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.
This hybrid bar and grill is set in downtown Honolulu and is a favorite hang-out for the business and media communities and one of the only places in the Hawaiian Islands where you can get a pint of Guinness from the tap. While the bar roars with excitement, the restaurant serves great salads, steaks and other fare at decent prices. The food is fresh, and the service is congenial.
What started off as a utilitarian space to groove to music has now graduated to a chic nightclub with an upstairs lounge and a rooftop deck. Whether it is to let your hair down and boogie after a hard day at work or just to chill out with a couple of drinks and close buddies, head to Next Door. The air conditioned space is frequented by people in their twenties and thirties, a welcome break from the pesky teens! The New Year's Eve event held here is greatly looked forward to.
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.
Most people know this bar for its friendly music and killer sunsets. Sure, it is typically filled with tourists who are staying at the Outrigger Hotel where it is located, but don't let that deter you, you're probably a tourist yourself. This is also the eponymous restaurant of the famed 'surf hero' and prodigal son, Duke Kahanamoku. The music is contemporary Hawaiian and you will always find the ukulele. The food includes fresh fish, burgers, salads, sandwiches and the breakfast buffet has some of the best made-to-order omelets in Waikiki. The atmosphere offers a great beach setting where guests will always find that ubiquitous Hawaiian friendliness, or "Pono" throughout the restaurant. Also, the adjoining bar is a fantastic place to have a drink before heading back to the beach or up to your hotel room if you're staying at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach.
Set amidst scenic and idyllic surroundings, Hula's Bar & Lei Stand is a popular gay bar. Gorgeous panoramic views of Waikiki and Diamond Head are a major draw, as well as service that is warm and welcoming. Whether it's live bands or a DJ, the music here will soon have you shaking it on the dance floor. The happy hour is great as well, with $3 well drinks and $5 Mai Tai's and Bloody Marys until 9p Monday through Friday.
Located within a walkable distance from the University Of Hawaii, Tsukuneya Robata Grill is quite a favorite among the locals. The Japanese feel is enhanced by the warm oriental colors used in the decor and the staff taking the orders on PDAs. Go for the Tukune (ground chicken with veggies, barbecued and served on skewers) which is the specialty here. A casual pub, it's a part of the Nagoya chain of restaurants and a good hang-out for dates and casual dining. If you're a vegetarian, then try the salads, desserts and cold drinks. What makes the place special is its true local feel and of course the genuine Tukune Nagaya with all the seasonings; the regulars can't get enough of it.
Located across South Beretania Street, Café Anasia is a regular sports bar that welcomes everyone. Here, you can be all by yourself or head here with your beer buddies to watch a game or two. Apart from that, Anasia features pool tables, dart boards that further add to the fun quotient. Call for more details.
Eat, drink and enjoy the evening is the mantra at the Chiko's Tavern. This casual bar welcomes everyone to have a good time and enjoy great drinks along with some cool entertainment. Theme nights, karaoke sessions, live music concerts and other events are a regular feature at Chiko's. For event updates and other details, check website or call ahead.
Osoyami Bar & Grill is a great place to unwind after a long day in the city. This bar & grill has a casual ambiance, it's well furnished with ample of seating spaces thus ideal for larger groups. Their bar is loaded with a series of spirits all of which gone into the making of potent concoctions. The bartenders are masters of their job and they are generous with their pours. The food menu has a number of American classics to keep your hunger in check. Burgers at Osoyami Bar & Grill are humongous in size and prices ensure that you keep the drinks as well as food coming.
Huge television screens sporting live action, sports memorabilia adorning the wall and huge stacks of beer. Indeed, Waikiki's Rivals Waikiki Bar & Lounge has all the right factors that go into the making of a popular sports bar. Throughout the day, sports aficionados can watch the latest sporting event on the television screens and enjoy chilled beer along with short eats and munchies. As the evening sets in, Rivals dons the looks of an ultra sleek lounge that features live music concerts of local artists and bands. Those who want to enjoy the concert can sit in the special listening area and ones interested in chatter and beer, can simply head to the bar. For event updates and other details, check website or call ahead.
Opened in 2009, Genius Lounge is secluded on the third floor of Spanish deco inspired former apartment building. Its vaulted ceiling, wooden accents and candlelight gives it an intimate look and makes it an ideal place to impress your date. This Japanese resto-bar has a wide drink list with sake, beer, wine and cocktails. Nosh on their delicious fare which includes dishes like Yuzu Chicken, Grilled Rice Balls, Winged Gyoza and Ginger Pork.