If you are traveling to Hawaii and stopping in Honolulu, be sure to visit at least a couple of these bars. There is a lot of variety available to you no matter what your taste. Many have ocean views and the ambiance you can only find in Hawaii.
Brew Moon is a second floor bar and cafe located at 1200 Ala Moana Blvd. It is a quiet, laid back place where you can relax, have one of their award winning micro brews and people watch. Moonberry Wheat and Big Bang Pale Ale are two favorites or if you’re undecided or new to the place, try the micro brew sampler for only $7.
Dukes Canoe Club located at 2335 is a tribute to the Olympic swimmer and surfer. It is a casual bar and restaurant chock full of memorabilia from his career. It is located in the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel on the beach and does have a ‘hotel bar’ vibe to it. Known for its fresh seafood and fruity cocktails, don’t overlook an Hawaiian micro brew for only $5.25.
Gorden Biersch Brewery Restaurant 1 Aloha Tower Drive in the Aloha Marketplace is always busy and is the top destination for lovers of micro brews. They have a breathtaking harbor view and offers two bars and appeals to an older crowd and tourists. Reasonable prices and a friendly bartender who will let you sample their micro brews free of charge is part of the reason.
Hula Bar and Lei Stand is a favorite of Hawaii’s gay community and visitors. Its relaxed atmosphere picks up at night and on weekends when there are go go dancers, dancing, volleyball on the beach and drink specials. They have an incredible view of Kapiolani Park and the ocean beyond. Prices are very reasonable with pints at $3 and $9 pitchers.
Kona Brewing Company 7192 Kalainiana’ole Highway has over a dozen ales and lagers on their menu all of which are handcrafted on the premises. Included on the list are the incredible, award winning Wailua Wheat Big Wave Golden Ale and the Longboard Island Lager. Many of their beers are added to their food recipes such as the Grilled Chicken with red ale glazing, my husbands favorite. Enjoy the open air atmosphere and laid back vibe of this popular spot.
Mai Tai Bar has an authentic Hawaiian ambiance and a great beach local with panoramic views of Diamond Head. Their specialty is a Mai Tai the likes of which you have never tasted before. They are located at 2259 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu. Be sure to try their bloody mary’s also and their drink of the day specialties.
Green Room at the Indigo Restaurant is located at 1121 Nuuanu Avenue inside the Indigo restaurant. Many visit just the bar for its upscale vibe and its singles crowd. They have dancing and music and are usually quite busy on the weekends. They specialize in various flavors of martinis and is the place to ‘see and be seen’ among singles in Hawaii.
Rum Fire 2255 Kalakaua Avenue in the Sheraton Waikiki is a very popular nightspot in Hawaii. In fact, if you ask a local where they hang out, this spot will probably be mentioned, especially for the under 35 age group. They have live music and dancing and are busy every night and on the weekends when you often have to wait if you want a table or barstool. They specialize in run drinks made with vintage rum, so be sure to start with one of those. Most times one will be the days specialty. If you feel adventurous, ask the bartender to make you up a surprise, they usually have something new they’re working on and like the opportunity to test it.
Ryans Grill 1200 Ala Moana Blvd is a neighborhood hangout for locals and for tourists who want to socialize with locals. They have great food and a large variety of draft beers. They are often very busy after work hours and on the weekends. Its unpretentious and laid back, so don’t expect a large touristy crowd here.
The Harbor Pub at 1765 Ala Moana Blvd. is another local favorite without a huge touristy vibe. Some say they serve the best pizza in Honolulu at prices under $10, which is a bargain in Hawaii. Wash it down with one of their great bloody Marys for around $4 and you’ll come away full and satisfied without going broke.
