After landing in Hawaii, I had three things on my mind: sun, sand, and enjoying a tropical cocktail at one of the best Waikiki beach bars.
Waikiki, a Honolulu neighborhood on the island of Oahu, is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, with iconic beaches and stunning ocean views.
It’s easy to see why many visitors don’t want to leave Waikiki once they visit!
Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen, and visit these ten can’t-miss Waikiki beach bars during your next trip to Hawaii.
Book my favorite Waikiki Beach activities below through GetYourGuide:
10 Best Waikiki Beach Bars
1. Duke’s Waikiki Barefoot Bar
Everyone loves Duke’s Waikiki, a beachfront icon in the heart of Waikiki with a perfect view of Diamond Head.
The beachside Duke’s Waikiki is famous for its laid-back dress code, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, and constant flow of locals and visitors.
The restaurant honors the Hawaiian surfing legend and Olympic swimmer George “Duke” Kahanamoku.
Duke’s is the best beach day hang out—strut up to the beach bar in your swimsuit, grab an original Mai Tai cocktail, and chill out before returning to the ocean.
This bar offers endless beach vibes, an extensive tropical drink list, and top-notch food.
2. House Without a Key
When the sun peaks over Waikiki Beach, House Without a Key is the place to be.
This is one of the best Waikiki beach bars to watch surfers catch waves while sipping a refreshing drink.
Seats quickly fill up as the sun begins to set, so arrive early to relax and enjoy the nightly live Hawaiian music and hula performances.
I highly recommend the classic Mai Tai—the dark rum, lime, orange, and pineapple recipe is perfect to end your day and start your night in Waikiki.
3. Arnold’s Beach Bar
When I’m in a tropical place, I want my drinks to come with an umbrella, which Arnold’s Beach Bar is all about—from the second you walk in, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a tiki paradise.
Lush greenery and colorful decor adorn this beachfront grill and bar, famous for its reasonably priced drinks and lively atmosphere.
Sit back and enjoy the breathtaking ocean sights at this beachside restaurant and bar.
Arnold’s is a local favorite that packs a punch despite its small size.
4. Edge Waikiki
For the ultimate afternoon in paradise, head to Edge Waikiki, the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort’s infinity pool that extends to the beach’s edge.
This adult-only bar is paradise, to say the least—enjoy a handcrafted cocktail as you watch boats, surfers, and tourists.
Bar access is open to the public, but only Sheraton Waikiki guests can use the pool. Shame, I know, but this hotel is worth staying for a night.
The Edge has some of the tastiest classic cocktails on the island, including the famous Mai Tai, Lava Flow, and Pina Colada, which pairs excellently with the idyllic views.
5. Mai Tai Bar
One of my favorite Waikiki beach bars is the Mai Tai Bar in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, also known as “The Pink Palace.” This spot is credited with inventing the original Mai Tai!
With its giant tiki poles, tropical motifs, and wide selection of cocktails and local craft beer, this bar is a favorite among locals and tourists.
The Mai Tai Bar serves many creative drinks, such as their signature Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai, and popular beverages, like the Kula Cooler and Wailua Iced Tea.
The Mai Tai Bar atmosphere is always fun and welcoming, regardless of your favorite drink.
6. RumFire
Few things pair better than the beach and rum—RumFire does it best!
By day, RumFire serves classic Spanish tapas and an afternoon tea bar with spiked beverage options.
At night, this place becomes one of the top Waikiki nightlife spots with live music and DJs, illuminated by flickering tiki torches that glow warmly across the beach.
The place is frequented by locals and tourists who fill the indoor and outdoor seating areas for happy hour or a night out within walking distance of the beach.
7. Kona Brewing Company
Kona Brewing Company is the perfect spot for delicious grub and a draft beer, like the Big Wave Golden Ale, Koko Brown Ale, or Castaway IPA.
Located on Koko Marina, this pub is a unique restaurant and bar accessible by boat.
Watch people windsurfing, parasailing, and paddleboarding on the horizon while savoring your beer. It’s also family-friendly, making it the perfect option for the kids.
Watch people windsurfing, parasailing, and paddleboarding on the horizon while savoring your beer at this kid-friendly spot.
Finish your night here with Kona Brewing Company’s tasty wings, shrimp tacos, burgers, or Loco Moco.
8. Koa Oasis Booze Shack
Elevate your day-drinking experience at the Koa Oasis Booze Shack, one of the top beach bars steps away from the shore.
Enjoy all-day bliss with a shaded umbrella—perfect for a quick drink before or after spending time in the sand.
The Booze Shock is a fun and affordable experience in Waikiki’s paradise, which rarely happens.
Their self-proclaimed “Best Mai Tai on the Beach” is less than $10, and the bartenders are generous with their pours.
9. Tiki’s Grill & Bar
Tiki’s Grill, located in the Twin Fin Hotel, is an upscale yet cozy bar overlooking Waikiki Beach.
The whole family will enjoy the bar’s fun, exciting vibe and the picturesque ocean views that don’t require getting your feet wet.
After a day of adventure, this is the perfect place to treat yourself and relax to ocean sounds.
They have delicious tiki cocktails and local beers to quench your thirst, which you can enjoy while listening to live music at the seaside.
10. The Beach Bar
The Beach Bar at the Moana Surfrider Westin Resort & Spa is a fabulous seaside bar to watch the sunset.
Don’t be fooled by the premium hotel property—the Beach Bar is a casual, welcoming spot for tropical drinks and small bites.
Listen to the sounds of live music and ocean waves while dancing beneath an over 100-year-old banyan tree.
From the idyllic location to the tasty menu, the Beach Bar is a can’t-miss.
Save this roundup of Waikiki beach bars before your next Hawaiian vacation!
Traveling to Hawaii? Check out my other Honolulu content.
9 Unforgettable Waikiki Restaurants With a View
17 Best Places to Eat in Waikiki
Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Waikiki
FAQs
Waikiki has many fun rooftop bar and nightclub options for dancing and karaoke nights, like SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar. Check out my recommendations for the best rooftop bars in Waikiki if you’re in a party mood!
Waikiki Beach is world-renowned for its picturesque beauty.
I recommend Duke’s Waikiki and the Mai Tai Bar.
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.
