The Top 10 Bars & Nightlife in Honolulu

A French-Latin fusion restaurant with a bar program that stands on its own, Grondin is a Chinatown gem for creative cocktails and a convivial atmosphere. The bar area is great for solo diners or couples who want to graze on small plates while sipping well-crafted drinks. The pisco sour and their rotating Latin-inspired cocktails are highlights. The space is small, so reservations for dinner are smart.

A hidden speakeasy-style bar and restaurant accessed through a bookstore entrance on Waialae Ave, serving creative small plates and cocktails in a beautifully designed space. Standout dishes include lamb ribs, Maui Nui venison tartare, jumbo lump crab Benedict, and island kampachi. The main caveat: it gets packed—make reservations ahead.

A no-frills tiki dive bar where strong drinks and cheap beer are the main draws—especially during happy hour. Order a Mai Tai, Blue Hawaiian, or the Lizzy Glizzy (beef hot dog), and expect genuine local vibes with live music most nights. The mixed drinks are fairly priced but not exceptional deals compared to the beer selection.

A hidden-gem tiki bar in Chinatown with craft rum cocktails, Hawaiian-inspired food, and theatrical ambiance complete with thunder and lighting effects. Must-tries include the Skull and Crown drink, swordfish rangoon nachos, and ube tree leches dessert. The main caveat: it's tucked away on Hotel Street and easy to miss from the outside, so look carefully for the entrance.

Hawaii's longest-running craft cocktail bar (13+ years) inside the Ala Moana Hotel, known for inventive drinks like the Bright & Sunny and House Sous Vide alongside solid food like bone marrow and pork tenderloin. The cocktail program is genuinely excellent and worth planning around—just note they don't open until 4:30 PM, which rules out early-day visits.

A lively Irish pub in downtown Honolulu with crafted wood interiors, high ceilings, and a convivial atmosphere where locals and visitors mix easily. Order the shepherd's pie, corned beef and cabbage, or the open-faced turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy. The main caveat: it gets crowded during peak hours (5pm Friday onward), so expect a full bar and wait times.

A restored classic dive bar in Waikiki where locals actually hang out, serving cheap drinks with good specials and a solid beer selection. The bartenders are efficient and friendly, and the place is packed with quirky décor like hula girl lamps and unique chandeliers. Note that there's no kitchen—only food trucks outside—so come for drinks and the vibe, not a meal.

A tiny karaoke bar tucked in an alley between buildings on Lau'ula Street, known for strong drinks at good value ($1 per song) and genuinely welcoming staff and regulars. The vibe is fun and inclusive—locals and visitors alike grab the mic and feel part of something. Fair warning: service can be slow during busy times (hour+ waits for your turn), and the bartender's sense of humor isn't always kind.

A tiny, dim, James Beard-nominated cocktail den on the mezzanine of downtown's Topa Financial Center — arguably Hawaii's best bar, famous for its smoked mai tai. Open Wednesday-Saturday 5pm-midnight only. The catch: bar-seat reservations drop on the 1st of each month at 7am HST and evaporate; walk-ins get high-tops if lucky.

An upscale 1920s-style jazz lounge in Waikiki with live piano entertainment, craft cocktails, and elegant ambiance that feels transported from another era. Order the coconut cake or meat charcuterie, and settle in for the live music—but note that dim lighting throughout the venue means some tables have visibility challenges.

A dive bar on Beretania that punches way above its weight with serious Chinese food—reviewers rave about the beef mapo tofu, stir-fried ong choy, and Fat Fat Special chicken. The space has pool tables, darts, and room for groups, with friendly staff and reasonable prices. Note that street parking is limited in this area.

A lively Waikiki institution on the second floor of a Kapahulu Ave building, known for strong cocktails, beer, and live music in a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. Staff are genuinely friendly and attentive even when busy. The main caveat: food is described as basic and secondary to the drinking and social scene.

An intimate live music venue and bar in Hawaii Kai where legendary musician Henry Kapono hosts emerging island artists alongside quality cocktails and food from a top chef. The personal, welcoming atmosphere makes performances feel special, and the staff is genuinely warm. Expect to spend significantly—drinks and dishes are excellent but pricey.

A tiny beachfront bar at Fort DeRussy Beach Park serving well-made tropical cocktails with unbeatable ocean views. The Mai Tai and Li Hing Margarita are standouts, and bartender Kimo is genuinely beloved by regulars. The main caveat: it's a small shack, so expect limited seating and it can get crowded during peak beach hours.

A friendly local bar on Beretania with pool tables, darts, and a strong live music scene featuring karaoke upstairs and punk/metal bands. The staff is genuinely welcoming and skilled at making drinks, and the venue actively supports Hawaii's local music community. Note that song selection for karaoke can be limited.

A speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden inside a local hotel with dark, sultry ambiance and a knowledgeable staff. Order the house-made cocktails like Twin Telepathy or the Dew—they're thoughtfully crafted with impressive house-made syrups and eccentric flavor combinations you won't find elsewhere. The entrance is intentionally hard to find, which adds to the experience but means you'll need to know where to look.

A craft cocktail bar hidden inside the Waikiki Resort Hotel that specializes in tropical-inspired drinks with creative twists and impressive presentations. Order the Mauna Kea Mai Tai or piña coladas, pair them with charcuterie boards, and catch live music from an interactive singer/guitarist. The main caveat: it's tucked inside a hotel, so it's easy to miss if you don't know where to look.

ReMixx Bar & Grill is a casual spot on King Street serving inventive Hawaiian-fusion food and craft cocktails with strong execution across the board. Must-tries include the oyster and opihi shooters, smoked meat fried rice, and creative bao sandwiches like the lilikoi chimichurri chicken. Bring cash if you want to use the digital jukebox, and note that popular items like the shooters can sell out.

An Irish pub in Honolulu's Chinatown that's become known for surprisingly excellent New Jersey–style pizza and a solid beer selection including local brews, Guinness, and Irish standards. The wood-lined interior feels authentically lived-in and welcoming, with friendly staff and a relaxed vibe perfect for solo drinks or group hangs. One note: reviewers mention only one Guinness tap was running, which could mean slow pours during busy times.