10 Best Bars in Oahu For Amazing Drinks
You don’t have to search very hard to find great bars in Oahu. They’re the type of place you just know you’re going to have a great time as soon as you step inside.
Whether you want to enjoy a quiet night drinking with friends or get your party on at one of the island’s most famous tiki bars, you won’t be disappointed by the selection of places to see and be seen.
With so many bars to choose from on Oahu, getting started can seem like an impossible task. From cocktails to craft beer and everything in between, here are the best bars in Oahu that will make your next night out unforgettable.
1. The Tchin Tchin! Bar
Tucked away in Honolulu’s Chinatown art district, Tchin Tchin is a hidden gem offering an extensive cocktail and wine menu in a laid-back setting.
Don’t let the small entrance door and the steep flight of stairs fool you, the space opens up quite a bit once you get to the top. The cozy indoor lounge area is a great spot to sit and enjoy their small plates and sample their long list of unique and fresh cocktails.
But that’s not all – the comfy outdoor seating area with strung-up lights is the biggest draw for most people, especially after dark. The setup oozes romantic vibes and with the warm Honolulu nights, an open-air rooftop bar is just what the doctor prescribed.
2. Sky Waikiki
Set on a skyscraper in the heart of beautiful Waikiki, this rooftop bar is a go-to spot for refreshing drinks, seafood bites as well as upscale entertainment.
It features a wrap-around open-air space fitted with homey lounge sofas where you can relax and enjoy the magical Hawaiian sunset over a glass of cocktail or beer.
Although Sky Waikiki is a full-fledged bar and restaurant, it’s mostly known for the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the famed Diamond Head, and the alluring Honolulu skyline.
It’s also a great choice if you’re looking to experience Waikiki’s nightlife – there’s live music as well as a DJ twirling some tunes in the evenings. Every Friday night, this bar kicks it up a notch and turns into a nightclub at 9pm.
3. Na Lani Sky Lounge
With a poolside lounging area and 360-degree views of Waikiki’s cityscape, and Diamond Head, Na Lani Sky Lounge is the best place to visit for the ultimate rooftop bar experience.
The small bar serves light snacks and a great selection of tropical cocktails. It’s an excellent spot to laze an evening away with a drink while soaking in the beautiful views of the city.
Note: Na Lani Sky Lounge is part of the Hokulani Waikiki Hotel so you’ll need to book a stay with them to have unlimited access.
4. Hideout at the Laylow
Set atop the chic Laylow Hotel, this rooftop bar and restaurant has it all; candle-lit tables, fire pits, delicious food, and a vibrant bar scene.
If you’re looking to spend your evening in a hip and trendy bar, make sure you set aside a few hours for this hidden spot.
They have a great wine list, and a number of signature cocktails (you can’t go wrong with the Mai Tai). But, Hideout is not your typical rooftop bar in Oahu!
You can come here at any time of the day to have breakfast, casual drinks, or nibble on their Asian-inspired Hawaiian delicacies. This place is small and super popular, so be sure to make reservations ahead of time.
5. Lewers Lounge
After a long day of exploring Waikiki, Lewers Lounge is the perfect place to hang out after dinner. This classy laid-back bar offers a welcome respite; it’s a space where you can sit back and enjoy calming jazz tunes from talented artists.
The music is smooth, the ambiance is relaxing, and they have an extensive menu of cocktails, wines, beers as well as spirits. If you’re looking for a sophisticated cocktail bar in Waikiki where you can enjoy a martini or three, then this is the place for you.
6. Mahina & Sun’s
An easy stroll from most hotels on Waikiki’s main boulevard, Mahina & Sun’s is an oasis where you can savor flavorful dishes and drinks with a local touch.
This place might not be on most people’s Oahu bucket list in terms of bars, but it’s a nice quiet space in the midst of bustling Waikiki where you can go for delicious bites and good cocktails.
They have a huge interior seating area and an outside patio where you can enjoy live music.
7. Wang Chung’s
Situated in the lobby of Stay Hotel, Wang Chung’s is one of the friendliest karaoke bars on the Island.
In addition to a welcoming atmosphere and tasty drinks, they also offer Asian-and-Latin-inspired cuisine which makes it a great spot to spend an evening out.
This is the place to be if you want to flaunt your singing skills and dance your heart out without feeling judged! They offer a smartphone-based system where you can order your drinks or request songs to bellow out to.
Owing to its upbeat environment and friendly clientele, Wang Chung’s is one of the most popular bars for socializing with locals and tourists alike.
So if you’re a fun-loving person and you don’t mind being elbow to elbow with other high-spirited individuals, then this karaoke bar is a must-visit while in Waikiki.
8. Edge of Waikiki
Located within the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Edge of Waikiki is a stylish poolside bar that offers unrivaled ocean views, amazing food, and classic cocktails with a Hawaiian twist.
They also have a decent wine list but it’s the laidback vibe and mesmerizing sunsets that keep people coming back for more. If you want a little bit more privacy, you can rent out a cabana (provided you’re over 21 years).
9. Duke’s Waikiki
With an awe-inspiring backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head, Duke’s Waikiki is one of the most beloved beach bars on Oahu. The bar introduces its visitors to refreshing Hawaiian flavors by preparing cocktails from the finest rum and juices on the island.
Some of their signature cocktails include specially mixed Mai Tai, Endless Summer, and Hawaiian Time. They also offer an expansive menu to accompany your drink including juicy chicken wings, Cajun fish tacos, craft pizza, burgers and so much more.
Live music at Duke’s is another big draw as it creates a relaxing and charming aura.
10. Hana Koa Brewing
Located on Kawaiahao Street, this bar is slightly off the beaten path but if you’re a beer lover, you should check it out!
Hana Koa Brewing is one of the best breweries in Oahu and a cool speakeasy with a small intimate bar and a restaurant with daily specials.
If you’re not sure what to get, order a flight of beer for a tasting. Plus, they’re constantly inventing interesting craft beers so you’re bound to find a new flavor every time you visit!
