulu
Check out the Kaka’ako district in Honolulu
Top things to do around Honolulu and beyond
Explore the top attractions around Waikiki area
Enjoy the post – pin it for later
Conclusion on 12 best Bars in Waikiki
Enjoyed your visit here or any other tips to share? Please share on the comments below.
Thanks for checking out this post on the best bars in Waikiki. Hope the post was informative and a must read article – if so please do share it with any of the social media buttons around the page.
Disclosure – This article and related articles may have some affiliate links. This means that
we earn a commission from quaified purchases and bookings at no additional costs
to you. Thank you for supporting the site, if you do.
Mahalo for visiting!
0 Comments
Trackbacks/Pingbacks