Best Local Bars in Hawaii

In the mood for a good drink by the beach? Hawaii has you covered for both excellent cocktails and views. The bars here run the full gamut from laid-back dive bars to upscale establishments and lounges. Find the perfect place to enjoy a nice lunch in between vacation activities or watch the sunset during a great date night.

Do you and your friends enjoy bar hopping and exploring new taverns and beach bars? Then stay prepared with a GiftYa electronic e-gift card. Downloaded directly onto your debit cards for extra security, these e-gift cards will get you into a number of shops, restaurants, and attractions throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Looking for the perfect gift to buy for the travelers in your life? GiftYa gift cards can be used at establishments across the United States. Check out all the places you can go by visiting our website. 

Honolulu Tavern

Great service and cold drinks at Honolulu Tavern

Enjoy a great neighborhood bar. Image courtesy of Yelp.

417 Nohonani St. | Waikiki

Honolulu Tavern offers a nice small neighborhood sports bar where locals and tourists can enjoy cold drinks and friendly service. Located in the Hawaiian King hotel, the bar was established in 1980 and is known for its laid-back atmosphere. Try the tacos and wings, they’re reasonably priced and delicious.

Excellent for people who like dive bars and happy hour specials. You’ll find the best nights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

“Everyone that works here is friendly, kind, and fun.” — Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Honolulu Tavern 

Tiki’s Grill & Bar

Amazing views and great food at Tiki’s Grill & Bar

Festive strawberry pina colada at Tiki’s Grill & Bar. Image courtesy of Yelp.

2570 Kalakaua Ave | Waikiki/ tikisgrill.com

Head down to Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel where you can enjoy great views of Waikiki Beach while you treat yourself to your favorite drink. Tiki’s Grill & Bar is also known for serving a large menu of fresh fish, steak, and chicken dishes. Lunch on sandwiches and salads and then return to watch the sunset as you dine on prime rib poke and a nice selection of pupu dishes.

Vegetarians will find both vegetarian and vegan options here. Dress is casual and you can expect to find both tourists and locals here. Enjoy live music and contemporary Hawaiian entertainment every evening.

“The service and set up was extravagant! Great Christmas Bar!!! Highly recommend!” — Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Tiki's Grill & Bar 

Duke’s Waikiki

Great service and awesome drinks at Duke’s Waikiki

Don’t forget the famous Duke’s Waikiki Mai Tai — with the paper umbrella! Image courtesy of Yelp.

2335 Kalakaua Ave. Ste 116 | Waikiki/ dukeswaikiki.com

Check out Duke’s Waikiki at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and enjoy an amazing selection of food and drinks that includes breakfast buffets, full lunch menus, and a barefoot bar. This is a great place to check out if you’re both hungry and thirsty. Lunch specials include the coconut shrimp & fries and the falafel naan sandwich. For dinner, order the roasted Tristan lobster or stop in on Thursday and Sunday for the prime rib buffet.

So, what’s good to drink here? Most customers want to try Duke’s Mai Tai, a signature cocktail made with fresh Hawaiian juices and two types of rum. You can also try the coconut mojito, guava jamz (with ocean vodka and lemonade), or the vintage ’44 Mai Tai with koloa rums, fresh lime juice, and pineapple. Beer and wine drinkers will also find a nice selection of ales, lagers, chardonnays, and more available for a fun evening.

“Our experience at Dukes was unmatched. The food was excellent, the drinks, were excellent, and our server Travis provided the most fantastic experience we could ask for. He was on top.” — Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Duke's Waikiki 

Arnold’s Beach Bar & Grill

Get the fun dive bar experience at Arnold’s Beach Bar & Grill

Dine at a genuine Tiki Bar at Arnold’s Beach Bar & Grill. Image courtesy of Yelp.

339 Saratoga Rd. | Waikiki

Come to this local Waikiki dive bar and enjoy the genuine Tiki Bar experience. Established in 1992, Arnold’s Beach Bar & Grill serves up great Mai Tais and beach cocktails. Enjoy the fun, festive décor (be sure to pose with the hula dancer statue).

Food options are limited, but customers enjoy the pizza. They also offer live entertainment with music and happy hour specials. Great for a casual night out with friends.

“Great dive bar for grabbing a quick drink/pre-game! They have a concise menu of drinks, but of course, make sure to try the Mai Tais. There’s not many options for food, but the pizza is solid.” — Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Arnold's Beach Bar 

The Tchin Tchin Bar

Spend an evening full of fine wines and food at the Tchin Tchin Bar

Dine outdoors at the Tchin Tchin Bar. Image courtesy of Yelp.

39 N. Hotel St. | Downtown/ thetchintchinbar.com

Visit Honolulu’s Chinatown art district and experience a comfortable and exciting venue where you can share a bottle of wine with friends or form new relationships over artisan cocktails. The Tchin Tchin! Bar also offers a selection of beers and a menu of fine foods to sample. Quick tip: make sure to come early and try the truffle fries and escargot!

“Tchin-Tchin” comes from the Chinese expression “Qing-Qing” and translates into “Please-Please.” A traditional toast that invites guests to drink, the phrase was popularized and adopted by Europeans during the Chinese Opium Wars and became used in Spain, Portugal, and Italy. One of the trendier options on this list, The Tchin Tchin Bar is a great choice for those looking for an intimate, classy venue to enjoy Hawaii.

“The venue is a perfect location for smaller private events. It has a chic speak easy vibe. With very laid-back patio area and live wall.” — Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Tchin Tchin! Bar 

Kona Brewing Company at Koko Marina

Amazing beers and spectacular marina views at Kona Brewing Company

Order some of the best drinks from Kona Brewing Company’s 48-tap beer delivery system. Image courtesy of Yelp.

7192 Kalanianaole Hwy. | Hawaii Kai/ konabrewinghawaii.com

Looking for a comfortable pub that specializes in both mainland and island cuisine? Give Kona Brewing Company a try. Located in the Koko Marina Center, this pub is actually Kona Brewing Company’s second restaurant. Spend an evening looking out at amazing views of the marina and its wildlife from the outdoor seating area.

In the mood for a good drink? Kona Brewing Company’s 48-tap beer delivery system has what you need. While reservations aren’t required, you may want to call ahead if you’re coming in with a group of 8 or more. In addition to a fine selection of alcoholic beverages, you can enjoy some great food, including their crab cakes, kalua pork tacos, and Pele’s Throne Ahi Salad. 

“The food and drinks are great, service is always friendly, and the view is spectacular.” — Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Kona Brewing Company At Koko Marina 

Honolulu Beerworks

Find a laid-back pub at Honolulu Beerworks

Stop by Honolulu Beerworks on your next visit to downtown Honolulu. Image courtesy of Yelp.

328 Cooke St. | Downtown/ honolulubeerworks.com

Experience Oahu’s Craft Brewery and sample barrel aged beers as well as 12 different styles on tap. Established in 2014, Honolulu Beerworks offers friendly service and an amazing selection of beers. Food options include everything from buffalo chicken flatbread to Caesar salads to hearty south street pastrami Reuben sandwiches.

With its laid-back atmosphere, Honolulu Beerworks makes a great place for tourists to include in their brew tours or residents to establish their new watering hole. Make sure to stop in!

“Another great brewery here in town by SALT. Chill atmosphere with great crafts and eats!” — Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Honolulu Beer Works 

Genius Lounge

Order Japanese-inspired Hawaiian dishes to enjoy with traditional sake at the Genius Lounge

Order festive drinks at the Genius Lounge. Image courtesy of Yelp.

346 Lewers St. Fl-3 | Waikiki/ geniusloungehawaii.com

Established in 2009, the Genius Lounge offers Japanese-inspired Hawaiian dishes at its full-service bar. Popular dishes include the Kalua pork, chicken karaage, and citrus pepper chicken, all great to eat with the lounge’s selection of traditional Japanese sakes. And be sure to check out their private bamboo garden!

Genius Lounge also offers multiple Party Plans for groups who’d like to reserve a space for a private party as well as a special Hawaiian Wedding plan. All plans come with a selection of popular menu items for everyone to enjoy. Space can get limited, so be sure to make reservations early.   

“This place is not only a bar but a restaurant too! Also, great spot to come for happy hour!” — Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Genius Lounge