7 Bars in Honolulu Where You Can Unwind After a Day in the Sun

Finding the right bar in a vacation destination like Honolulu can be tough. After all, there are so many options – upscale restaurant bars, local watering holes, staples in the nightlife scene. It’s all there, so really the only question is what’s the vibe that you’re going for tonight?

With its myriad of atmospheres, the bars in Honolulu have more to offer than one might initially expect. Although there are many options to choose from, in this article today I have compiled a list of some of the top-rated bars in the whole Honolulu area. 

This list includes the bar's location, a Yelp review, a summary of the bar's style, and even a convenient link to the restaurant's or bar’s website in case you want to preview the menu before you go in person. I’ve even included links where you can get a GiftYa E-Gift Card for any of the participating restaurants.

Okay, but what’s a GiftYa?

As a reminder a GiftYa digital gift card is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a gift card that functions just like every other gift card. It lets you make purchases at a participating bar, restaurant, or store up to the face value of the gift card. 

However, unlike traditional gift cards. GiftYa digital gift cards come with a few additional benefits. Unlike a traditional gift card, you can find thousands of participating local and national businesses all in one place on the GiftYa website or on the GiftYa app. In seconds, you can choose the amount you want to gift, personalize your GiftYa with a message and photo, and send it on its way.

Once your recipient has the GiftYa, there are no pesky plastic gift cards to deal with. They can simply link their gift to a card that’s already in their wallet or purse, and then they never have to worry about forgetting their card at home. They can just use their card as normal, and GiftYa will apply the balance of the gift until it runs out.

Not only does GiftYa make it easy to send (and even schedule in advance) thoughtful gifts for your favorite people to their favorite places, you can also get yourself a GiftYa (or drop some hints) ahead of your next trip so that you can stock up on funds without having to worry about carrying cash around in your travels.

Now that we’re on the same page, let’s jump right into the main event: the best bars in Honolulu. Buckle up!

The Surfing Pig Hawaii

Award-winning Cocktails and Cuisine That Are Perfect for Brunch, Date Night, and Everything in Between

3605 Waialae Ave | Honolulu | thesurfingpighawaii.com

A name like The Surfing Pig certainly catches your attention. And once it has your attention, The Surfing Pig is sure to impress. Their self-proclaimed vibe is “Americana with an eclectic, local twist.” But what does that translate to?

According to reviewers, good food and great drinks. The Surfing Pig currently holds an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on Yelp after more than 900 reviews, and since 2018 they’ve racked up a whole slew of awards including Diners’ Choice, Best Restaurant in HI, and Best Restaurant in the East Oahu ‘Burbs.

The Surfing Pig Hawaii has a full bar stocked with wine and liquor, and their bartenders serve up some of the craftiest cocktails on the island. Pair it with their award-winning cuisine (kampachi carpaccio or smokey bbq cheesy mac, anyone?) and you’re in for a great evening.

“We stumbled across this restaurant after a long morning of hiking. We were welcomed at the door with a wonderful  Aloha. This friendly neighborhood spot was so amazing that we returned the next day for brunch! ” - Yelp Review 

The Surfing Pig Hawaii doesn’t offer GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check back soon because we are always adding the best bars and attractions in Honolulu!

Tiki's Grill & Bar

Serving Up Delicious Drinks, Ono Food, and Beautiful Beach Views

2570 Kalakaua Ave | Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel |www.tikisgrill.com/

When you picture yourself in Hawaii, do you picture yourself sipping cocktails on the beach? Because same. Locally owned and operated Tiki’s Grill & Bar overlooks Oahu’s famous Waikiki beach, providing the perfect backdrop for a night out in Honolulu. 

Tiki’s Grill & Bar was established by a group of three recently-graduated friends in 2002 who wanted a place where they could hang out with friends and family on the beach, eat good food, and enjoy a lively bar scene. Today, they’re still living aloha and sharing their passion for island life with their staff and guests.

Stop in on Thursdays for live hawaiian music and hulas, and be sure to try the coconut shrimp, kalbi beef gyoza, and prime rib poke. You won’t regret it.

“Fantastic food and restaurant. High quality food. Every single dish was great.

See my video review here: youtu.be/q9UZc8ocUw4 ” - Yelp Review 

You can’t get a digital GiftYa gift card to Tiki's Grill & Bar at the moment but be sure to check back soon as new best bars and locations in Honolulu are added all the time!

Duke’s Waikiki

Enjoy Good Vibes and Good Drinks When You Sip Your Favorite Cocktail Creations at Duke’s Barefoot Bar

2335 Kalakaua Ave | Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort | www.dukeswaikiki.com

Duke’s Waikiki has been called “perfect for tourists,” and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There’s something to be said for tracking down local watering holes, but Duke’s Waikiki has everything you could want from a bar in Honolulu, all in one place. Views of the water? Check. Delicious food, tropical drinks? Check and check. 

Visitors can’t stop talking about the Kimo's Original Hula Pie – a delectable dessert made of macadamia nut ice cream piled high with chocolate fudge, cookie crust, and whipped cream. According to Duke’s Waikiki legend, the hula pie is “what sailors swam ashore for.” In my book, that makes it a must-try menu item for sure. 

“Was in HI over the long weekend and came here for lunch at around 3pm. The place was full but luckily we got a seat overlooking the ocean. Coming from Huntington Beach, we are not new to Dukes, but this view and atmosphere can't be beat. ” - Yelp Review

Unfortunately Duke’s Waikiki isn’t one of the best bars in Honolulu participating with GiftYa just yet, but check back soon cause they might be any day now.

Mai Tai Bar Waikiki

Grab a Drink and Enjoy Service Fit for a King at the Beachfront Bar at the Luxurious Royal Hawaiian Resort

2259 Kalakaua Ave | The Royal Hawaiian | www.royal-hawaiian.com/dining-overview/mai-tai-bar

If you’re a Mai Tai kinda guy (or gal), Mai Tai Waikiki is perhaps obviously the place to be. Visitors claim that this spot serves up the best mai tais for miles around, and trust us, there’s some stiff competition!

On top of the delicious drinks and top-tier bartending, you’re just steps off the beach all evening long. Round out your visit to Mai Tai Bar with a tasty order of garlic shrimp or a classic turkey club sandwich, and I’m sure you’ll understand why there’s so much hype about this spot.

“We were on Waikiki during spring break and it was so hectic with lots of kids, so we were happy to find a nice evening cocktail at the Mai Tai Bar, right on the beach outside the Royal Hawaiian. A great spot for a Mai Tai, especially to end a beautiful evening in Honolulu. ” - Yelp Review 

Right now you aren’t able to get a GiftYa digital gift card to Maj Taj Bar, but check back because there’s more best bars and stores in Honolulu added all the time.

Suzie Wong’s Hideaway

Check out Waikiki’s Only #5StarDiveBar for a Night You Won’t Forget

1913 Dudoit Ln | Waikiki | www.facebook.com/SuzieWongsHideaway

Bars don’t have to be fancy to be great. Suzie Wong’s Hideaway knows that – and they proudly brand themselves Waikiki's only 5-Star Dive Bar. Suzie’s is a local bar with a laid-back atmosphere, so if getting all dressed up to go out after hanging out in the sun all day isn’t the move, Suzie’s is a great option.

While there’s no pool table like you’ll find in many a dive bar, Suzie’s does have shuffleboard to keep visitors entertained. And with a food truck parked right outside to take care of any late-night munchies, you can enjoy a chill time at Suzie Wong’s Hideaway all night long.

“Came here for vacation/friend's birthday.  Chill vibe from the entrance to exit. Shout-out to the bartender - I don't recall her name but she gave my friend a free drink and a free round for all of us when she heard it was her birthday. Super chill and just overall awesome. The place got pretty crowded quick so come earlier!” - Yelp Review 

There aren’t GiftYa digital gift cards available for Suzie Wong’s Hideaway as of the date of this writing, but there might be now! Be sure to check GiftYa itself for all the gift cards available for the best bars  in Honolulu.

Arnold’s Beach Bar & Grill

Save Big with Sunday Funday Happy Hour Specials All Day Long

339 Saratoga Rd | Waikiki | www.facebook.com/Arnoldswaikiki

Another proud Waikiki dive bar, Arnold’s Beach Bar & Grill is truly a home for beach bums. No dress code, you can roll in after catching some waves or hiking some of the many trails around Honolulu without getting so much as a second glance. Arnold’s has a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of Honolulu residents stop by on the regular, so if you want to drink like the locals, Arnold’s is the place to be.

“Thanks to my friend who found this Cute Little Gem Bar..Great to chill and talk to people from the Mainland...a beer or 2 to end the night in Aloha Aina...” - Yelp Review 

As always we’re busy adding attractions and best bars in Honolulu to GiftYa all the time but you can’t get one for Arnold’s Beach Bar & Grill just yet. Check back soon.

Cuckoo Coconut Waikiki

When Life Gives You Pineapples, Turn Them Into Pina Coladas at One of the Best Bars in Honolulu

333 Royal Hawaiian Ave | Waikiki | www.cuckoococonutswaikiki.com

If you like tropical drinks, you haven’t tasted anything until you’ve tried the cocktails they’re serving up at Cuckoo Coconut Waikiki. Cuckoo’s serves all of your favorites up right in the fruit they used to make it, like whole pineapples and coconuts. 

Cuckoo Coconut Waikiki is also a great place to get a taste of authentic Hawaiian cuisine while you enjoy the local nightlife. Locals and visitors alike love the Loco Moco, garlic shrimp, seafood baskets, and traditional Lau Lau plates.

“Good vibes, live music, and solid drinks! This place is cheesy and touristy in the best way.” - Yelp Review 

Cuckoo Coconut Waikiki isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa available for best bars in Honolulu 

Check out everything GiftYa has to offer in Honolulu by following this link!