Waikīkī, arguably Hawai‘i’s most iconic beach destination, is the perfect place to enjoy spectacular sunsets while sipping on some of the island’s best cocktails. One of the hotspots for O‘ahu nightlife, Waikīkī is home to bars, clubs, and restaurants to suit every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night or a place to bring out-of-town guests, Waikīkī delivers the best of what O‘ahu has to offer and lives up to its storied reputation. Offering live music, salty breezes, and surfers gliding on white-capped waves, a sunset happy hour in Waikīkī is a quintessential Honolulu experience that’s not to be missed. A few of our O‘ahu real estate team’s favorite hot spots for drinks, music, and atmosphere include:
Rum Fire at the Sheraton Waikiki
Live Music at RumFire at the Sheraton Waikiki. Top photo: the view of Diamond Head from RumFire at the Sheraton Waikiki
Spectacular 180 degree views, fire cauldrons, a huge rum selection and a rotating cast of local musicians at happy hour (pau hana if you’re local), as well as sweeping views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean — these are just a few of the perks of a stop at RumFire. Happy hour bites and craft cocktails tempt and these can easily segue into an entire evening spent in the heart of Waikīkī. Sunset hour is spectacular and easily one of the best local favorites for bringing out-of-town guests for the essential Waikīkī night out.
Sheraton Waikiki
2255 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-4422
www.rumfirewaikiki.com
House Without a Key
An evening performance at House Without a Key at the Halekulani
Located on the grounds of the elegant Halekulani resort, this beautiful outdoor restaurant boasts a world-class oceanfront drinking and dining experience that is unmatched by any other Waikīkī venue. A live band and graceful hula dancers provide a relaxed, old-Hawai‘i setting under a towering kiawe tree. The service is warm and attentive, and the drinks are especially delicious. This popular spot is particularly well-known for its signature Mai Tai, which dates back to the hotel’s reopening in the 1980s and features a blend of curaçao, rum, and fresh lime juice. Full lunch and dinner menus are also available.
Entertainment at this must-try spot begins at 5:30 each evening and the hotel charges a $5 cover. Reservations are not taken, so plan to arrive early or be prepared for a wait.
House Without a Key, Halekulani Hotel
2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-2311
www.halekulani.com
Parking: Valet parking available at the hotel
Tiki’s Grill and Bar
Tiki’s Grill and Bar is a longtime favorite with locals and visitors alike — and the number of accolades this spot has racked up from the likes of OpenTable to Honolulu Magazine shows that you can consistently expect quality food, great drinks, and friendly service. This popular Waikīkī establishment is located in the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel and directly overlooks Kalākaua Avenue and Waikīkī Beach. Tiki’s is a great, relaxed option to enjoy a refreshing cocktail with either fresh, Hawai‘i-inspired bar fare on the lānai, or a full-service menu in the main dining room.
The view of Waikīkī Beach from Tiki’s Grill & Bar
Tiki’s signature 1944 Mai Tai is a blend of rum, orange curaçao, fresh juice, and passion fruit foam. The bar is also well-known for its fun serving vessels — select drinks are available in coconuts, as well as take-home souvenir glasses and fun Tiki mugs. Sip on one of their non-alcoholic choices such as the Hibiscus Tea Cooler, the restaurant’s take on a plantation iced tea, or Strawberry Fever, with lemonade, sparkling water, strawberry purée, and lilikoi. Live music is performed nightly.
Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel
2570 Kalakaua Avenue. Honolulu, HI 96815.
(808) 923-8454
www.tikisgrill.com
Parking: Three hours free at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel with Tiki’s validation
SKY Waikiki
This buzzy rooftop bar, restaurant, and lounge is located high above Kalakaua Avenue on the 19th floor of the Waikiki Business Plaza. Known for its chic, trendy vibe and cool, dressed-to-impress clientele, SKY Waikiki’s sleek interior spills out on to its Sky Deck, where the panoramic views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean make for the perfect photo opportunity.
SKY Waikiki boasts a wide assortment of craft and seasonal cocktails served up by one of their creative mixologists. There are also great non-alcoholic choices that go beyond simple soft drinks. A solid menu of salads, desserts, entrees, and plates to share round out its offerings. The venue features live music, a resident DJ, and frequently hosts special events — all advertised on its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. On Fridays and Saturdays, the venue transitions into a 21+ nightclub after 9 p.m.
SKY Waikiki
Waikiki Business Plaza
2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 979-7590
www.skywaikiki.com
Parking: Validated parking is available at the Waikiki Business Plaza and Waikiki Shopping Plaza
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