Best Happy Hour Waikiki Top-Rated Places Loved by Locals & Tourists
Happy Hour Naples is famous in Florida, but when you visit Hawaii, the place to be is Waikiki. Known for its golden beaches, warm sunsets, and aloha vibes, Waikiki also offers some of the most exciting happy hour deals in the United States. Whether you want ocean views, rooftop cocktails, or a casual bar with live music, you can find it here.
If you are searching for the best happy hour Waikiki, this guide will give you everything you need. You’ll discover restaurant details, menus, hours, delivery options, reviews from Google, and tips to enjoy the best food and drinks during these golden hours.
What is Waikiki?
A Waikiki restaurant is any dining place located in Waikiki, the famous beachfront neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii. Waikiki is known for its white sand beaches, luxury resorts, and lively nightlife. Because of its popularity with tourists, the area has become home to many restaurants that serve food from all over the world.
When people talk about a Waikiki restaurant, they often mean more than just a place to eat. These restaurants usually offer more than food—they give an experience. Many of them are located near the beach, so diners can enjoy ocean views, live music, and the feeling of aloha while having their meal.
Owners and Chefs of Popular Waikiki Restaurants
The best Waikiki restaurants are known not only for their food and views but also for the talented chefs and owners who created them. Many are led by award-winning chefs or hospitality groups that focus on sustainability, local sourcing, and authentic Hawaiian flavors.
| Restaurant | Owner / Chef |
|---|---|
| Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki | Chef Peter Merriman – pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine |
| Empire Steak House | Empire Hospitality Group – fine steak & seafood specialists |
| Signature Prime Steak & Seafood | Owned by Peter Kim – founder of Liliha Bakery and restaurateur |
| SKY Waikiki | SKY Waikiki Group – concept led by local hospitality innovators |
| Deck at Queen Kapiolani Hotel | Managed by Queen Kapiolani Hotel Hospitality Team |
| Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar | Part of the Tommy Bahama Lifestyle Brand |
| Chart House Waikiki | Founded by legendary waterman Joey Cabell, an American surfer |
Locations of Popular Waikiki Restaurants
Waikiki restaurants are spread across beachfront resorts, high-rise hotels, and lively streets near Kalakaua Avenue. Knowing the exact location helps visitors choose a spot that fits their schedule and view preference.
| Restaurant | Location |
|---|---|
| Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki | Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, 2169 Kalia Road |
| Empire Steak House | Ilikai Hotel, Sky Floor, 1777 Ala Moana Boulevard |
| Signature Prime Steak & Seafood | 36th Floor, Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Drive |
| SKY Waikiki | Rooftop, 19th Floor, 2270 Kalakaua Avenue |
| Deck at Queen Kapiolani Hotel | 3rd Floor, Queen Kapiolani Hotel, 150 Kapahulu Avenue |
| Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar | 298 Beachwalk, Waikiki |
| Chart House Waikiki | 1765 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu |
What Makes Waikiki Happy Hour Special?
The phrase best happy hour Waikiki is not only about low prices. It’s about enjoying fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and local dishes while the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. The spots in Waikiki are known for their friendly service, live music, and unbeatable views. Tourists and locals agree that happy hour here feels like a celebration, not just a discount.
Menus of Best Happy Hour Waikiki
The menus define why people love these spots. Each restaurant offers appetizers, drinks, and signature items during happy hour.
Happy Hour Menu Samples
| Restaurant | Menu Highlights |
|---|---|
| Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki | Half-off appetizers (excludes seafood), $14 pizzas, $4 off cocktails, $2 off beers, $3 off wines |
| Empire Steak House | Steak & seafood small plates, $9 wines, $6 beers, $9 cocktails |
| Signature Prime Steak & Seafood | 50% off many appetizers, ribeye or NY steak around $27, discounted wines & cocktails |
| SKY Waikiki | $2 oysters, $5 beers, $10 bubbly, $12 cocktails, poke bowls |
| Deck | Cocktails about $12, local draft beers, pupus starting at $6, sliders and fries |
| Tommy Bahama | Coconut shrimp, mahi mahi tacos, $9 sangria, fruity martinis |
| Chart House Waikiki | Wagyu sliders, edamame, fish tacos, oysters, well liquors, wine by the glass |
These menus make the best happy hour Waikiki not just about drinks but about food variety that suits families, couples, and groups.
Happy Hour Times and Delivery
Knowing the schedule is important. Below are the opening, closing, and delivery details for each restaurant.
| Restaurant | Happy Hour Times | Opening / Closing | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monkeypod Kitchen | 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM daily | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Mostly dine-in; limited delivery not for happy hour |
| Empire Steak House | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM daily | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Bar only, no happy hour delivery |
| Signature Prime | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM food; drinks until 7:00 PM | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Dine-in only |
| SKY Waikiki | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM daily | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | No delivery for happy hour |
| Deck | Drinks 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, food 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Dine-in, rooftop only |
| Tommy Bahama | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM daily | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Limited delivery, not happy hour menu |
| Chart House Waikiki | 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM & 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Happy hour dine-in bar only |
Why People Love These Places?
Visitors often write that the best happy hour Waikiki experiences include sunset views, Mai Tais, and fresh seafood pupus. Many guests say sitting by the ocean with live music while enjoying cocktails makes Waikiki different from anywhere else.
One guest praised Chart House for having “the best Garlic Chicken in Hawaii and two happy hours in one day.” Another reviewer at Monkeypod highlighted that “the Mai Tai alone is worth the trip, especially with live Hawaiian music.”
Waikiki Happy Hour vs Other Menus
The best happy hour Waikiki menus stand out from typical city happy hours by blending local flavors with stunning views. Unlike other places that mainly serve wings, sliders, or nachos, Waikiki offers fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and Hawaiian pupus. Spots like Monkeypod Kitchen serve signature Mai Tais and pizzas, while Signature Prime offers steak and lobster specials—dishes rarely found in standard happy hour menus elsewhere.
Atmosphere and Experience
The atmosphere in Waikiki restaurants makes happy hour more than a drink deal. Monkeypod brings live music, SKY Waikiki provides a rooftop view of Diamond Head, and Deck offers Diamond Head as a backdrop for cocktails. Signature Prime gives a high-end, luxurious feel, while Chart House delivers a more local vibe.
Like Starbucks Happy Hour, where crowds gather for favorite drinks, Waikiki’s happy hour spots fill up quickly because people know they’re getting value and fun. Arriving early is key if you want the best seats with a view.
Customer Reviews
| Restaurant | Reviewer (Name) | Review Summary | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki | Jessica M. | “The Mai Tai is the best I’ve ever had, and live music during sunset made the night perfect.” | 5/5 |
| Empire Steak House | David K. | “Fantastic steaks and cocktails at happy hour. The view from the Ilikai Hotel was unforgettable.” | 4.5/5 |
| Signature Prime Steak & Seafood | Sophia L. | “The ribeye was amazing and the price during happy hour is unbeatable for fine dining.” | 5/5 |
| SKY Waikiki | Michael R. | “Great oysters and cocktails, plus an incredible rooftop view of Diamond Head.” | 4.5/5 |
| Deck at Queen Kapiolani Hotel | Emily T. | “Perfect place for a casual evening. The view of Diamond Head while sipping cocktails is stunning.” | 4/5 |
| Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar | Ryan P. | “Laid-back island vibe, loved the coconut shrimp and sangria. Great spot before shopping nearby.” | 4.5/5 |
| Chart House Waikiki | Anna G. | “Best garlic chicken in Hawaii. I also like that they have a late-night happy hour.” | 5/5 |
Tips for Enjoying Best Happy Hour Waikiki
Arrive before sunset to secure the best seats at oceanfront or rooftop spots. Review menus in advance, since not every dish is discounted. Most happy hour deals are bar-only, so plan accordingly. If you are with a group, order a variety of pupus to share while trying different cocktails.
Conclusion
The best happy hour Waikiki is about more than price; it’s about the whole experience. From Monkeypod’s famous Mai Tai to Signature Prime’s steak deals, SKY’s oysters, or Chart House’s double happy hour, Waikiki offers variety for every taste.
If you want breathtaking views, delicious food, and lively music, Waikiki happy hour is where you’ll find it. Choose a place that matches your mood—luxury, casual, or beachfront—and you’ll leave with memories as bright as the Hawaiian sunset.
