The 14 Best Bars In Hawaii 2023
Hawaii is famous for its crystal clear waters, massive surf, and white sand beaches. However, the state offers far more than an oceanside paradise. In fact, Hawaii has a rich history, a fascinating music scene, and unparalleled access to fresh tropical fruits. If you want to experience all three of those elements, look no further than the state's fabulous bars.
Indeed, some of Hawaii's best bars have been around for decades. Smith's Union Bar, for example, has served cold beer to thirsty sailors since before Hawaii was even a state. In terms of catchy tunes, the islands are teeming with talented artists, many of whom play traditional Hawaiian instruments. If those things aren't enough to draw your attention, maybe you will be drawn in by the incredible local cocktails.
Unlike your typical fare from the mainland, these Hawaiian drinks are often crafted using freshly picked local fruit, like mangoes, pineapples, and oranges. From the bar that served the first mai tai in Hawaii to an exclusive establishment that offers fine wines, these are the best bars in Hawaii in 2023.
1. Mai Tai Bar — Honolulu
If you are looking for a touristic Hawaiian experience, Mai Tai Bar is the spot for you. Located at The Royal Hawaiian resort, this bar is open to the public, giving anyone a taste of the Waikiki hotel experience. Here, you can watch tourists wander the beach as the surf comes rolling in. Sit back into your chair with a cold cocktail and soak up the stunning views of Diamond Head, a volcanic structure visible from the establishment. As you relax, there is a good chance that you will even catch a bit of live music.
Beyond the amazing atmosphere, Mai Tai Bar is a historic place. It was apparently the first Hawaiian establishment to serve the drink, which was reportedly invented in California. Considering that this cocktail is considered the unofficial drink of Hawaii, that is a very big deal. To this day, this classic cocktail is Mai Tai Bar's house specialty.
2. Arnold's Beach Bar — Honolulu
Tiki bars might seem like a Hawaiian concept, but these businesses actually emerged in California during the Great Depression. During this time, these kitschy bars created a fun, lighthearted environment that allowed patrons to forget their troubles. Expert barman Martin Cate told Smithsonian Magazine that tiki bars "created this escapist environment that fit perfectly with what people were looking for in Depression-era America."
These days, tiki bars remain popular in vacation spots, like Hawaii, for much of the same reason why these bars were popular during the Depression: because tiki bars can help patrons forget the responsibilities that await them back home. To enjoy an amazing evening at a Honolulu bar, head to Arnold's Beach Bar, where this unique immersive culture is still very much alive.
At Arnold's, you can step into a whole new world, decorated with green plants and photos of hula-hoopers. The drinks are particularly fun, as they include locally-distilled rums served in large glasses with bright citrus garnishes. Beer aficionados will be happy to see some Hawaiian ones on the menu. Some folks will love the more casual nature of this spot — and the fact that it offers drinks on the cheap. However, if you are looking for a sparkling white countertop to sip a glass of wine, this is not your spot.
3. Big Island Brewhaus — Waimea
There is a whole lot more to Hawaii than just mai tais and tiki. Luckily, the Big Island Brewhaus is here to prove it. Owned by Tom and Jayne Kerns, this delightful brewery seeks to show off all the delicious flavors that are cultivated right there on the Big Island. The locale has strong relationships with nearby beekeepers and farmers, from which it sources ingredients. This makes the establishment's fare extra fresh and flavorful, especially compared to other restaurants, which import food from off the island.
As far as the beer goes, Big Island Brewhaus offers many fantastic award-winning drafts. In the 2022 United States Open Beer Championships, its Coconut White Mountain Porter competed with around 9,000 other entries to earn a silver designation. While this might sound impressive, it is basically par for the course for Big Island Brewhaus. In fact, the establishment has won a prize at the U.S. Open Beer Championships every year since 2011. For something out of this world, try its Dark Sabbath Belgian Ale, which won a gold medal out of 8,000 submissions in the 2021 competition. People who prefer cocktails will still love this spot for its margaritas, made in-house with refreshing lime juice.
4. Kahale's Maui's Local Dive Bar — Kihei
Hawaii might be internationally known as a vacation spot, but the state has a vibrant local culture that's made possible by its many neighborhood hangouts. One such gem is Kahale's, a self-proclaimed dive bar, which is famous for its no-frills environment. Here, you can sit on a barstool, crack open an inexpensive bottle of beer, and sink into a lively conversation with friends or strangers. The bar has been open for over two decades, making it a popular spot for locals.
Keep in mind, though, that this is not your trendy urban cocktail bar — or even your hip want-to-be dive bar. Full of comfortably-dressed folks, biker groups, and the occasional lone drinker, Kahale's offers patrons a genuinely casual environment that so many people love.
Of course, Kahale's gives visitors more than the chance to soak up the local environment; it also gives them the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable experience. With mostly bottled beer to drink and popcorn to snack on, Kahale's is a spot that invites you to appreciate the simple things. Plus, considering that this bar has been around for around two decades, it's probably here to stay.
5. Paddlers Restaurant and Bar Molokai — Kaunakakai
Each Hawaiian island has its own vibe, and Molokai really stands out among the rest. The fifth-smallest island is known for drawing fewer tourists, as well as its small-town feel. To sink into a laid-back Molokai evening, head over to Paddlers Restaurant and Bar for a complete dinner and drinks experience. Here, thanks to the leadership of chef Kainoa Turner, you can enjoy high-quality, casual eats that range from chili pork to gyros. While super simple, this food is super fresh and delicious.
Following a scrumptious dinner, wash your food down with an ice-cold cocktail. Then, get ready to enjoy the rest of your night, as the restaurant turns from an eatery to a bar with live music. Starting any time between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., you can enjoy the work of local artists, who specialize in genres that range from jazz to contemporary Hawaiian. Folks, however, who aren't interested in dancing the night away, can show up to the locale on the earlier side of things. Paddlers offers happy hour specials from 2 to 5 p.m. on weeknights.
6. Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons — Wailea
Some folks enjoy sipping piña coladas on the beach, while others prefer doing something a little more upscale. If you find yourself in the second category of vacationers, fear not! Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons in Wailea offers exactly the type of chic experience that you're looking for.
With sleek marble countertops that look out at the ocean, Lobby Lounge allows you to absorb all the natural beauty of the beach from the comfort of a clean, controlled environment. Patrons do not attend this locale in kitschy hibiscus shirts or still-wet swimming trousers. Instead, the unspoken dress code is elegant and refined.
Wine aficionados will be pleased to see that this bar has plenty of flavorful options to pick from. Meanwhile, cocktail drinkers will be happy to sip on one of the house-made drinks. A particular favorite is the Talisman, made with top-shelf Jamaican rum and coconut cordial that is prepared at the Four Seasons. As for food, don't expect to find any sort of traditional beach grub — fried pickles and coconut shrimp are both a no-go. Instead, Lobby Lounge lets you enjoy your drinks with more elaborate eats that range from cheese boards to sushi.
7. Kona Brewing Company — Kailua-Kona
You don't have to be a Hawaii native to know about Kona Brewing Company. Kona not only sells its beers throughout the state of Hawaii, but also much of the mainland. The reason for this brewery's massive popularity is, of course, the quality of its brews. The Longboard Island Lager is a clear crowd-pleaser, thanks to its smooth and light taste. Meanwhile, the Gold Cliff IPA brings the true taste of Hawaii to the table, thanks to its pineapple undertones, which beautifully accentuate the beer's natural hoppiness.
The best part about spending an afternoon at the Kona Brewing Company is that you can do way more than just sip a beer. The brewery also offers engaging tours, where you can walk through its 30,000-square-foot space and learn about how the company produces 100,000 barrels of beer annually. Environmentalists will be particularly excited to hear about how Kona Brewing Company is trying to spearhead a greener brewing process.
8. Smith's Union Bar — Honolulu
If you want to take a step into the past, head over to Smith's Union Bar. Located in Honolulu's former red light district, this old-timey bar has remained fairly unchanged since it first opened in 1934. Its original owner, Joe Holley, hoped the bar would be a fun place for sailors to gather after a hard day's work. Many of his patrons were stationed at the American base at Pearl Harbor.
When the bar was eventually passed down to Joe's son, Leroy Holley, the clientele grew even more diverse. Gangsters, business tycoons, and even politicians headed to this unique spot to do business over drinks. These days, Smith's Union Bar maintains its unique historic vibe. With its casual barstools and old photographs hanging on the walls, the locale has not tried to depart from its divey past. Instead, it leans into the bar's history, serving inexpensive beers in a special environment.
9. The Dirty Monkey — Lahaina
Many bars on Maui tend to cater to beach shacks and tiki bars. In this frozen cocktail-dominated scene, The Dirty Monkey stands out, offering one of the largest whiskey selections on the whole island. With a menu that contains more than 100 whiskeys from all over the world, The Dirty Monkey has something for everyone.
Even folks who prefer not to sip their whiskey straight will be happy to learn that bartenders can whip up a number of whiskey cocktails. One of the house favorites is the Haiku, which combines Japanese whiskey with typical Hawaiian flavors, like pineapple and citrus. It's no surprise that The Dirty Monkey is so popular.
Beyond its unique whiskey menu, The Dirty Monkey stands out because of its entertaining environment. Its game room provides fun classics, like shuffleboard and Jenga. The locale also hosts plenty of local bands, who start playing in the afternoon. But on weekend nights, however, things get a bit rowdier, as DJs will come in to do sets until the early hours.
10. Huggo's On the Rocks — Kailua-Kona
Some people go out to drink, while others are more focused on simply having a good time. Huggo's On the Rocks attracts a crowd that cares about the local Hawaiian music scene. Huggo's owner, a fourth-generation local, has gone on the record saying that he created this bar to "showcase some of the most talented musicians from around the island," (via Huggo's On The Rocks). Because of this clear goal, Huggo's offers live music every single night, providing a platform to some of Hawaii's biggest talent. Sometimes, the bar features more than one local band.
As far as drinks go, there is much to be enjoyed. The restaurant's mai tai — which has been served since the 1960s — is particularly fire. It uses a secret recipe that is kept under lock and key. The recipe has been so popular it has remained largely unchanged. If mai tais aren't your thing, however, fear not. Huggo's offers a number of other fresh drinks. One favorite is Gilligan's Girl, which is served in a coconut cup that you can take home with you.
11. Koa Oasis — Honolulu
When you go to Waikiki Beach, you might want to ditch all the fancy restaurants and simply enjoy a good cocktail with a great view. If this description speaks to you, head on over to Koa Oasis. With outdoor seating that is more reminiscent of a park picnic, rather than a restaurant, this beach shack bar is the epitome of laid-back. Just mosey on up to the window counter and order a strawberry daiquiri or a cold beer. The alcohol-free crowd will also be pleased with the selection of reasonably-priced non-alcoholic drinks.
Like any Waikiki Beach venue, Koa Oasis's real appeal is its location in the middle of everything. Watch tourists wander the beach and surfers tackle the waves. Even amid all of this excitement, the real show occurs in the evenings at sunset. As the sun sinks below the water, you'll be able to watch the sky take on bright orange, yellow, and purple shades that are different every night. Once the sun goes down, however, you'll probably want to skedaddle on to dinner. After all, the Koa Oasis, while wonderful for drinks, does not serve the heartier fare that many folks enjoy at dinnertime.
12. Lava Lava Beach Club — Kapaʻa
Although Hawaii's beaches are unparalleled, the Big Island is not exactly teeming with beachside bars. If you are hoping to get a drink somewhere that you can actually sink your toes into the sand, head on over to the Lava Lava Beach Club. Nestled into the beach of Anaeho'omalu Bay, this delightful bar offers low-sitting chairs that are placed directly over the sand.
Owned by the people who run Hugo's, the Lava Lava Beach Club offers the same unique mai tai that has been served on the Big Island since the 1960s. Also popular is the French press sangria, an indulgent blend of wine and rich tropical fruit.
If sangria isn't your vibe, ask for the house margarita, which is made with a unique Li Hing Mu rim. Made of crushed plums, Li Hing Mui is a type of pickled plum powder that has been popular in Hawaii for more than a century. This substance — which is simultaneously sweet, salty, and sour — combines perfectly with the smoky smoothness of Mexican tequila, creating a cocktail that is tangy and complex.
13. Lava Tube Waikiki — Honolulu
Sometimes, we need a little vacation from our vacation. In Honolulu, there might be no better place to do this than the Lava Tube in Waikiki. As you walk into this bar, you will feel like you are descending into the world's kitschiest volcano — but in a really good way. The bar is made of a type of cracked brown stone that resembles volcanic rock, and neon lights are strung overhead to look like lava. The walls are painted with a mural that shows mangroves, mountains, and an open bay.
Of course, the Lava Tube offers far more than just ambiance. But, as with the environment, the drinks here are maximalist. The piña colada is served inside a full, hollowed-out pineapple that is garnished with a colorful umbrella. The "Hawaiian wine" is made of pineapple and passionfruit. One of the benefits, though, of these excessive drinks is that they appear to be made with freshly-squeezed fruit juice, as opposed to syrupy flavoring. This use of fresh ingredients results in cocktails that taste, crisp, light, and tangy — just like the original fruits themselves.
14. Lanai City Bar & Grill — Lanai City
Located in the romantic, tree-swept setting of the historic Hotel Lanai, the Lanai City Bar & Grill offers a fun variety of drinks. Its cocktail menu refrains from serving over-the-top beach fare, instead opting for more sophisticated options. Favorites include the Pau Hana Rita, which is garnished with beautiful hibiscus, and the Big Kiwi Energy, which is made with fresh fruit.
The best part, however, is the bar's extensive wine list. Lanai City Bar offers wine from all over the world, with options from France, Argentina, and New Zealand. Particularly exclusive sips include the micro-grown Domaine Chavy-Chouet Puligny-Montrachet and the famed Verité "La Muse," which has been ranked one of the top 10 best wines in California in some online databases.
Folks who aren't in the mood to enjoy a whole bottle of vino will also appreciate the restaurant's more boutique offerings. For $11, patrons can sip a glass of Italian rosato that hails from a 120-year-old vineyard. Drinks can be enjoyed with premium appetizers, like oysters on the half-shell, hamachi ceviche, and ahi tuna poke tostadas.