Legend has it, the Mai Tai was either invented or perfected here. Fact or fiction, it doesn't really matter. This is a great place to have a drink and relax. Other creative tropical libations include Planters Punch, Navy Grog and the Royal Hawaiian Special. The bar is set in the magnificent old Royal Hawaiian Hotel. From 5:30p to 8:30p each evening, you can relax and take in the mellow Hawaiian music provided by the house band.

Located in the legendary Halekulani Hotel, this is a place to relax and enjoy the good life. The richly decorated lounge is old fashioned and "clubby" - dim lighting and piano entertainment add to the decadent atmosphere. Service is polished and knowledgeable, and the selection of liquors, beers and wines is excellent. Sip a cognac or a brandy and enjoy the balmy night air. While no place in Hawaii requires formal dress, this place comes close. Upscale resort-wear is requested.

Set in one of the nicest hotels on Waikiki Beach, this is a great place to start or end a day in paradise. The breakfast buffet is huge and lavish. A la carte lunch and dinner menus offer a variety of tasty sandwiches, salads and hot dishes. You'll dine al fresco under the shade of a native Kiawe tree, enjoying picturesque ocean views. Needless to say, the sunsets here are exquisite. Live Hawaiian music at sunset is a long-standing tradition.

It's not easy to find this trendy bar, but it is worth the search. As you enter the cool, dark interior, you feel as if you've been transported to the hip side of the moon. Gazing over the leather sofas and glass dining sets, the shelves of beer bottles gain your attention - this place boasts over 100 different beers from all over the world! Celebrate Friday with a Belgian, or maybe a Thai beer at Bar 35. This place has one of the best happy hours downtown, with all 12-ounce beers 3USD weekdays from 4p-8p. -Kim Fujiwara

Just a few steps from the security checkpoint at the inter-island terminal at Honolulu International Airport, this casual beer and pizza eatery is a cool and comfortable place to enjoy a quick beer or a slice of their popular combo pizza. Island Brews & Pizza is small, but offers solace from the airport hustle and bustle. The pizza is always fresh and tasty, while the beer comes in several domestic and island brands. Prices are typical of airport concessions, so unfortunately, there are no bargains to be had. - Lottie Tagupa