Happy Hour Waikiki: Sunset Sips and Island Vibes
Happy hour Waikiki is more than cheap drinks. It’s a daily event where locals and tourists gather to relax, eat, and enjoy island life. With ocean views and tropical cocktails, Waikiki offers some of the best happy hour experiences in Hawaii.
Waikiki is a neighborhood in Honolulu, right on the island of Oahu. It is known for its beaches, surfing, and world-class hotels. But when the sun starts to go down, something special begins—Waikiki comes alive.
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What Is Happy Hour Waikiki?
Happy hour is the time when restaurants and bars offer discounts on food and drinks. In Waikiki, happy hour usually starts in the late afternoon and runs for two to three hours. Some places even offer late-night specials.
These happy hours are a great way to enjoy Hawaii’s flavors without spending too much money. You can expect lower prices on cocktails, beers, and small plates called pupus, which are Hawaiian appetizers.
When Is Happy Hour in Waikiki?
Most Waikiki happy hours happen between 3 PM and 6 PM. Some spots begin earlier, around 2 PM, and a few have late-night happy hours after 9:30 PM. Times may change depending on the day of the week or the season.
The best days for happy hour deals are Monday through Friday. Weekends tend to be busier, so fewer discounts are available.
| Day | Start Time | End Time | Late Night? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM | Yes |
| Tuesday | 3:30 PM | 5:30 PM | Yes |
| Wednesday | 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM | No |
| Thursday | 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Yes |
| Friday | 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM | Yes |
Dishes Available at Happy Hour Waikiki
Happy hour in Waikiki is more than just great drinks. It’s a chance to taste some of the most loved Hawaiian and fusion dishes at discounted prices. Many restaurants offer flavorful appetizers, also known as pupus, that are perfect for sharing.
Ahi Poke
Ahi poke is a Hawaiian classic made with raw tuna, soy sauce, green onions, and sesame oil. During happy hour, many restaurants offer it as a fresh and light appetizer. It’s a flavorful dish that locals and tourists both love.
| Dish | Ahi Poke |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Raw tuna, soy sauce, green onions, sesame oil |
| Why It’s Popular | Fresh, flavorful, and a local Hawaiian favorite |
Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp is a sweet and crunchy favorite at many Waikiki bars. Shrimp is coated in shredded coconut and fried until golden. It’s usually served with a tropical dipping sauce and pairs perfectly with a cold Mai Tai.
| Dish | Coconut Shrimp |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Shrimp, coconut flakes, tropical dipping sauce |
| Why It’s Popular | Crunchy, sweet, and perfect with island cocktails |
Kalua Pork Sliders
Kalua pork sliders bring traditional Hawaiian flavor to the happy hour table. The pork is slow-cooked and tender, served on soft buns with slaw or BBQ sauce. These small bites are filling and packed with smoky goodness.
| Dish | Kalua Pork Sliders |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Slow-cooked pork, soft buns, slaw or BBQ sauce |
| Why It’s Popular | Classic Hawaiian taste in a fun, easy-to-eat bite |
Garlic Steak Bites
Garlic steak bites are a hit for meat lovers. These tender pieces of steak are seared with garlic and served hot. They’re juicy, flavorful, and a perfect dish to share with friends over drinks.
| Dish | Garlic Steak Bites |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Tender steak, garlic butter, sea salt |
| Why It’s Popular | Juicy and rich, great for sharing over drinks |
Fish Tacos
Fish tacos at happy hour are usually served with fresh grilled or fried fish, topped with cabbage slaw and a creamy sauce. The flavors are bold yet refreshing, giving you a true taste of the islands in every bite.
| Dish | Fish Tacos |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Grilled or fried fish, slaw, creamy sauce |
| Why It’s Popular | Light, flavorful, and full of island flavor |
Truffle Fries
If you want a simple but tasty snack, try truffle fries. These crispy fries are tossed with truffle oil and Parmesan cheese. They’re often served in generous portions and go well with beer or cocktails.
| Dish | Truffle Fries |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Crispy fries, truffle oil, parmesan cheese |
| Why It’s Popular | Rich taste, great snack with cold beer |
Fried Calamari
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fried calamari is a must-try appetizer. It’s usually served with spicy aioli or marinara sauce. This dish adds a touch of seafood flavor to your happy hour table.
| Dish | Fried Calamari |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Calamari rings, seasoned breading, dipping sauce |
| Why It’s Popular | Crunchy, tender, and easy to share |
Why People Love Happy Hour Waikiki
Waikiki is about more than drinks. It’s about good vibes, ocean views, and local food. People come straight from the beach to enjoy a cold beer or a fruity cocktail.
Restaurants offer big savings during happy hour. You’ll find $6 beers, $10 cocktails, and discounted appetizers. Some places even have $3 oysters or half-price pizzas.
Drinks and Dishes to Try
When enjoying Waikiki, you must try a few special items. Start with a tropical drink like the Mai Tai, which blends rum, lime juice, and lilikoi foam. Or sip on a local brew like Maui’s Bikini Blonde Lager.
For food, the ahi poke is a must. This raw tuna dish is flavored with soy sauce and sesame oil. You can also try Kalua pork sliders, coconut shrimp, and fish tacos.
| Drink | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Mai Tai | $10 – $12 |
| Draft Beers (Local) | $4 – $6 |
| Signature Cocktails | $8 – $10 |
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Late Night Happy Hour Options
Missed the afternoon deals? You still have options. Some places offer late-night happy hour between 9:30 PM and 11:00 PM. Maui Brewing Co. is a good example. They offer $2 off beers, half-price appetizers, and specials on cocktails.
Is Happy Hour Waikiki Family Friendly?
Yes, many happy hour spots are safe for kids and families. Restaurants like Maui Brewing Co. and Chart House have large seating areas and offer kids’ meals.
However, some rooftop bars and lounges are 21+ only. It’s best to check the venue’s website or call ahead if you’re bringing children.
Locations
There are many great spots across Waikiki where you can enjoy amazing happy hour deals. From beachfront bars to stylish rooftops, each place offers its own unique vibe. Whether you’re looking for a view of the ocean, live music, or local flavors, happy hour Waikiki has something for everyone. Here are some top locations to check out:
- RumFire – Located at the Sheraton, with fire pits and ocean views
- Chart House Waikiki – Marina-front location with sunset views and great pupus
- Tiki’s Grill & Bar – Beachfront spot perfect for watching the waves with a cocktail
- Maui Brewing Co. – Located at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber with local craft beers
- Herringbone Waikiki – Upscale rooftop bar at International Market Place
- Monkeypod Kitchen – Ocean view dining with live music and foam-topped Mai Tais
- The Hideout at Laylow – Trendy rooftop lounge with a chill vibe and DJ sets
- Moani Waikiki – Located in the International Market Place, great for late-night deals
- Duke’s Waikiki – Iconic beachfront bar with aloha spirit and local live music
- Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar – Stylish rooftop with tropical cocktails and small bites
Owners of Waikiki
Here are some of the key owners behind Waikiki’s popular happy hour spots:
- RumFire – Part of the Sheraton Waikiki and operated by Marriott International
- Chart House Waikiki – Privately owned by longtime Hawaii restaurateurs
- Tiki’s Grill & Bar – Owned and operated by local partners who promote Hawaiian culture
- Maui Brewing Co. – Founded by Garrett Marrero and run by Maui Brewing Company, a Hawaii-based craft beer brand
- Herringbone Waikiki – Operated by the Hakkasan Group, a global hospitality company
- Monkeypod Kitchen – Owned by award-winning chef Peter Merriman and Handcrafted Restaurants
- The Hideout at Laylow – Managed by Marriott under the Autograph Collection Hotels
- Moani Waikiki – A family-run venture by the Lofgreen family, promoting Hawaiian music and cuisine
- Duke’s Waikiki – Operated by TS Restaurants, which runs multiple Hawaii and California venues
- Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar – Owned by the Tommy Bahama lifestyle brand
Customer Reviews
- “Happy Hour at the bar, from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM daily, features delicious pupus, beer, and cocktail specials. With live music nightly and a breathtaking waterfront ambiance.”
- “One of the most talked‑about happy hour menus on the island — combining generous portions, incredible prices, and a warm, welcoming vibe that keeps regulars coming back.”
- “We came here to celebrate our anniversary… the music is great, the food is fantastic and the sunset views are stellar. Definitely would recommend.”
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Conclusion
Whether you’re visiting or live on Oahu, Waikiki should be on your list. It’s more than just a time for discounts—it’s a celebration of the island’s spirit.
You can find amazing food, beautiful views, and tropical drinks all in one place. From the marina to the rooftop, Waikiki’s happy hours are full of joy, flavor, and aloha.
So, grab your friends, head to the beach, and treat yourself to a sunset cocktail. Happy hour Waikiki is waiting for you—cheers!
