Sipping a cocktail while enjoying world-class views at one of the many incredible rooftop bars in Waikiki is an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation experience.
My favorite way to spend the evening in Hawaii is dressing up and going out for drinks to admire the vivid pink and purple sunsets from the city’s fantastic rooftop bars.
The image of the Pacific Ocean waves glittering beneath the warm light of golden hour is simply magical, and I encourage you to plan a trip to see it yourself.
This complete guide to the best rooftop bars in Waikiki offers everything from casual spots with happy hour specials to upscale lounges where reservations are recommended in advance.
Regardless of your vibe, you’ll have a fantastic time bar-hopping from one rooftop spot to the next!
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11 Best Rooftop Bars in Waikiki
1. Buho Cocina y Cantina
Buho Cocina y Cantina is a luxurious rooftop Mexican restaurant with unparalleled ocean views in the middle of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza.
With such a picturesque setting, margaritas, chips, and guacamole have never tasted so delicious!
Guests have many seating choices on the expansive rooftop terrace, cozy firepits, and magnificent views of the Waikiki skyline.
Treat yourself to fresh seafood favorites, like the shrimp ceviche with pineapple and avocado or the signature Baja-style fish tacos.
Don’t forget to try a frozen margarita, perfectly complemented by the restaurant’s fresh chips and salsa appetizer.
This cantina has a fun atmosphere and offers nightly specials like Margarita Mondays and Taco Tuesdays.
2. DECK
DECK, located in the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, is one of my favorite rooftop cocktail bars Honolulu has, and just a stone’s throw from stunning Kūhiō Beach.
The bar is situated on the hotel’s third floor and contains lush greenery throughout its indoor and outdoor spaces.
Admire the breathtaking views of Diamond Head and savor the sensation of the ocean breeze blowing through your hair.
Enjoy a variety of American Pacific-inspired dishes made with fresh local ingredients for dinner.
DECK’s unique cocktails are handcrafted with skill and creativity—on Saturdays and Sundays, DECK becomes one of the best bottomless mimosa brunch spots.
3. Tommy Bahama Restaurant
There’s a stunning view of Fort DeRussy Park at Tommy Bahama, a three-story oasis of food, drinks, and shopping.
You’ll enjoy dining at the Tommy Bahama bar, which has a relaxed island vibe with chic yet unpretentious decor.
Unwind from a day of Hawaiian adventures by taking advantage of the daily happy hour and ordering discounted drinks and bar bites.
Tommy Bahama’s famous frozen Mai Tai pairs perfectly with the succulent coconut shrimp dish.
For a perfect evening in Waikiki, gather around the fire pits on the exterior open-air lounge and enjoy the colorful sunset with pizza and local craft beer.
4. The Tchin Tchin! Bar
Raise a glass and cheers at the Tchin Tchin! Bar, an elegant yet welcoming bistro nestled atop Chinatown’s art district.
Famous for its impressive wine selection, Tchin Tchin Bar is an idyllic Waikiki rooftop where you can hang out with friends on a Saturday night or go on a romantic date with someone special.
From old-fashioned classics to specialty recipes, this cozy spot’s list of spirits, beer, and cocktails is the cherry on the jaw-dropping views.
Let this bar’s masterful mixologists do what they do best and make you some of the tastiest drinks in town.
5. Hideout
Nestled on the rooftop of the Laylow Hotel, Hideout is among the top rooftop bars in Waikiki.
When you enter the bright and airy space, you’re surrounded by stunning plants and captivating skyline views.
Step into Hideout to experience a warm yet energetic vibe with expertly crafted cocktails and unique local brews.
For dinner, try the delicious Kuhio Bowl, featuring Kalua pork, garlic shrimp, ahi poke, ocean salad, white rice, and chili aioli.
Hideout’s inventive fusion of Asian-American flavors pays off with delicious food and drink creations.
6. SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar
SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar is the perfect place to watch the sunset and immerse yourself in Waikiki’s beauty.
On the 19th floor of Waikīkī Trade Center, SKY offers an exquisite 360° view of Diamond Head to Ala Wai Marina.
The bar has a modern and contemporary feel without compromising traditional Hawaiian culture.
You’ll find mouthwatering seafood dishes are thoughtfully paired with a curated list of refreshing champagne and handcrafted cocktails.
Don’t hesitate to ask your server for help deciding on one of the bar’s signature cocktails, wines, craft beers, or sake options.
SKY Waikiki’s food is also exceptional—I enjoyed the salty scallion Hamachi Poke, containing Japanese Hamachi and homemade poke sauce atop green onions and scallions Negi.
7. Maui Brewing Co. Waikiki
With its breathtaking location in the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber resort hotel, Maui Brewing Co. is one of the best daytime rooftop bars in Waikiki.
Maui Brewing offers 36 craft beers on tap and delectable Hawaiian-style food, making it the perfect spot to relax with friends.
This inviting brewery features many local Maui beers and Hawaiian microbrews, so everyone can find something to enjoy.
Try the signature Black Lava Coconut Porter or sample unique brews like the Pineapple Mana Wheat Ale and the Hana Hou Hefe at this rooftop destination.
8. Tiki’s Grill & Bar
The Twin Fin Hotel (formerly the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel) is home to Tiki’s Grill & Bar, a fun rooftop bar overlooking the ocean and bustling streets below.
Tiki’s Bar is a great place for live music and an epic sunset on a Friday night.
With its South Pacific-inspired menu and fruity cocktails, you’ll learn the true meaning of what food in paradise tastes like!
If you’re a martini fan, put Tiki’s high on your list—the Lychee Martini is a must-try made with local Pau Maui Vodka, juicy lychee, and housemade ginger juice.
9. Na Lani Sky Lounge
Splurge on your next evening out by visiting Na Lani Sky Lounge, a luxurious rooftop pool bar at the Hokulani Waikiki Hotel.
Na Lani is famous for sunset-watching, tropical drinks, and light poolside bites inspired by local cuisine.
While Na Lani’s menu is pricy, the quality and impeccable flavors make this rooftop bar experience worth every penny.
The Sky Lounge boasts panoramic views of Diamond Head and the Koolau Mountains, the perfect backdrop for vacation photos.
10. Wai’olu Ocean Cuisine
Wai’olu Ocean Cuisine is one of the most romantic rooftop restaurants in Waikiki.
If you’re searching for the best birthday dinner spot near Honolulu to treat someone special, Wai’olu is the place to beat.
This 6th-floor bar offers ample outdoor seating for an airy yet intimate atmosphere.
Try the signature Mai Tai and fresh sushi—both are considered among the best in the area.
11. SWELL Restaurant & Pool Bar
SWELL Restaurant & Pool Bar is my last recommendation in this guide to the 11 best rooftop bars in Waikiki.
Atop the ‘Alohilani Resort, SWELL has everything from an infinity pool and live DJs to private cabanas and a sustainable menu.
SWELL believes in “Earth to Cup” mixology, emphasizing fresh, local flavors sourced from the island.
The result is a one-of-a-kind rooftop happy hour experience combined with unforgettable Hawaiian views.
Hopefully, this guide to the best rooftop bars in Waikiki inspires you to chase sunsets and try new places on your next Hawaii vacation!
Check out my Waikiki content for more Hawaii recommendations.
9 Unforgettable Waikiki Restaurants With a View
17 Best Places to Eat in Waikiki
Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Waikiki
Waikiki Beach Bars: 10 Can’t Miss Spots
13 Best Happy Hours in Waikiki
FAQs
Waikiki has many bars, clubs, restaurants, and live music venues.
Tropical drinks like Mai Tais are famous in Waikiki.
I suggest DECK.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
