The 10 Best Bars In Waikiki Honolulu

One of the most popular spots in all of Hawaii, Waikiki is a veritable playground. Activity abounds here, and there is no shortage of great bars in the area to grab a drink after a relaxing day at the beach. Here, we profile the 10 best.

Legends Sports Pub

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

Established in 1993, Legends Sports Pub is not only the oldest sports bar in Waikiki, it is actually the longest running sports pub in all of Hawaii. With 11 screens and expansive seating throughout, customers can catch all the action of their favorite sporting events. The cheap and delicious drinks are bound to hit the spot. We dare you to try and find a deal better than the Mai Tais served here all day.

Duke's Waikiki

Restaurant, Bar, Seafood

Waikiki sunset | © Bernard Spragg. NZ/Flickr

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku was the father of international surfing and an Olympic swimming champion. He grew up playing in the waves of Waikiki and went on to become one of Hawaii’s most beloved figures. An homage to the Hawaiian legend, Duke’s Waikiki is a fun beachside spot that serves up island specialties and classic American fare and drinks. For some tropical refreshment, give the lychee martini or the coconut mojito a try before heading out to ride the surf like the master himself.

Irish Rose Saloon

Bar, Pub, Irish, Pub Grub

A Waikiki fixture since 1985, Irish Rose Saloon is a neighborhood bar that’s a bit off the beaten track.. Located on the second floor of a building, it’s a taste of Ireland in the middle of the Pacific. It has gained a reputation as a venue for live music, with bands gracing the stage each and every night. And with monikers like Masters of OZ and Elephant Tromp on the line-up, you know it’s bound to be a rollicking good time.

Bacchus Waikiki

Gay Bar, Pub Grub

Bacchus Waikiki is a gay bar that opened its doors back in August 2011. Named after the Roman god of wine (and debauchery), Bacchus hosts numerous events throughout the year, ranging from fundraisers to games involving their flag football team, the Honey Badgers. On weekends, revel in the music as DJs spin live tunes.

Arnold's Beach Bar

Bar, Pub Grub

Arnold’s Beach Bar boasts that it’s the last tiki bar in Waikiki. Here, customers can expect a laid-back atmosphere to go along with tropical drinks, games and live music from 5 to 8pm. Take advantage of the drink specials all day and night, which includes Bloody Marys, Mai Tais, and Margaritas among others. There is even some free popcorn to snack on at the bar, it’s popped in bacon grease!

Home Bar & Grill

Bar, Restaurant, American, Asian, Pub Grub

Hit up Home Bar & Grill for a true taste of Hawaii. Upon entering the joint, it is not uncommon to be met with a large crowd of locals saddling up to the bar or sitting down to a delicious meal. An array of eats are available to snack on, from poke and nacho tater tots to chicken wings and some of the best burgers on the islands. Plus, the prices sure won’t break the bank.

Yard House

Bar, Restaurant, American

Yard House is located along Waikiki Beach Walk, the largest development project in the history of this neighborhood. With a huge selection of brews on draft from all over the world, beer is certainly king here. There’s even a beer cocktail menu. The clean interior design gives this sports bar a refined feel and the food is excellent, especially the appetizers like the spicy tuna roll.

Lewers Lounge

Cocktail Bar, Bar, Cocktails

Lewers Lounge is an upscale jazz bar that’s located inside the Halekulani Hotel, one of the most acclaimed hotels in all of Hawaii. With a selection of hand-crafted cocktails and fancy appetizers. Patrons can relax in one of the plush chairs or grab a spot at the bar while taking in some of the best jazz in town. The dark lighting and wood paneling contribute to an intimate ambiance.

L'Aperitif

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, American

Also inside Halekulani Hotel, L’Aperitif is part of the hotel’s five diamond restaurant, La Mer. L’Aperitif is an elegant cocktail bar that is distinctly different. The focus here is on classic French drinks with a contemporary twist. Crafted by globally celebrated chef Colin Field of the Hemingway Bar in the Ritz Hotel Paris, the drinks are unlike any other in Waikiki. The Hemingway Old Fashioned is made with fresh lemon and orange juices, as well as bourbon and bitters, tasty to say the least.

Tiki's Grill & Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Seafood

Though not technically on the beach, Tiki’s Grill & Bar is one of the best bars in Waikiki for enjoying that stunning Hawaiian sunset. Located a few floors up, in the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, the views from this joint are fantastic. The atmosphere here is always lively, with frequent music performances and hula dancers. The food isn’t half-bad either, the coconut shrimp and prime rib poke are two of the highlights of the area.

About the author

Jonathan Stern

A native of Washington, DC, Jonathan has lived in Capitol Hill going on eight years. After studying psychology and Italian as an undergraduate at the University of Richmond, he spent several years working at an ophthalmology practice in DC. An interest in all things Italian led him to return to school to pursue an MA in Italian Studies at Georgetown University. Jonathan has had the opportunity to study in the beautiful towns of Perugia and Ferrara and travel extensively throughout Italy, from the Dolomites to Sicily. He hopes to return again very soon.