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.
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.
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.
"Gyu-Kaku", i.e."Horn of the bull", brings Japan's favourite yakiniku restaurant to Hawaii. The main fare is charcoal Japanese BBQ. This place has taken yakiniku to a new level by combining state-of-the-art charcoal roaster systems with a bountiful menu. The menu is made up of meats, seafood, poultry and vegetables as well as delicious Japanese drinks and desserts. Check out the Black Pepper Shrimp and Black Pepper Calamari. Don't miss the happy hour where Kirin beer is sold for 99 cents.
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.
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.
A typical Japanese Izakaya or bar, Sushi Izakaya Gaku is a popular local establishment. The bar has an authentic feel to it, with dim, rustic interiors and the constant murmur of Japanese floating around the space. The master sushi chefs are a pleasure to watch as they whip up your order with lightening speed, using only the freshest ingredients. For a special treat try the chefs Sashimi Omakase or tasting menu. Popular items include the Ahi Poke, Hamachi Nigiri and Braised Pork Belly. Perfect for a quiet evening out, the dishes are perfect for sharing and to be accompanied by a chilled sake.
Honolulu Beer Works is a rustic brewpub and sprawling beer garden located close to Downtown Honolulu. This charming microbrewery uses eco-friendly brewing methods and reclaimed wood in all its furniture. It offers 12 beers on tap such as Pia Mahi’ai Honey Citrus Saison Farmers Beer with tangerine and lime flavor, the light Kewalos Cream Ale, the peppery Rye Not? Pale Ale, and the copper-colored Sheltered Bay IPA with the scent of sweet toffee. Relish Italian Hoagie or Pacific Salmon Salad Sandwich along with their specialty beers. On some nights, this brewery also hosts live music events in its vibrant beer garden.
Established in 2016, Senia, located in downtown Honolulu serves delectable American fare. This American restaurant has a rustic ambiance with red brick walls to complement its delicious fare. They have an open kitchen with a special chef's counter where there is a multi-course tasting menu that is offered. The Pork belly, Poke cracker and the Charred Cabbage are few of the most popular items from their extensive menu. They have a good beverage list to go with the fare. The place also houses a private dining area that is specially built for small events and parties.